Overview
The Ram 1500 Express is back, and not just with intentions of filling the shoes of the discontinued Classic or just a name plate revival. With a starting price of $44,495, the 2026 Ram 1500 Express is a modern full-size pickup that skips the gimmicks but looks sharp and works hard.
Tim Kuniskis, CEO, Ram brand said “The Express is the latest drop in Ram’s product offensive,”.
Let’s take a look…
Powertrain and Platform
Under the hood, the 2026 Ram 1500 Express sticks with proven components. Standard is the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, making 305 horsepower and paired with the familiar eight-speed automatic transmission. But for buyers craving more brawn, Ram offers the 3.0-liter twin-turbo Hurricane inline-six, pumping out 420 horsepower for just $1,695 extra. Opt for this engine with the Quad Cab and rear-wheel drive, and you unlock a towing capacity of 11,550 pounds—best in the Express lineup.
What sets the new Express apart from the old Classic is its ride quality. Built on the current-gen 1500 architecture, it handles more like a well-mannered SUV than a body-on-frame brute. It’s a meaningful evolution that’ll be appreciated during long days on the road or trips through jobsite gravel.
Design
Visually, the Ram 1500 Express doesn’t try too hard, but that’s part of its charm. Available in monochrome finishes like Diamond Black, Bright White, Forged Blue, Hydro Blue, and Granite Crystal, it avoids the clunky look of old base trucks. Body-color bumpers and gloss-black grille accents are added to sharpen the look without adding cost.
The optional $995 Black Express Package is where things get interesting. Black 20-inch wheels, sport hood, black-bezel LED headlamps, fog lights, side steps, and badging—all add a layer of stealthy aggression. Inside, you’ll find a 7-inch digital gauge cluster, black cloth bucket seats, and a clean, function-forward dash layout.
Inside
Don’t expect tech overload, but do expect the essentials. Adaptive cruise control with emergency braking is standard, and cabin materials feel more cohesive than the stripped interiors of yesteryear. You won’t find sprawling touchscreens or ventilated seats, but for many, that’s a plus.
Interior trim options include laser-etched accents, and the floor console on Black Express models gives the cabin a more organized, everyday usability. The focus is on durability, visibility, and practical storage—not frills.
How It Stacks Up Against Rivals
Trucks like the Ford F-150 XL and Chevy Silverado WT may start slightly lower in price, but neither offers the same mix of powertrain options and clean, upgraded styling out of the box. And while the Toyota Tundra SR sits competitively, it lacks the value-focused optionality Ram builds into the Express—especially with the Hurricane engine in play.
Compared to its competitors, the 1500 Express gives budget-conscious buyers more real-world utility without locking them out of aesthetic or towing upgrades.
Final Thoughts: Not too Fancy, But a Workhorse
The 2026 Ram 1500 Express isn’t about bells and whistles—it’s about showing up and getting the job done and that too without emptying your bank account.
Order books are now open, with deliveries expected to begin in Q3 2025. If you’ve been waiting for a modern full-size pickup that keeps things simple but smart, this one deserves a serious look.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most accurate, latest updates or specific model configurations. Always consult official website/sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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