2016 Ram 1500: Small Changes Continue
With the 2015.5 Ram Rebel and Laramie Limited, it will probably surprise no one that the 2016 Ram 1500 will change very little. Both the Ram Rebel and Laramie Limited showcased a controversial new grille design, with the latter sporting tons of chrome and the former offering a sportier blackout look. As near as we can tell, none of the other nine Ram models will get the new swoopy-lettered Ram front face for 2016 but that's not to say the next significant redesign couldn't include that dramatic shift.
Among the changes made to the 2016 models, the Ram 1500 Sport will expand its reach with four new "buzz" models (they will have the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8, eight-speed transmission, 3.92:1 gears, dual exhaust, 20-inch wheels and vented sport hood). The Sport also will add new colors: Ignition Orange, Torred Red, Stinger Yellow and Ceramic Blue.
Additionally, Ram engineers have modified the frame and body a bit to better absorb energy and protect passengers during small front overlap accidents. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety test for this type of accident has proven challenging for automakers. Ram started including these changes to the pickup structure on 2015 models, but has now included the upgraded safety features on all 1500 cabs and models.
For 2016,the Ram 1500s will offer 11 trim models (Tradesman, Express, HFE, SLT, Big Horn/Lonestar, Outdoorsman, Sport, Rebel, Laramie, Laramie Longhorn, Laramie Limited), three engines (3.6-liter gas, 5.7-liter Hemi, 3.0-liter V-6 EcoDiesel), three cab configurations, three bed lengths and three wheelbases. Additionally, the entry-level Pentastar V-6 gas engine will have some significant changes for 2016 (debuting first in the Jeep Grand Cherokee) but it is not slated for the 2016 Ram 1500. Ram has not officially said that this updated engine (which could eventually include direct injection) will be available for the Ram, but our guess is that it's likely for 2017. The improved engine is reported to have more power and better fuel economy when matched with the Grand Cherokee.
Here's how the pricing breaks down for 2016 4x2s; all prices include a $1,195 destination fee. Currently, the Ram 1500 configurator highlights 2015 pricing, but should be updated in a few weeks to include all 2016 models.
2016 Ram 1500 4×2
Tradesman
Regular cab: $27,060
Quad cab: $31,295
Crew cab: $33,875
SLT/Express
Regular cab (Express): $28,440
Regular cab (SLT): $31,685
Quad cab (SLT): $35,190
Crew cab (SLT): $37,570
Big Horn/Lone Star
Regular cab: $34,700
Quad cab: $38,505
Crew cab: $40,885
Sport
Regular cab:$36,900
Quad cab: $40,285
Crew cab: $42,465
HFE
Regular cab: $31,720
Quad cab: $38,600
Outdoorsman
Quad cab (4×4 only): $40,440
Crew cab (4×4 only): $43,890
Rebel
Crew cab: $44,190
Laramie
Quad cab: $40,470
Crew cab: $42,425
Laramie Longhorn
Crew cab: $48,585
Laramie Limited
Crew cab: $52,075
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