March 4, 2019 – When Dodge originally introduced the Ram brand, it was one of the first pickup trucks to feature a ‘semi’ style front end—but that is now the norm, with other 2019 trucks featuring massive grilles, too. So, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has reinvented both the front end and the grille for its 2019 model year on the Ram 1500.

Gone are the rounded square headlights and crosshairs grille, replaced by all-new front-end fascia and more rectangular headlights with LED lighting. The new look modernizes the truck while maintaining its character.

Available engines include a 3.6-L Pentastar V-6 or a 5.7-L Hemi V-8. Both are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

FCA has added a multi-function tailgate, which offers a 60/40 split with dual hinges that allow it to be opened normally (i.e. up/down) or as a swing-away sideways door that opens up to 88 degrees (i.e. left/right). It offers a 907-kg load capacity and closer access to the truck bed.

In all, the tailgate has four open configurations: flat, left door only, right door only and both doors. It also comes with a spray-in bedliner.

“Combined with the class-exclusive RamBox feature and a new tailgate step, we’re taking cargo management and storage to the next level,” says Reid Bigland, head of FCA’s Ram brand.

The pickup has a maximum overall payload of 1,043 kg, trailer towing capacity of 5,783 kg and storage capacity of 151.1 L. It is available in 2WD or 4WD configurations, with quad or crew cab. In all, seven models are offered: Tradesman (base model), Big Horn, Sport, Laramie, Longhorn, Limited and Rebel (off-road model).

Mario Cywinski is editor of Machinery and Equipment MRO magazine, a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) and a judge for the Canadian Truck King Challenge. He has more than 15 years’ automobile industry experience.