Dodge Ram

First generation (1981; D/W)

The first-generation Dodge Ram trucks and vans introduced in October 1980 feature a Ram hood ornament first used on Dodge vehicles from 1932 until 1954. Not all of the first-generation trucks have this ornament and is most commonly seen on four-wheel-drive models. Dodge kept the previous generation's model designations: D or Ram indicate two-wheel drive while W or Power Ram indicate four-wheel drive. Just like Ford's F-Series, Dodge used "150" to indicate a half-ton truck, 250 for a three-quarter-ton truck, and 350 for a one-ton truck. The truck models were offered in standard cab, "Club" extended cab, and crew cab configurations. They also were offered along with 6.5 ft (2.0 m) and 8 ft (2.4 m) bed lengths and "Utiline" and "Sweptline" styled boxes along with standard boxes. Externally, the first-generation Rams were facelifted versions of the previous generation Dodge D-Series pickups introduced in 1972. The new model introduced larger wraparound tail lamps, dual rectangular headlamps, and squared-off body lines. Engine choices were pared down to the 225 slant-6 and 318 and 360 V8s. The interior was updated, included a new bench seat, a completely new dashboard and an instrument cluster with an optional three-pod design – a speedometer in the center, with the two side pods containing an ammeter on the top left, a temperature gauge on the bottom left, a fuel gauge on the top right and an oil pressure gauge bottom right. Models without the full gauge package had only indicator lights in the place of the temperature and oil pressure gauges. Among the options offered on the Ram were front bumper guards, a sliding rear cab window, air-conditioning, cruise control, tilt steering column, power door locks and windows, AM/FM stereo with a cassette tape player, styled road wheels, aluminum turbine-style mag wheels, special paint and stripe packages, two-tone paint, and a plow package for four-wheel-drive models (referred to as the "Sno Commander").

The "Club Cab" was dropped from the lineup after 1982, but Dodge kept the tooling and reintroduced it nearly a decade later in the 1990 models. The four-door crew cab and Utiline beds were dropped after the 1985 model year, to make room on the assembly line for the then-upcoming 1987 Dodge Dakota, and were never reintroduced in this generation.

Basic Ram 100 models were reintroduced for 1984, replacing the previous "Miser" trim level available on the Ram 150. A "Ram-Trac" shift-on-the-fly transfer case was added for the 1985 Power Rams, and both the crew cab and Utiline flared bed versions were discontinued for 1986, the latter not to return on any Chrysler-built pickup. For 1988, the slant-6 engine was replaced by a 3.9 L (240 cu in) fuel-injected V6 engine first introduced with the Dodge Dakota. The 5.2 L (318 cu in) engine, on which the 3.9 L V6 is based, also received electronic fuel injection in 1988. Because of the new computer-controlled fuel injection, ignition, and ABS system, more vehicle information needed to be displayed through any warning or notification lights; so inside the cab where a small compartment was once located on the dash, a new "message center" with four small rectangular light spots, contained the check engine light and other tell-tales including one for the parking brake and the ABS if the truck was so equipped. The message center later included "wait to start" and "water in fuel" lights on diesel models. Diagnostic fault codes were stored in the computer's memory, and cycling the ignition key three times allowed the computer to flash the trouble codes through the check-engine light for diagnosis of some problems. Rear ABS became standard equipment on 250 and 350 models for 1989.

Engines and transmissions

For 1989, the 5.9 L V8 received throttle-body fuel injection for a 20 hp (15 kW) gain, while the 3.9 L V6 became standard on W100 and W150 pickups. Additionally, Dodge introduced a new overdrive automatic transmission for reduced fuel consumption. This light-duty transmission was designated the A500, and was offered with the 3.9 L V6 and 5.2 L V8. An "O/D off" pushbutton switch to lock out the overdrive 4th gear was added to the message center. The A727 automatic saw continued use for some 5.2 L engines, all 5.9 L engines, and heavy-duty applications.

