Best Used Ram 1500 Model Years to Buy
For generations, buyers in search of maximum capability, performance, and innovation in their half-ton pickup trucks have chosen the proven Ram 1500 over the competition. Especially if you’re shopping on a budget, choosing a used Ram 1500 is a decision that makes sense from both a financial and practicality standpoint. All that’s left to do is decide which used Ram 1500 model year is best for your individual needs. Wally Armour CDJR and our team of used truck experts are here to help with this informative guide! We’ve named our top picks for the best model years of used Ram 1500 trucks to buy across a variety of categories and topics.
Best Used Ram 1500 Model Year for Value – 2012
Shopping on a budget? A great way to make your dollars go as far as possible is to extend your search for the best used Ram 1500 back a few model years. Considering an older model year is a great way to get an outstanding half-ton pickup without breaking the bank. With that concept in mind, our top pick for the best used Ram 1500 model year for value is 2012. In addition to an affordable price, the 2012 Ram 1500 delivers all the essentials you need to get the job done. Under the hood, you’ll have your choice of an economical 3.7-liter V6 or the legendary rumble and roar from the proven 5.7-liter HEMI V8. Single, extended, and crew cab configurations make it simple to carry passengers, cargo, and even a combination of both for maximum utility. A wide range of individual trim levels ranging from utilitarian to upscale makes the 2012 Ram 1500 our top choice for value-conscious used truck buyers.
Best Used Ram 1500 Model Year for Towing – 2016
If you plan to tow with your truck, it’s essential to choose the right model for the job in order to tow safely and with confidence. Fortunately, the Ram 1500 has a proven track record for setting the industry standard for towing capabilities. No matter if you opt for the economical 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 or the muscular 5.7-liter HEMI V8, the 2016 Ram 1500 has the strength you need to tow even your largest toys and equipment. Examples of available towing features offered as standard or optional equipment on 2016 models may include:
- Class IV Trailer Hitch Receiver with 4 or 7-pin Connector
- Trailer Brake Control
- Electronic Range Select (ERS) and the Tow/Haul Mode
- Trailer Sway Control
- Rear Back-Up Camera
- Electronic Two-Speed Transfer Case
- Hill-Start Assist
As you can see, the ultimate combination of value and towing capability makes the 2016 Ram 1500 an outstanding option for those looking to tow confidently.
Best Used Ram 1500 Model Year for Fuel Efficiency – 2021
Especially in periods with rising fuel prices, having the fuel economy to go the extra mile can make a tremendous impact on your budget. Fortunately, Ram continues to push the limits of efficiency through innovative features and clever engineering. For those looking for the highest MPG Ram 1500 on the used market, 2021 is the year you should consider first. Ram made history that year as the most fuel-efficient half-ton pickup, with the Ram 1500 Tradesman HFE EcoDiesel rated at a jaw-dropping 33 MPG highway. Although the EcoDiesel engine has been discontinued from the current Ram 1500 lineup, shopping for a used 2021 Ram 1500 is a great way to experience this outstanding efficiency at an affordable price. Other 2021 models are available with the innovative eTorque system, providing an electronic assist to enhance the fuel economy of gas-powered engines.
Best Used Ram 1500 Model Year for Technology & Safety – 2024
Driving a pickup truck doesn’t mean having to sacrifice on innovative technology and the peace of mind made possible buy cutting-edge safety features when you choose a used Ram 1500. Shopping for a used 2024 Ram 1500 is the best way to enjoy most of the latest technology without the hefty price tag of buying new. 2024 models come standing with the responsive Uconnect 5 infotainment system, routinely praised for its customizable menu structure and unmatched collection fo multimedia features. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto let you bring along the best features of your compatible smartphone for every journey as well. Available safety features include adaptive cruise control, full-speed forward-collision warning plus, Lane Keep Assist, Blind-spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path detection, automatic headlamps, digital rearview mirror with tow mode and rain-sensing windshield wipers.