Does this 2019 Ram 1500 Tradesman V6 eTorque represent the next step for work trucks everywhere? What’s unique about the Tradesman that makes it stand out from the rest? Let’s take a close look.
2019 Ram 1500 Tradesman
The all-new 2019 Ram 1500 base truck is a quad cab (four-door extended cab) with a shorter 5’7” bead and 2WD that has a starting price of $33,490 including destination charges. A 4×4 version of the same truck starts at $36,990. The crew cab short bed 4×4 you see here starts at $39,790.
What else do you get for your work truck dollar? The truck’s frame, chassis, exterior, and interior are all new. The base power plant under the hood is the 3.6L Pentastar V6 that is combined with an electric motor/generator that Ram calls eTorque. The total power rating is still 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque. The power plant is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The electric motor provides smooth engine auto start/stop functionality and a brief assist to get the truck moving. It is able to recoup energy during deceleration and store it within the 0.4 kWh lithium-ion battery. The end result is a good 19/24/21 MPG rating from the EPA.
How does it compare to the competition? The Ford F-150 XL extended cab with a 6’6” bed and 2WD starts at $33,735. It offers a 3.3L V6 and a 6-speed automatic with an EPA rating of 20/25/22 MPG. Detailed model information for the 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500 V6 is not available yet. The Ram 1500 Tradesman is priced very competitively against the F-150.
Is $40,000 too much for a crew cab 4×4 truck?
No, the newest pickup trucks offer great comfort, capability, and technology. The Tradesman you see in this video review has a 3.55 rear axle ratio, which gives it a boost it towing capacity to a maximum of 7,280 lbs. The maximum payload stands at 1,670 lbs. These numbers may not be far off what a properly equipped midsize truck can do, but a full-size truck offers so much more passenger comfort and increased cargo volumes.
The Ram Tradesman featured in this review has a final price of $44,275 with a Level 1 equipment group, chrome appearance package, bed utility group, and more. I just configured a very similar crew cab 4×4 truck with a towing package and spray-in bed liner for $41,330. It’s possible to keep the MSRP of such a work truck near the $40,000 mark.
Considering this truck’s relatively quick acceleration, good real-world fuel economy, quiet & spacious cabin, and ability to tow – I would recommend it as a Buy It.
Join the Kent “Mr Truck” Sundling, Roman, and Andre in this one-take unfiltered real world review that includes a full walk around, a loaded 0-60 mph, and a Buy It/Lease It/Rent It/Forget It rating.
