The 2019 Ram 1500 lasts around 250,000 miles with some stereo system software and steering issues reported. At $26,599 to $55,223, it’s more affordable than many other full size trucks making it a good value for shoppers on a budget.
Is the 2019 Ram 1500 a Good Used Truck?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2019 is a good year for the Ram 1500 since it’s a reliable truck with some good technology, giving it a high overall score. Owner reviews praise the low ownership costs, upscale interior, and the relatively quick V8 engine.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are nicer than other full-size trucks, the seats offer plush cushioning for long drives, there are also two bed lengths.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are not any serious mechanical issues on the 2019 Ram 1500. Avoid models from 2012–2015 since they have engine problems. Trucks from 2016–2022 are much more dependable.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is okay from either the V6 or V8 engine choices, although the towing capacity is a bit lower than some other trucks.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2019 Ram 1500 is reasonably safe, earning 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests. There’s a standard rearview camera. Optional upgrades include automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, as well as adaptive cruise control.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 23 MPG, giving 529 miles of range from the 23 gallon tank. Gas costs are $66 cheaper than average at $207 per month.
- Value 9/10 – The 2019 Ram 1500 is cheaper than many other full size trucks while also depreciating slowly, making it a good overall value.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Ram 1500?
- Consumer Reports says the 2019 Ram 1500 offers more passenger room and better fuel economy with good owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Ram 1500 at 3.4/5, praising the smooth suspension, but doesn’t like that safety features are only on higher models.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Ram 1500 a 4.5/5, enjoying the premium interior trim, but don’t like the lower towing capacity than other trucks.
What Common Problems Does the 2019 Ram 1500 Have?
Common problems found on the 2019 Ram 1500 include the stereo system freezing up, the steering wheel getting stuck at the 11 o’clock position, as well as not shifting out of first gear. Overall, these problems are a bit worse than some other full size trucks, although repair costs are average.
The stereo system freezing up is the most common complaint from 2019 Ram 1500 owners in the first 5,000 miles. There are software updates for the Uconnect system which improves its reliability. Most dealerships will install software updates for free, although some may charge around $50.
The steering wheel getting stuck at the 11 o’clock position is another serious issue mentioned on the 2019 Ram 1500 at around 10,000 miles. There are some known problems with the rack and pinion steering assembly. Many owners have had the entire assembly replaced for free under warranty, while others say it’s around $1,500 to change out of warranty.
Failure to shift out of first gear is another problem mentioned by Ram 1500 owners, which happens in the first 20,000 miles. There are transmission control module software updates available which improve transmission reliability. Nearly all dealerships will update the software for free, while some charge around $100.
There are 24 recalls on the 2019 Ram 1500 series, which is significantly worse than many other full size trucks. Most of the recalls are relatively minor covering air bags, which are not a big concern once they’ve been replaced. Some of the most serious recalls cover the high pressure fuel pump and the EGR cooler, which Ram will replace on affected models for free.
How Long Will the 2019 Ram 1500 Last?
A well-maintained 2019 Ram 1500 can last around 250,000 miles, which is around 100,000 less than the top-rated Toyota Tundra. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other trucks according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $550 per year.
As a used 2019 Ram 1500 reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the exhaust manifold for $500, the refrigerant pressure sensor costing $220, as well as the knock sensor which costs around $300.
I have only had the truck about 2 months and have not had any issues as of yet. We are also in our snow season and it seems to do very well handling driving through snow and ice.
No problems reliable starts every time even in sub zero weather. Like remote start works every time.
There have been no issues! This truck is very reliable and the performance is amazing! Starts every time and runs like a champ!
So far I have had absolutely no problems with the vehicle. Everything has been a pleasure to use and drive.
So far the only issues we have came across was a light on in the glove box, other than factory recalls.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is better than other trucks, with the work-focused tradesman having a standard 5-inch touchscreen. The consumer-focused models come standard with an 8.4-inch UConnect touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. There’s also an extremely large 12-inch UConnect stereo system available
Safety technology is also good with a standard rearview camera. Optional advanced safety features include a surround-view parking camera system, front and rear parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, parallel and perpendicular park assist, as well as adaptive cruise control.
Is the 2019 Ram 1500 a Good Value?
Yes, the 2019 Ram 1500 is a good value since it’s still a capable truck with a nice interior and is cheaper than many competitors. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $26,599 to $55,233, making it less expensive than a Ford F-150 or GMC Sierra. When new, the price range was $27,645 to $57,290. Depreciation is similar to other full size trucks, losing about 3% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Ram 1500?
There are seven main models of the 2019 Ram 1500 series offered, from the base Tradesman to the luxurious Limited. The Ram 1500 also is offered with either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.
