2022 Ram 1500 Classic: Choosing the Right Trim

The 2022 Ram 1500 Classic proves that brand new isn’t always better, at least when you’re shopping for a hard-working pickup truck, and you don’t want to spend tons of money. Despite introducing the latest Ram 1500 full-size truck four years ago, the previous generation (now dubbed the Classic) rolls into the 2022 model year.

Available in three trim levels – Tradesman, Express, and Warlock – the Ram 1500 Classic remains competitive with its rivals, including the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, Toyota Tundra, and Nissan Titan. Comfortable and capable, it doesn’t hurt that the Classic variation costs thousands less than the current-gen Ram 1500.

However, the 2022 Ram 1500 Classic is much more than simply a bargain in the highly competitive truck segment. While it doesn’t offer the same degree of customization as the newest Ram 1500, the Classic is still available with three cabin sizes (Regular, Quad Cab, Crew Cab), three lengths of cargo bed, a standard V6 or optional Hemi V8, and choice of rear- or 4-wheel drive.

When properly equipped, the maximum towing capacity of the Ram 1500 Classic is a stout 10,610 pounds.

The Ram 1500 Classic is missing some of the modern comfort, safety, and tech touches found on rival trucks. Granted, adding options like a larger infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility helps the cause of the Ram 1500 Classic.

Yet, safety items like automatic emergency braking and forward-collision warning are not found on the option sheet.

Let’s take a look at the three main trims offered on Ram’s venerable full-size truck and what each delivers to full-size truck shoppers.

2022 Ram 1500 Classic Tradesman (starting at $29,060)

The 2022 Ram 1500 Classic Tradesman is a great choice for anyone who wants a new pickup truck but can live without fancy extras. This is a work truck, plain and simple, and it’s the only model offered in 3-passenger Regular Cab format with the 8-foot cargo bed, the largest of three available beds.

In rear-wheel-drive format and fitted with the optional V8 and necessary towing upgrades, this model uncorks the Classic’s highest towing capacity.

But what does a Ram buyer get with this workhorse truck that starts at approximately $30,000?

Standard features on the Ram 1500 Classic Tradesman include a 40/20/40 split vinyl-covered bench seat (Regular cab), air conditioning, rearview camera, 5-inch Uconnect infotainment screen, manual locks, manual windows, voice commands with Bluetooth, 120-volt outlet, dual USB ports, and 6-speaker stereo.

The biggest upgrades and changes relate to what’s under the hood and what type of configuration a Tradesman shopper needs. The Tradesman offers all three cabin sizes and is the only trim to include all three cargo bed lengths: 5-foot-7-inches, 6-foot-4-inches, and, largest of them all, the 8-foot bed.

Adding 4-wheel drive adds roughly $4,000 to the price, and you can substitute the standard 305-horsepower V6 for a 395-hp 5.7-liter V8. Several rear axle ratios are offered with either engine, along with a Class IV receiver hitch for towing. An 8-speed automatic is fitted with either engine choice.

You can fit the Tradesman with option packages like the Power and Remote Entry Group in terms of comfort and technology. This adds power windows, power locks, heated side mirrors, and keyless entry, all for less than $1,000 extra.

Truck buyers who don’t want to sacrifice any tech prowess can choose the optional Electronics Group. This adds an 8.4-inch UConnect infotainment screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, two additional USB ports, HD radio, and a 6-month free satellite radio subscription.

A Ram buyer who finances the basic, no-frills-added Tradesman for 60 months at a 3% interest rate with no money down can expect to pay around $ per month. See 2022 Ram 1500 Classic Tradesman models for sale

2022 Ram 1500 Classic Tradesman includes:

• Basic work truck – The entry-level Tradesman does without power locks or power windows.
• Towing – If you want the Classic’s best towing capacity, that means opting for the Tradesman model in Regular Cab format with the 8-foot cargo bed, rear-wheel drive, and optional Hemi V8.
• Infotainment upgrade – A Tradesman shopper can opt for a larger infotainment screen with smartphone compatibility.

