Ram Reveals Revamped, Stylish Sub-$50K 1500 Express

Miami Herald

05-05-2025

From rural pastures to the quiet cul-de-sacs of the suburbs outside America's big cities, pickup trucks are vehicles driven by people from all walks of life. Their size and practical utility are some of the characteristics that keep new and potential truck buyers interested in these machines and set them apart from other segments.
Like many new cars these days, brand-new pickup trucks are more than a pretty penny to get into, which leaves some buyers having to decide between breaking the bank or settling for something else. However, Ram's newest truck for 2026 is aimed at buyers who want more premium features and utility for their dollar.
Though the Stellantis-owned Ram already brought back the Ram 1500 with a new skin for the 2025 model year, it is now reviving one of its most popular trim levels with an entirely new spin for 2026. The Ram 1500 Express may be the cheapest Ram in the shed, but it's being presented as a feature-packed machine for not much more money than the work-centric 1500 Tradesman.
Available as a crew cab and a quad cab with the choice of rear-or four-wheel drive, the Ram 1500 Express packs a lot of truck for a base price of $44,495, which includes destination fees. Under the hood is a 305 horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, and for $1,695, buyers can upgrade to the 420 horsepower 3-liter Hurricane SO inline-six. Ram says that rear-wheel drive quad cab Express trucks with the optional engine are tow rated up to 11,550 lbs.
Though it may sound like a tall order to promise so much truck for under $50,000, this Ram packs a laundry list of features for the price. Standard on the Express are 20-inch wheels, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian emergency braking, and black-bezel LED headlights.
Ram says that the Express version of the 1500 has a "menacing, badge-less monochromatic paint scheme," featuring gloss-black grille surrounds and body-colored front and rear bumpers for the a subdued, stylish, and stealthy look. Though the Express looks like a secret agent's special ride in Diamond Black, Ram is also offering the truck in Bright White, Granite Crystal, Forged Blue, and Hydro Blue.
Buyers of four-wheel drive Quad and Crew cab Express models will also have the chance to get the Black Express package, which offers a litany of blacked-out trim pieces and accessories, including black 20-inch wheels, black color badges, a sport hood, side steps, and LED fog lights. The package also includes an upgraded cabin with black cloth bucket seats, a floor console, and a 7-inch gauge cluster.
Ram says that the new 1500 Express will be built at its truck plant in Sterling Heights, Michigan. It expects to open orders for the 2026 Ram 1500 Express sometime in the third quarter of 2025. Before options, the most expensive variant, the 4WD Crew Cab will start at $51,095.
In the official press release, Ram brand CEO Tim Kuniskis noted that the introduction of the 1500 Express is the latest move in revamping the brand's strategy for selling more trucks in the future.
"The Express is the latest drop in Ram's product offensive," Kuniskis said. "We started the 2025 model year with a new Ram 1500 and new Ram Heavy Duty lineup. With the platforms refreshed, we begin rolling out trim level enhancements."
Kuniskis also said that Ram isn't done introducing new products, as it has "25 more product announcements planned within the next 18 months, ranging from mild to wild with something for every truck buyer." The existence of the Express as an "essentials" truck with some of the toys of the higher trims, like the Big Horn and Tungsten, seems like a great package at a time when buyers want a foot-in-the-door into a cool-looking truck they can feel proud of having.
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