The 2019 Ram 1500 marked a significant leap forward in the full-size pickup truck segment, establishing new benchmarks for durability, technology, and efficiency. This all-new model was engineered with a no-compromise approach, delivering a combination of strength, advanced features, and enhanced fuel economy that set it apart from the competition. From its robust construction to its cutting-edge technology and fuel-saving innovations, the 2019 Ram 1500 was designed to exceed expectations and cater to the evolving needs of truck owners.
Engineering and Performance Prowess
At the heart of the 2019 Ram 1500’s advancements was a comprehensive engineering overhaul focused on weight reduction, enhanced strength, and improved driving dynamics. A key achievement was the significant reduction in overall weight, with the new model shedding approximately 225 pounds compared to its predecessor. This weight savings was crucial for improving fuel efficiency and enhancing payload and towing capabilities.
Alt text: Front view of the 2019 Ram 1500 showcasing its bold grille and headlamp design.
Advanced Frame and Construction
The foundation of the 2019 Ram 1500’s strength and capability was its all-new frame. Engineered with 98 percent high-strength steel, the frame was not only lighter by 100 pounds but also significantly more rigid and durable. This robust frame contributed to the truck’s increased maximum payload capacity of 2,300 pounds and a maximum trailer tow rating of 12,750 pounds, making it the strongest and most capable Ram 1500 to date.
The frame also incorporated innovative design elements to improve safety and handling. Exclusive front splayed frame rail technology, a patent-pending design, enhanced energy absorption during front impacts. Frame-mounted high-strength steel tire blockers further contributed to occupant safety by redirecting wheel forces during collisions.
Aerodynamic Efficiency
Beyond strength, the 2019 Ram 1500 prioritized aerodynamic efficiency, achieving a segment-leading 0.357 coefficient of drag. This was accomplished through a combination of refined styling and active aerodynamic features. Exclusive active aerodynamics, including grille shutters, an active front air dam, and available air suspension, worked in harmony to reduce drag and optimize fuel economy. The active front air dam automatically extended at higher speeds to redirect airflow, while the air suspension could lower the truck to further minimize drag.
Suspension and Ride Comfort
The 2019 Ram 1500 was engineered to deliver a superior ride quality without compromising on truck capability. All-new Frequency Response Damping (FRD) shocks were a key component in achieving this balance. These innovative shocks automatically adjusted damping based on the frequency of road inputs. During aggressive maneuvers like cornering or braking, the shocks provided firmer damping for enhanced stability and control. In normal driving conditions or on rough surfaces, the damping softened to deliver a more comfortable and compliant ride.
Alt text: Close-up view of the 2019 Ram 1500 suspension system, highlighting the coil-over shock design.
The available next-generation, class-exclusive air suspension system further enhanced ride comfort, fuel efficiency, and off-road capability. This system allowed for automatic load leveling, ensuring optimal ride height regardless of cargo or trailer weight. It also provided adjustable ride height for improved off-road clearance and easier entry and exit.
Braking and Handling
The 2019 Ram 1500 featured the largest front brakes in its class, measuring 14.9 inches, providing confident stopping power. A new electric parking brake contributed to weight savings and improved efficiency. The electric power steering system was also refined for lighter and more responsive steering feel, while also contributing to fuel efficiency gains.
Powertrain Innovations and Fuel Efficiency
The 2019 Ram 1500 powertrain lineup focused on delivering both robust performance and improved fuel economy. A significant innovation was the introduction of the eTorque mild hybrid system, making its debut on both the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 and the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engines. This marked the widest use of mild hybrid technology in the pickup segment at the time.
eTorque Mild Hybrid System
The eTorque system replaced the traditional alternator with a belt-driven motor generator unit and a 48-volt battery pack. This system enabled several key features:
- Start/Stop Function: Providing seamless engine restarts for improved fuel economy in stop-and-go traffic.
- Torque Assist: Delivering short bursts of supplemental torque to the engine crankshaft, enhancing responsiveness and acceleration. eTorque added up to 90 lb.-ft. of torque to the V-6 and up to 130 lb.-ft. to the V-8.
- Brake Energy Regeneration: Recapturing energy during deceleration and braking to recharge the 48-volt battery, further improving fuel efficiency.
Alt text: 2019 Ram 1500 engine bay showcasing the eTorque mild hybrid system components.
Engine Options
The 2019 Ram 1500 offered two primary engine choices, both enhanced with fuel-saving technologies:
- 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 eTorque: Producing 305 horsepower and 269 lb.-ft. of torque, this engine was standard on most trims and provided a balance of power and efficiency.
- 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 eTorque: Delivering 395 horsepower and 410 lb.-ft. of torque, the legendary HEMI V-8 offered robust performance with cylinder deactivation technology for improved fuel economy during light loads.
Both engines were paired with a new generation of TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmissions, engineered for enhanced efficiency and responsiveness. These transmissions featured more powerful control computers and optimized shift patterns to maximize fuel economy and performance.
Noise and Vibration Reduction
To further enhance cabin comfort and enable the effectiveness of Fuel Saver Technology (cylinder cutoff) on the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8, the 2019 Ram 1500 incorporated frame-mounted active tuned mass modules (ATMM) and Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) in the cabin. These systems worked together to minimize noise and vibration, resulting in a remarkably quiet cabin environment, measuring just 67.1 decibels.
