San Antonio Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM
If you're shopping for a time-honored truck that delivers trusted performance, you'll undoubtedly want to compare the Ram 1500 vs. 1500 Classic in terms of horsepower, towing, and features. To help you find the best new truck for your weekday or weekend duties, we've put together this 2026 Ram 1500 vs. 2024 Ram 1500 Classic comparison. After you discover how these capable trucks stack up, swing by our San Antonio Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealership – we can give you an in-person tour and test drive of the new Ram 1500 or any Ram 1500 Classic we may have on our used-model lot.
The 2024 Ram 1500 Classic offered two trim styles with a selection of cab configurations, monotone exterior color options, and wheel designs. The two 2024 Ram 1500 Classic trims are as follows:
Highlights for the Ram 1500 Classic Tradesman include the ParkView Rear Back-Up Camera, heavy-duty vinyl seating with a 40/20/40-split bench, and the Uconnect 3 infotainment system with a 5-inch touchscreen.
Stepping up to the Ram 1500 Classic Warlock, truck owners are treated to a distinctive Black grille with Ram lettering, Black powder-coated bumpers at the front and rear, and 20-inch high-gloss Black aluminum wheels.
As of this writing, the Ram 1500 Classic will not be returning, but we're happy to share some of the major changes and updates to the fresh new 2026 Ram 1500.
Now that we've covered some of the highlights for the 2024 Ram 1500 Classic variants, let's see how they compare to the 2026 Ram 1500 models for sale at our Dodge dealership in San Antonio by looking into their trims and features.
For starters, the new 2026 Ram 1500 has 10 trim levels compared to the two 1500 Classic tiers. These trims include the following:
Although the TRX trim is no more, you can compare the Ram 1500 TRX vs. RHO trims in our guide to see the similarities and changes.
The new 2026 Ram 1500 carries over the two trims added for the 2025 model year – the RHO and Tungsten – while replacing the Tradesman HFE model with a new yet familiar name to the lineup: Express. In fact, discerning Ram enthusiasts may recognize the Express model name from older variations of the Ram 1500 Classic. This value-focused trim sits just above the Tradesman and offers unique styling elements, such as black headlight bezels.
Overall, the Ram 1500 lineup delivers on all fronts: power, performance, comfort, and style. Whether you're seeking an aggressive-looking beast to dominate the roads and trails or want a refined pickup with luxe amenities, there's something for almost every driver in the 2026 trim list.
If you're shopping for a new Ram truck with available in-floor storage, look no further than the new second-tier 2026 Ram 1500 Express. You'll find a standard 8.4-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen, but the Ram 1500 Big Horn is the first tier where you can equip it with optional navigation. For more screen space, upgrade to the 12-inch touchscreen – it's available or standard for select models and comes with built-in navigation capabilities.
The popular 2026 Ram 1500 Rebel Crew Cab 4x4 features an electronic locking rear axle, vinyl and cloth bucket seats, and an available multifunction tailgate with split swing-away doors. If you spec your Ram 1500 Rebel with the Advanced Safety Group II, you'll also have a 360-Degree Surround-View Camera System and Hands-On Active Driving Assist System.
The leather-lined 2026 Ram 1500 Limited delivers plenty of luxurious appointments, including a Uconnect 5 NAV with a 12-inch (as do some of the earlier trims) or available 14.4-inch touchscreen. If you plan to take advantage of this truck's ample towing capabilities, you'll want to opt for the available 360-Degree Surround-View Camera, which we mentioned above, to complement your trailering technology and help you hitch up and haul out.
| 2024 Ram 1500 Classic | 2025 Ram 1500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Options |
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| Drivetrain | 4x2 or 4x4 | 4x2 or 4x4 |
| Horsepower |
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| Torque |
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| Max. Towing Capacity | 10,620 lbs1 | 11,610 lbs1 |
| Max. EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy) | 17 / 252 | 20 / 253 |
This comparison wouldn't be complete without looking at the 2026 Ram 1500 vs. Ram 1500 Classic engines – after all, you need to know the performance numbers when shopping for your next light-duty, full-size Ram pickup truck. Under the hood of the entry-level Ram 1500 Classic Tradesman 4x2 is a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine with 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, along with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
You can also get the Ram 1500 Classic pickup with a 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine that produces up to 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque and pairs with a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. The 2024 Ram 1500 Classic can tow up to 10,620 pounds when properly equipped.
