Ram Just Killed Its Last Pickup Truck Under $30k
There was a time when you could get a McDonald’s Big Mac for 45 cents, a Coca-Cola for a nickel, and pickup trucks cost less than $30k. But times change and prices increase. After clinging to this price point for years, Ram finally had to kill its last $30k pickup truck.
How much do Ram trucks cost?
Ram offers two half-ton pickup trucks. The fifth generation Ram 1500’s MSRP is $37,090. But this truck only comes with four doors. Those who want a regular cab work truck can buy the Ram 1500 Classic (a freshly-built fourth-generation 1500) for $30,235.
Ram trucks started as Dodge’s pickup division. Now the two are sister brands under the same company. The first pickup fully designed by Ram was the fifth-generation redesign for 2018. This included a refined interior, cutting-edge UConnect infotainment system, and mild-hybrid system. But these advanced came at a cost, and Ram had to increase the truck’s MSRP.
But Ram knew that many truck owners wanted a no-frills pickup that cost less than $30k. So its solution was to continue building the fourth-generation Ram 1500, badged as the Classic. This truck even has the same engine options, transmission options, and rear coil springs as the fifth-generation Ram 1500.
But even the cost of building a Ram Classic has gone up. The automaker has yet to list a 2023 Ram 1500 Classic on its website. But it is still offering the 2022 Ram Classic, and just quietly increased its starting price from $29,515 to $30,235.
How much is an entry-level Ram 1500?
If you want a brand-new Ram 1500, you’ll be paying at least $37,000. At this price, you get a 2WD, V6 “Tradesman” trim pickup truck with Ram’s smaller four-door “Quad Cab” and a 6’4″ bed. This base price includes the eTorque mild hybrid system, white or red paint, and a 3.55 rear axle ratio.
The Ram 1500 Tradesman comes with power windows and door locks (an extra option on the barebones Classic), an electric parking brake, and a backup camera. It 305 horsepower V6 engine offers a maximum towing capacity of 7,730 pounds.
If you would like a four-door truck designed for two rows of adults you’ll need to order the Crew Cab, which starts at $39,790. If you’d like to upgrade your Ram Tradesman to a 4WD, you’ll have to pay at least $40,890. Finally, adding the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 will cost you $2,795.
What is the top model of Ram truck?
The Ram 1500 TRX is a desert-racing-inspired factory pickup with a supercharged Hellcat engine and the highest MSRP in the lineup. The Ram 1500 Limited is the next tier down and most expensive luxury trim, and in 2023 it will get even more opulent.
For the 2023 model year, Ram is offering an “Elite Edition” package, exclusively on the Limited trim, to launch this truck into new levels of luxury. Elite Editon features include unique leather colors, unique interior trim, and even a jeweled shift knob!
Next, find out what $30k pickup trucks are still available or see the Ram 1500 Classic reviewed in the video below:
