Ram is expanding their off-road pickup truck lineup yet again with the new 2026 Ram 1500 BackCountry edition. This newest off-roader model is based on the Big Horn or Lone Star trim level. It slots into the lineup between the ram 1500 Warlock and the Ram 1500 Rebel models. Let’s take it for a first drive and take a look at how it fits in.
You may remember that the company introduced the most-recent Ram 1500 Warlock off-road truck about two years ago. It’s build of the new 2025 platform, and it’s an off-road trim that is based on the Ram 1500 Tradesman crew cab 4×4 model. It’s a simple truck with considerable off-road capability that includes a suspension lift, off-road shocks, a rear locking differential and aggressive off-road tires.
The new Ram 1500 BackCountry goes one step up the ladder. It’s based on the Big Horn trim. While the mechanical and off-road components are nearly identical, this trim allows for more premium features and appointments. The exterior appearance is upgraded with a two-tone scheme that includes a blacked out lower section. This is a look that the Ram 1500 Rebel, RHO, and TRX also offer. This particular truck has a dark green military-inspired exterior color that’s called “Tank”. The body color extends to the front grille surround for a premium look.
On the inside, there are very comfortable seats that combine vinyl and cloth with additional stitching for a cool look. This truck has a premium 4×4 transfer case that offers AWD, 2WD, 4Hi, and 4Lo gearing. It has a selectable locking rear differential, several under body skid plates, off-road cruise control, and several drive modes.
The attached window sticker shows all the base and optional features. This truck is optioned with a 5.7L HEMI V8 with the eTorque mild hybrid system. This engine is still rated at 395 horsepower, and it sounds as great as ever. The BackCountry package costs $2,995, but it also require a Big Horn Level 1 or Level 2 packages.
The truck you see here has many other optional items, such as the multi-function tailgate, bed utility package, and tonneau cover. Once you add everything up (with the $2,795 destination fee), the final sticker price for this truck reaches $68,040. It is a fairly high price, but consider that a well-optioned 2026 Ram 1500 Rebel X off-road truck has a sticker price of $81,565.
This truck drives smooth on pavement, just like any other new Ram 1500. It’s quiet and composed. It has enough off-road capability to tackle some very tough and muddy terrain, as I found out at an OHV park north of Fort Worth, Texas. The new BackCountry is only limited by its ground clearance and approach angle. Even when you run out of ground clearance, the carefully placed skid plates come in handy. If you need more off-road capability, you can choose the Ram 1500 Rebel or the RHO.
Please stay tuned to TFLtruck and TFLoffroad Youtube channels as we will publish several more videos that feature this new Ram 1500 BackCountry.
