All New 2019 RAM 1500

The all-new 2019 RAM 1500 was released at the NAIAS (North American International Auto Show) January 15. The redesigned pickup truck which will be assembled in Michigan will be available in dealerships later this year. So What does it have?

Photo: FCA

Engines will have a mild hybrid option and updated transmission

The new 2019 RAM will have the options of the 3.6L Pentastar V-6 with eTorque or the 5.7L HEMI with or without the eTorque system. eTorque is a 48-volt hybrid battery that will be responsible for fuel saving although official EPA fuel economy figures have yet to be released. The eTorque system will also provide extra (short-term) torque when needed (RAM claim up to an extra 130lb-ft torque on the HEMI), starting the truck and seamless start/stop functionality. The truck will still retain a 12-volt starter for cold starts, first starts in extreme climates. Energy will be regenerated through braking.

Photo: FCA

The transmission will be a new generation of the 8-speed TorqueFlite with improved efficiency. The trucks will retain the e-shift rotary dial. Transfer cases are upgraded to a BorgWarner 48-12 (for part-time 4WD with Hi-Lo) and a BorgWarner 48-11 (for on-demand 4WD systems). RAM said in their press release, “The transfer cases are upgraded internally for more robust performance in conjunction with the increased payload and towing capabilities of the new truck”.

Capability increases in towing and payload

Even though weight reduction has taken place in the form of an aluminum tailgate and hood, high strength steel is used on the frame, towing and payload increase. RAM claim new increased max towing of 12,750lbs. This can be found on a 2WD Quad Cab with 6″4′ box, 3.92 axle ratio equipped with the 5.7L Hemi eTorque. Perhaps not the most popular truck combination in the mountains, however, it seems a more popular combination still gets an increase in max towing. A Crew Cab with 5″7″ box in 4WD, 3.92 axle, and 5.7L HEMI eTorque suggests numbers of up to 11,190lbs.

Payload is up, with certain2019 RAM truck configurations boasting over 2000lbs. It seems payload increases overall, however, not quite as much on the 5.7L Hemi eTorque equipped trucks.

Technology comes with a mahoosive 12″ touchscreen

2019 RAM 1500 Interior 12″ touchscreen

A 12″ touchscreen with split screen capability will be available. Here are some of the other features;

• Apple CarPlay
• AndroidAuto
• Wireless smartphone charging
• 360° view camera with a birdseye view
• Upgraded 3-D Navigation map display
• 4G Wi-Fi capability
• WiAdvisor- tablet based service lane tool
• Tire fill alert
• 19 speaker Harmon Kardon premium audio now tops the Alpine 10-speaker system.
• Active noise cancellation
• Sirius XM with 360L (on demand audio)
• Push button start on all trims levels

Photo: FCA

Power tailgate

No split tailgate as per rumors, but it will be a power releasing tailgate with the push of a button. This feature will also be a button added to the newly designed key fob. The key fob also has a battery life improvement of up to 6 years.

Photos: FCA

Reclining rear seats

An increase in cab size (crew cab) allows for more leg room and reclining rear seats. 8 degrees of recline to be precise. Not only does this increased comfort but for those of us who use car seats, in theory, this should make it easier to match the position of the car seat backrest.

Photo: FCA

Safety

Here’s a list of just some of the features that will be available on the 2019 RAM 1500

• Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS). This is where the headlight direction will move in conjunction with the steering wheel angle. This lights up the planned direction of travel.
• Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop, Go and Hold.
• Advanced Brake Assist
• Blind Spot Monitoring
• Brake/park interlock
• Electronic parking brake
• Forward Collision Warning-Plus
• Lane Departure Warning
• Rear Cross Path Detection
• Automatic defog
• Siri Eyes Free

The 2019 RAM 1500 Rebel get’s a quad cab

The off-road 1500 will be available in a quad cab configuration for 2019.

Durability

Here’s a video from FCA that shows testing on the 2019 RAM 1500.

What do you think about the new RAM Truck? Start a discussion by commenting below.

You might also like: RAM 1500 North Edition and Truck Payload and Towing Capacity: What’s the Difference?

“FCA US Media – All-New 2019 Ram 1500 – No Compromise Truck, Leading in Durability, Technology and Efficiency 15 Jan. 2018″

“Choose Your Site.” Ram Trucks – Towing & Payload Capacity Guide, www.ramtrucks.com/towing-guide.html.