2022 Ram 1500 Classic

The Ram 1500 Classic starts off with the Tradesman at an MSRP of $29,515, excluding a destination charge of $1,795 as well as taxes, licensing, and registration costs. Next up is the Express at $31,015, and finally the Warlock at $40,435.

These prices all represent the trims in their cheapest configurations (regular cab with the 6'4" box for the lower two trims and quad cab with the same-sized box for the Warlock), but of course, the price can quickly escalate. On the base regular cab, for example, upgrading from 4x2 to 4x4 will cost $6,530 and opting for the bigger V8 engine adds another $2,200. Taking the average customer into account, the most expensive Ram 1500 Classic we could spec is the Warlock 4x4 crew cab with the V8 and every option - the final price approached the $60,000 mark.

The 1500 Classic's standard rear coil springs endow it with improved lateral stiffness and better control. As a result, the 1500 Classic has a really comfortable ride, even when put up against more modern alternatives in this segment. The shimmies and shudders that often befuddle trucks' ride quality are much less noticeable here and on the highway, the Classic feels stable and the cabin remains pleasantly subdued. It's one of the main reasons to still consider the 1500 Classic over newer and more expensive trucks. The steering also comes to the party with its accurate feel and a clear sense of what the front wheels are doing. Although you can hear the engine when it's working hard, it's not an unpleasant sound, especially the powerful HEMI V8 which emits a meaty roar when extended. For snowy climates, the available anti-spin rear differential detects wheel slippage and greatly improves traction.

With its wallet-friendly price, powerful engine options, and continued availability of three body styles, the Ram 1500 Classic still makes a lot of sense for buyers who aren't willing to stretch to the newer 1500. The interior is spacious and comfortable and it also rides more smoothly than many newer trucks on the market. But the gulf between the 1500 Classic and several modern alternatives is now even more apparent. Not only are its crash scores average, but it is way behind the pack for innovative driver-assist features. The number of recalls that have affected the 1500 Classic in recent times is extremely concerning and with no turbodiesel engine available, the range has lost its most efficient engine choice. If value for money is a top priority, the 1500 Classic still makes sense. But we'd be tempted to go for an almost brand-new Chevrolet Silverado 1500 or the newer Ram 1500 instead.

As with any truck, your needs will dictate whether you go for a three-seater regular cab or the six-seater quad/crew cabs. The same goes for the engines, although we think that the cost of upgrading to the V8 is worthwhile. Because the 1500 Classic is supposed to be a wallet-friendly truck, we'd go for either the Tradesman or the Express, with maybe one or two options to keep the price low. Although the Warlock looks good, it's priced at the same level as the new Ram 1500 in Big Horn trim, and we'd much rather get behind the wheel of Ram's newer truck.

Ram took a big step up with the 1500, which is sold alongside the more budget-conscious 1500 Classic. Inside and out, it's easy to see which is the newer and more modern truck. The handsome 1500 has one of the most luxurious cabin in this segment, easily outshining the Classic in this area. The 1500 also has a more responsive V6 powertrain with eTorque mild hybrid tech, along with a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel. It can tow more than the Classic and is more efficient, too. The 1500 is also far more advanced with a superior infotainment system and the availability of safety features like blind-spot monitoring and a surround-view camera system. The newer 1500 easily outclasses the 1500 Classic, but the latter does start at over $6,000 less and, if you want a regular cab worker truck, well, it's your only choice, as the newer 1500 doesn't have this option.

The latest 2022 Ford F-150 is a big improvement on the 2020 model and is appealingly priced, the XL starting at only a few hundred dollars more than the Ram 1500 Classic Tradesman. It is a far more modern offering and weighs a lot less thanks to its aluminum construction. It can tow much more than the Ram, it offers a diesel option, the gearbox has ten ratios on all models, and hybrid drivetrain options are offered. Even comparing entry-level, naturally aspirated V6 offerings, the Ford offers driver-assist technologies such as pre-collision assist, as well as driver-selectable driving modes, which is not available on any Ram 1500 Classic. The infotainment system on the XL also measures a far bigger eight inches. The new high-value F-150 may be the last nail in the Ram 1500 Classic's coffin as the Ford offers a more modern, safer, and better-equipped alternative that demands much the same money.