The 2024 Ram 1500 standard model has been announced to much fanfare from truck fans. However, this overshadows the truck’s full-size stablemate, which is the 2023 Ram 1500 Classic. For those unaware, the Ram 1500 Classic is your basic truck that doesn’t have all the frills of many of its modern rivals. In many ways, it’s one of the biggest callbacks to true classic trucks the market has, as it’s a true old-school truck in a new frame.

Additionally, the 2023 Ram 1500 Class is also an affordable option. However, some wonder if it’s affordable because it’s a callback to the days of yesterday or if it has this distinction because it’s simply not very good.

Here’s a look into the Ram 1500 Classic.

How the 2023 Ram 1500 Classic came to be

Regarding full-size pickup trucks, Ram is one of the most respected automakers. So, when the announcement came that the automaker’s last generation of the 1500 series would continue by adding the name ‘classic’ to some models, there was excitement. Of course, according to Kelley Blue Book, this meant that the Ram 1500 Classic would run concurrently with the new models. This started with the 2019 models and is ongoing today.

Some buyers may wonder why the automaker continued these older trucks while new models were on the market. Basically, Ram wanted to leave these options open for entry-level buyers and commercial use. Of course, this also means that the Ram 1500 is more affordable than many other trucks the celebrated automaker has in its stable. Because of this, continuing the last generation of its full-size pickup trucks made sense.

What the last generation of this full-sized pickup truck has to offer

The 2023 Ram 1500 Classic has two separate powertrains for buyers to pick from. According to Edmunds, the base model of the full-size pickup truck uses a 3.6-liter V6 engine. This model has a maximum output of 305 hp and a torque of 269 lb-ft. It uses an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the 2023 Ram 1500 Classic has four-wheel and rear-wheel drive configurations. This version of the affordable truck can tow up to 10,620 pounds.

The second powertrain for this old-school truck has a 5.7-liter V8 that has a maximum output of 395 hp and a torque of 410 lb-ft. This model of the full-sized pickup truck can tow up to 10,420 pounds. Regarding trims, this Ram truck has four main options, the Tradesman, SLT Fleet, Express, and the Warlock. Buyers can get these trims in either Regular, Quad, or Crew Cab configurations.

In terms of speed, the 3.6-liter accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds. However, the more powerful option does the feat in only 4.4 seconds.

The Ram 1500 Classic is a solid truck

Despite being a continuation of the last generation of the full-sized pickup truck, the 2023 Ram 1500 Classic has much to offer. As mentioned, it delivers solid performance despite having fewer trims than the updated 1500 model. Besides that, the truck has an overall 83 out of 100 rating from J.D. Power. It also has solid ratings for quality & reliability, resale value, and driving experience. Perhaps the biggest drawback to the truck is that it lacks the same modern technology that its more modern counterparts have.

Unfortunately, the standard Ram 1500 models far outshine this old-school truck version from the last generation. However, this could be a solid choice for people who want a more affordable option for a full-sized pickup truck. In many ways, it serves as a nice balance for Ram as a whole.