Ram 1500 vs. Ram 1500 Classic
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Ram 1500 and Ram 1500 Classic contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Ram 1500 and the Ram 1500 Classic.
When we compare the Ram 1500's and the Ram 1500 Classic's specifications and ratings, the Ram 1500 has the advantage in the area of resale value. The Ram 1500 Classic has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and interior volume. The Ram 1500 and Ram 1500 Classic have the same base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Ram 1500's and the Ram 1500 Classic's specifications and ratings, the Ram 1500 Classic is a better car than the Ram 1500.
Pricing: A used 2026 Ram 1500 ranges from $49,814 to $74,238 while a used 2024 Ram 1500 Classic is priced between $27,061 to $41,549. For a new model, the Ram 1500's price is between $53,665 and $82,009, with the Ram 1500 Classic priced between $35,167 and $54,765.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Ram 1500 loses 42.8 percent of its value and the Ram 1500 Classic loses 48.3 percent of its value. This means the Ram 1500 retains 5.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Ram 1500 Classic.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the base engine of both the Ram 1500 and the Ram 1500 Classic makes 305 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are fullsize trucks, the Ram 1500 Classic has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front leg room and rear head room. The Ram 1500 has the advantage in the area of rear leg room. The Ram 1500 and Ram 1500 Classic are comparable in regards to front shoulder room and rear shoulder room.
Available Cab Types and Bed Lengths: Both the Ram 1500 and the Ram 1500 Classic are available in Crew Cabor an Extended Cab configuration. Both the Ram 1500 and the Ram 1500 Classic offer bed lengths of 67.4 and 76.3 inches.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Ram 1500 has higher safety ratings than the Ram 1500 Classic, with an average rating of 4.65 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.05 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
53665 - 82009
Starting MSRP:
41025
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Full-Size Pickup Trucks)
39371
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Full-Size Pickup Trucks)
36900 - 41260
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
35167 - 54765
Starting MSRP:
38705
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Full-Size Pickup Trucks)
41149
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Full-Size Pickup Trucks)
36800 - 52850
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
63328
Price Range:
49814 - 74238
Category Avg Price:
(Full-Size Pickup Trucks)
61430
Category Avg Price Range:
(Full-Size Pickup Trucks)
55849 - 64780
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
33365
Price Range:
27061 - 41549
Category Avg Price:
(Full-Size Pickup Trucks)
48783
Category Avg Price Range:
(Full-Size Pickup Trucks)
33365 - 56205
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
17687
Depreciation %:
0.43112079
Resale Value $:
23338
Residual Value %:
0.56887921
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Full-Size Pickup Trucks)
0.40988565
Category Depreciation Range:
(Full-Size Pickup Trucks)
0.28987414 - 0.43112079
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
18791
Depreciation %:
0.48550358
Resale Value $:
19914
Residual Value %:
0.51449642
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Full-Size Pickup Trucks)
0.48562479
Category Depreciation Range:
(Full-Size Pickup Trucks)
0.48116644 - 0.48722123
Ram 1500 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.9 / 10
Reliability:
7.8 / 10
Retained Value:
8.3 / 10
Safety:
7.6 / 10
Ram 1500 Classic Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
7.9 / 10
Safety:
7.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Ram 1500
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
11.3
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Full-Size Pickup Trucks)
12.6
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Full-Size Pickup Trucks)
11.3 - 15.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.231
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Ram 1500 Classic
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Full-Size Pickup Trucks)
11.4
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Full-Size Pickup Trucks)
9.6 - 14.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
9.050813989176714
Typical Category Recalls:
(Full-Size Pickup Trucks)
6.1
Category Range for Recalls:
(Full-Size Pickup Trucks)
1.3 - 21.4
Ram 1500 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 10Ranking
2 out of / 10Ranking
4 out of / 10Ranking
4 out of / 10Ranking
5 out of / 10Ranking
5 out of / 10Ranking
5 out of / 10Ranking
5 out of / 8Ranking
6 out of / 8Ranking
7 out of / 10Ranking
7 out of / 10Ranking
10 out of / 10Ranking
10 out of / 10Ram 1500 Classic Rankings
Ranking
3 out of / 10Ranking
4 out of / 8Ranking
6 out of / 10Ranking
7 out of / 10Ranking
8 out of / 10Ranking
9 out of / 10Ranking
9 out of / 10Ranking
9 out of / 10Ranking
9 out of / 10Ranking
10 out of / 10Available Body Styles
Pickup Truck
Available Body Styles
Pickup Truck
Available Cab Types
Crew Cab, Extended Cab
Available Cab Types
Crew Cab, Extended Cab
Available Bed Length(s)
67.4 inches, 76.3 inches
Available Bed Length(s)
67.4 inches, 76.3 inches
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Ram 1500 Trim Levels
Big Horn, Express, Laramie, Limited, Limited Longhorn, Lone Star, Rebel, RHO, Tradesman, Tungsten, Warlock
Ram 1500 Classic Trim Levels
Express, SLT, SSV, Tradesman, Warlock
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.65 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.05 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
305 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque:
271 foot-lbs @ 4900 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.063 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
7700 lbs
Max Payload:
2360 lbs
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
305 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque:
269 foot-lbs @ 4175 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.063 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
4610 lbs
Max Payload:
1930 lbs
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.6 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
4X2 / 4X4, AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.6 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
4X2 / 4X4
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
17 / 25 / 20
Range (city/hwy):
442 / 650 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Front Bench Seats:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Air Suspension:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Massage Seats:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Captain's seat:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Android Auto:
Available
Apple CarPlay:
Available
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Front Bench Seats:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Alloy wheels:
Available
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.9 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.9 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
66 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.3 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
65.7 inches
Cargo Space:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
116.5 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41 inches
Front Leg Room:
41 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
66 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.7 inches
Rear Leg Room:
34.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
65.7 inches
Cargo Space:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
116.6 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4836 lbs
Width:
81.2 inches
Height:
77.5 inches
Length:
228.4 inches
Wheelbase:
140.6 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.8 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4872 lbs
Width:
79.4 inches
Height:
77.2 inches
Length:
229 inches
Wheelbase:
140.5 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
275/65R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P265/70R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Diamond Black Crystal Pearl Coat
Blue
Forged Blue Metallic / Hydro Blue Pearl Coat
Gray
Granite Crystal Metallic Clear Coat
Green
Canyon Lake / Serrano Green Metallic
Red
Delmonico Red Pearl Coat / Molten Red Pearl Coat
Silver
Billet Silver Metallic Clear Coat / Silver Zynith
White
Bright White Clear Coat
Beige
Not available
Orange
Not available
Yellow
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Clear Coat / Diamond Black Crystal Pearl Coat
Blue
Hydro Blue Pearl Coat / Midnight Blue Pearl Coat / Patriot Blue Pearl Coat / Robin Egg Blue
Gray
Granite Crystal Metallic Clear Coat
Green
Bright Green / Hills Green / Light Green / Timberline Green Pearl Coat / Tree Green
Red
Bright Red / Delmonico Red Pearl Coat / Flame Red Clear Coat
Silver
Billet Silver Metallic Clear Coat
White
Bright White Clear Coat / Light Cream
Beige
Power Tan
Orange
Omaha Orange
Yellow
Construction Yellow / Detonator Yellow Clear Coat / National Safety Yellow / School Bus Yellow / Yellow
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Black/Diesel Gray
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Black/Diesel Gray