Ram 1500 Vs. 1500 Classic: What’s the Difference?

Typically, when a manufacturer transitions to a new platform generation, we’re forced to mourn the previous one. Production of last year’s body style ends to make room for the latest and greatest styling, tech, and powertrains. However, this wasn’t the case when Ram announced the fifth-generation 1500 (DT) pickup in 2019.​

Whereas production would typically halt, Ram opted to retain the previous body style (DS) alongside the newly redesigned truck for not one, not two, but five years. Ram dubbed the still-in-production fourth-gen truck the Ram 1500 Classic to avoid confusion between models. However, this strategy did little to clarify why the manufacturer held onto a body style in the first place.​

This RealSource feature aims to clear the confusion around both trucks to answer, once and for all, what the differences between the Ram 1500 and 1500 Classic are and why Ram felt consumers needed both.

The standard fifth-generation Ram 1500, also known as the “DT” generation, is the manufacturer’s flagship half-ton pickup. Introduced in 2019, it refers to any 2019+ pickup that isn’t a “Classic.”

The fifth-generation Ram half-ton demonstrates Stellantis' latest and greatest tech, including innovative styling, high-end interiors, and robust powertrains. It’s a truck engineered to compete with current-generation competitors, but all these amenities come at a cost.​

Upon its release, base pricing for the 2019 Ram 1500 Tradesman, the entry-level trim, began at $31,695. By contrast, the base pricing of the Ram 1500 Classic started at $29,340 the same year.

For five years, alongside the fifth-generation Ram 1500, Stellantis produced the Ram 1500 Classic. This truck, essentially identical to the fourth-generation Ram 1500 produced from 2009–2018, was offered as a more cost-effective, entry-level alternative for those who didn’t need all the bells and whistles of the next-generation truck but still wanted a new Ram in their driveway.​

The Ram Classic shared nearly all its parts with the 2018 generation, including frame, drivetrain, body panels, and interior. With a lower base price and familiar styling, the Ram 1500 Classic was marketed toward tradespersons and large companies needing fleet vehicles. In other words, it appealed to those prioritizing economy and reliability over tech and amenities.

In recent years, pickup trucks have transitioned from work rigs to daily drivers and family haulers. Modern trucks have more standard features than previous generations to reflect this shift. Interiors have gotten more luxurious, larger and more feature-packed infotainment systems are commonplace, and powertrains have become more refined, introducing a vehicle class that’s just as adept at driving to the corporate office as it is rolling up to the job site.​

Unfortunately, all of these advancements aren’t free. In recent years, we’ve seen the cost of pickup trucks skyrocket to support the influx of standard features. However, not every truck owner or company needs or wants these bells and whistles. Instead, they prefer a stripped-down truck at an entry-level price point. So long as a truck drives well and has a functional AC and a working radio, it’s good enough for work.​

With the introduction of the fifth-generation Ram 1500 and Ram 1500 Classic, Ram found a way to appease all consumer bases. For those craving luxurious amenities and current-gen styling, the standard Ram 1500 fits the bill. However, those who prefer a stripped-down truck at an entry-level price point could still sit behind the wheel of a brand-new Ram 1500 Classic.

Shopping for accessories is the key reason that clarification between the two truck generations—DS and DT—matters. Both trucks, while bearing the same name and model year, differ in dimensions, body panels, suspension, and interiors. The only crossover parts are powertrain components in rare cases—but ultimately, both trucks are completely different.​

Regarding aftermarket accessories, that means that parts for the 2019+ Ram 1500 aren’t compatible with 2019–2024 Ram 1500 Classics—see the issue? Many customers find themselves ordering the incorrect parts for their truck, even though they’ve selected the proper year and model (to the best of their knowledge).​

When shopping for accessories for your 2019+ Ram 1500, it’s important to determine whether your truck is a standard fifth-gen (DT) or Classic (DS) and select the correct fitment to ensure proper parts compatibility.

Both the Ram 1500 Classic and the fifth-gen Ram 1500 offer optional bed features that can affect your selection of accessories, such as tonneau covers and truck racks. When you’re looking up parts for your Ram, keep an eye out for drop-down boxes that ask if your truck is equipped with one or more of these features.

A Rambox is a storage box system built into the bedsides of select Ram pickup trucks. Featuring two spacious, locking, weatherproof storage compartments (one per bedside), the Rambox system adds 7.3 - 8.6 cu-ft of cargo capacity that’s easily accessible from the exterior of the truck.​

That being said, the Rambox system adds some complexity to fitting aftermarket bed accessories. Tonneau covers must be Rambox-specific to prevent interference, while most camper shells require aftermarket topper lift systems to enable full Rambox access.

