Home Comparisons Trim Comparisons 2024 Ram 1500 Classic: Choosing the Right Trim

2024 Ram 1500 Classic: Choosing the Right Trim

With a look dating back to the Great Recession of 2009, the 2024 Ram 1500 Classic is about as retro as you can get in a new full-size pickup. Eschewing the modern Ram 1500’s sharp lines and creases, the 1500 Classic’s flanks are as smooth as a baby’s bottom. The grille is a throwback, as well. However, as dated as the exterior appears, the 1500 Classic sort of keeps pace with current technology trends, like its Uconnect 3 infotainment system and Bluetooth connectivity. Ram sells the 1500 Classic alongside the up-to-date Ram 1500.

Thrust comes from the standard 305-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 engine or the available 395-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V8. An 8-speed automatic transmission manages engine output. The V6 delivers an EPA-tested combined fuel economy of 20 mpg with rear-wheel drive (RWD) and 19 mpg with 4-wheel drive (4WD). Regardless of the number of drive wheels, the Ram 1500 Classic V8 gets 17 mpg combined.

Let’s see how the two available Ram 1500 Classic trim levels, the Tradesman and Warlock, differ. 

Prices provided are our best estimate at the time of publishing.

Although this is a Crew Cab model, the 2024 Ram 1500 Classic will be available only in a Quad Cab configuration with shorter rear doors.

Although this is a Crew Cab model, the 2024 Ram 1500 Classic will be available only in a Quad Cab configuration with shorter rear doors.

Although this is a Crew Cab model, the 2024 Ram 1500 Classic will be available only in a Quad Cab configuration with shorter rear doors.

The 2024 Ram 1500 Classic Warlock has a unique look with dark accents and prominent RAM lettering in its grille.

The 2024 Ram 1500 Classic Warlock has a unique look with dark accents and prominent RAM lettering in its grille.

The 2024 Ram 1500 Classic Warlock has a unique look with dark accents and prominent RAM lettering in its grille.

Owners of the Ram 1500 Classic likely feel that the previous-generation Ram pickup never went out of style.

Owners of the Ram 1500 Classic likely feel that the previous-generation Ram pickup never went out of style.

Owners of the Ram 1500 Classic likely feel that the previous-generation Ram pickup never went out of style.

The 2024 Ram 1500 Classic Warlock starts at about $45,000.

The 2024 Ram 1500 Classic Warlock starts at about $45,000.

The 2024 Ram 1500 Classic Warlock starts at about $45,000.

The 2024 Ram 1500 Classic Warlock starts at about $45,000.

The 2024 Ram 1500 Classic Warlock starts at about $45,000.

The 2024 Ram 1500 Classic Warlock starts at about $45,000.

The 2024 Ram 1500 Classic may be the previous-generation truck, but it does not lack amenities.

The 2024 Ram 1500 Classic may be the previous-generation truck, but it does not lack amenities.

The 2024 Ram 1500 Classic may be the previous-generation truck, but it does not lack amenities.

By continuing to make and sell the 1500 Classic, Ram makes it easier to get into a full-size light-duty pickup.

By continuing to make and sell the 1500 Classic, Ram makes it easier to get into a full-size light-duty pickup.

By continuing to make and sell the 1500 Classic, Ram makes it easier to get into a full-size light-duty pickup.

What’s New:

Ram has yet to release full details about the 2024 Ram 1500 Classic. It appears the Regular Cab and the Crew Cab are discontinued, leaving the Quad Cab with rear half-doors as the only cab style. We do know the 2024 Ram1500 Classic will retain its 2-model lineup, which is likely very similar to what was offered in 2023.

Our Recommendation:

With only two trims from which to choose, we’d opt for the Tradesman plus the Electronics Group (Wi-Fi hot spot, Apple CarPlay, 8.4-inch touchscreen, and lots more). If we lived anywhere north or east of the sunbelt, we’d also add the Cold Weather Group (heated front seats, heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote start, and more). The total extra cost of these option groups is less than $2,500.

Ram 1500 Classic Tradesman
Starts at $33,885 (estimated) | See 2024 Ram 1500 Classic Tradesman for sale

  • 3.6-liter V6
  • Optional 5.7-liter V8
  • Auto on/off headlights
  • Heated manual outboard mirrors
  • Uconnect 3 infotainment
  • 5-inch touchscreen
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Backup camera
  • Air conditioning
  • Vinyl seating
  • Power windows and locks
  • Cruise control
  • See more

Ram 1500 Classic Warlock
Starts at $44,385 (estimated) | See 2024 Ram 1500 Classic Warlock for sale

  • 3.6-liter V6
  • Optional 5.7-liter V8
  • Remote keyless entry
  • Satellite-radio capability
  • 7-inch digital cluster display
  • Rear power-sliding window
  • Trip computer
  • LED bed lighting
  • Cloth seating
  • See more

2024 Ram 1500 Classic Tradesman: $33,885 (estimated)

If all you need or want is an affordable and basic full-size work truck devoid of many popular conveniences, the 1500 Classic Tradesman is for you. Although, you can pick up plenty of upgrades on the options list.

