The 2019 Ram 1500 offers an abundance of trim, cab, and bed options. But, an alarming 22 active recalls over transmission issues, wiring problems, and faulty parts is one reason to look a bit closer into all aspects of this popular truck.
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2019 Ram Pickup: Quick Overview
- The 2019 Ram 1500 is not to be confused with the 2019 Ram Classic 1500. The Ram Classic uses the older frame and body style, while the standard 2019 Ram 1500 was entirely new for the 2019 model year, as pointed out by Car and Driver.
- 2019 Ram 1500 models are available with two different cab options: quad cab and crew cab. Both cabs have four doors, with the crew cab offering more interior room for the rear row. Additionally, they are available with 5.5-foot or 6.5-foot beds.
- Among the seven trim options, the 2019 Ram 1500 offers a bit of everything: from the around-town worker with maximize fuel economy, to off-road adventurers ready for the next trail, to even some that blend luxury qualities with the usability of a truck.
- The 2019 Ram 1500 has an alarming 22 recalls. Recall issues include airbag failures, safety systems being disabled, transmission issues, driveshaft failures, seatbelts not locking in crashes, and even one for steering wheels coming loose from columns.
- The roughly $30,000-$50,000 price point for a used 2019 Ram 1500 puts it in a similar range as a used 2019 Chevrolet Silverado, which offers similar traits with far fewer reported issues and recalls. Shoppers should explore their options and tread lightly when shopping for a 2019 Ram 1500.
2019 Ram Pickup Offers Seven Trim Levels, from the Budget-friendly Tradesman to the Ultra-plush Limited
The 2019 Ram 1500 comes in seven different trim levels, ranging from the base model Tradesman trim level to the top Limited trim level.
The standard 2019 Ram 1500 array features only the option of the four-door quad cab or the four-door, but larger, crew cab. However, the top trim levels, Longhorn and Limited, are available only with the crew cab.
Finally, all models are available with either a 5.5-foot or 6.5-foot bed. The short bed is not available on the quad cab.
Tradesman Trim Suits the Work Truck Lifestyle without Sacrificing Modern Amenities
The lowest trim 2019 Ram Pickup, the Tradesman trim (pictured above), is precisely what the name would imply. This is the affordable go-to for workers who need a rugged truck to handle the abuse of the blue-collar workweek. It doesn’t try to be anything it’s not in terms of appearance. It has steel 18-inch wheels and vinyl flooring for ease of cleaning. However, the days of an entirely stripped-out base model are long gone. The Tradesman still has a lot to offer when compared to the base model trucks of yesteryear.
On the Tradesman, you’ll find a standard backup camera, cruise control, heated side mirrors, automatic headlights, a rear-seat USB port, air-conditioning, and even a five-inch touchscreen infotainment system with six speakers to play your favorite tunes.
If you’re looking for a rugged truck that can handle the abuse of loading and unloading heavy equipment, and an interior that cleans up quickly and easily for the benefit of a dirty job, the Tradesman is undoubtedly your choice. If you’re just looking for the absolute most affordable form of the 2019 Ram 1500 lineup, and don’t care too much for frills, the Tradesman also suits you.
Big Horn/Lone Star Trim Allows Luxurious Interior Upgrades
The next step up in the Ram trim lineup is the Big Horn trim (pictured above). However, it’s worth noting that this model was known as the Lone Star trim in the Texas market. So, shoppers looking for Big Horn trim trucks can broaden their searches to include Lone Star models, as plenty have made their way out of Texas.
The Big Horn trim is where things turn towards appreciation of exterior appearance and interior creature comforts. Outside, you’ll find that this trim comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, obscured (tinted) windows, and standard fog lights. Furthermore, the interior takes a more comfortable turn with standard carpeted floors, cloth upholstery, and a 60/40 split rear bench seat.
The Big Horn has some substantial options that break away from the base-model feeling of the Tradesman, such as 20-inch wheels, LED headlights and taillights, air suspension, a bigger fuel tank, underbody protection, and an 8.4-inch touchscreen upgrade. Used shoppers will find that nearly no two Big Horn models are alike, and note what options a truck has.
