2022 RAM 1500 Classic

There are a total of five distinct trims associated with the 1500 nameplate. But the 2022 RAM 1500 Classic Regular Cab will be, most probably, available in those same three distinct trims – Tradesman, Express, and SLT. The Tradesman will have an assumed price of $29,200 and the Express is also about to kick start somewhat around the same price tag while the range-topping trim might cost around $33,390. As per its predecessor specifications, which are anticipated to remain as they are, the 1500 Classic Regular Cab will be available in either a 6’4” box or an 8’ box with both RWD and 4WD to choose from. One of the commonalities throughout the trim tree seems to be those 17” wheels that might retain their variance in their respective accents depending on the trim level. 

When it comes to packages, you have quite a lot of options to choose from. For the Tradesman, you can opt for the Electronics Group for $695 which will add Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and an 8.4” touchscreen. The Tradesman SXT package will add some nice cosmetic upgrades to the exterior of the truck as well. Moreover, the Trailer Tow package, for $1,095, can also be considered if you want to tow a trailer alongside. 

For Express, the Express Black Accent package, at $595, will add black exterior truck badging, black RAM head tailgate badge, black headlamp bezels, and other cosmetic upgrades. You can also equip it with the same Trailer Tow package. Finally, for the SLT trim, you can choose the Luxury Group which adds a rearview auto-dimming mirror, leather-wrapped steering wheel, LED bed lighting, etc; once $595 is invested. Since we predict no major upgrade in this machinery for the upcoming model, all the aforementioned packages are likely to be in the same format for the 2022 platform.

Which trim should you buy?

Since you are looking for the 1500 Classic, it means you probably don’t want to spend a ton of money on a truck. If you are focused on only getting your work done, then we would recommend going for the Express trim. It costs almost the same as the Tradesman but has some added extras. It is advisable to have the Electronics package as well to add a little more entertainment for long travels. Also, consider the Trailer Tow package if you are planning on towing extra pounds for increased cargo along with the V8 engine on offer.

2022 RAM 1500 Classic Regular Cab Release date

2022 RAM 1500 Classic Regular Cab is planned to be on sale by the third quarter of 2021. 

The new RAM 1500 Classic Regular Cab comes with two engine options. The standard unit is a 3.6L Pentastar engine which is capable of producing 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque. The other option is a 5.7L HEMI V8 that is capable of churning out 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. The HEMI costs $1,700 extra. Both the engines are mated to the same eight-speed automatic transmission. The truck can be equipped with either RWD or 4WD. Since it is what has been there in the 2021 platform but it seems that such a coupling is likely to be kept in continuation for the newer model too.

Generally, the V6 is not ideal for pulling heavy loads. It does not offer much in the low torque range either. However, for just pulling the truck, it is fine and it is also pretty decent for city and highway driving. For heavier loads, V8 is the one to go on with. The V8 also has a bigger grunt and can handle the truck with ease. 

The V6 variant can push the truck to 60 MPH from a standstill in 7.7 seconds, which is an appreciable digit for a truck. It finishes the quarter-mile in 15.9 seconds. The V8 shaves this figure down to 6.6 seconds and 14.7 seconds for the 0-60 and quarter-mile respectively. In addition to that, the V8 can tow a maximum of 10,610 lbs while the V6 can do the same at 7,660 lbs, thereby, making the 1500 Classics one of the favorites by a mile. Though these figures have been taken in reference to the 2021 model yet the probability of witnessing them is pretty high in the upcoming model. 

When it comes to raw power output, the 1500 Classic, as per its predecessor spec sheet, produces the most horses. However, it still remains the slowest truck on the list whereas others are pretty neck to neck against each other with each competitive truck managing similar timings in the 60 mph run of just above 7 seconds. Even the towing capacity of the GM vehicles’ V6 too is superior in comparison to the rest at 10,000 lbs while the Ford hits the rock bottom with 5,000 lbs marking only. What’s even more impressive is the real-time translation by the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Regular Cab and GMC Sierra 1500 Regular Cab despite being heaviest among all.

