With the introduction of their ‘Big Rig” styling back in 1993, Dodge Ram pickup trucks suddenly began finding favor with consumers, having languished in the marketplace for quite some time.
The Ram 1500 is available in a wide variety of configurations, from the minimalist Tradesman work truck up to the ultra-luxurious Tungsten trim package.
First shown in 1993, at the North American Auto Show in Detroit, these models turned fortunes around for the Dodge truck division.
In 2009, with things going great in that regard, the decision was made to spin the trucks off into the standalone Ram brand, which brings us to the subject of this review, the 2026 Ram 1500 Express Crew Cab 4×2.
One thing you can say for Ram, they do believe in giving you choices. The Ram 1500 is available in a wide variety of configurations, from the minimalist Tradesman work truck — which starts at $42,025 — all the way up to the ultra-luxurious Tungsten trim package which starts at $88,800.
Yes, you read that correctly. It is entirely possible to spend $90,000 on a pickup truck these days. Fortunately, there are several stops in the lineup in between these two extremes, offering the ability to select creature comforts, cab configurations, bed lengths, and powertrains.
The version Ram sent for me to review was outfitted with the Express trim package and the “Hurricane” twin-turbocharged inline 6. The truck also had 20-inch alloy wheels, a blacked-out grille and body-colored front and rear bumpers.
The truck’s polished manners, generous equipment selection and handsome styling are a compelling proposition.
Powertrains and Fuel Economy
Ram offers the 1500 with a choice of three powertrains. A 305-horsepower, 3.6-liter hybrid V6, a 395-hp 5.7-liter V8 and a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline 6.
The straight 6 can be configured to produce 420 hp or 540. An 8-speed automatic transmission is the sole choice, regardless of which engine is chosen.
As is to be expected, Ram trucks can be had with a choice of rear-wheel (4×2) or four-wheel (4×4) drive. My 4×2 tester had the 420-horse version of the inline 6. Its EPA fuel economy estimate was 18 mpg in the city, 25 on the highway and 21 combined. I averaged 18.3, according to the Ram’s trip computer.
Interior Accommodations
My 4×2 tester had the 420-horse version of the inline 6.
The 1500 Express is one step up from the base Tradesman work truck, so its manually adjustable seats were upholstered in fabric.
Nice looking, the material gave the impression it would go years and years and years with minimal wear. However, summiting “Mount Ram” to gain access to those seats presented an issue for the 5’4” Mrs. Me though.
To resolve it, we broke out her test truck step stool to ease her ingress. A set of running boards would be a nice addition Ram (I’m just sayin’).
Aside from that, the Ram 1500 Express was a delightful place from which to watch the world go by. Free of significant blind spots, the Ram provided more than adequate outward visibility. The power sliding rear window opening offered extra ventilation, and the optional set of front and rear floor mats added a nice touch of plush.
Particularly appreciated was the ample sizing of the dials for the audio and HVAC systems. The folks at Ram know these trucks are likely to be used by people wearing gloves — and sized the knobs accordingly.
Comfort and convenience features included the now-obligatory touchscreen interface.
Comfort, Convenience & Safety Tech
Comfort and convenience features included the now-obligatory touchscreen interface. Measuring 8.4 inches diagonally, the screen displayed the Ram’s “Uconnect” infotainment system supporting Apple CarPlay as well as Android Auto.
The 1500 Express’ remote start/stop feature was a welcomed fitment during the late spring heat wave we had here in the California Delta region. With temperatures pushing 90 degrees Fahrenheit, starting the truck from inside the house and letting the A/C do its thing for a bit relieved us of the possibility of heat stroke every time we got in the truck.
What’s more, its active noise control feature helped make the Ram Express 1500 one of the quietest pickup trucks I have ever driven. Additional tech included a full-function media hub with USB connectors, a Wi-Fi hotspot and a couple of 12V power ports. Standard driver’s aids included automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
Cargo Accommodations
My 1500 Express Crew Cab 4×2 had the 6’4” box, with the optional spray-in bedliner.
My 1500 Express Crew Cab 4×2 had the 6’4” box, with the optional spray-in bedliner. The Ram’s box was also equipped with bed lighting and a 400W power inverter, along with an adjustable cleat and rail cargo management system. This made tying objects down more readily accomplished. What’s more, the Ram’s retractable step pad provided easy entry into the cargo bed.
A Class IV receiver hitch was fitted, along with a rear camera system to make lining up a trailer easy to do. Along those lines, my 1500 Express with the 420-horsepower twin-turbo straight six was rated to tow up to 8,320 pounds. It was also said to be capable of hauling a 2,360-pound payload. The 1500 Express also offered a 60/40 split folding rear bench in the cab, which I could flip up to gain interior cargo capacity. The Ram had in-floor storage bins too.
Driving Impressions
I learned the importance of paying attention to those yellow bars at the entrances of parking garages, when driving a Ram 1500 Express. Encountering a particularly low one when we took the truck into San Francisco to retrieve some items Mrs. Me found at a going-out-of-business sale, we had to ask a long line of cars to back up so we could get out. Other than that, piloting the 20-foot pickup around traffic-heavy San Francisco posed no significant concerns.
With 420 hp and 469 lb-ft of torque on tap, the Ram pulled with ease. Additionally, its steering and braking responses inspired confidence.
Even better, other drivers got out of our way when they saw the Ram’s imposing countenance bearing down upon them on the freeway (which, I gotta admit, WAS fun). Parallel parking on the street (having figured out the truck was too tall for most SF parking garages) was easy, thanks to the front and rear camera systems.
With 420 hp and 469 lb-ft of torque on tap, the Ram pulled with ease. Additionally, its steering and braking responses inspired confidence. Ride quality was smooth, even when the truck was unladen and I already commented on how quiet the truck was.
In Summary
Summing the Ram up in a single word, the 1500 Express Crew Cab is refined. The truck’s polished manners, generous equipment selection and handsome styling are a compelling proposition. Active noise cancellation, that smooth-running straight 6 and clever features such as the floor storage bins and the split folding flip-up rear seat added heaping helpings of comfort and utility to the mix as well.
Overall, the 1500 Express is a highly capable and stylish offering at a reasonable (by today’s standards) price. Oh, and then there is that 10-year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty too. Plus, if you look closely, that “Big Rig” look is still there — albeit in a more subtle fashion. Base MSRP for the 2026 Ram 1500 Express Crew Cab 4×2 starts at $44,150. Price as tested for the example I drove was $51,030, and I like it.
0 Comments