Some automakers have attachment issues. Well, more like they’re attached to the cash that a certain vehicle brings in. Sometimes it’s hard to say goodbye even when a new redesigned model comes out. We have seen this with cases such as Nissan with the Rogue and GMC with the Acadia. These are just a couple of automakers that have continued to sell an older iteration of a specific model alongside the new model.

This is the same idea behind the 2021 Ram 1500 Classic – to sell the previous generation simultaneously as the new model. This allows buyers to have a still solid option for a truck at a cheaper price. The design of the Ram 1500 Classic is not new by any stretch. It has been around since the 2009 model year but thankfully has aged very well. This is why Stellantis has thought that it was a good idea to broaden its 1500 lineup by bringing in the new while still keeping the old.

The Ram 1500 Classic is an old dog with new tricks. Here’s what you need to know.

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Specs And Features Of The Ram 1500 Classic

Ram 1500 Classic Interior
Via: Ramtrucks.com

The Ram 1500 Classic has been pared down in options and features since the newest generation of the 1500 has come out. Keeping it simple when it comes to the Classic has helped make more of a business case of why Stellantis should keep it around.

The three trims that the Ram 1500 Classic comes in are Tradesman, Express, and Warlock. The base Tradesman Trim is geared largely for commercial use and has a reasonable starting price of only $29,490 for a real wheel drive standard cab. The mid-level Express trim gives more visual flair compared to the more utilitarian Tradesman. All three versions can come in quad or crew cab configurations but only the lower two trims can come in the two-door standard cab version.

The higher-end Warlock trims appeals to buyers due to its brawny off-road looks for a bargain price. Its key differentiators from the lower two trims are its LED headlights and taillights as well as the same grille used on the previous generation Ram 1500 Rebel. This gives the Warlock some of the best styling that was available on the previous Ram but at a lower price. The 2021 Warlock starts at $38,345 for the quad cab rear-wheel drive version which is very reasonable given that this is a well-equipped mid-sized truck.

All trims of the Ram 1500 Classic can be optioned with either a 3.6-liter V6 engine or a larger 5.7-liter V8 engine. The V6 is good for 305-hp while the V8 musters out another 90-hp at 395. Both engines have been in the Ram lineup for quite some time now meaning that it is not the newest technology. If you were wanting a mild hybrid assist or a diesel engine, you would have to step up to the newer generation of the Ram 1500. The same goes for the absolutely insane Hellcat engine.

Some key features that come on the Ram 1500 Classic are things like an 8.4-inch touchscreen that is compatible with Apple CarPlay and a heated steering wheel. One of the biggest missed opportunities with the Ram 1500 Classic is that it doesn’t offer key safety items that are offered on most other trucks. You won’t be seeing things like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and collision prevention on the Classic. Despite this technically being an older truck, features like these help keep trucks relevant in a highly competitive market.

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Where The Ram 1500 Classic Sits In The Segment

Ram 1500 Tradesman
Via: ramtrucks.com

The Ram 1500 Classic fits into a unique spot in the midsize truck market. It is hard to compare it to rivals like the Chevrolet Silverado and Ford F-150 because they do not offer an older model and the newer Ram 1500 is more of a closer competitor to these two. The Ram 1500 Classic is more for someone that may be cross-shopping between a new one of these truck with a used example of the F-150 or Silverado. The other scenario is someone who wants a new mid-sized truck but only has a Toyota Tacoma budget.

Regardless of the scenario, the Ram 1500 Classic is a viable option. Despite how long this body style has been on the market, it still looks modern and checks all the boxes that a truck should check. Trucks now can be close to twice the price that a Ram 1500 Classic goes for which makes the Classic look like that much of a steal. The Ram 1500 Classic is ready for both the work and play that comes with having a truck. The best part is that it won’t break the bank in the process.