Rebel is the Off-road Adventurer for Any Path
The Ram Rebel (pictured above) is a competitor to the Ford F-150 Raptor. It intends to be the ultimate off-road weapon. Shoppers with an outdoorsy sense of adventure should consider the Rebel to explore mountains and muddy trails.
The Rebel comes standard with beefy, heavy-duty suspension, with fortified shock absorbers and front tow hooks to support these types of adventures. Additionally, skid plates, an electronically locking rear differential, and a set of off-road tires make sure the Rebel can go anywhere you’re brave enough to take it.
Laramie Turns to Luxury without Breaking the Bank
The Laramie trim (pictured above) starts to combine the capabilities and ideals of the pickup truck with a taste of luxury without wiping out shoppers’ bank accounts.
Inside the Laramie, you’ll find leather interior. Furthermore, the interior sports power-adjustable front seats, both heated and ventilated, that feature driver position memory. The Laramie trim comes with a heated steering wheel and front and rear parking sensors. It also comes standard with the 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.
Longhorn Offers Luxurious Leather & Wood Trim
The Longhorn (pictured above) takes even more of a turn toward the luxurious side of things with upgrades from the Laramie.
Inside, you’ll find a more-sorted leather interior that features a wooden steering wheel wrapped in leather, all heated and ventilated seats, and an integrated navigation system. It also features power four-way front seats with adjustable lumbar support.
Outside, the Longhorn comes standard sporting 20-inch wheels, chrome side steps, a spray-in bed liner, and rain-detecting intermittent windshield wipers.
Limited is the Most Luxurious & Comfortable Option for All Occupants
Finally, the ultimate in the 2019 Ram pickup lineup is the Limited trim (pictured above). It has all the bells and whistles one could imagine.
On top of all the luxurious items from the Longhorn, it features premium leather-trimmed bucket seats. Memory settings include driver seat, door mirrors, radio, and pedal position. Finally, it also has dual-zone climate control and a massive 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
On the outside, you’ll find the Limited trim models are laden with chrome accents, retractable side steps, and the addition of a rear traffic alert system to accompany users with backing.
Used 2019 Ram Pickups Range from $30,000 to Upwards of $50,000
Our 2019 Ram 1500 Models and Specs page features used pricing for each trim level courtesy of Kelley Blue Book’s Fair Market Range. The lowest fair purchase price comes in the form of a 3.6L V6-equipped Tradesman in two-wheel-drive format. This base model assembly has a KBB fair purchase price of $30,266.
On the higher end of the spectrum, a four-wheel-drive-equipped Limited trim Ram 1500 bumps pricing up to $51,809 for the fair purchase price.
Stepping down to two-wheel drive if four-wheel drive is not necessary will save around $2,000 across all trim levels.
Certified Pre-owned Warranty Sweetens the Deal By Helping with Repairs
Stepping up to a certified pre-owned (CPO) example only costs an additional $700 across all trims, according to KBB’s fair pricing data.
Ram is owned by Fiat Chrysler America, and falls under the umbrella of their CPO warranties and policies.
The CPO 2019 Ram trucks come with a seven-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty that covers the vehicle from the date of its original sale. This warranty covers the repair or replacement of most major powertrain components, including engine, transmission, and driveline.
Additionally, CPO trucks come with a three-month/3,000-mile Maximum Care warranty that covers the vehicle bumper-to-bumper. It begins at the CPO sale, or the end of the basic three-year/36,000-mile warranty with new Ram vehicles.
2019 Ram 1500 Offers 305 HP V6, 395 HP V8, and a Mild Hybrid Variant
The 2019 Ram 1500 is available with three different engine options. The first and smallest engine option is the 3.6L Pentastar V6. Though small, it still packs enough punch for many truck owners. It has 305 horsepower, 269 lb.-ft. of torque, and a towing capacity of 7,730 pounds.
Stepping up to the next engine leads shoppers to the 5.7L Hemi V8 with 395 horsepower and 410 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine has a maximum towing capacity of 11,610 pounds.
