The RAM has always been a company specialized in pickup trucks, so it’s no wonder that its models are always among class leaders. The thing with these pickups is that they aren’t just capable, but also feel extremely strong in other aspects, such as ride quality, comfort, equipment etc. However, the competition is getting stronger, with more and more updates. Therefore, we may see some novelties in the RAM trucks lineup as well.
Still, most of these updates will be subtle, while the major updates are expected for the 2024 model year. This primarily refers to 1500, 2500 and 3500 models. Also, we are getting reports about the possible comebacks of the Dakota and Rampage models.
So, here is a short preview of each model in the company’s lineup for the next year:
Ram 1500
The current generation of Ram’s light-duty pickup truck has been around since 2018 and the 2023 Ram 1500 will represent the fifth production year. So, it’s no wonder that many expected to see a mid-cycle refresh, especially after all the novelties that came from GM and Ford. However, it looks like this won’t happen.
Still, this doesn’t mean that we won’t be seeing updates. The next year’s model will come with one pretty interesting novelty, in the form of the new, frameless 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, the first one of this kind in RAM pickup. On the other hand, visual changes, as well as the new turbo inline-six engine will come with the 2024 model.
So, other than the new digital instrument cluster, the 2023 Ram 1500 will come with a familiar layout, with familiar cab styles and bed sizes on the offer. Furthermore, you may count on the same engine lineup, which consists of three familiar units.
Base models will continue with a 3.6-liter V6 with 305 horsepower, while the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with 395 horsepower will continue as an option. Finally, count on a diesel version, equipped with a 3.0-liter V6 that puts out around 260 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque. All three engines come with the same 8-speed automatic transmission.
The trim level organization should also remain the same, with Tradesman, Big Horn (Lone Star in Texas), Rebel, Laramie, Longhorn, Limited and TRX (previewed separately) trim levels on the offer.
Currently, the RAM 1500 starts at around 37.500 dollars and we don’t expect to see a significant price increase in the near future.
Ram 1500 TRX Hellcat
Just like the standard versions, the Ram 1500 TRX Hellcat should also get a digital instrument cluster. Other than that, we probably won’t see bigger changes, even though we can find reports that suggest big upgrades for the next year.
According to these reports, the TRX might be offered in a new, even more, powerful version that puts out nearly 800 horsepower. Furthermore, many expect that the 2023 TRX will finally come with a new mode selector, which offers RWD drive mode as well. However, we believe that these updates will be left for the 2024 mid-cycle refresh.
On the other hand, the 2023 model should continue in the same way. We count on the same setup, which is mostly about the monstrous 6.2-liter Supercharged V8 Hellcat engine, which puts out 702 horsepower. The engine comes coupled with an 8-speed automatic transmission, which sends power to all wheels.
Compared to the standard RAM 1500, the TRX comes with various upgrades but the most important ones are those in terms of off-road upgrades. Some of the highlights are things like upgraded suspension, which comes with Bilstein adaptive dampers and offers higher ground clearance. Also, there are 35-inch all-terrain tires, locking rear differential, upgraded brakes, upgraded engine cooling system, skid plates, performance exhaust system etc.
This version also comes with numerous exclusive styling and interior upgrades, so it’s no wonder that the starting price goes all away up to 77.500 dollars.
Ram 2500 HD
The company’s entry-level HD pickup will also bring some updates. From what we know so far, the next year’s model will also come with the new digital instrument cluster, while we also expect to see the new Limited Night Edition Mega Cab 4×4 model, which will come with lots of exclusive styling details and features.
Also, it was expected that the 2023 Ram 2500 HD would receive a mid-cycle refresh but it looks like this won’t happen. Most likely, the refresh will happen in 2024, which indicates that the 2023 Ram 2500 HD will come without more important updates. This includes the rumors about the new transmission for the diesel version as well.