Tradesman is a fleet-focused model with:
- 18-Inch Steel Wheels
- Vinyl Upholstery
- Vinyl Flooring
- Uconnect Infotainment System
- 5-Inch Touchscreen Display
- Automatic Headlights
- Locking Tailgate
- Heated Side Mirrors
- Push-Button Ignition
- Cruise Control
- Six-Speaker Audio System
HFE has some minor changes such as:
- More Fuel-Efficient Engine
- Only Offered With Rear-Wheel Drive
Big Horn is next in the lineup, adding:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Rambox Cargo Management System
- Fog Lights
- Floor Carpet
- Cloth Upholstery
- 60/40-Split Folding Rear Bench Seat
Rebel is a popular choice with:
- Off-Road Tires
- Front Tow Hooks
- Skid Plates
- Upgraded Shocks and Suspension
- Electronic-Locking rear Axle
- Hill Descent Control
- Front Bucket Seats
Laramie is a step up which adds:
- Leather Upholstery
- Power Adjustable 40/20/40-Split Bench Front Seat
- Heated and Ventilated Front Seats
- Power-Adjustable Pedals
- Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror
- 115-volt Rear Seat Outlet
- 4-Inch Touchscreen With Uconnect
- Nine-Speaker Audio System
Longhorn offers good luxury with:
- 20-Inch Wheels
- Spray-In Bedliner
- Chrome Side Steps
- Power Tailgate Release
- Automatic High Beams
- Upgraded Leather Upholstery
- Heated And ventilated Reclining Rear Seats
- Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
Limited is the flagship model which features:
- 22-Inch Wheels
- Adjustable Air Suspension
- Chrome Exterior Trim
- Power-Retractable Side Steps
- Premium-Leather Bucket Seats
- Optional 12-Inch Touchscreen Stereo
What Engines Come In the Ram 1500?
- The base engine in the Ram 1500 is an average 3.6L V6, which makes 305 horsepower and 269 lb.-ft. of torque while getting up to 23 MPG. It comes standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine can tow up to 7,500 pounds.
- An available upgrade is the stronger 5.7L V8, which produces 395 horsepower and 410 lb.-ft. of torque at up to 19 MPG. This engine also features an eight-speed automatic transmission. It can also tow up to 12,750 pounds. Performance is also good, taking 7.3 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Ram 1500 Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Ram 1500?
The 2019 Ram 1500 series is one of the most comfortable full size trucks on the market with seating for up to six passengers depending on the configuration. There are three cabin configurations available including the two-door standard cab, four-door quad cab, as well as the larger four-door crew cab. Seating is very nice with high quality leather and cloth options.
Passenger room is fantastic throughout the cabin, with the rear seats in the crew cab models having more space than nearly any other truck on the market. The ride quality is also great with a smooth suspension.
How Much Storage Space Does the Ram 1500 Have?
There are two bed lengths available on the Ram 1500 as well with a 5-foot-7-inch short bed, or the 6-foot-4-inch standard bed.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The fifth generation of the Ram 1500 series was launched in 2019.
2015: New sportier R/T model introduced.
2016: More exterior color choices as well as an upgraded center console on all models.
2017: Outdoorsman model and six-speed automatic transmission, both discontinued.
2018: Updated 8.4-inch touchscreen Uconnect system, standard rearview camera on all models, Tungsten edition model introduced.
2019: Fully redesigned for the fifth generation with new interior, exterior, engine choices, and a higher towing capacity.
2020: Night Edition package available, new optional 3.0L EcoDiesel engine offered.
2021: High-performance TRX model introduced, optional head-up display added.
How Does the Ram 1500 Compare to the Competition?
The 2019 Ram 1500 series is a very nice truck since it has a more luxurious cabin than a lot of the competition on the market, while still having some powerful engine choices. It’s a good choice for shoppers in the market for a new truck.
The Ford F-150 is a popular competitor, which costs around $6,000 more. Where the Ford F-150 stands out is with a higher towing capacity, while the Ram 1500 offers a nicer interior for the money. We recommend the Ford F-150 since they have better long-term reliability ratings, although both are decent trucks worth checking out.
The Chevy Silverado 1500 series is another popular truck which is around $5,000 more. Ownership costs are more affordable in the Chevy Silverado 1500 series, while the Ram 1500 offers more passenger room. We recommend the Chevy Silverado 1500, yet both are very good trucks that are worth a test drive.
Do Owners Recommend the Ram 1500?
Yes, it has very nice features, big touch screen, backup camera and drives very smooth. It does not feel like you are driving a truck.
Yes well equipped and drives nice. Comfortable ride like the dial shift knob. Touch screen works well.
It is fantastic. My ram drives very smooth and has lots of towing power! Has a beautiful look with the black trim and rims over the blue!
In my opinion it is a very good vehicle. The body style is very pleasing to look at and the engine and transmission are both very capable.
Yes, I've had it for just over 6 months and so far it's the best vehicle I've ever owned. I hope to keep it for a long time.