Ram Pickup (fifth generation)
The fifth generation Ram pickup was introduced by FCA US LLC in January 2018 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan.
Ram Pickup (fifth generation) | |
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Overview | |
Manufacturer | Ram Trucks |
Also called |
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Production | 2018–present |
Model years | 2019–present |
Assembly |
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Body and chassis | |
Body style |
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Related | Jeep Wagoneer/Grand Wagoneer (WS) |
Powertrain | |
Engine | |
Electric motor |
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Transmission | |
Hybrid drivetrain | eTorque Belted alternator starter mild hybrid (MHEV) |
Battery | 0.43 kWh, 48 V lithium-ion |
Dimensions | |
Wheelbase |
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Length |
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Width | 82.1 in (2,085 mm) |
Height | 77.5–79.2 in (1,968–2,012 mm) |
Chronology | |
Predecessor | Fourth-generation Ram pickup (2009–2018) |
Design
The Ram 1500 and Ram Heavy Duty (HD) both have a drag area of 13 ft2 (1.21 m2). Full LED headlamps are available as an option on most trim levels, although most models also feature LED daytime running lamps (DRLs). Either black or chrome front and rear bumpers, side mirrors, and door and tailgate handles, as well as black or chrome front grilles with unique designs for each trim level are available. All front grilles now feature the "RAM" lettering (this was only available on the higher trim levels of the previous generation). A vented Sport Hood is available on select trim levels. 18-inch, 20-inch, and 22-inch aluminum-alloy wheels (styled steel for base Tradesman models) are available, depending on the trim level selected. In addition, a newly redesigned RAM "Ram's-Head" graces the tailgate, as well as the steering wheel.
Unlike all prior generations, this marks the very first Chrysler-based truck with 6-lug patterns since the first and second generation Dakota mid-size truck.
Cab configurations
The Ram 1500 is available in two different configurations: either a four-door Quad Cab (an extended cab with smaller, three-quarter-sized, front-hinged doors) with a standard-length bed, or a four-door Crew Cab with either a short bed or a standard bed. A two-door Regular Cab model is no longer available, due to low demand.
The Ram Heavy Duty (HD) is available in three different configurations: a two-door Regular Cab with a long bed, a four-door Crew Cab with either a standard bed or a long bed, or a four-door Mega Cab (an extended crew cab) with a standard bed.
The cab configurations available on each trim level are as follows:
Ram 1500
- Quad Cab (Tradesman, Big Horn/Lone Star, Rebel, and Laramie only)
- Crew Cab (All trim levels)
Ram Heavy Duty (HD)
- Regular Cab (Tradesman and Big Horn/Lone Star only)
- Crew Cab (All trim levels)
- Mega Cab (Big Horn/Lone Star, Laramie, Laramie Longhorn, and Limited: not available on Tradesman and 2500-only Power Wagon)
Trim levels
The Ram 1500 is available in Tradesman, HFE (High Fuel Efficiency), Big Horn, Rebel, Laramie, Laramie Longhorn, and Laramie Limited trim levels (addition of the Sport model for Canada only). Each trim level of the Ram 1500 features its own interior design theme, with different materials and color schemes used throughout. Ram 1500 interior designers used different types of hammers as inspiration for interior designs.
The Tradesman trim level is the most basic trim level on the Ram 1500. Its design is more basic than other trim levels, with halogen headlamps, incandescent tail lamps, and a black plastic grille. The interior contains vinyl or cloth seats and the Uconnect 3 5.0BT radio.[2]
The HFE (High Fuel Efficiency) trim level is configured to squeeze out as much fuel efficiency as possible from the Ram 1500. The truck is only available with the V6 engine with the eTorque hybrid system, the most economical rear axle ratio, 20-inch wheels with low rolling resistance tires, a smaller 23-US-gallon (87 L; 19 imp gal) fuel tank, and in a 4x2 configuration (reducing weight).[3]
More up-level than the Tradesman, the Big Horn/Lone Star comes standard with everything on the Tradesman plus fog lights, chrome grille, bumpers, and door handles, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The larger Uconnect 4 8.4-inch touchscreen also becomes available, with or without navigation.[2] The Lone Star, similar to "Texas Edition" trucks offered by other manufacturers, is virtually identical to the Big Horn trim level, although the Lone Star is sold exclusively in the state of Texas, whereas the Big Horn is sold in all other states and in Canada. The Lone Star Silver comes with a chrome luxury grill, 20” Aluminum Wheels and side steps.