The grille was redesigned for 1991 but kept the large rectangular headlamps and crossbar appearance. The engines were substantially upgraded for 1992 (3.9 L and 5.2 L) and 1993 (5.9 L) with multi-port fuel injection, new manifolds, and higher-compression cylinder heads for noticeably higher output. These newly revised engines were marketed under the "Magnum" name. A heavy-duty automatic transmission with overdrive called the A518 was offered with the 5.2 L and 5.9 L engines. As part of Chrysler's overhaul of corporate transmission nomenclature, the A500 and A518 were redesignated 42RH and 46RH, respectively, in 1992. The initial 4 signified a 4-speed transmission, the second digit identified the transmission's relative torque capacity, the letter R in the third position denoted a rear-wheel-drive transmission, and the final letter H signified hydraulic shift control. The 3-speed automatic remained available; the A727 was redesignated 36RH, and the A904, A998, and A999 became the 30RH, 31RH, and 32RH, respectively.

After 1978, the Chrysler RB engine was discontinued and therefore no longer offered in Dodge pickup trucks. Without a "big-block" gasoline engine or diesel, Dodge's heavier-duty models had a severe power disadvantage over the competition, and thus began losing potential customers in the commercial market. Rather than developing a brand-new engine, Chrysler signed a deal with commercial engine manufacturer Cummins to use a version of its 5.9 L B Series engine in the Ram trucks. This proved to be a mutually beneficial deal, allowing Cummins to expand its product output and Dodge to have a competitive engine for its heavy-duty models. The introduction of the Cummins Turbo Diesel model in 1989 coincided with the first sales increase for Ram trucks in several years. The Cummins was coupled with a heavier-duty version of the A727 automatic or a 5-speed manual transmission and was available on 250 and 350 pickups and pickup-based chassis-cab trucks above 8,500 pounds GVWR. This diesel engine option was different from the diesel engines offered in Ford and GM trucks in that the Cummins features direct injection, whereas the Ford and GM diesels feature indirect injection. This also means that the Cummins does not have to rely on glow plugs. The Cummins is a straight-six engine, whereas the GM and Ford diesel engines are V8 engines. Additionally, the Cummins is turbocharged, while the 6.2L GM/DDC and 7.3 L IDI Ford/IH are naturally aspirated.

Special editions

Prospector – Prospector was a package available throughout the 1980s that usually included a different fuel tank, cloth seat, and carpeting. In the late 1980s, a light package and the large 6×9 mirrors were added to the list of options. This trim package was carried on until the end of production in 1993.

Second generation (1994; BR/BE)

The second-generation Dodge Ram began development in 1986. The original concept, dubbed the "Louisville Slugger" by Chrysler's Advanced Packaging Studio, was to be a modular platform that would accommodate a full-size truck and full-size van, which would have provided a roomy cab and cargo bed. The modular design was scrapped in 1987 and was replaced with a more conventional truck design when the design was moved to the American Motors design studio. The more conventional design, dubbed "Phoenix", was originally scheduled for a 1991 production; when Bob Lutz showed it to the new styling designers, chief designer Phillip E. Payne told him, "It looks like nothing more than a rehash of everybody else's truck." At that, Lutz told him he had six months to come up with something better. The exterior styling of the truck that was eventually released was the result of design concepts by Payne during 1988–1990. A review by the Dodge pick-up truck studio designers felt that modern pick-ups looked "too flat and sedan-like", while the early 1950s Studebaker pick-up and the semi-trailer trucks had just the right "macho" look to them. The design included a big-rig style front end and a large grille that was deemed risky at its introduction, but ultimately proved popular with consumers.

Debuted on January 5, 1993, at the North American International Auto Show and going on sale on October 1, 1993, the redesigned 1994 Ram was a sales success and was named "Truck of the Year" by Motor Trend in 1994. Sales increased from 95,542 units in 1993 to 232,092 in 1994, 410,000 in 1995, and 411,000 by 1996. The latter third year, it was prominently shown as the hero vehicle in the film Twister, as well as the CBS television series Walker, Texas Ranger. Sales of this generation peaked at just over 400,000 in 1999 before declining against the redesigned Ford and GM trucks. By 2001, Ram sales figures trailed those of Ford and GM trucks.

