The Timeless Ram 1500 Classic – Is the Journey Almost Over?
How long should an automotive generation be? Many automakers retool and move to a new generation every six to eight years, but some wait longer. The Nissan Frontier lasted from 2009 to 2021 before the third generation began, but the Ram 1500 Classic has it beat. This Ram half-ton truck started in 2009, and we’re still unsure of its end date.
Wasn’t the Ram 1500 Classic supposed to be gone already?
When the new Ram 1500 hit the market in 2019, the previous platform model continued alongside it. This previous model became known as the Ram 1500 Classic, which sold at a more affordable price than the new version. This Classic version was a good choice for fleet operators and drivers looking for a useful work truck.
In 2019, speculation of the Ram Classic lasting for one or two years was rampant, but here we are with this truck still going strong. This classic truck that’s been around since 2009 will continue to be sold alongside the 2024 version of the Ram 1500 pickup.
What trims does Ram offer for this classic truck?
The Classic comes in two trims, limiting this pickup’s choices. These trims are Tradesman and Warlock, which offer limited engine offerings and features.
The engines for this dated pickup are familiar. The base engine is a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, while the upgraded choice is the 5.7-liter Hemi V8. Both use the same 8-speed automatic transmission provided to the rest of the Ram 1500 lineup.
Regardless of trim, the Classic model features a 7.0-inch touchscreen. You’ll also see a host of physical buttons to make it easy to control various systems in this pickup. There’s no upgrade to the 12.0-inch portrait-style touchscreen of the rest of the Ram truck lineup.
How much longer will the Ram Classic survive?
The 2025 Ram 1500 receives style and packaging improvements. This separates it further from the traditional build of the Ram 1500 Classic. Couple this with the slight difference in price for the 2024 truck models (Ram 1500 Classic Tradesman starts at $40,700, which is only $415 less than the regular Tradesman), and it’s easy to see the writing on the wall. This could be the final year for a pickup truck that has stood the test of time. lasted 15 years.
Will 2024 be the final year for the Ram 1500 Classic? All indicators point to this being the last year, but that’s what some people thought in 2019 and 2020.