So, you may count on a pickup that offers strong performance, great towing capacities, a smooth ride, a high-quality interior, etc. The trim level organization should remain the same as well. So, you may count on the following versions: Tradesman, Big Horn, Lone Star, Power Wagon, Laramie, Limited Longhorn and Limited.
Most of these trim levels gradually add more and more standard equipment. The only exception is the Power Wagon, which is an off-road version of the pickup. This model comes with various off-road upgrades, such as standard 4WD, front and rear locking differentials, disconnecting front stabilizer bar, an off-road-tuned suspension, hill descent control, skid plates, electric winch etc.
When it comes to the powertrain, base models will continue with a well-known 6.4-liter V8 HEMI engine, which puts out around 410 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque. The offer will continue with a 6.7-liter inline-six Cummins turbodiesel, which comes in two output variants. The base version puts out 370 horsepower and 850 pound-feet of torque. The more capable version puts out 420 horsepower and 1.075 pound-feet of torque.
We expect that base models will go around 41.000 dollars.
Ram 3500 HD
Just like its smaller siblings, the Ram 3500 HD won’t feature bigger changes either. From what we can hear, the company prepares a mid-cycle refresh for the 2024 model year, while the 2023 Ram 3500 HD is about to carry on in the same way. That’s shouldn’t be taken as a drawback, considering that the current model already offers a lot of impressive things, starting from amazing max towing capacity with the diesel engine, smooth ride and plenty of standard and available tech features.
The Ram 3500 HD will continue with two familiar powertrain options on the offer. Base models will continue to use a 6.4-liter V8 gasoline engine, which puts out around 410 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque. This engine comes in pair with an 8-speed automatic transmission and provides pretty good driving dynamics. Moreover, the max towing capacity goes over 24.000 pounds, while the max payload is rated at 4.280 pounds.
Still, the real deal comes with the 6.7-liter inline-six turbodiesel, which is available in two variants, with either 850 or 1.075 pound-feet of torque. The latter is particularly capable, as it provides a max towing capacity of up to 37.100 pounds, which is the class-leading number, according to the manufacturer.
The trim level organization will remain the same. So, you may count on Tradesman, Big Horn, Laramie, Longhorn and Limited versions. The truck is available in Regular-cab, crew-cab and Mega Cab layouts, with either standard (6 feet 4 inches) or a long bed (8 feet).
The current model starts at around 42.000 dollars and we don’t expect bigger changes for the next year’s model.
Will There Be Ram 4500 and Ram 5500
Although we’ve been hearing rumors that these capable models could come in a pickup truck form, it looks like this won’t happen. Instead, the two models will continue in a Chassis Cab form. We are about to see a familiar design, though the company has prepared a nice update, in the form of the new Uconnect 5.0 infotainment system.
Other than that, things will remain the same. Both models will continue with two familiar powertrain options on the offer. Base units will come with a 6.4-liter HEMI V8, while the 6.7-liter inline-six turbodiesel will be offered as well. The gasoline engine is good for about 370 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque, while the turbodiesel puts out around 360 horses and 800 lb-ft of torque.
Of course, the diesel version is more capable in terms of towing. The 4500 model can tow up to 35.220 pounds of Gross Combined Weight Rating. On the other hand, the RAM 5500 raises the pole to pretty impressive 43.000 pounds of GCWR.
We don’t expect to see bigger price changes for the next year, so base versions should go around 40.000 dollars.
Jeep Gladiator
Although the officials are still quiet about the 2023 Jeep Gladiator, we can hear many rumors that suggest new powertrain options. Allegedly, the capable pickup could come with the same engine upgrades we’ve seen in Wrangler. That particularly refers to the plug-in hybrid version, which combines a turbo-four engine with an electric motor, for a combined output of 375 horsepower.
Some sources even speculate about the Gladiator 392, which would come with the monstrous 6.4-liter V8 HEMI engine, which puts out around 475 horsepower.
