Thirteen years after the Dodge RAM truck series debuted in 1981, the truck maker’s “big rig” design language was unveiled.  The second generation’s semi-truck look disrupted the market.

Thirty years later, it remains fresh. The RAM retains the big-rig style, but its design is more streamlined and modern.

Dodge made RAM its own brand in 2010, with the 2026 RAM 1500 the fifth generation. My test truck was the Tradesman (base model) with several options, most notably the new Hurricane inline-six twin-turbo engine.

Under the Hood

When Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares discontinued the Hemi engine in 2023, Dodge and RAM fans grumbled. Within a year, Tavares was out, replaced by former Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis. The Hemi returned, but its successor, the Hurricane engine, remained and became RAM’s premium power plant.

But while the Hemi is back, it’s no longer the top engine for good reason. The Hurricane has more horsepower and torque.

The Hurricane-powered Tradesman produces 420 horsepower and 469 pound-feet of torque. A high-output version (540 horsepower, 521 pound-feet of torque) is available on higher trim lines.

What the Hurricane lacks is the Hemi’s sweet exhaust note and the low-end grunt indicative of naturally aspirated large displacement V8s.

Outside, the Hurricane sounds like a sewing machine. Under moderate throttle, it offers a pleasant growl. The Hurricane engine is worth its $1,695 option price.

On the Road

The Hurricane delivers abundant power but can be challenging to drive smoothly. The truck abruptly jumps off the line.

On the highway, the RAM passes smartly, but there’s a noticeable delay between pressing the accelerator and getting a response. The turbo lag is unexpected in a twin-turbo engine. It takes a few seconds for the turbos to spool up and build power. Once the power arrives, it does so suddenly.

The Tradesman rides like a sedan. RAM 1500s have coils all-around. The big three shifted to front coils and rear leaf springs on half-ton trucks over 50 years ago. For a half-ton, it pays off. The ride is smooth and comfortable. Gone is the typical bucking, bouncy, harsh feel of unladen pickups.

Capability

The RAM 1500 crew cab is available with a 5-foot-7 (67.4-inch) short bed, or a 6-foot-4 (76.3-inch) standard length bed. An eight-foot box is not available on RAM 1500 series trucks.

Cargo carrying capacity ranges from 1,930 to 1,980 pounds, depending on equipment.

The Tradesman 1500 can tow up to 11,600 pounds. It’s respectable but slightly less than comparable trucks from GM and Ford. Twenty years ago, towing more than 9,000 pounds required a three-quarter-ton truck. Today’s truck achieves this with the half-ton model.

Interior

The RAM 1500 Tradesman seats six adults. It features a foldable center console: folded down, it’s a spacious storage compartment with cup-holders; folded up, it becomes a center seat. When it’s configured as a seat, lift the seat bottom and there’s more storage. The transformable console-seat is innovative and versatile.

In the Tradesman trim, the upholstery is cloth and looks appropriately durable.

The hard plastic steering wheel standard on the Tradesman is disappointing and cheapens the truck. RAM might consider offering a wrapped steering wheel. A wheel that feels good conveys quality.

The HVAC system uses traditional knobs: one each for fan speed, temperature and mode selection—a throwback. The HVAC controls are simple to use, but too small to easily operate while wearing work gloves. The HVAC graphics are also too small to see clearly.

The lack of retained accessory power is another miss. After shutting down the engine, the power windows become inoperable. The ignition has to be turned back on to operate accessories, and it’s inconvenient.

Comfort

Seating is firm and supportive. Passengers complimented the Tradesman for its comfort and car-like ride.

Interior spaciousness is a highlight, especially the back seat. It’s one of the most spacious interiors of any vehicle on the U.S. market, including luxury cars.

With the front seats all the way back and partially reclined, this 6-foot-3 reviewer still had six inches of space between the seat back and my knees.

Oddly, the front seats are less spacious than the back. The Tradesman front seats would benefit by having two more inches of rearward travel and by sitting two inches lower.

Ingress and egress are difficult. A tall ride-height makes passengers have to climb up to get in, and jump down to exit. During my week with the RAM, passengers needed help climbing in on several occasions. Side steps would be helpful.

Utility

The two-wheel-drive truck sits unusually high, about 77 inches. It seems odd to have a two-wheel-drive sit this high, especially a half-ton. Its stance looks great, but from a functionality perspective, it makes loading cargo difficult.

Reaching over the bed rails is nearly impossible. The Tradesman’s optional extendable bumper step proved useful.

Economy

Estimated EPA fuel economy is 18 miles per gallon in city driving, 25 mpg on the highway. I averaged 20 mpg throughout a week of mixed driving.

The 2026 RAM 1500 Tradesman Crew Cab 4X2, nicely equipped, has a base price of $43,775. It’s about $3,000 more than rivals GM and Ford. As tested the price, including destination, was  $51,030.

In a market where full-size trucks can easily top six figures, the RAM 1500 Tradesman is a solid value.

The Verdict

Highlights of the RAM 1500 Tradesman Crew Cab 4X2 include the Hurricane engine, roominess and comfort. It’s powerful, a pleasure to drive and offers solid utility. The 2026 RAM 1500 Crew Cab makes an excellent road-trip companion, and it earned my recommendation.

Visit: https://www.ramtrucks.com/ram-1500.html

_{Cover Photo: 2026 RAM 1500 Tradesman Crew Cab 4X2 presented in Billet Silver Metallic – Photo copyright © John Berg 2026}