Uconnect Technology and Connectivity
The 2019 Ram 1500 took a commanding lead in in-cabin technology with the introduction of the award-winning fourth-generation Uconnect system and a class-exclusive 12-inch reconfigurable touchscreen display. This advanced system offered unparalleled levels of customization, connectivity, and entertainment.
Class-Exclusive 12-inch Touchscreen
The centerpiece of the 2019 Ram 1500’s technology interface was its massive 12-inch touchscreen. This display was not only the largest in its class but also highly versatile, featuring split-screen capability for running dual applications simultaneously. Drivers could easily manage navigation, climate controls, and smartphone integration features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The touchscreen was also fully reconfigurable, allowing users to personalize the layout and access their most frequently used features with ease.
Alt text: Interior view of the 2019 Ram 1500 dashboard, highlighting the class-exclusive 12-inch Uconnect touchscreen display.
SiriusXM with 360L
The 2019 Ram 1500 was the first vehicle to feature the all-new SiriusXM with 360L, transforming in-car audio entertainment. This personalized listening experience offered a wider variety of content, smart recommendations, and thousands of hours of on-demand audio. SiriusXM with 360L provided both satellite and streaming content delivery, ensuring a rich and diverse entertainment experience.
Harman Kardon Premium Audio
For audiophiles, the 2019 Ram 1500 offered the most powerful audio system ever available in a pickup truck – a Harman Kardon system with 19 premium speakers, a 900-watt surround sound amplifier, and a 10-inch subwoofer. This system delivered an immersive and high-fidelity audio experience, complemented by active noise cancellation to minimize external distractions.
Advanced Connectivity Features
The 2019 Ram 1500 was designed for seamless connectivity, offering a range of features to keep occupants connected and charged:
- 4G Wi-Fi Hotspot: Providing in-vehicle internet access for passengers.
- Wireless Charging Pad: An optional integrated wireless charging pad in the center console.
- Multiple USB Ports: Up to five USB ports, including type C/A ports for faster charging.
- 360-degree Surround View Camera: Providing a bird’s-eye view of the vehicle and its surroundings for enhanced maneuverability and safety.
- Navigation System: Available navigation with voice-controlled destination entry and enhanced 3-D map graphics.
Design and Interior Refinements
The 2019 Ram 1500 showcased an innovative design language, blending ruggedness with refined aesthetics. The exterior and interior were crafted with high-quality materials and attention to detail, creating a premium and functional environment.
Bold Exterior Styling
The exterior of the 2019 Ram 1500 was characterized by a bold and modern design, featuring a more aggressive forward-leaning grille and chiseled Ram’s head logo. Six distinct grille styles were available, allowing for greater differentiation between models. All-new full LED Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) headlights, fog lamps, and tail lamps enhanced visibility and added a signature lighting element.
The truck’s dimensions were increased, becoming lighter, longer, and wider. The cab length was extended by four inches, resulting in the most spacious interior in the segment. The overall design emphasized aerodynamics, with features like an elevated hood, venturi roof design, and integrated tailgate spoiler contributing to improved fuel efficiency and reduced wind noise.
Alt text: Side profile of the 2019 Ram 1500, showcasing its extended cab and refined body lines.
Spacious and Versatile Interior
Inside the 2019 Ram 1500, the focus was on creating a comfortable, functional, and technologically advanced cabin. The increased cab length translated to best-in-class rear legroom and a more spacious feel for all occupants. Storage capacity was significantly enhanced, with nearly 100 percent more storage volume compared to competitors, totaling 151.1 liters.
The reimagined center console offered 12 different storage configurations, providing unprecedented customization and practicality. Second-row passengers benefited from slide and recline seats, creating a more comfortable and flexible space. A true flat-load floor with integrated RamBins and under-seat storage further enhanced cargo-carrying versatility.
Premium materials and attention to detail were evident throughout the interior, with each trim level featuring unique color schemes and accents. The overall design aimed to create a sophisticated and comfortable environment that catered to both work and leisure needs.
Safety and Security Features
The 2019 Ram 1500 prioritized safety and security, offering over 100 available features designed to protect occupants and prevent accidents. The robust frame construction, utilizing high-strength steel, provided a solid foundation for crash protection.
Advanced safety technologies included:
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop, Go and Hold: Maintaining a set distance from the vehicle ahead and automatically adjusting speed, even to a complete stop.
- Forward Collision Warning-Plus: Alerting the driver to potential frontal collisions and providing brake assist if needed.
- LaneSense Lane Departure Warning-Plus: Alerting the driver and providing steering correction to prevent lane drifting.
- Blind-spot Monitoring: Monitoring blind spots and alerting the driver to vehicles in adjacent lanes, even including trailer coverage.
- ParkSense Parallel/Perpendicular Park Assist: Assisting with parking maneuvers by automatically controlling steering.
- 360-degree Surround View Camera: Providing comprehensive visibility around the vehicle.
These features, combined with a comprehensive suite of standard safety equipment, made the 2019 Ram 1500 a leader in pickup truck safety.
Conclusion: A New Standard for Full-Size Trucks
The 2019 Ram 1500 represented a paradigm shift in the full-size pickup truck segment. Its no-compromise approach to engineering, technology, and design resulted in a vehicle that excelled in every critical area. From its robust frame and powerful yet efficient powertrains to its class-leading technology and refined interior, the 2019 Ram 1500 redefined what a modern truck could be. For those seeking a pickup that delivered uncompromising capability, advanced features, and exceptional comfort, the 2019 Ram 1500 stood as the clear benchmark, setting a new standard for excellence in its class.
