2026 Ram 1500 Express: Affordable Full-Size Pickup with Attitude
The 2026 Ram 1500 Express is making waves as an affordable full-size pickup truck, filling the void left by the discontinued Ram 1500 Classic. With a starting price of $44,495, this truck offers a compelling value proposition without feeling overly basic.
The Ram 1500 Express is available as either an extended ‘Quad Cab’ or crew cab with rear- or four-wheel drive. It comes in five standard monochromatic colors: Diamond Black, Bright White, Granite Crystal, Forged Blue, and Hydro Blue. Each features gloss-black grille surrounds and body-color front and rear bumpers.
Key Features and Specifications
- Standard equipment includes 20-inch wheels, a 305-hp 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and adaptive cruise control with emergency braking.
- The optional $995 Black Express package (available on Quad and Crew 4WD models) adds black 20-inch wheels, side steps, a sport hood, black-bezel LED headlamps, and black exterior badging. Interior upgrades include black cloth seats and a 7.0-inch gauge cluster.
- For $1,695, buyers can upgrade to a 420-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter Hurricane inline-six engine, enabling an 11,550-pound max tow rating on rear-wheel-drive Quad Cab models.
Pricing
- The 2026 Ram 1500 Express Quad Cab starts at $44,495. Adding four-wheel drive increases the price to $48,345.
- The Crew Cab version begins at $47,245, with four-wheel drive priced at $51,095.
Ram has opened order books for the 2026 Ram 1500 Express, with deliveries expected to start in the third quarter of 2025. This new model offers a blend of style, capability, and value, making it an attractive option for those seeking a capable pickup truck without the premium price tag.