The North Edition adds off-road oriented features, such as Hill Descent Control and Tow Hooks, combined with body color bumpers, mirrors, and grille. With this special edition comes the Uconnect 4 8.4 touchscreen, 7-inch digital cluster display, dual zone climate control, and heated front seats and steering wheel.[4]
Being the off-road oriented trim level, the Ram 1500 Rebel (1500 only; until it was finally added to 2500 for 2023) offers an electronic locking rear differential, 33-inch tires, and tow hooks. It comes standard with the Uconnect 3 5.0BT radio but can be upgraded to the Uconnect 4 8.4-inch touchscreen.[2]
The Ram 1500 Rebel 12 (leather & sound group) offers a 12" touchscreen (1500 only). Standard features include the 900-watt Harman Kardon sound system with 19 speakers and black luxury leather seats. Door speakers have unique RADAR RED grille surrounds. The Rebel 12 production began in November 2018.
The Power Wagon (2500 only) is the off-road oriented model of the Ram 2500 lineup. Equipped with standard four-wheel drive (4X4) and available in a single configuration (Crew Cab, Short Bed, with the 6.4L HEMI V8 gasoline engine), it also includes unique interior trim, a unique front grille, a unique exterior decal package (which can also be deleted, if desired by the buyer), and larger, off-road tires with unique aluminum-alloy wheels. The name "Power Wagon" refers to the first Dodge Power Wagon trucks that were produced in 1946.
The Laramie is the mid-level trim of the Ram 1500. It features LED headlamps and tail lamps as standard, heated and ventilated leather seats, a standard Uconnect 4 8.4-inch touchscreen, 7-inch digital cluster display, and a memory feature. The Uconnect 4C 12-inch touchscreen is available.[2]
An upgrade from the Laramie, the Laramie Longhorn features more luxurious features such as standard navigation, LED projector headlamps, chrome side steps, and genuine wood and leather in the interior. The Uconnect 4C 12-inch touchscreen is optional.[2]
The Limited trim level is the most luxurious model of the Ram 1500 lineup. The Uconnect 4C 12-inch touchscreen is standard, as well as safety features such as blind spot monitoring, rear cross path detection, and trailer detection, and a four-corner air suspension. A 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system is available.[2]
The Sport is a Canada-only trim level that offers a sportier look in addition to a standard Uconnect 4 8.4-inch touchscreen, 7-inch digital cluster display, and heated front seats. Although the package is not available in the United States, buyers in the U.S. market can still order styling elements from the Canadian Sport trim level on some Ram 1500 trim levels. The only engine choice in this trim is the 5.7 Hemi.[5]
Powertrain
The base engine for most Ram 1500 trims is the 3.6-liter (220 cu in) Chrysler Pentastar V6, carried over from the fourth generation Ram pickup, which produces 305 horsepower (227 kW; 309 PS) and 269 pound force-feet (365 N⋅m; 37 kg⋅m) of torque. However, for the fifth generation, the engine is now equipped with the "eTorque" belted alternator starter (BAS) system, a type of mild hybrid. A motor–generator is attached to the engine's serpentine belt adding torque, cranking the engine in a start-stop system event, or generating electricity with regenerative braking by acting as a type of engine brake. The motor–generator is built by Continental and adds 12 hp (8.9 kW; 12 PS) and 39 lb⋅ft (53 N⋅m; 5.4 kg⋅m) of torque to the belt which multiplies it to create 90 lb⋅ft (120 N⋅m; 12 kg⋅m) of assist.[6] Energy is stored in 0.43 kWh, 48 V lithium-ion battery mounted inside the passenger cabin on the rear wall between seats and pickup bed.[7]
Standard on the Limited trim, and available on most other trims, is the 5.7-liter (350 cu in) Chrysler HEMI V8, which produces 395 horsepower (295 kW; 400 PS) and 410 pound force-feet (556 N⋅m; 57 kg⋅m) of torque. To save fuel, half of the cylinders are deactivated between 1000 and 3000 rpm. The HEMI V8 is also available with slightly more powerful eTorque system. The motor–generator supplied by Magneti Marelli adds 16 hp (12 kW; 16 PS) and 49 lb⋅ft (66 N⋅m; 6.8 kg⋅m) of torque to the belt which multiplies it to create 130 lb⋅ft (180 N⋅m; 18 kg⋅m) of assist.[6]
A new, third generation 3.0-liter (180 cu in) EcoDiesel turbocharged diesel V6 powertrain, became available in the 2020 model year, delivering increased power, torque, and tow ratings. The same engine is used in the 2020 Jeep Gladiator (JT) and Jeep Wrangler (JL). The diesel engine option was discontinued from the Ram 1500 as well as from the Jeep Gladiator and Jeep Wrangler in January 2023 due to poor sales, tougher automotive emission standards being required by the Environmental Protection Agency for the 2023 model year, and due to Stellantis focusing its future on electric trucks for the Jeep and Ram brands, as the engine can no longer be modified further to meet the new regulations.