The engine offerings were carried over from the last generation, which were the 3.9L V6, 5.2L V8, 5.9L V8, and 5.9L I6 Cummins turbo diesel options. Added to the lineup was a 300 hp (220 kW) 8.0L gasoline V10 designed as an alternative for those who wanted superior pulling power, but did not want a diesel (similar to GM's 7.4L V8), thus making the former the first factory V10 truck. The V10 and diesel were available in 2500/3500 models above 8,500 pounds GVWR. Models were now the 1500 half-ton, 2500 three-quarter-ton, and 3500 dual-rear-wheel only one-ton in both two- and four-wheel drive. Ram 1500s offered both short 6.5-foot (2.0 m) and long 8-foot (2.4 m) cargo beds on both regular and extended Club Cabs, Ram 2500s offered only long beds with regular cabs or a choice of beds on Club Cabs, and Ram 3500s only offered long beds on both cabs.

1998 updates

In 1998, Dodge introduced the 4-door Quad Cab, which used smaller clamshell doors directly behind the main doors. This was the first extended cab pickup to have four doors (the 2-door Club Cab remained available through 2002). Other changes for 1998 included new rounded black plastic sideview mirrors, new plastic fold-out towing mirrors, a revised interior and instrument panel, dual airbags, a chime replacing the buzzer for seat belts/door ajar/headlights, and a digital odometer. The OBD-II system was also standard, with a computer port near the driver's-side footwell and a code-checking system via the new digital odometer readout.

In late 1998, Dodge introduced a revised front end for the 1999 model year Sport models with a restyled bumper, quad-beam clear-lens headlamps, and body-color grille. A 6-speed manual transmission was made optional for diesel models in late 2000 for the 2001 model year. A small percentage of the diesel engines for the 1999 and 2000 model years were subject to problems with the water jackets and fuel injectors. The most problematic was the "53" stamped engine block which had a defect that would cause fracturing in the structure of the block itself.

The 2000 models offered the option of heated leather seats. The braking system was upgraded to dual-piston calipers in the front. An Off-Road Edition was offered as a package with a 2-inch lift, accomplished with stiffer front springs and rear lift blocks, unique 17×8" wheels, 275/70/17 all-terrain tires, 4.10:1 rear axle ratio, trussed Dana 44 front axle, limited-slip differential, and skid plates. The Off-Road Edition models are also distinguishable with an additional "Off Road" decal on the tailgate under the 4×4 decal. The 2000 model was cut short, ending production in January 2000 to avoid a CAFE requirement. After that, 2001 models began production, with models built after July 1, 2000, featuring rear vented disc brakes.

While Dodge introduced a new Ram 1500 for 2002, the second-generation Ram was carried over for the 2002 heavy-duty 2500 and 3500 trucks. The new third-generation Ram would not debut in the 2500 or 3500 series until 2003. Part of this delay was due to the then-new 5.7-liter Hemi engine not being ready for production.

Unencumbered by CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) restrictions, DaimlerChrysler's Mexican subsidiary developed a three-door SUV version of the Ram, called the Ramcharger as was its predecessor. It debuted in 1998, but was never available in the United States.

Drivetrain

Ram automatic transmissions are labeled such that the first number indicates the number of gears (including overdrive), the second number is the capacity rating, and the last letter is either E for electronic or H for hydraulic. Whereas the manual transmissions are labeled such that the first number indicates the torque capacity rating and the second number indicates the total number of gears (including O/D). The NV in the beginning of the name stands for New Venture Gear, which is a line of transmissions created by General Motors and Chrysler.

A500/42RH-RE lower geared light-duty applications found behind the 3.9 L V6. The 42RE + RH are both 4-speed automatic transmissions with identical gear ratios. This transmission came available in 1989 and it is paired with a 10.75-inch diameter torque converter. The RH is a hydraulic governor system that is rated as a medium-duty transmission. The RE is an electronic hydraulic system that is considered for heavy-duty use. Both transmissions are also used in the Dodge Dakota and Jeep Cherokee among other Chrysler models. Gear ratios in both transmissions are 2.74:1 for first gear, 1.54:1 for second gear, 1.00:1 for third gear, and 0.69:1 for fourth gear.

