As an owner of a 2016 Ram 1500, I can appreciate that Ram is still selling the old truck. Sure, it was updated in 2019 and a whole new version of Ram 1500 is sold today. Right alongside that fancy new 1500 is the same 2016 Ram 1500 truck I park in my driveway. Ram calls it the Ram 1500 Classic, and it sells for quite a bit less than the other new ram truck, and for my money, it’s a better truck.

It costs less than the new Ram 1500

The Ram 1500 Classic comes in three trims, and starts at just $28,380 in Tradesman trim, making it the cheapest new full-size truck you can buy today. The Express comes with a few more features, but most notably a lower front air dam that gives it a sporty look, and a color-matched grille. The off-road Warlock version you can order with more options, including the uConnect 4c with an 8.4-inch screen.

The Classic also comes in two-door versions, which are cheaper, and as an optional four-door truck in Warlock trim. The 5.7-liter Hemi is available for $2,200, but it does not include the 48-volt mild hybrid system the 2019 and newer 1500s do. Ram isn’t alone in selling the previous generation of a truck new, in fact Chevy sells a Silverado LTD, which is a 2021 truck sold alongside the updated 2022.

The Classic is ideal for a work truck

It’s hard to make a case for an expensive for the jobsite, where it will just get thrashed and beat. The Tradesman makes sense, even over many used trucks, because it comes with a 60,000-mile warranty, a strong 3.6-liter V6, and a lot of the features you need to get to the job site in comfort. Sure, it’s no leather-lined luxury barge, but the radio with a 5-inch screen, powerful air conditioning, and seating for up to six, it’s hard to pass up.

Also, the Classic order sheet has a variety of rear axle ratios, so you can maximize the truck for your needs.

It gets a Hemi

The Hemi is a great powerplant and with it the Ram Classic can tow up to 10,620 pounds. In my truck, with 110,000 miles, it’s never let me down. The Hemi in my truck, however, is thirsty and I often only see 12-13 mpg in town, despite the EPA rating of 16 mpg in town. Much of my depressed mileage comes from me dipping my toes into its 395 horsepower as much as anything. Overall, the truck can haul up to 1,810 pounds.

It has a long bed

The Express and Tradesman two-door versions can be ordered with a long bed up to 98.4 inches long, from the standard 68.2 inches. With a bed longer than eight feet, you can certainly hold a lot more, but it also makes sense if you’re trying to get a sheet of plywood and a metal bed-mounted toolbox in the bed. You can’t do that with the smaller bed.

With options, it’s nearly as nice as the newer ones

Sure, the new trucks have an upgraded interior and larger screens. But, with the Electronics Group on the Classic, you can get a wi-fi hot spot, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as satellite radio. The Power and Remote Entry Group adds heated, power mirrors, and remote entry. If you like the chrome of the Big Horn trucks, look for the SXT package that adds a ton of chrome and even updates the wheels and the carpet.