front quarter view of the RAM 1500 Classic

What is the difference between the RAM 1500 and RAM 1500 Classic?

For over 40 years, the RAM 1500 has gotten so synonymous with the word pickup truck that whenever we think of a pickup truck, the first picture that comes to mind is that of a RAM 1500. However, if you’re looking for a RAM 1500 for the first time, you’ll come across two different models – RAM 1500 and RAM 1500 Classic. What is the difference between the two? How are they different from one another? Let’s find out just that at Stony Plain Chrysler – your Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM dealership of choice in the Edmonton, AB region.  



RAM 1500 vs. RAM 1500 Classic  

display of the RAM 1500 Classic

Before jumping to the conclusion that the RAM 1500 is the standard model and the RAM 1500 Classic is the more, well, “classic” model, let’s look at how it all began.   

Ram trucks started selling the RAM 1500 Classic in 2018 as a unique variant alongside the 2019 RAM 1500. And while the 2019 RAM 1500 was the brand-new, fifth-generation RAM 1500, the RAM 1500 Classic provided the rugged capability of the previous generation, and at the same time, offering more value for those seeking a more affordable work truck.  

So basically, the RAM 1500 Classic is the fourth-generation RAM 1500, while the RAM 1500 is the latest fifth-generation model. That said, RAM keeps updating the safety features of the RAM 1500 with every model year to meet the changing safety standards.   


Read More: VIDEO: Check Out the 2022 Ram 1500 Limited (RAM)RED Edition


How do you know which one’s which? 

The RAM 1500 Classic still sports the old Ram logo on the grille, except for the top end Warlock trim this year, while the standard RAM 1500 has moved to the RAM name badge since 2019. Other changes are minor and mainly technological, and since we’re in 2022, we’ll look at the 2022 RAM 1500 and the 2022 RAM 1500 Classic.  

2022 RAM 1500 vs. 2022 RAM 1500 Classic – What’s the difference?  

The 2022 RAM 1500 is offered in eight trims in Canada, namely, Tradesman, Big Horn, Sport, Rebel, Laramie, Limited Longhorn, Limited, and TRX. It offers a choice of five powertrain options: 

  • 3.6L Pentastar V6 with eTorque mild hybrid system (305 horsepower and 269 lb.-ft. of torque) 
  • 5.7L HEMI® V8 395 horsepower and 410 lb.-ft. of torque) 
  • 5.7L HEMI V8 with eTorque (395 horsepower and 410 lb.-ft. of torque) 
  • 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 (260 horsepower and 480 lb.-ft. of torque) 
  • 6.2L Supercharged HEMI V8 (Best-in-class 702 horsepower and 650 lb.-ft. of torque) 
front quarter view of the 2022 RAM 1500 Classic

The 2022 RAM 1500 Classic, on the other hand, comes in in five trims – Tradesman, SLT, Express, Nigh Edition, and Warlock – with two engine options, a 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine with 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque or the 5.7L HEMI® V8 that makes 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque.   

Towing Capacities and Payload  

With its powerful engines and modern technology at the helm, the 2022 RAM 1500 offers a towing capacity of up to 12,750 pounds (5,783 kg) and a maximum payload of 2,300 pounds (1,043 kg).   

The 2022 RAM 1500 Classic is not too far behind, offering 10,660 pounds (4,835 kg) of pulling power and a maximum payload of up to 1,930 pounds (875 kg).  

Which one should you buy?  

The answer to this boils down to what you need – the latest technology, brand-new styling, and more towing and payload capacity or a more reasonably priced previous-generation model that gets the job done. The 2022 RAM 1500 Tradesman starts at $44,445, while the 2022 RAM 1500 Classic Tradesman starts at $37,740.  


Find the RAM 1500 and RAM 1500 Classic at Stony Plain Chrysler  

Whether you’re looking for the latest 2022 RAM 1500 or the 2022 RAM 1500 Classic, or pre-owned RAM 1500 trucks, you’ll find them all Stony Plain Chrysler. Check out the brand-new 2022 RAM 1500 and 2022 RAM 1500 Classic in our online inventory or give us a call or drop by today for a test drive.