The Ram 1500 Express returns more affordable than expected

When Ram put the 1500 Classic out to pasture last year, it left a hole in the brand's lineup that sent budget-conscious truck buyers straight to Ford and Chevy dealerships. But now they're trying to fill that gap with the 2026 Ram 1500 Express, starting at $44,495.

Where it fits: The Express aims to slot neatly between the no-frills Tradesman and the pricier Big Horn.

Why now: Even though Ram refreshed the 1500 for 2025, that didn't stop the brand from taking a beating in the sales race last year. While Ford moved a staggering 765,000 F-Series trucks and Chevy sold 560,000 Silverados, Ram was left wondering where all their customers went.

The specs: The Express brings back what made the Classic such a hit, but wrapped in the current-gen truck's much better bones:

• 44,495 for a Quad Cab 2WD, topping out at $51,095 for a Crew Cab 4WD

• The trusty 305-hp Pentastar V6 comes standard, but the real gem is the optional 420-hp Hurricane I6 for just $1,695 extra (seriously, just get this one)

• Up to 11,550 lbs of towing with the Hurricane and RWD.

• 20-inch wheels, LED headlights, and body-color bumpers.

• Adaptive cruise and emergency braking come standard.

Want to add some attitude? The $995 Black Express Package throws in black wheels and badging, LED fog lamps, side steps, a sport hood, cloth bucket seats, and a 7-inch digital gauge cluster.

For context: Ram first rolled out the Express name back in 2011. It was meant for first-time truck buyers who wanted something affordable but not boring, and with enough personality to make their own. The 2026 version sticks to that winning formula, but with all the benefits of Ram's latest platform.

What's next: Customers can order an Express right now, but it won't hit driveways until Q3 2025. After that, Ram's promising a flood of new trims, powertrain updates, and commercial trucks in what they're calling their most aggressive product rollout ever.

Bottom Line: For Ram dealers who've spent the last year watching customers walk away after seeing the sticker prices, the Express can't arrive soon enough. It's the truck that puts Ram back in the conversation where most truck buying decisions are actually made: under that crucial $50K threshold.

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