All engines in the Ram 1500 are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission (produced by Chrysler for V6-powered models, or ZF for V8-powered models). All models are available with a choice of either two-wheel-drive (4x2) or four-wheel-drive (4x4), except for the Rebel, which is available exclusively with four-wheel-drive (4x4).
All Ram Heavy Duty (HD) models, regardless of cab configuration, are powered by the existing 6.4-liter HEMI V8 gasoline engine with the Multi Displacement System (MDS) and VCT, producing the same 410 horsepower (306 kW; 416 PS) as its predecessor, although torque has been increased by 29 pound force-feet (39 N⋅m; 4 kg⋅m) to 429 pound force-feet (582 N⋅m; 59 kg⋅m), up from 400 pound force-feet (540 N⋅m) of the previous model. It is mated to a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission, replacing the previously-available Chrysler-built six-speed automatic unit. The 6.4 litres (390 cu in) HEMI V8 is now the base engine in the Ram Heavy Duty (HD), as the previously-available base 5.7 litres (350 cu in) HEMI V8 has been discontinued, reserved exclusively for Ram 1500 models.
Also available on all Ram Heavy Duty (HD) models, regardless of cab configuration (aside from the 2500 Power Wagon), is a newly-improved 6.7 litres (410 cu in) Cummins turbodiesel inline-6 (I6) engine, now producing 400 horsepower (298 kW; 406 PS) (up 15 horsepower (11 kW; 15 PS) from the previous model's 385 horsepower (287 kW; 390 PS)) . Torque has been increased to a maximum 1,000 pound force-feet (1,356 N⋅m; 138 kg⋅m) of torque (up 70 pound force-feet (95 N⋅m; 10 kg⋅m) from the previous model's 930 pound force-feet (1,261 N⋅m; 129 kg⋅m) of torque). It is mated to an Aisin-sourced heavy-duty six-speed automatic transmission, as with the previous-generation Ram Heavy Duty (HD). A manual transmission is no longer available as an option for the U.S. and Canadian market in 2019.
The Ram Heavy Duty (HD) is available with two-wheel-drive (4X2) on all models and is available with four-wheel-drive (4X4) as an option, except for the 2500 Power Wagon where four-wheel-drive (4X4) is standard.
Frame and body
The frame and body structures feature 98 and 54 percent high-strength low-alloy steel respectively. Innovative high-strength steels allow auto components to be made thinner, and thereby lighter. The Ram 1500 reduced its weight by nearly 120 pounds (54 kg) from the chassis. The frame alone accounts for 100 pounds (45 kg) of weight savings. The truck has lost around 225 pounds (102 kg) overall when compared to the prior generation.[8] Aluminum is used for the hood, tailgate, engine mounts, and lower control arms.
The Ram 1500 can tow up to 12,750 pounds (5,780 kg) and has a payload of up to 2,300 pounds (1,000 kg).