While trims and editions are significant, the most notable change in the new 2026 Ram 1500 light-duty trucks is that the Ram brand has brought back the available 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine, which makes 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque, after removing it from the lineup for the 2025 model year. You can now equip your 2026 Ram 1500 with the available HEMI V-8 with the following trims (depending on cab and drivetrain configuration):
The standard yet timeless 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 puts you in command of 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. Meanwhile, the standard-output 3.0-liter Hurricane engine produces 420 horsepower and 469 pound-feet of torque, while the high-output variant makes 540 horsepower and 521 pound-feet of torque.
There's one other minor performance change for the 2026 model in the form of a slight maximum towing capacity increase. Where 2025 models topped out at an 11,550-pound towing capacity1 with the standard-output 3.0-liter Hurricane engine, the powertrain can now pull up to 11,610 pounds when properly equipped.
One of the primary Ram 1500 vs. 1500 Classic differences is the design options available. The 2026 Ram 1500 trim levels offer a fresh design and more customization and styling choices than the limited range of the Ram 1500 Classic trim levels.
The 2024 Ram 1500 Classic Tradesman comes with heavy-duty shock absorbers at the front and rear. The powder-coated bumpers, Black exhaust tips, and halogen projector headlights on the Ram 1500 Classic Warlock are about the extent of the model's design selections.
The Ram 1500 Rebel Crew Cab 4x4 sets itself apart from the Ram 1500 Classic and other new Ram 1500 trucks for sale due to its standard sport performance hood, 33-inch Goodyear® Wrangler DuraTrac® tires, and 18-inch Mid-Gloss Black aluminum wheels.
The 2026 Ram 1500 lineup certainly has the more rugged, all-terrain-ready setups, with dirt-slinging trims like the Ram 1500 Warlock, Rebel, and mighty RHO. Ask our Ram truck specialists about our lifted Ram 1500 models.
Compare the drastic design differences of the 2024 Ram 1500 Classic vs. new body style, bed size, and trim level configurations of the 2026 Ram 1500 lineup with a tour of both models (depending on availability for the Ram 1500 Classic) at our San Antonio CDJR dealership. You can also compare the light-duty Ram 1500 vs. 2500 heavy-duty models during your visit.
Want to keep researching? Check out our guide on the Ram 1500 vs. Toyota Tundra to learn more.
Now that you know how the Ram 1500 vs. 1500 Classic compare in maximum towing, design elements, trim models, and engine specs, apply for Ram 1500 lease deals in San Antonio, TX. Call our finance department to learn about Ram truck financing specials over the phone.
There are many differences between the Ram 1500 and Ram 1500 Classic pickup trucks. The Ram 1500 has more potent available powertrains than the Ram 1500 Classic, allowing it to produce more horsepower and tow more. The 2026 Ram 1500 is also available in a greater variety of trims, making the vehicle more customizable to your specific tastes and requirements.
The Ram brand made the Ram 1500 Classic as a time-tested work truck for your fleet and job site needs that delivers performance, safety, and reliability you can trust when your paycheck depends on it. The interior provides enough comforts, conveniences, and connected media support to turn your cabin into a mobile command center. The Ram 1500 Classic is also an affordability-driven model.
Yes, the 2024 Ram 1500 Classic offered an available V-8, but it was made standard with a 3.6-liter V-6 engine. The base V-6 powertrain produces 305 horsepower. The available 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine provided increased power and capability via 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque. Shop at San Antonio CDJR for a used 1500 Classic V-8 model.
09/03/2024
Saechelle got me taken care of as usual and I put me into my custom built 2025 Ram 1500 without any flaw!! The management ensured I got a fair price and didn’t waste my time trying to play the negotiation game. I always have a positive experience at San Antonio CDJR
| Ram 1500 vs. 2500 | Ram 1500 vs. Ford F-150 | Ram 1500 vs. Toyota Tundra |
| Ram SRT-10 | Lifted Ram 1500 | Ram 1500 TRX Specs |
1When properly equipped. See dealer for details.
2EPA-estimated 17 city/25 hwy MPG with 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 and eight-speed automatic transmission. Actual mileage may vary.
3EPA-estimated 20 city/25 hwy MPG with 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 and eight-speed automatic transmission. Actual mileage may vary.