​Usually found on Rambox-equipped trucks, these rails are used to secure and manage cargo. Featuring a track-and-adjustable-clamp design, these rails provide versatile tie-down points to accommodate any type or size of cargo.​

That being said, cargo rails may also interfere with the mounting systems of some topper, tonneau, or bed accessories. Depending on the product, you may need to select whether your truck has this system to receive the correct hardware.

Though Ram officially gave the 1500 Classic the boot for the 2025 model year, some new examples still floated around dealership lots through 2025. These trucks are also plentiful in the used market. If you’re having trouble deciding which Ram 1500 model best suits your needs, check out the table below for a specification showdown.

While several options are consistent across both trucks, you’ll notice that the fifth-generation Ram 1500 offers additional engine options and eTorque hybrid-electric systems. Brand-new variants also include Ram’s all-new Hurricane twin-turbo inline 6-cylinder engine, with early reviews citing impressive power output, smooth delivery, and quiet, refined performance.​

However, where the Ram Classic proves superior are its additional cab and bed configurations, namely the regular cab and long bed, which are geared toward fleet use. It’s important to note that the single cab and long bed (8-ft) configurations weren’t offered for the Classic’s final 2024 model year. 

For the average truck owner, differentiating between the Ram 1500 and 1500 Classic may be a challenge. Learn more about some of the standout differences below:

The easiest, most definitive way to determine whether your Ram 1500 is a DT or DS generation is to count the lug nuts per wheel. The Classic (DS) uses a 5x5.5" 5-lug bolt pattern, while the 2019+ Ram 1500 (DT) uses a 6x5.5" 6-lug pattern.

Like previous generations of the Ram pickup, the Classic features the iconic Crosshair grille. The front end shape changes from the Crosshair design in the 2019+ body, along with subtle differences in the headlights' shape and position.

Cab sizes also differ between the two generations, with the Classic offering one more cab option than the 5th-generation Ram 1500. The Classic is available in three traditional sizes—single, quad, and crew—while 2019+ trucks are only offered in quad and crew configurations.

Bed length is another differentiating factor between the two Ram 1500 generations, with the Classic, once again, receiving an additional bed option. Compared to the 2019+ truck’s two offerings—5’7” and 6’4”––the Classic gains an additional 8-ft. bed option. Like the single-cab configuration, the 8-ft. bed makes the Ram 1500 Classic well-suited for fleet and work-truck use.

For some years, the Ram 1500 and 1500 Classic had been part of the company’s lineup. However, in 2025, the Classic's five-year run came to an end.​

If you’re in the market for a new Ram truck, you’ll likely need to choose the 2026 1500 due to its higher availability. With its abundant amenities, various engine options, and stylish aesthetics, the fifth-generation Ram truck is a solid offering in the half-ton market.​

However, if you’re looking exclusively for a work truck or fleet rig, you should be able to find low-mileage, used 1500 Classic models second-hand. Either way, you’ll be behind the wheel of a high-quality, tried and tested truck.​

Once purchased, outfit your Ram 1500 or 1500 Classic with our selection of parts and accessories, including exterior accessories, interior upgrades, and performance parts.

Q: Is the Ram 1500 or Ram 1500 Classic Better?

A: Both trucks have their pros and cons. The standard 2019+ Ram 1500 features luxurious amenities and updated styling, but a higher price tag. By comparison, the 2019–2024 Ram 1500 Classic is more affordable and offers classic Ram styling, though it lacks some of the more luxurious options.

Q: How Do I Know if My Truck Is a Classic?

A: Ram 1500 and 1500 Classic models are distinctly different. The 2019–2024 Ram 1500 Classic (DS) features the older crosshair grille, more traditional truck styling, multiple cab options including the Single Cab, 5-lug axles, and generally lower-mounted headlights. Alternatively, the 2019+ Ram 1500 features a more modern, aerodynamic design, LED headlight options, higher styling elements, upscale interiors, 6-lug axles, and higher towing and payload capacities.

Q: How Do I Know What RealTruck Parts Fit My Truck?

A: To avoid ordering parts for the wrong generation Ram, be sure to select either “Ram 1500” or “Ram 1500 Classic” in RealTruck’s “Select Your Vehicle” field.