The V6 is the thriftier of the two engines, but the truck is not exactly fuel-efficient. The V6 with the RWD configuration will sip around 17/25/20 MPG for city/highway/combined driving respectively. The V6 with the 4WD configuration comes with figures around 16/23/19 MPG for the same. The EPA estimates for the RWD V8 layout are around 15/22/17 MPG, and the same for the 4WD V8 power flow rates to be 15/21/17 MPG. As we don’t see any engine updates to date so the 2022 model is destined to be prone to such low efficiency. But it is that 26-gallon and 32-gallon fuel tanks on offer with which figures might go beyond 650 miles and 700 miles respectively. 

The fuel economies of the truck are pretty weak, but the RAM and the Ford still offer reasonable returns of 25 and 24 MPG. The tank sizes are also large, which allow for higher scale on the odometer, 1500 Classic, being a far better proposition at the same time. Considering the towing prowess in light of such range practicality, it surely boosts the RAM status in its peers. Well expecting too much from this segment in this section is not desirable, thus, one’s inclination should not hinge on it.

The RAM 1500 Classic Regular Cab is generally more focused on being a spacious and utilitarian truck than being luxurious and opulent. The interior offers decent materials, the kinds you would expect from a truck like this. The base trim and the Express, for instance, have heavy-duty vinyl upholstery that can be upgraded to cloth format. Also, the carpeting on the floor is maintained with vinyl. The urethane steering wheel comes as a standard that can be improved to a leather-wrapped steering touch. Manual air conditioning is another normal addition to the list. The interior is altogether a boxy one that has all the buttons and dials which are within the easy reach of the driver. Though the accent flow is that of the predecessor, there is hardly any denying the fact that something refreshing is far from being true, at least, for the 2022 model.

Further adding to that, the front seats are 4-way manually adjustable. The Regular cab gets a 40/20/40-split bench that is capable of seating three occupants. The seats are comfortable and spacing is not an issue at all. So it is reasonable to think of them staying inside the cabin as well yet again if other things are going to be consistent. 

All the trucks are pretty spacious, but the difference lies in the cargo capacity. It must be noted that the GM trucks come with a long box only in their Regular Cab configurations, while the other two come with a smaller box as standard giving the formers a slight edge. Numerically speaking, the Regular Cab can either be had with a 6’4” box; or an 8’ box. The 6’4” box has a bed length of 76.3”, a width of 66.4” with 51” between the wheel housings. The height of the bed is 20.1” and the total cargo capacity is 57.5 cubic ft. The 8’ increases the length to 98.3”, which allows for a total cargo capacity of 74.7 cubic feet. All in all, the Chevrolet and GMC trucks set the benchmark for others to follow. 

Some key interior features include:

• 4-way driver seat
• Manual tilt steering column
• Heavy-duty vinyl seats
• Power windows
• Remote keyless entry
• Urethane steering wheel

What’s there to keep you entertained?

The 1500 Classic comes equipped with a tiny 5” touchscreen that runs on Uconnect 3 infotainment system. However, you can also upgrade to a Uconnect 4 infotainment system with an 8.4” touchscreen. The system is intuitive and responsive but there are no inspiring assets that can make it stand out as AM/FM radio, USB port, 6-speaker sound system, and an auxiliary input jack are some of those standard features that can be availed of at the max. However, if you upgrade to the bigger screen, you will be greeted with navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM Radio, and more. As there has been no official release regarding this, the 2021 model features have been considered as of now for the newer geometry. 

Highlights of the infotainment system:

• 5” Uconnect 3 infotainment system (upgradable to 8.3” Uconnect 4)
• AM/FM radio
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (optional)
• SiriusXM radio (optional)
• Aux jack
• 6-speaker sound system

The 1500 Classic is a previous-gen truck, and it definitely looks like one. However, it is still far from being an outcast just yet. It still appears quite handsome and bold. The aggression is still felt and the truck has a calm and collected, yet radiating demeanor. The front fascia sees two halogen headlamps, which hang in the middle, with a blacked-out grille. The Express trim has a body-colored surround that covers the grille. The RAM lettering is proudly displayed on the front along with a huge bumper attached. The Regular Cab comes with those generic two doors, with running boards.

