1500

The Ram 1500 is all new for the 2019 model year. Of three engines, two are hybrid. The standard 3.6 V6 and the 5.7 Hemi® V8. There is also a non-hybrid 5.7 V8. All engines are backed with an eight-speed automatic. The3.0-liter diesel will be making its reappearance later this year. Fuel mileage on the new hybrids goes up in the city: 

The old bulls-eye grill is replaced by a trio of new grilles, each for a different grade. All of them have "RAM" in the center, so anyone's dreams of seeing a Dodge pickup are dashed. The new look abandons the tractor-trailer look with a sleek grille with tapered lamp openings and flat, smooth sides. Any perceived loss of toughness in the front is remedied by the tall, detailed hood with no less than three horizontal levels to project power. The first rise in the hood is utilized as a platform for the model and weight-class name. MOPAR hoods include aggressive venting louvers on the second and third levels.

This new Ram gets a new frame made of more high-strength steel and weight reduction of up to 225 pounds. Strategies included a new, aluminum tailgate. Furthering efficiency, the body was restyled with efficiency in mind: the coefficient of drag is .357. Strategies here include a grille opening that can open and close to regulate air-flow, the front air-dam can move and the optional air suspension lowers the truck at highway speeds. FCA engineers even eliminated the antenna mast, moving it to the shark fin on the roof; this eliminates a source of wind-noise.

Safety has been more closely attended, starting with the new frame which is designed to protect driver and passengers even in a small overlap offset front collision. (It worked, IIHS granted a "Good" rating to the Ram in all crash tests. It only misses a "Top Pick" due to the Institute's "Marginal" rating of the Ram's headlights.) New available technology includes Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go and Hold features; Adaptive headlights, daytime running lights, Forward Collision Warning and Advanced Brake Assist (autonomous emergency braking); Blind Spot Monitoring, including trailer coverage; Rear Cross Path Warning; ParkSense Park Assist (automated parking with the driver controlling the brake and gas); Surround View Camera; and Tire Fill Alert, a system that assist in inflating the tires to the correct pressure without a gauge.

The interior of the previous (now sold as "Classic") Ram pickup was among the best. The new interior is better than some premium or luxury cars. In Limited models there is more wood, leather and chrome than in a Silverado High Country and an F-150 Limited combined. Details like rear seat storage pockets designed as messenger bags make this a very special truck. New convenience features also include a standard telescoping steering wheel and an electronic parking brake.

Can't make a new pickup without pushing the capabilities higher. The Ram 1500 Quad Cab can now tow up to 12,750 pounds. Maximum payloads are higher, too: 2320 pounds. Pickup beds are larger with 7% more volume. A regular cab is not presently offered.

Even a new tailgate is being offered: the Ram Multifunction Tailgate that can open traditionally or sideways 60-40 swing-out to make it easier to enter the bed or load large cargo. 

1500 Classic

This continuance of the old Ram 1500 will be available as a Tradesman, Express, Lone Star, Lone Star Silver and a new Warlock model, with a 1-inch raised height, Warlock decals and an optional sport hood. Otherwise, features on the Classic line will be curtailed, with the diesel engine, ventilated front seats, memory seats and mirrors, heated rear seats, power adjustable pedals, rain-sensitive wipers and automatic high-beams all reserved for the new model. Air springs have also been dropped from the Classic, though the smooth four-wheel coils are still standard.

HD Pickup

Usually (cough, GM) a model year passes between the complete redesign of the light-duty pickup and the HD models. Not with the Ram. After a few months delay, the all-new redesigned Ram HD is out as a 2019 model. With all of the safety and luxury features available as in the new Ram 1500, the Ram HD adds more capability. The Cummins turbo-diesel becomes the first pickup to break 1000 pound-feet of torque. Optional on the Ram 3500, it offers up to 35,100 pounds of towing. Best-in-class for now.

Ram Chassis Cab

Unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show weeks after the new Ram HD pickups, the new chassis cabs are the true workhorses. A surprise: the Limited trim level will be available for those who want capability and luxury. Aimed at those people pulling show horses, race-cars or ultra-luxury campers, the Ram Chassis Cab Limited offers all the amenities: ventilated seats, 12-inch touchscreen multi-media center, leather and real wood trim. These trucks will also be offered with Adaptive Cruise Control, 360-degree cameras and more. 35,220 pounds of towing will be offered and payloads, including bodies, of up to 12,510 pounds. Models include 3500, 4500 and 5500.

A 5.4-liter Hemi V8 with cylinder deactivation is standard. A 6.7-liter Cummins inline 6-cylinder will be offered with 800 pound-feet of torque.

ProMaster

The front-wheel drive, unibody van gains additional versions: 2500 136-inch WB Low Roof, 3500 136-inch WB Low Roof and 3500 135-inch WB High Roof.

In addition, a redesign includes a new grille with "RAM" spelled out in large letters.

New telematics, provided by Verizon, give fleet operators more options to manage and track their vehicles.

Capabilities have been increased, with payloads of 4000, 4230, or 4680 pounds available in 1500, 2500 and 3500 models, respectively. Towing, usually not a high priority in cargo vans, has increased from 5100 to a maximum of 6800 pounds.

The 3.0-liter diesel option is no longer offered.

ProMaster City

The ProMaster City gets a new front grille with "R A M" letters in the middle, matching the Ram 1500 Rebel's look and the redesigned ProMaster, its big brother.