New Era in Pickup Trucks
The big three, Toyota, and Nissan are entering a new era in modern pickup trucks. The people have spoken and they want more luxury, more safety, more POWER while getting better fuel economy. Ram’s latest generation of their 1500 has been completely redesigned to answer the truck buyer’s demands.
The 2019 Ram 1500 and Rebel were unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show, and is currently on tour for the rest of the auto show season.
Interior
Let’s get right down to it. The newest feature in Ram’s new 1500 that everyone has been talking about is also one of the biggest. Ram gave their new pickup truck a 12 inch touchscreen in the center dashboard! It’ll be able to use both Apple Car Play and Android Auto with split screen features to use multiple apps at once.
Ram will be using FCA’s award winning UConnect infotainment system. Different trim levels will have tailored graphics for the screen. For example the Laramie Longhorn will differ from the Rebel.
A new 360 view backup camera, with bird eye’s view, and blind spot detector while towing are new features for the Ram 1500. Adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning/pulse, Hill-assist, and park-assist are just some of the added driving safety technology for 2019 Ram trucks.
At the Houston Auto Show I got the see the Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn up close and climb in, out, and all around it. Details are what separates a good interior from a great one. Not the most original written statement, but true. Ram really paid attention into designing the interior. The floor mats are great example which are large, rubber, with removable carpet centers.
Ram even branded that Laramie Longhorn on the dash. The wood trim on the truck has a rustic barn door feel while still looking upscale. Like recycled wood in a hip coffee bar. The one thing I loved, but wish I didn’t, was the gear select cluster. Driver change gears, and has an array of buttons for 4WD controls, hill descent, and axel lock. It looks great, but it also reminds me of a washing machine.
Exterior
All new face for the Ram 1500 and it looks, not bad. I think the Ram Rebel looks better than the 1500 thanks to its prize bull looking front grille. Nevertheless the Ram 1500 offers more than just new looks and available two tone paint.
The cargo boxes have LED lights to help you see inside. Ram stated that this is the strongest build Ram truck to date with 98% of its frame made out of high-strength steel while being 225 pounds lighter than the outgoing model. The only aluminum in the Ram 1500 can be found in the hood and tailgate.
Specs and Performance for 2019 Ram 1500
Two engine options will be available for the 2019 Ram 1500. The Pentastar 3.6 liter V6 producing 305 horsepower and 269 lb.-ft of torque. Second engine option is a dynasty, the 5.7 liter HEMI making 395 horsepower and 410 lb.-ft of torque.
Both engines will be coupled to the Torqueflite 8-speed automatic and have mild-hybrid technology known as e-Torque. What this does is replace the truck’s alternator with a small belt-driven motorized generator.
This will be used to run the Ram 1500’s stop/start function to improve fuel economy. It also adds torque to the engine’s crankshaft to help the truck get-up-and-go in certain driving conditions. The benefits being that the truck will need to use less gas to start moving. Using electric instant torque from the battery to help the gasoline engine similar to other Hybrid vehicle systems.
Max payload has been increased to 2,300 pounds, and towing is now 12, 750 pounds.
I look forward to driving Ram’s new line of pickups at this year’s TAWA truck Rodeo this fall.
Here are photos of the 2019 Ram Rebel
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