Few reviewers found fault with the 2019 Ram 1500. The first all-new Ram pickup in years, it leaped ahead of its past incarnations, and ahead of the 2019 crop of trucks. That included the also, all-new Chevy Silverado. Comparisons really showed the Silverado’s shortcomings. But there were things about the Ram pickup that reviewers and especially owners had a gripe about. 

So with 2019 Ram trucks coming off of three-year leases, there are plenty to choose from. We looked at reviews and road tests from Edmunds, Consumer Reports, and Cars.com, three trusted sites for honest reviews. We have also included owner comments after a few months of ownership to see what they had to say.

Edmunds gave the 2019 Ram 1500 an 8.6 out of 10 overall rating.

Pros

• The smooth-riding suspension delivers luxury sedanlike comfort
• The cabin is quiet, roomy, and downright plush on higher trims
• Plenty of towing capability supported by new technology aids
• Off-road-focused Rebel trim promises big fun in the dirt and mud

Cons

• Common driver-assist features are limited to higher trims

“The 2019 Ram 1500 is all-new and redesigned but hasn’t abandoned its successes, namely a unique coil-spring rear suspension that delivers a smooth ride without sacrificing towing or hauling capability. Perhaps the Ram 1500’s greatest feat is serving as a blank canvas to build your truck needs around. From work truck to luxury truck, the Ram 1500 offers a broad skill set.

“For 2019, the Ram 1500 has shed weight. Ram says the new truck is nearly 225 pounds lighter than its predecessor despite adding stronger steel construction to its frame. Maximum payload and towing capacity also increase, while the class-exclusive air suspension receives fine-tuning for improved ride comfort, off-road capability, and load-leveling.”

What does Edmunds recommend?

Today’s pickups are chameleons, capable of being everything from economy workhorses to luxury rides with tremendous cargo capability. The 2019 Ram 1500 offers broad options, and if we were getting one for work-and-play double duty, we’d go with the Big Horn with a handful of options — with one exception. If our “play” regularly included dirt roads, the Rebel would be the only sensible choice.

Owners gave the 2019 Ram a very low 3.4 out of five stars. Unfortunately, many had problems within the first week of ownership. 

Cars.com reviews for the 2019 Ram 1500

The good:

• Interior quality regardless of trim level
• Stunning Limited interior
• Quiet, smooth ride
• Spacious cabin
• Impressive multimedia system
• Plenty of storage, inside and out

The bad:

• High-spec trims are heavy
• Not much payload left on luxury versions
• Expensive
• The big multimedia screen shows fingerprints
• Mild-hybrid operation not displayed
• Brake pedal feel

The verdict: Equipped with perhaps the nicest interior of any American vehicle made today, the new 2019 Ram 1500 works great as a luxury vehicle or as a work truck — but not both.

Versus the competition: No other pickup truck (or American luxury vehicle of any type) can hold a candle to the Ram’s interior, but 2019 GM pickups equipped with the 6.2-liter V-8 outgun the Ram’s 5.7-liter V-8 in power and payload abilities, while the lightweight Fords tend to handle better and have superior trailering aids.

How did owners rate the 2019 Ram 1500?

Owners rating breakdown (out of 5):

• Comfort-4.8
• Interior design-4.9
• Performance-4.7
• Value for the money-4.5
• Exterior styling-4.8
• Reliability-4.5

“After owning 13 previous Chevy and GMC 1500 and 2500 pickups, I decided to purchase a 2019 1500 RAM Laramie. I absolutely love the truck from the quiet and luxurious interior to the rugged exterior styling. The truck does everything I need it to and more!”

“I haven’t bought it yet. The poor reviews on this truck are terrifying when you consider how much you are paying. Loved the test drive. Get the price you want BEFORE test driving. If I buy, ill let you know if I got a lemon. The Laramie is gorgeous but I noticed they switched the front tires that a worn on the edges to the rear. Paint is coming off the bed at only 58,000 miles”

“Almost the perfect truck. Bought the Longhorn, but wish I sprung for the Laramie. Will trade it in only to get the auto climate control and keyless entry (I’m spoiled in my old age).”

What did Consumer Reports have to say?

Highs

Ride

Quietness

Lows

High step-in

“The redesigned 2019 Ram 1500 remains a kinder, gentler pickup truck in a competitive field. This generation drops pounds, improves fuel economy, adds more room for passengers, and raises the bar for interior packaging. This truck can satisfy the needs of even the most demanding commercial driver while providing comfort and tranquility.

“Our typically equipped crew-cab truck got 17 mpg overall with the V8 engine and optional mild-hybrid battery system. That electric assist slightly augments the power and ensures a smooth stop/start functionality, without compromising accessories such as the air conditioning. As before, the 5.7-liter V8 paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission makes for a smooth, willing, and satisfying powertrain. If properly equipped, the new Ram can tow up to 12,750 pounds.”

The best version to get according to Consumer Reports

“For those considering a 4WD crew cab, Consumer Reports recommends getting the Hemi V8 engine with the mild-hybrid option called ‘eTorque’ for its effortless power and contribution to fuel economy.

“It would be sensible to opt for the Big Horn version with the Level 2 equipment package for its blind-spot warning with trailer detection. This package also brings the 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system, power driver seat, trailer hitch receiver, remote start, heated front seats and steering wheel, more charging ports, and a damped-action tailgate.”