Other than the possible powertrain upgrades, the next year’s model should carry on in the same way. This pickup comes in a single configuration only, regarding cab style, in a crew cab layout. Critics praise its spacious cabin but that’s not the only strong point of this truck.
One of the strongest points of Gladiator is its excellent off-road capability. Just like the Wrangler, the Gladiator is very capable, especially if you pick the Rubicon trim, which is the most capable off-road pickup on the market. It comes equipped with goodies like upgraded off-road suspension, increased ground clearance, two-speed transfer case, front and rear locking differentials, electronically disconnecting front stabilizer bar, all-terrain tires, skid plates and more.
The current model comes with two powertrain options on the offer. Base models use a 3.6-liter V6, which is good for about 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. You can also get a turbodiesel, which puts out 260 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque. Both engines come with an 8-speed automatic, while the V6 is also available with a 6-speed manual.
The price shouldn’t change drastically for the next year, so base versions should go around 37.500 dollars.
Dodge Ram Dakota
For a long time, we’ve been hearing rumors about the comeback of the mid-size pickup truck. A few years ago, the management even gave up on this model but it looks like things have changed with the recent increase in popularity of the mid-size pickup segment.
So, it looks like the Dodge Ram Dakota could arrive already in the next year. At this point, the officials are still quiet but we know what to expect from the new model, a least in terms of based design characteristics. Of course, we count on a genuine BoF pickup, but there are actually two possible roads on which the new Dakota could go.
In both cases, the company already has the platforms prepared. The first scenario suggests a Gladiator-based design, which means that the platform would be shared with the legendary Wrangler SUV, as well as with its pickup iteration. The Gladiator has been around for a while and it proved itself as a pretty capable pickup.
The other possibility is to see the new Dakota based on Ram 1500’s platform. In that case, we would see a lot of things in common with the half-ton pickup, but everything would come in a smaller package. This also means that the new 2023 Dodge Ram Dakota would be produced in Mexico.
We believe that the company would offer this pickup in various configurations, including both single and double cab layouts, with different bed sizes. This would make the entry-level version way more affordable than the Gladiator.
When it comes to the powertrain lineup, we presume that base models would come equipped with a familiar 3.6-liter V6, with 285 or 305 horsepower. We believe it could be offered with the eTorque mild-hybrid system as well. A 2.0-liter turbo-four is also possible, while we count on a diesel version as well.
Most versions would be offered with 8-speed automatic transmission, while we believe that the V6 could come with the manual gearbox as well.
The Dodge Ram Dakota is yet to be confirmed and we believe that, if it arrives, the base price would go under 30.000 dollars.
Dodge Ram Rampage
The last time we saw a Rampage in production was back in the ‘80s. Since then, we saw just one concept in 2006 and after that, we’ve been hearing rumors about its comeback every now and then. However, it looks that these rumors could finally turn out to be true, as the company is allegedly working on a new pickup.
This makes a lot of sense, considering that the market for small pickups is getting bigger these days. Ford already launched the Maverick, while Hyundai came with the Santa Cruz. So, why wouldn’t we see the new Dodge Ram Rampage?
According to rumors, the Dodge Ram Rampage would feature a unibody layout, which would ensure better ride quality and a more affordable price. However, we don’t believe that the new model would come in the old-school coupe ute layout, as buyers aren’t particularly interested in such a layout anymore.
Instead, the new model would look closer to what we saw in 2006. In other words, we count on a pickup body style, with the crossover character under the skin. We would see similar dimensions to the Maverick, while there is no doubt that a double cab layout would be the only one on the offer.
When it comes to the powertrain, we presume that the core offer would be the company’s familiar 2.0-liter turbo-four, which puts out around 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The engine comes paired with 8-speed automatic transmission.
Some sources also speculate about a hybrid version. That could easily be the new system based on a 1.3-liter turbo-four engine, which features a combined output of 240 horsepower.
Unfortunately, the officials are still quiet, so take this comeback with a reserve. If it arrives, we presume that the base price would go around 20-25.000 dollars.