2022 Ram 1500 Classic Express (starting at $31,395)

For only a couple thousand dollars more than the Tradesman, the Express trim adds features like body-color front and rear bumper, body-color front grille, painted 17-inch alloys (versus the 17-inch steel wheels on the Tradesman), and fog lamps.

At its simplest, the Express is similar to the Tradesman in that power door locks, power windows, and anything but the most basic infotainment screen will cost extra.

There is the same choice of standard V6 or optional V8, along with all three cabin sizes. Keep in mind; the Express can be ordered in Regular cab (two doors, front bench seat) format, but not with the 8-foot cargo bed.

Choosing the Quad Cab gets you the 6-foot-4-inch bed, while the Crew Cab means you get the 5-foot-7-inch bed.

Option packages are similar to what you find on the Tradesman models. Stand-alone features like an engine block heater, Class IV trailer hitch, and 32-gallon fuel tank are available. For Ram 1500 Classic shoppers living in colder climates, the Interior Cold Weather Group adds heated front seats, an upgraded 40/20/40 cloth-covered bench seat, heated steering wheel, and remote start. The price for this hand-warming option package is approximately $1,100.

You have the choice to upgrade to the larger 8.4-inch infotainment screen with smartphone connectivity with either the Electronics Group – also found in the Tradesman – or the Black Ram 1500 Express Group.

This also comes with black exterior badging, black headlamp bezels, black-painted alloy wheels, and a black front grille. Priced at roughly $600, this option package is a bargain even if all you want is the infotainment upgrade.

The Trailer Tow Group adds the Class IV hitch, larger trailer-tow side mirrors, and a trailer brake controller for about the same amount of money.

Once again, if we use the base price of the Classic Express as our truck-buying guideline, a Ram buyer who puts no money down and finances for 60 months at 3% interest will pay about $539 monthly. See 2022 Ram 1500 Classic Express models for sale

2022 Ram 1500 Classic Express includes:

• More refinement – Heated seats and heated steering wheel are optional.
• Visual kick – Black exterior time can be added, along with several choices of wheels ranging up to 20-inches in diameter.
• Cargo flexibility – Available RamBox cargo management system has built-in storage bins with drain plugs for tail-gate adventures.

2022 Ram 1500 Classic Warlock (starting at $38,040)

Sitting atop the Ram 1500 Classic lineup, you can specify the Warlock trim with the Quad Cab and 6-foot-7-inch cargo bed or Crew Cab with the 5-foot-7-inch bed. Like the rest of the range, a 3.6-liter V6 is standard, the 5.7-liter V8 is optional, an 8-speed automatic transmission is standard, and there’s always the option to add 4-wheel drive.

While the Warlock doesn’t offer some of the cabin and cargo bed variations of the Tradesman and Express, there’s a wider range of option packages. Some are similar to what we’ve discussed before – the Electronics Group with its upgraded infotainment tech, for example,  and the Trailer Tow Group. Yet, there are several option routes unique to the Warlock.

These include the Heated Seats and Wheel Group (probably no explanation needed here), the Warlock Decal Package, and the Warlock All-Terrain Package. This last option adds 17-inch all-terrain tires, along with front and rear rubber floor mats.

For approximately $900, the optional Luxury Group has a far-ranging lineup of options, including second-row in-floor storage bins, LED cargo bed lighting, power-folding mirrors, auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, to name a few.

A Warlock starting at $38,040 would cost roughly $655 per month with no money down and financed for 60 months with a 3% interest rate. See 2022 Ram 1500 Classic Warlock models for sale

2022 Ram 1500 Classic Warlock includes:

• Off-roading – Available Warlock All-Terrain Package adds more off-road capability.
• Cabin space – The Warlock is only offered in roomier Quad or Crew Cab format. If you want the 2-door Regular cab, check the Tradesman or Express.
• Cold-weather friendly – No surprise, heated seats, and a heated steering wheel are part of the available Heated Seats and Wheel option package.