Used 2023 Ram 1500 Trucks

If it absolutely has to be a new Ram half-ton pickup truck, but the $38K starting price of a fifth-generation version is too steep, here’s the answer. What makes this a classic is that it belongs to the fourth generation. Generation five has been around for five years now.

Ram is still building the 1500 Classic because people are still buying it. Even though some people are always going to want the latest in tech and capability, others just need to put their trucks to work. Minimum fuss, minimum worry, minimum expense.

Trim levels this year are reduced from three to two, but the 2023 Ram 1500 Classic still offers choices in engines, cabs, and bed lengths.

Finding the ideal driving position might take a little more tweaking than usual because the steering wheel adjusts only for height, not reach. Once mobile, though, the 2023 Ram 1500 Classic has a surprise up its wheel wells. The ride is more refined than a typical full-size truck with roots in the first decade of the 21st century.

It’s because of the coil springs at the rear instead of antiquated leaf springs. That’s long made the Ram 1500 different from the rest. So it doesn’t matter if there’s a load in the bed or not; the Ram 1500 Classic remains comfortable for a truck.

The base 3.6-liter V6 engine is strong enough for most duties and is part of the configuration that enables the maximum payload figure of 1,930 pounds. For towing, however, the truck requires the wonderfully strong 5.7-liter V8 alternative to pull a maximum of 10,610 pounds.

There’s seating for three in the Regular Cab. The Quad Cab adds a second row to bring the occupant count up to six. The Crew Cab takes six as well, but with rear legroom more like a spacious midsize sedan than a typical compact car.

Considering the Tradesman version of the 2023 Ram 1500 Classic is the cheapest new full-size pickup on sale in the United States, it’s no surprise that its cabin is sparse and functional, with vinyl seating and flooring, plus hand-cranked windows. Cloth upholstery, carpeting, and power windows come in the SLT.

Despite such an austere approach, the cabin is relatively quiet. Controls for things like the air conditioning are big enough to be adjusted while wearing gloves, and there are three large cup holders set into the center console.

If the looks of the 2023 Ram 1500 Classic bring to mind the glory days of 2009, when the Space Shuttle was still in service, while Robert Downey Jr. was playing Sherlock Holmes and not Tony Stark, it’s because the truck was released for that model year.

It marked the fourth generation’s debut. And even though the fifth generation launched 10 years later, it turns out there’s something about the Ram 1500 Classic that time cannot wither.

Cab styles are Regular (with two doors), Quad (two proper doors and a couple of smaller rear doors that open the other way), and Crew (four regular doors).

The Regular Cab is paired solely with the 8-foot cargo bed this year. The Quad Cab comes with the 6-foot-4-inch bed exclusively. And the Crew Cab offers a choice of a 6-foot-4-inch bed or a 5-foot-7-inch bed.

As the humblest trim level, the Tradesman rolls on 17-inch steel wheels and sports a black grille. The SLT has 17-inch alloy wheels and a chromed grille as standard. Red, white, or an orange-y Harvest Sunrise are all no-cost paint choices. Others vary in price from $100 to $450. Most of them are $450.

Electronics Group
Because the 2023 Ram 1500 Classic is so basic, many desirable features are available only as options. This bundle includes Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, Wi-Fi, satellite radio, and an 8.4-inch infotainment touchscreen (replacing a standard 5-inch display). A self-dimming rearview is also thrown in.

Interior Cold Weather Group
This collection adds heated front seats and a heated/leather-wrapped steering wheel. Just the thing for turning up to a job in the middle of winter. The driver’s seat becomes 10-way power-adjustable as well.

Trailer-Tow Group
If there’s towing to be done, this options bundle is a no-brainer. It includes extendable/heated side mirrors and trailer brake control.

ParkSense Rear Park Assist
Otherwise known as rear parking sensors. These are optional across the 2023 Ram 1500 Classic lineup.

Warlock All-Terrain package
Although there’s no specialized suspension, this package does come with 17-inch alloy wheels finished in matte black and all-terrain tires, plus rubber mats front and rear. Available with Quad and Crew cabs in SLT trim.

32-gallon fuel tank
Another feature on the options list, this one replaces the standard 26-gallon tank. Good to have with the V8 and/or when gas stations are scarce.

A 3.6-liter V6 making 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque is the standard engine in the 2023 Ram 1500 Classic lineup. It’s a great unit, deployed in several Jeep, Ram, and Dodge vehicles.

The more muscular option is an equally well-regarded 5.7-liter V8 developing 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. This is the engine of choice if there’s a heavy trailer to pull. Maximum towing capacity is 10,610 pounds.

Both the V6 and the V8 link to a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard; 4-wheel drive featuring high/low gearing and a shift-on-the-fly transfer case is optional with either engine.

Running the V6 on regular 87-octane gasoline is fine. But 89-octane gas is recommended with the V8.

3.6-liter V6
305 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
269 lb-ft of torque @ 6,175 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/25 mpg (RWD), 16/23 mpg (4WD)

5.7-liter V8
395 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
410 lb-ft of torque @ 3,950 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/21 mpg (RWD & 4WD)

More Ram 1500 Classic fuel economy information is available at the EPA’s website.

3-year/36,000-mile Warranty

A basic warranty of three years or 36,000 miles, whichever happens first, is applied to the 2023 Ram 1500 Classic truck. The powertrain is covered for five years or 60,000 miles.