Ram 1500 Gets Sleek, Stylish Look for 2019

Unveiled today at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the all-new 2019 Ram 1500 sports a new face and overall look. Not surprisingly, the new Ram is longer, wider and lighter than the vehicle it replaces. With extensive use of high-strength steel, composites and aluminum in body panels and the tailgate, the pickup truck boasts a sleeker, more stylish shape — and it's stronger and more efficient.

The most pronounced changes are to the hood and grille. The 2019 half ton's grille itself is taller and wider with a multibar design for all models except the Rebel, which will keep the large, all-capital Ram lettering along with the "swooping" curve up and over the brand name. All other trim levels get a unique grille design, but will share the Ram lettering through the center bar, meaning that the Ram's head crosshair grille is now gone from the half-ton lineup. (It's still available on the Ram heavy duties — at least until their redesign). Ram also moved the 1500 numbering from the door of the truck to the sides of the hood, where the engine size also is identified.

The hood gets character bulges and stacks similar to the HDs, with a stair-step look that gives it a completely new and imposing look when viewed from a rearview mirror. The waves and bulges in the hood will work well with available Mopar decal packages.

Aerodynamically, the new Ram has smoother lines and the four-corner air suspension will still be available to elevate or kneel at the driver's command. The system automatically lowers when moving faster than 35 mph for less drag. Hidden active grille shutters open and close automatically to help heat or cool the engine bay as needed, which also helps improve how wind moves around or through the pickup.

The Ram 1500 Rebel trim level will continue to be the sportiest of the half-ton models, but it will now be offered in Quad- and crew-cab configurations, along with a choice between a 1-inch-lifted coil spring setup or the adjustable four-corner air suspension. Our guess is that the shorter-wheelbase Quad-Cab Rebel with the coil springs will be a favorite with those who want to customize and modify their rigs to deal with off-road mud and muck.

The sides of the truck are relatively unchanged, except for softer curves over the wheel arches and the fact that the crew cab is about 4 inches longer now, delivering more legroom to rear passengers. That means a slightly longer wheelbase and overall length.

Beds will still be offered in 8-foot, 6-foot 4-inch and 5-foot 7-inch lengths. And it's worth noting the tailgate of the 2019 Ram half tons, like the previous generation, will have raised black lettering for the Rebel and a newly stylized, more chiseled Ram's head for all other trims. Additionally, the bed height has been raised to better align with the cab windows and help reduce aerodynamic drag.

Sixteen wheel-and-tire combinations — sizes range from 18 to 22 inches — have been completely reworked to offer more choices and to better suit work-duty and trim-level needs. Headlamps get a revamp for 2019 as well, with halogen, full LED and adaptive full LED headlights available. Headlight looks vary by trim level, with Limited models getting a streamlined look, while Tradesman models remain conventionally tall. Taillamps have been completely redesigned to match the front headlamps, offering choices of halogen, LED and LED with blind spot sensors.

The 2019 Ram 1500 can be ordered in 12 colors, eight of which carry over from 2018. The four new colors are Billet Silver, Tri-Coat White, Patriot Blue and Diamond Black Crystal. Some trims can be had in two-tone colors or with a simple black lower panel.

With this 2019 half ton, Ram has created a pickup that is subtle yet dramatic — not an easy thing to achieve with your basic three-box shape.

Manufacturer images

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