The final option is the e-Torque mild hybrid 5.7L Hemi V8 (pictured above). Horsepower and torque stay the same at the base level. However, the e-Torque system adds torque in bursts when needed. It has a maximum towing capacity of 12,750 pounds, the highest of any V8 pickup truck in its class.
How Fuel Efficient is a 2019 Ram 1500?
According to EPA fuel economy ratings, the 2019 Ram 1500 gets the following fuel economy numbers: Pentastar 3.6L models see 20 mpg city and 25 mpg highway in two-wheel-drive formats, while four-wheel-drive models see 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway.
Hemi 5.7L models net 15 mpg city and 22 mpg in two-wheel drive, and four-wheel-drive models get 15 mpg city and 21 mpg highway.
Finally, Hemi 5.7L models with the e-Torque mild hybrid system get 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway, and 17 mpg city and 22 mpg highway for four-wheel-drive models.
2019 Ram 1500 Driving Performance
The option of four-wheel drive across the trim levels, as well as both off-road-ready suspension and high-end air suspension, makes the 2019 Ram Pickup an option for just about every niche. Whether shoppers plan on using their truck off-road, for towing, or general errands, there’s a Ram spec to fit their needs.
“Everything in the dynamics department in this truck all works so well in concert. The chassis, the suspension, the powertrain, the brakes. Man, it’s so good, sometimes I forget I’m driving a truck,” says Kelley Blue Book’s Lyn Woodward in her video review of the 2019 Ram 1500.
Lower trim levels, especially the Rebel, are rugged and ready to go where you need to go. However, Laramie and upper trim levels provide a more luxurious ride while maintaining adequate four-wheel-drive performance.
2019 Ram 1500’s Overall Length of 19.3′ to 20.15′ May not Fit in Average 18′ to 20′ Foot Long Garage
Models equipped with the 5.5-foot bed have up to 50.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity. Stepping up to the 6.5-foot bed makes the total 74.7 cubic feet. Size varies depending on cab and bed options, too. Overall length ranges from 232 inches to 241.8 inches. Width remains at 79.4 inches across all models. Finally, the height ranges from 74.4 inches to 77.7 inches.
The size of the average garage is 18′ to 20′ long, and with the 2019 Ram ranging in length from 19.3′ to 20.15′, it is something that may need careful consideration. The truck’s 6.6′ width should be fine meeting the average garage’s 9′ to 10′ foot width.
Top Traffic Safety Agencies Name 2019 Ram 1500 a Very Safe Ride
The 2019 Ram 1500 features dual-stage driver and passenger front airbags, roll stability control, rear child safety locks, and side curtain airbags in front and back rows to keep passengers as safe as possible.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives the 2019 Ram 1500 an overall crash test rating of a perfect five out of five stars. Additionally, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) also gave the 2019 Ram a perfect crash safety rating and named it one of its Top Safety Pick models for 2019.
2019 Ram is Packed with Smartphone Connectivity, 10 Speakers, and Driver Assist Technology
The 2019 Ram 1500 features Uconnect radio technology with touchscreen interfaces. Models equipped with the 8.4-inch or larger Uconnect system also come with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. Plus, some models have built-in navigation, satellite radio, and up to 10 speakers.
Additionally, some 2019 Ram 1500 models include a 360-degree camera alongside the rearview camera. Other driver-assist features include blind-spot monitoring, trailer detection, and rear cross-path detection.
13 Exterior & Seven Interior Color Options Make the 2019 Ram Stand Out
The 13 exterior color options on the 2019 Ram 1500 include: Maximum Steel Metallic, Ivory White, Patriot Blue, Granite Crystal Metallic, Delmonico Red, Diamond Black, Crystal, Billet Silver Metallic, Black Forest, Blue streak, Bright White, Flame Red, Rugged Brown, and Walnut Brown.