A518/46RH-RE for more heavy-duty applications found behind the 5.2 L and 5.9 L V8 engines. The 46RH and RE are 4-speed automatics that were born from the A518 family. The A727 was replaced by the A518 family in the early 1990s. The 46RH was the first to replace the A727 and was preceded by the 46RE. The improvement with both models included the overdrive being added. The difference in the two transmissions was the RH had a hydraulically controlled governor versus the computer-controlled one on the RE.

A618/47RH-RE for heavy-duty use behind the V10 gasoline and Cummins diesel engines. The 47RH was used in the 1994 and 1995 model years, while the 47RE was used from 1996 through 2002. The 47RH was released first and was only used in the Ram 2500 and 3500 series trucks. The transmission was able to produce 450 lb-ft of torque and was able to tow trailers up to 19,000 pounds. This transmission was rated to be the highest capacity in the one-ton series of trucks produced by any manufacturer. The RH was a hydraulically operated 3-speed transmission with a hydraulically controlled overdrive gear. The RH was later replaced by the RE however it was by name only since they are both hydraulically controlled.

The NV3500 was offered in 1500 and light-duty 2500 trucks. The NV4500 was standard in heavy-duty 2500 and 3500 trucks; the NV4500HD for V10 and diesel models. An NV5600 was offered in 1999 and 2000 Rams and was the only transmission offered behind the High Output diesel in 2001 and 2002.

Engines

A natural-gas-powered engine debuted for the 1995 model year, but was not popular and was only used in fleet vehicles on a limited production run. The Cummins B Series engine was switched from the 12-valve to the 24-valve (ISB) version in the middle of the 1998 model-year Dodge Rams to comply with emissions regulations. The ISB featured a new computer-controlled electronic injection pump and a 24-valve head design.

Special editions

Limited Edition Indy and SS/T Package – The Dodge Ram Indy Official Truck was available in 1996. It included longitudinal stripes similar to those on the Dodge Viper along with an optional door sticker stating "Official Truck of the 80th Indianapolis 500". These trucks had a 5.9 L (360 cu in) engine with upgraded exhaust and 15 hp (11 kW) more power. These also included 17-inch (432 mm) wheels with Goodyear Eagle II 275/60R17 tires. 3212 were built. The SS/T (Super Sport Truck) version was available from 1997 until 1998 and included all the upgrades except the door sticker. The SS/T also had "SS/T" designed into the stripe on both the hood and tailgate. The Indy Trucks were available only in blue with white stripes. The SS/Ts were available in white/blue, red/silver, black/silver, and green/silver. All include a specialty sticker on the inner door stating, "Built with pride in the U.S.A." A real Indy 500 Official Truck will have the code AGJ, which is the INDY 500 SPECIAL EDITION GROUP.

High Output – The Ram trucks started offering a diesel High Output package for 2001 models. 2001/2002 high-output engines were rated 10 horsepower higher than the standard engine.

Off-Road Edition – The Dodge Ram 1500 SLT Off-Road "Edition" (package) was available in the latter portion of the second generation. It included 17-inch alloy wheels (standard were 16-inch), added 4×4 transfer case skid plate, 4.10:1 rear axle ratio, limited-slip rear differential, heated dual-power side mirrors, fog lamps, and frame-mounted front tow hooks.

Dodge Ram VTS Concept – This concept from Dodge was meant to be a design study highly inspired by Viper GTS-inspired bumpers, mirrors, 17-inch wheels, Blue Paint, dual white stripes and Viper GTS sourced 415 bhp V10. VTS was vital in the development of 500 bhp Ram SRT-10 that were built from 2004 until 2006.

Third generation (2002; DR/DH/D1/DC/DM)

In development from 1996 (styling by Cliff Wilkins finalized in 1998), the third-generation Dodge Ram debuted on February 7, 2001, at the 2001 Chicago Auto Show. Production later began for the 2002 model year on 1500 models, and 2003 on 2500 and 3500 models. This major update included an all-new frame, suspension, powertrains, interiors, and sheet metal. The crew cab models for this generation were actually Quad Cab trucks that had conventional-opening rear doors. The four-wheel-drive light trucks (1500 series) remove their beam axles in favor of an independent front suspension, but the 2500 and 3500 series retained the live axles for maximum longevity and durability; rear-wheel-drive 2500 and 3500 trucks had class-exclusive rack-and-pinion steering for their independent front suspension (the 1500 also received rack-and-pinion steering for the first time). This body style drew heavily from the previous generation.

