This $44,495 Ram truck is one of the most affordable options out there.
It feels like we say it about every five minutes these days: Holy crap, new trucks are so expensive. Start configuring a Ram 1500 Tungsten, for example, and you’re spending nearly $90,000 for a half-ton truck — and that’s before options (plus dealer fees, taxes, registration fees and so on). Even your mid-spec trucks like a Laramie or a Rebel will set you back more than $60K, at least if you take a look at the MSRP. Now, Ram is bringing back its more affordable Express trim with a more palatable $44,495 including destination.
In its statement Monday, Ram helpfully pointed out that the first Express truck came about in 1939, as a regular cab pickup with an absolutely awe-inspiring 78 horsepower. Yeah, things have obviously moved on since then, but keeping to the “more affordable” MSRP nets you a 2026 Ram 1500 Express with the standard 305-horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V6. Mind you, the 3.0-liter Hurricane Standard Output with 420 horsepower and 469 lb-ft of torque is available as a $1,695 option.
Around its opening price point, the closest competitors include the 2025 Ford F-150 STX (~$44,000 with current discounts and a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6), the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Custom ($49,095 MSRP, but down to around $43,495 with GM incentives), and the Toyota Tundra SR5 ($47,905).
The new Ram Express comes with a few other configuration options, including 2WD and 4WD and crew cab or quad cab body styles. 20-inch wheels come standard, as does automatic emergency braking (with pedestrian detection), black-bezel LED headlights and Liquid Graphite interior accents. Provided you get the upgraded engine and build one out in quad cab 4×2 configuration, Ram says the Express can tow up to 11,550 pounds.
If you’re interested in the Express, you’ll be able to get it in Diamond Black (shown here), Bright White, Granite Crystal, Forged Blue and Hydro Blue.
The Black Express package also makes a return for the 2026 model year for $995, and adds in a few extra murdered-out options if you’re going for the most sinister look. You get a sport hood, black badging and black wheels, as well as side steps, LED fog lights and black clotch bucket seats, as well as a 7-inch gauge cluster screen and floor console storage.
According to official MSRP figures, the 2026 Ram 1500 Express tops out around $51,095 before any extras, for the crew cab 4×4. Orders are open now, with Ram citing availability in the third quarter of 2025, between July and September.