Suspension
The Ram 1500 also features the previously-available adaptive multi-level air suspension system, but the system now features additional "modes" for off-road use, as well as a mode that lowers the vehicle by 2 in (50 mm) to allow for easier entry and exit. The latter feature can be activated via a button on the keyless entry key fob. In addition, the Ram 1500 also features active front grille shutters, which are now driver-adjustable, as well as a lower coefficient of drag for improved aerodynamic performance.
Also new for the Ram 1500 is a new 4X4 Off-Road Package, which includes a factory-equipped suspension lift, off-road tires, and enhanced off-road performance and handling. It is available on all trim levels, when equipped with 4X4.
Ram is using frequency response damping (FRD) shocks as standard, allowing for more aggressive damping during cornering and braking.
Driver assistance systems
A toggle switch in the lower portion of the dashboard control parking sensor activation. The Ram 1500 gets blind spot monitoring that automatically extends down the length of a trailer when it is attached. The truck comes with a 360-degree surround view camera system providing a birds-eye view of the vehicle via four cameras. It can park perpendicular and parallel by its own by controlling steering, but braking and gear shift are still responsibly controlled by the driver.
In-car entertainment systems
The RAM 1500 and RAM Heavy Duty offer a choice of four different in-car entertainment systems, dependent upon the trim level chosen:
The base Uconnect 3 5.0BT system, standard on Big Horn/Lone Star and optional on Tradesman, includes a five-inch touchscreen display, AM/FM radio, Bluetooth with hands-free calling and wireless audio streaming, USB and auxiliary inputs, a rear-view backup camera display, and integrated digital compass. SiriusXM satellite radio can be added as an option.
The mid-level Uconnect 4 8.4 system, standard on Rebel, Laramie and optional on Big Horn/Lone Star, adds the following features to the Uconnect 3 5.0BT system: an 8.4-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a USB-C input that supports USB fast charging.
The premium Uconnect 4C 8.4 system, standard on Laramie Longhorn and optional on Big Horn/Lone Star, Rebel, and Laramie, adds the following features to the mid-level Uconnect 4 8.4 system: GPS Navigation, HD Radio, and Uconnect Guardian Services powered by SiriusXM which provides subscription-based communications, in-vehicle security, emergency services, and remote diagnostics systems.
The top-of-the-line Uconnect 4C 12.0 system, standard on Limited and optional on all models except the base Tradesman, adds the following features to the premium Uconnect 4C 8.4 system: twelve-inch, landscape-oriented touchscreen display capable of operating multiple functions at the same time and a multi-angle camera system.
In addition to the four different touchscreen systems available on the RAM 1500 and RAM Heavy Duty, there are also three different audio systems available:
- The base six-speaker audio system, standard on Tradesman, Big Horn/Lone Star, and Rebel, includes speakers includes speakers mounted in all four doors of the truck. It is not available with the Uconnect 4C 12.0 system.
- The mid-level Alpine Electronics ten-speaker premium audio system, standard on Laramie and Laramie Longhorn and available on the Big Horn/Lone Star and Rebel, adds the following features to the base audio system: a 506-watt digital amplifier, an under-seat-mounted subwoofer, a center instrument panel-mounted speaker, and speakers mounted in the rear headliner of the truck. An Alpine Electronics emblem appears on the center instrument panel-mounted speaker. It requires either the Uconnect 4 8.4 or Uconnect 4C 8.4 infotainment systems.
- The top-of-the-line Harman/Kardon nineteen-speaker premium audio system, standard on Limited and optional on Laramie Longhorn, adds the following features to the mid-level audio system: a 900-watt digital amplifier, small speakers to the upper portion of both front doors, and aluminum speaker grilles that bear the Harman/Kardon emblem. It requires the Uconnect 4C 12.0 system.
For the 2022 model year, Ram equipped most of its trucks with an all-new U Connect 5 infotainment suite, available in five-inch (5.0"), 8.4-inch (8.4"), and twelve-inch (12.0") sizes, which came as standard equipment on most trim levels. The U Connect 5 infotainment suite, powered by Android, added a built-in virtual assistant, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration (in addition to their wired counterparts), as well as enhanced functionality and user customizability. Base Ram trucks will still receive the previous U Connect 3 5.0BT radio as standard equipment, though these models can also be upgraded to the 8.4-inch (8.4") U Connect 5 system.