The rear end also features regular taillights with the RAM logo at the center. The Tradesman trim rides on 17” steel wheels, while the Express gets on to the 17” alloy wheels. The SLT, in the end, receives the 17” aluminum wheels. As the description tone is a mirror image of the 2021 silhouette, that is expected to be as it is for the 2022 design language as well. On the whole, if it has to be summarized, the truck has certainly got the looks to attract buyers but it has started to show its age now.

The GM trucks generally have longer lengths and wheelbases of almost 140 inches as they come with the long box as standard. Meanwhile, the other two trucks tend to appear compact with their relatively smaller box. As a result of this, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Regular Cab and GMC Sierra 1500 Regular Cab manage to carry more cargo volume quite conveniently but then one has to curb the flooring when going around the corners as the mass transfer feels evident. In terms of handling, the Ford F-150 Regular Cab is a gem in its segment with a comprehensive performance figure at hand, however, the same is not true for the RAM 1500 Classic Regular Cab.

Some exterior features include:

• Single stainless-steel exhaust
• Multi-link rear suspension w/ coil springs
• Short and long arm front suspension w/ coil springs
• 17” aluminum wheels
• Blacked-out grille
• Halogen headlamps
• Active grille shutters

Obviously, the 2022 RAM 1500 Classic Regular Cab has not come out yet, so we do not know about its safety ratings. However, since it will essentially be the same model, as per assumptions, we can look at the data from the 2021 model for gauging its stand in this arena. For its predecessor, the NHTSA gave the frame a 4 out of 5-star safety rating, which is very good, but not the best. Even the IIHS has marked 1500 platform “Good” in most of its parameters. So one can vouch for its structural integrity. What’s rather disappointing is its age-old safety assists that include nothing more than Electronic stability control, Dual-stage airbags, ABS, and driveline traction control. There are a few more but not as functional as they should during unexpected circumstances.

Some of the key safety features onboard include:

• Electronic stability control
• Dual-stage airbags
• Airbag occupancy sensor
• ParkView back-up camera
• ABS and driveline traction control
• Low tire pressure warning

2022 RAM 1500 Classic Regular Cab vs 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Regular Cab

Chevy did not try to convert their older generation trucks under a different moniker, so in comparison to the 1500 Classic, the Silverado is still a fresh and new truck. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Regular Cab is better in almost every way, except for fuel economy and ride quality. The standard infotainment system is also more modern. Moreover, it comes with a single long bed option as standard within the same competitive pricing that gives it a head start here as well. So the Chevy is easily the pick here for better practical approaches.

2022 RAM 1500 Classic Regular Cab vs 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Regular Cab

The Chevy Silverado and the GMC Sierra are essentially the same truck under different logos, so whatever is mentioned above holds true here too. The only difference is in the way they look, for which some might prefer the appeal of the Sierra, while some might go for the Silverado. Hence, be it performance or standard towing capacity the GMC Sierra 1500 Regular Cab will allow you more freedom but one has to be a little aware while handling it around the corners. 

2022 RAM 1500 Classic Regular Cab vs 2021 Ford F-150 Regular Cab

The highest selling vehicle in the entire country, the Ford F-150 Regular Cab beats almost everybody, when it comes to sales and popularity. It is a pretty tough competitor with more sound ergonomics & handling, better fuel economy, interior, and performance. However, in their base configuration, the Classic can tow more than the F-150 and also costs slightly less. Still, the overall outlook of the Ford has to be given preference over the RAM. 

The 2022 RAM 1500 Classic Regular Cab is an old and nearly outdated truck, but it still manages to retain its significance somehow, even to this date. It is certainly not the most refined truck, but it has a decent payload and towing capacity. The truck is ideal for those who only want their truck to do its job while offering a comfortable ride and do not really care about modernity. It is an affordable truck that certainly still has its place, and even RAM knows that.