February 1, 2018 – The all-new 2019 Ram 1500 is the strongest Ram yet, says the truck maker; it’s 100 pounds lighter with 98% high-strength steel. The maximum payload has increased to 2300 pounds, with maximum trailer towing to 12,750 pounds.

Alongside all the changes in truck body and power, the 2019 Ram 1500 is more than a little tech friendly. The truck sports the 4th-generation Uconnect system and class-exclusive, 12-in. reconfigurable touchscreen, featuring split-screen capability for dual-application operation.

The pickup offers new multifunction USB ports and optional integrated wireless charging pad, available navigation system with voice-controlled destination entry and enhanced 3-D navigation graphics. And your Android Auto or Apple CarPlay links with Uconnect’s touchscreen.

This Ram is lighter, longer and wider, including an overall cab length increase of four inches, creating a spacious interior for additional features and passenger comfort. The second row includes slide reclining seats to eight degrees, a true flat-load floor with integrated RamBins with tie-down rings, and expandable under seat storage.

An all-new eTorque system delivers improved fuel efficiency in both V-6 and V-8 configurations. Active safety and security systems join the technology onslaught with adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, Blind-spot Monitoring and ready alert braking.

The addition of the eTorque mild hybrid system is one of several changes made to the powertrains for the 2019 Ram 1500, with the goal of improving performance, fuel economy, payload, towing capabilities and drivability.

The eTorque system replaces the traditional alternator on the engine with a belt-driven motor generator unit that performs several functions, including recapturing energy during deceleration and braking to feed a 300 watt-hour battery pack.

The upgraded eTorque version of the Pentastar V-6 is the standard engine in most trim levels of the 2019 Ram 1500, specifically tuned for truck duty, and rated at 305 horsepower and 269 pound feet of torque.

Meantime, the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 sports 395 horsepower and 410 lb.-ft. of torque.

The V-6 and V-8 powertrains in the 2019 Ram 1500 also reduce fuel consumption with an Interactive Deceleration Fuel Shut Off feature that pauses fuel flow to the engine cylinders when the vehicle is decelerating. For the 2019 model year, this feature has been improved to be active in third gear and higher.

A new panoramic sunroof also is available, giving passengers 10 square feet of sky view and natural light. The RamBox lockable bed storage now features a 115-volt outlet and relocated overhead lighting in the box lids to improve illumination. The 2019 Ram 1500 is backed by a five-year/60,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty.

— Photos courtesy FCA US LLC.