Interior
The center console can be configured 12 different ways. An available panoramic sunroof features 10 square feet (0.93 m2) of area.
The RAM's newly redesigned interior promises increased head and leg room, and the most genuine leather trim used in any full-size truck (most manufacturers use vinyl or plastic on their full-size trucks when equipped with a leather-trimmed interior). In addition, the Limited includes additional stitched leather-trimmed dashboard surfaces and door panel trim and is the most luxurious full-size pickup interior available in its class. Like the previous-generation RAM, the all-new RAM uses genuine wood trim throughout their interiors. Available 12 in (300 mm) touchscreen infotainment system is the largest touchscreen installed in a full-size truck, and the available 900-watt, nineteen-speaker Harman/Kardon premium audio system is the highest-quality factory premium audio system available on any full-size truck. A reconfigurable Thin-Film Transistor (TFT) LCD full-color instrument cluster is also available on most trim levels.
(RED) Special Edition (2022)
For the 2022 model year, Stellantis has announced a partnership with Product Red, and each brand will release a (RED)-branded vehicle. For 2022, Ram will offer a (RED) Edition 1500, which will be based on the top-of-the-line Limited trim level and share its features. Special features on the (RED) Edition 1500 will include special exterior badging, black-finished wheels, and unique interior details. Proceeds from each (RED) Edition 1500 sold will be donated to the Product Red Foundation. In addition, Ram will release a line of special-edition (RED)-themed merchandise, which includes coolers, plaid shirts, work gloves, and T-shirts.[9]
Production
The Ram 1500 is built at the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant in Sterling Heights, Michigan. FCA retooled the plant to handle the Ram 1500; previously, the plant produced the Chrysler 200, which ended production after the 2017 model year. The Ram 1500 Classic continues to be built at both Saltillo Truck Assembly in Saltillo, Mexico and Warren Truck Assembly in Warren, Michigan. Ram Heavy-Duty (HD) models are produced at Saltillo Truck Assembly in Saltillo, Mexico.[10]
Safety
The 2022 Ram was tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), and the top trim of the Crew Cab version received a Top Safety Pick award:
Category | Rating | |
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Small overlap frontal offset (Driver) | Good | |
Small overlap frontal offset (Passenger) | Good | |
Moderate overlap frontal offset | Good | |
Side impact (original test) | Good | |
Roof strength | Good | |
Head restraints and seats | Good | |
Headlights | Marginal | |
Front crash prevention (Vehicle-to-Vehicle) | Superior | optional |
Front crash prevention (Vehicle-to-Pedestrian, day) | Advanced | optional |
Child seat anchors (LATCH) ease of use | Acceptable | |
Category | Rating | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Small overlap frontal offset (Driver) | Good | |||
Small overlap frontal offset (Passenger) | Good | |||
Moderate overlap frontal offset | Good | |||
Side impact (original test) | Good | |||
Roof strength | Good | |||
Head restraints and seats | Good | |||
Headlights |
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varies by trim/option | ||
Front crash prevention (Vehicle-to-Vehicle) | Superior | optional | ||
Front crash prevention (Vehicle-to-Pedestrian, day) | Advanced | optional | ||
Seat belt reminders | Marginal | |||
Child seat anchors (LATCH) ease of use | Marginal | |||
Awards and recognition
The Ram 1500 received multiple industry awards even before its availability to customers.[13]
2018
- Cars.com 2018 Detroit Auto Show's Best In Show
- Autoblog Editor's #1 Pick of the 2018 Detroit Auto Show
- Popular Mechanics Automotive Excellence Awards 2018
- Auto 123.com's Pickup of the Year[14]
- 2019 Motor Trend's Truck of the Year[15]
- Green Car Journal's 2019 Green Truck of the Year[16]
- 2019 Top Pick Award by autoTRADER.ca[17]
- Best Buy designation by Le Guide de l’Auto/The Car Guide (full size pickup)[18]
- 2019 Ram 1500 Rebel Pickup Truck of the Year by Four Wheeler Magazine[19]
Wards 10 Best
- 2018 Wards 10 Best Interiors
- 2018 Wards 10 Best User Experiences
Texas Automotive Writers Association
- Off-Road Pickup Truck of Texas (Ram 1500 Rebel)
- Full Size Pickup Truck of Texas
- Official Truck of Texas[20]
Ram Heavy Duty (HD)
The Ram Heavy Duty was revealed at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 14, 2019.[23]
The truck is a heavy-duty (HD) version of the all-new 2019 Ram 1500.