The seven interior color options and color combinations include: Black, Diesel Gray/Black, Light Frost Beige/Brown, Light Mountain Brown, Red/Black, Indigo/Frost, and New Saddle/Black
Repair and Maintenance Costs are on Par with Other Full-size Pickup Trucks
According to Repair Pal, the annual maintenance cost of a 2019 Ram 1500 is $550 on average. In addition, they give the truck a 3.5 out of five reliability rating. This puts it first overall in their rankings for full-size trucks. Furthermore, they state that the severity of repairs needed is generally minor, and they are not often required. Most repairs are minor and may still fall under warranty. Small things like resistors, AC recharges, bushings, and sensors generally cost between $30 and $200 if paid out of pocket. However, Repair Pal does list suspension replacements and failures as high as $1,500 to replace.
2019 Ram Faces 22 Active Recalls for Everything from Sticky Brake Pedal to Cruise Control that Can’t Be Canceled
According to the NHTSA, the 2019 Ram 1500 currently has 22 active recalls, which is a lot. Recall repairs are free, and used car shoppers should ensure they have been repaired before purchasing. Below are five of the most concerning currently active recalls.
- An Aug. 2021 recall states that the side curtain airbag inflator may rupture, causing pieces to be ejected into the cabin and effectively disabling the airbags.
- A May 2019 recall reports that the Occupant Restraint Controller may fail and disable airbags and seatbelt pretensioners.
- A March 2019 recall finds that the steering wheel may detach from the steering column.
- A Feb. 2019 recall focuses on a brake pedal that may separate from the pedal assembly.
- A May 2018 recall finds that cruise control may not be able to be canceled.
According to Car Complaints, many 2019 Ram 1500 pickups owners have electrical issues that lead to severe problems. The most common complaints of the 2019 Ram 1500 relate to electrical issues like the rearview camera and radio cluster not working correctly. While the rearview camera issues currently have an active recall, problems with the infotainment system do not.
Ram 1500 vs. its Competition: Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado, and Toyota Tundra
2019 Ford F-150: More Towing Capacity and MPG, Plus Higher Price
The 2019 F-150 is a fierce competitor, with fuel economy ratings up to 30 mpg highway when equipped with the optional 3.0L turbo-diesel engine. Furthermore, the F-150 offers up to 13,200 pounds in towing capacity when equipped with the 3.5L EcoBoost twin-turbocharged V6.
Pricing starts a bit higher with the F-150 at $40,991, and ranges up to $73,439 for top-trim level models from 2019. Like the Ram, it has a nearly endless combination of available cab options and bed lengths, opening the doors for every type of consumer no matter what their intended use of the truck.
Finally, the F-150 has only five active NHTSA recalls, and shares a perfect five-star crash rating.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
2019 Chevrolet Silverado Has Similar Price Point, Comparable Features, and Fewer Issues
The 2019 Silverado offers competitive specs to the Ram 1500 in a more similar price range. It sees fuel economy ratings up to 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. It also offers a towing capacity of up to 11,000 pounds.
Prices for used models range from $29,056 to $58,977. Like the competition, it offers various cab and bed length combinations for a broad spectrum of uses and owners.
Currently, the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado has nine active NHTSA recalls. However, it has a slightly lower crash test rating at four out of five stars.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
2019 Toyota Tundra Has Low MPG and Underwhelming Towing
The 2019 Toyota Tundra also brings a lot to the table for a similar price range. However, the fuel economy department lacks, as numbers only go as high as 14 mpg city and 18 mpg highway. It has a respectable towing capacity of up to 9,900 pounds.
Used pricing for the 2019 Tundra starts at $30,932, and spans to $55,621 for upper trim levels. Like the Ram, it has two cab options, both sporting four doors.
Like the Silverado, the Tundra has a lesser crash test rating at four out of five stars. Currently, it has eight active NHTSA recalls.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
Is the 2019 Ram 1500 a Smart Buy?
Given the massive amount of recalls and the fact that they continue to roll in, as recently as August 2021, it’s hard to recommend buying the 2019 Ram 1500. For the extra money, the Ford F-150’s additional features and fuel economy are a great choice. However, shoppers who can’t expand their budget into the range of the F-150 should look into the Chevrolet Silverado, as it carries a similar price point without the substantial issues and recalls.
Photos: Stellantis, Ford, Chevrolet, and Toyota