The redesigned trucks bolstered sales, with 400,000 sold during 2001–2002 and nearly 450,000 sold during 2002–2003, a new high point for the Ram name. At the same time, both Ford and GM trucks were increasing in sales from a 2001 peak of over 850,000 to the 900,000 range. However, with 400,543 Rams sold that year, the total did not keep up with the eleventh-generation F-150 in 2004.

2006 refresh

The entire lineup was updated for the 2006 model year. One notable addition was the "Mega Cab," featuring a 6.25-foot (2 m) cargo box and 22 inches (559 mm) of extra cab space, allowing seating for six with rear recliners. A full-screen-mapping in-dash navigation system became an option, and the front fascia was modernized.

For 2006, the steering wheel design was changed to the same as seen in the Dodge Dakota and Dodge Durango. The Bluetooth Uconnect radio was now available as an option, and a facelift was given to all Ram models. SIRIUS Satellite Radio was available, as well as a rear-seat DVD entertainment system with wireless headphones. The high-performance SRT-10 was discontinued after the 2006 model year.

For 2007, the taillights were slightly revised. For 2008, the RAM 1500 emblems on the front doors were replaced with RAM emblems.

Chassis Cab

For 2007, a 3500 Chassis Cab model was introduced with industry-standard rear frame width and wiring to accommodate outfitters. Three wheelbases were offered: 144" and 168" on regular cabs and 164" on Quad Cabs. In addition to the 5.7 L (345 cu in) V8, a Cummins 6.7 L (408 cu in) diesel rated at 350 hp (261 kW) and 650 lb⋅ft (881 N⋅m) was available. Automatic transmissions used were the 545RFE with the 5.7 L (345 cu in) and the AS68RC with the 6.7 L (408 cu in). The G56 transmission was the only manual transmission offered. Regardless of drivetrain, the Chassis Cab models featured a solid coil-sprung front axle, recirculating ball steering, and the same frame.

For 2008, Dodge introduced two more Chassis Cab models, the all-new 4500 and 5500 (to compete with Ford's F-450/F-550). These were Class 4 and Class 5 trucks with a gross weight rating of 16,500 lb (7,484 kg) and 19,500 lb (8,845 kg), respectively. Both trucks came equipped with the same version of the Cummins 6.7 L (408 cu in) diesel as the 3500 chassis-cab model. Sterling, who worked with Dodge in development, had their own version, called the Sterling Bullet with a unique grille. Sterling is a division of Freightliner Trucks which, like Dodge, was owned by the former DaimlerChrysler. Sterling Trucks was licensed to sell Dodge Ram 4500 series trucks as the Sterling Bullet. When the Sterling brand was phased out by Chrysler Corporation, the Bullet was discontinued.

Engines

Models built after January 1, 2007, offered a new 6.7 L Cummins turbo diesel introduced as an option in 2500/3500 models replacing the 5.9 L. It produces 350 hp (261 kW) and 650 lb⋅ft (881 N⋅m). Unlike the 5.9 L, which was backed by the 4-speed 48RE transmission, the 6.7 L was equipped with the new 6-speed 68RFE transmission.

2005 was the last year for the first version of the 5.7 L (345 cu in) Hemi V8. 2006 half-ton models offered the Multi-Displacement System Hemi V8 engine that also became available in Chrysler and Dodge sedans. This engine featured the same performance but had a cylinder-deactivating feature enabled under light loads to increase fuel economy by 3 MPG city and 4 MPG highway. This new Hemi still delivered 345 hp (257 kW) and 375 lb⋅ft (508 N⋅m).

Axles

For the 2003 model year, AAM axles replaced the Dana Corp axles. In the front, all 2500 and 3500 trucks were 9.25-inch with 33 spline axles. The rear options for the 2500 and 3500 were the AAM Corporate 10.5" and 11.5". Rear-axle shafts are 30 spline. The rear 11.5" has a gear ratio "carrier split" at 3.73 and numerically higher, but the General Motors AAM axles used a different carrier spacing preventing the installation of a Chrysler carrier into some GM axles, but the GM carrier can be installed in the Chrysler axle if a ring gear spacer is installed. Strength is similar to their earlier Dana 70 and 80 counterparts. Direct comparisons are difficult as the axles are made with completely different metallurgy.