For the 2019 model year, FCA discontinued the 6 speed G56 manual transmission in 6.7 Cummins equipped trucks. The only remaining heavy duty Ram truck with a manual transmission is the Mexican market Ram 4000 which can be optioned with a Tremec 5-speed manual mated exclusively with the 5.7L Hemi V8 engine.
- Ram 3500
- Ram 5500
References
- "Ram Trucks boss praises locally converted RHD models". CarExpert. Retrieved April 23, 2023.
- "Build & Price a 2019 Ram 1500 DT today! | Ram". www.ramtrucks.com. Retrieved November 5, 2018.
- Ehinger, Nathaniel (October 20, 2022). "The 2023 Ram 1500 Tradesman HFE Removes Some Challenges". MotorBiscuit. Retrieved May 27, 2023.
- "Introducing The Ram 1500 Big Horn North Edition Package: - Mopar Insiders". Mopar Insiders. October 29, 2018. Retrieved November 6, 2018.
- "Choose Your All-New 2019 Ram 1500 | Ram Canada". Ram Trucks. Retrieved November 6, 2018.
- "The 2019 Ram 1500 eTorque Brings Some Hybrid Tech, If Little Performance Gain, to Pickups". Car and Driver. March 14, 2019. Retrieved May 27, 2023.
- "How "Hybrid" Tech Made Ram Trucks Even Better". Popular Mechanics. September 19, 2018. Retrieved May 27, 2023.
- 2019 Ram 1500. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.
- "Explore Our Partnership with (RED) | Ram Trucks". ramtrucks.
- Review: 2019 Ram 1500 Brings Tech to a Truck Fight. trucks.com.
- "2022 Ram 1500 Extended cab pickup". IIHS-HLDI crash testing and highway safety.
- "2022 Ram 1500 Crew cab pickup". IIHS-HLDI crash testing and highway safety.
- "2019 Ram 1500 Truck Winning Awards On the Way To Dealers | Torque News". Torque News. Retrieved November 28, 2018.
- "All-new 2019 Ram 1500 named Pickup of the Year by Auto123.com | Automotive World". www.automotiveworld.com. Retrieved November 28, 2018.
- Seabourgh (November 27, 2018). "Ram 1500 is the 2019 MotorTrend Truck of the Year – Motor Trend". Motor Trend.
- "Green Car Journal Names All-New Ram 1500 the 2019 Green Truck of the Year". The News Wheel. November 16, 2018. Retrieved November 28, 2018.
- "autoTRADER.ca Honors 2019 Ram 1500 with Top Pick Award". The News Wheel. December 19, 2018. Retrieved December 22, 2018.
- "2019 Ram 1500 Earns Best Buy Designation from Le Guide de l'Auto". The News Wheel. December 19, 2018. Retrieved December 22, 2018.
- "2019 Ram 1500 Rebel Wins Off-road Title — Four Wheeler Magazine's Pickup Truck of the Year". media.fcanorthamerica.com. Retrieved January 9, 2019.
- "Texas Auto Writers Association, Inc. - 2019 Ram 1500 Named Truck of Texas". www.texasautowriters.org. Retrieved November 29, 2018.
- FOX (January 14, 2019). "Genesis G70, Hyundai Kona and Ram 1500 win 2019 NACTOY awards". KSAZ. Retrieved January 15, 2019.
- "2019 Ram 1500 Named Best Family Truck, Best Family Car". Shuman Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram blog. September 5, 2018. Retrieved January 20, 2019.
- "New 2019 Ram Heavy Duty is the Benchmark for Performance, Capability, Technology and Luxury". FCA North America.