Standard features include an engine block heater, 17-inch steel wheels, a locking tailgate, auto on/off headlights, vinyl seating, vinyl flooring, a 40/20/40-split bench seat, and power windows and locks.  

It also comes with a Uconnect 3 infotainment system with a Bluetooth-enabled 5-inch touchscreen, one USB port, a backup camera, cruise control, and heated manual outboard mirrors.

Ram arms the Tradesman with Rain Brake Support (activating the windshield wipers activates this feature, which helps keep the brake rotors dry) and hill-start assist, which keeps the brakes engaged for a moment after pedal pressure is released to keep the truck from rolling backward at, say, a stoplight. 

There are a few optional creature comforts. The Tradesman SXT Package adds aluminum wheels, chrome bumpers, a painted upper front fascia, cloth seats, a front armrest, fog lamps, and SiriusXM. The Electronics Group upgrades the infotainment system to Uconnect 5 with an 8.4-inch touchscreen with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hot spot, and SiriusXM. It also adds a 7-inch driver information center, a media hub, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

Power mirrors are also available.

When you factor in a $1,995 destination fee, the estimated starting price of the Ram 1500 Classic comes to $35,880. Assuming a 60-month loan at 5% interest with $0 down, buyers can get this truck for a monthly payment starting at about $677. See 2024 Ram 1500 Classic Tradesman models for sale 

2024 Ram 1500 Classic Tradesman includes:

Uconnect infotainment system — This infotainment system has Bluetooth phone connectivity and audio streaming.

Strong engines — The base 3.6-liter V6 engine is adequate for most drivers, but a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 is available if you need extra muscle.

SXT option package – This package adds a few sought-after features, like 20-inch alloy wheels, carpet flooring, and remote keyless entry, as well as several appearance upgrades.

2024 Ram 1500 Classic Warlock:  $44,385 (estimated)

As the range-topper, the Warlock Ram 1500 Classic has a unique look with dark accents and prominent “RAM” lettering in the grille. In addition to the stylish aesthetics, standard features in the Ram 1500 Classic Warlock include cloth seats, rear parking sensors, and quad halogen headlamps. 

An Electronics Group package is available with a Wi-Fi hot spot, dual-zone automatic climate control, and other convenience items. The Luxury Group adds an auto-dimming mirror, a 7-inch driver information center, heated power-folding signal mirrors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a universal garage door opener, LED bed lighting, and more. Uconnect 4C Nav with an 8.4-inch touchscreen and premium cloth seats are available as stand-alone options.

Adding the factory destination fee brings the Warlock estimated total to $46,380. Financing with $0 down, the monthly payment for 60 months would be around $875. See 2024 Ram 1500 Classic Warlock models for sale 

2024 Ram 1500 Classic Warlock includes:

Dark appearance package — A unique front end, dark accents, and black wheels make the Warlock stand out from the crowd.

Parking sensors — The ParkSense Park Assist system greatly reduces the chance of bumper-to-bumper contact when backing into a parking spot.

Premium options — Some excellent options are available for the Warlock, such as premium cloth seats, a heated steering wheel, an 8.4-inch touchscreen, and navigation.

FAQ

  • What is the best 2024 Ram 1500 Classic trim?

    The Ram 1500 Classic Tradesman is our favorite, particularly with the addition packages like the Electronics Group and Cold Weather Group.

  • How many miles per gallon does the 2024 Ram 1500 Classic get?

    With the base V6 engine, the Ram 1500 Classic pickup with rear-wheel drive gets 20 mpg (17 mpg city/25 mpg highway) in mixed city-and-highway driving. That drops to 19 mpg with 4-wheel drive. If you pick the available Hemi V8, it gets 17 mpg regardless of the number of drive wheels.

  • What is the difference between the 2024 Ram 1500 Classic and the 2024 Ram 1500?

    Primarily targeting budget buyers requiring a work truck, the Ram 1500 Classic’s exterior styling dates back to 2009. Its mission is to provide the utility of a full-size pickup truck at a bargain price. It doesn’t offer multiple cab configurations or nearly the level of convenience features and options as the much more modern, highly styled Ram 1500.

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