Special editions

Hemi Sport – The Hemi Sport Edition was the Quad Cab version of the Rumble Bee, and was introduced in 2004. It was available in black, red, or silver, and with either two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. It was equipped similarly to the Rumble Bee, but without the number plaque. The Hemi Sport was discontinued after 2006.

Dodge Ram SRT-10 – This is a regular or quad-cab body with the Dodge Viper's 8.3L V10 engine, Pirelli tires on 22" rims, lowered suspension, bucket seats, body modifications, and a spoiler. The 2004 version was available only in a regular cab with a 6-speed manual transmission and a Hurst shifter. For 2005, Dodge released a Quad Cab version of the Viper V10–powered truck with a modified 48RE four-speed automatic transmission from the Ram with the Cummins turbodiesel engine. In 2004, the truck held the Guinness World Record for "World's Fastest Production Pickup Truck" with a speed of 154.587 mph (247.3 km/h). This record stood until overtaken by the Australian HSV Maloo R8, a sport utility coupe, in May 2006. SRT-10 production ended on June 30, 2006.

Power Wagon – This model, introduced for 2005, is an off-road–focused version of the Ram. The name is drawn from Dodge's line of four-wheel-drive trucks made from the early 1940s through the 1980s. It comes with the 5.7 L (345 cu in) Hemi engine, electronic locking differentials, electronic disconnecting front sway bar, 285/70R17 off-road tires mounted on power wagon specific 17" wheels with dual safety beads, factory lift springs with power wagon specific spring rates, fender flares, full underbody skid plates, "Power Wagon" nameplates instead of the standard Ram badging, and a 12,000-pound winch. This truck was built on the 2500 platform and was available with the regular cab long bed or quad cab short bed.

Rumble Bee – The Rumble Bee package is a limited sport-truck version of the Ram. It was available only on regular-cab/short-box pickups; however, some other versions of the Ram were modified to look like Rumble Bees. It includes lower body cladding, 20" wheels, a hood scoop, and an SLT interior specially trimmed with yellow dashboard and door panel inserts and a serialized number plate. On the rear of the box is a stripe with a "Rumble Bee" emblem, similar to that of the Super Bee. All Rumble Bees are either black with "solar yellow" trim or yellow with black trim. 4,858 were produced in 2004, and 5,174 in 2005.

Fourth generation (2009; DS)

The fourth-generation Dodge Ram 1500 was introduced at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, for the 2009 model year. The redesigned 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty pickups followed for 2010, while 3500, 4500 and 5500 chassis-cab models followed for 2011. The Ram Trucks brand was separated from Dodge for the 2011 model year.

Changes to the 1500 included a new Crew Cab body style, the optional RamBox cargo-management system and a five-link, coil-spring rear suspension replacing the previous leaf springs.

For 2013, the Ram 1500 received a revised front fascia and interior, a new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, an available eight-speed automatic transmission, electric power steering and an optional four-corner air suspension. A 3.0-liter EcoDiesel turbocharged V6 was added for 2014.

For 2019, the fourth-generation 1500 remained in production alongside the new fifth-generation 1500 and was renamed the Ram 1500 Classic. The Classic retained Regular, Quad and Crew Cab configurations and was marketed primarily as a lower-priced and commercial-oriented model. The 2500 and 3500 were redesigned for the same model year as the fifth-generation Ram Heavy Duty.

The Ram 1500 Classic remained in production through the 2024 model year.

Fifth generation (2019; DT)

The fifth-generation Ram made its debut at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, on January 15, 2018, while its HD version made its debut at the next year's show on January 14, 2019.

2019 Ram 1500 sales began the first quarter of 2018 as an early 2019 model year vehicle. The 2019 Ram 1500 pickup truck offered just seven trim levels, compared to the previous 11 different trim levels.

Ram added eTorque to the 2019 Ram 1500 as an option. eTorque combined a belt-drive generator with a battery pack to provide short-term torque and energy regeneration to increase torque output by up to 130 pound-feet (176 N⋅m) to the 5.7-liter Hemi. Also introduced in 2019 was the new Uconnect platform sporting a 12-inch touchscreen display, the largest in its class.

The 2019 Ram 1500 saw increases in capability for this new model year with payload increasing to 2,300 pounds (1,000 kg) and maximum trailer towing capacity reaching 12,750 pounds (5,780 kg) when properly equipped. This pairs with a total weight reduction of about 225 pounds (102 kg) compared to the previous generation.

For the 2025 model year, the Ram 1500 received a mid-cycle refresh, and the Hemi V8 engine was discontinued in favor of the 3.0-liter Hurricane twin turbo inline-six engine. The Ram HD received the ZF Powerline 8-speed automatic transmission for Cummins-equipped trucks. The Hemi engine returned for the 2026 model year.

Concept vehicles

Revolution

The Ram Revolution is Ram's first all-electric concept pickup truck. Featured for the 2024 model year, the Revolution is a body-on-frame design, with two motors providing all-wheel drive. As of January 2023, Ram has not provided any motor specifications other than stating that 100 miles of charge can be achieved within 10 minutes at a Level 3 DC fast-charging station.

World markets

In 2022, Ram trucks were available in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, Peru, Europe, the Philippines, and the Middle East. The Ram trucks officially sold in many Latin American countries are outfitted with UNECE WP.29 lighting equipment, including the taillights with separate amber turn signal indicators.

No right-hand-drive version has been built for Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, South Africa, and other countries where the rule of the road is on the left. In 2016, FCA via Ateco commenced selling the Ram 2500 and 3500 in Australia and New Zealand and the Ram 1500 in 2018. These are converted to right-hand drive in Australia before the sale. Pricing commences from $80,000AUD (approximately US$54,000 as of 28 Aug 2019) for the 1500.

Production of the Ram 1500 at the Warren Truck Assembly plant outside of Detroit was discontinued in 2024.

Ram trucks are provided for the European market in cooperation with FCA by AEC Europe in Germany and the Swiss company AutoGlobal Trade. Germany and Scandinavian countries are some of the largest European markets for the Ram. A thriving gray market exists in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom that has imported and converted Ram trucks to right-hand-drive and to meet the local regulations, being more common in Australia since LHD cars less than 30 years old (or 15 years old if registered in Western Australia) cannot be legally driven on Australian public roads unless they are granted a diplomatic or a research and development exception to the rule. In the United Kingdom and Japan, there is no such restriction, so a stock LHD Ram (or any other LHD vehicle) is not required to undergo the costly and time-consuming process of an RHD conversion in order to be compliant with EU regulations.

Nissan Titan

Following the collapse of Nissan Titan sales in 2008, there were talks that the next generation of Nissan's full-size pickup would be outsourced to Chrysler as a version of the Ram 1500. Nissan had been planning to phase out Titan production in its Canton, Mississippi factory in 2010 with the new Nissan-only design for a cab, body and interior riding on the Dodge Ram chassis assembled in Chrysler's truck assembly lines in Saltillo, Mexico. However, the deal to build Nissan Titan pickups utilizing the full-size Dodge Ram pickup starting in 2011 was delayed with the changes at Chrysler and Fiat. Nissan eventually decided to keep the Titan, and went on to release the second generation Titan as a 2016 model.

Special editions

Express – The Express is an edition that offered special badges, 20" tires and wheels from the SLT, cloth seating surfaces, and a 5.7 L Hemi V8 engine.

2012 Detroit Red Wings Edition – The Detroit Red Wings Edition is a Crew Cab model with 4×4, special Red Wings seats, and "Detroit Red Wings Edition" decals (on both sides of the box and on the lower left of the tailgate). It is available in red, white, and black. 1,593 were built in two different editions (Edition No. 1: 1,283; Edition No. 2: 310).

Motorsport

The Ram Pickup represented both the Dodge and Ram brands in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series from 1995 to 2016, having won the Manufacturer's Championship in 2001, 2003, and 2004. It returned to Truck Series competition in 2026.

The Ram Pickup also won the San Felipe 250 in 2008 and 2009.