The Dodge RAM 1500 has been around since 1981, and it’s achieved a level of niche popularity in that time. Despite not enjoying the title of “America’s Best-Selling Vehicle” like the Ford F-150, the RAM 1500 has still picked up plenty of fans over the years. In earlier years, it was looked at as a tough work truck, albeit with some persistent problems.
But more recent models get constant accolades over their posh interiors that almost reach the level of a luxury SUV. For a long time, the RAM 1500 went under the Dodge brand, but it’s currently under its own brand as a RAM truck. This change happened in 2009.
No matter which RAM 1500 model you decide to get, it’s important to protect your investment with a RAM 1500 bed liner by DualLiner. DualLiner makes bed liners for the Dodge RAM 1500 from 2007 to 2023. It’s designed to fit your truck with a custom fit and it protects the bed from corrosion and damage from impact.
Let’s take a look at the ten best model years of the RAM 1500 from good to best.
10. 2010 RAM 1500
Image source: Bring A Trailer
The 2010 RAM 1500 is over a decade old, but this was the second model year in the fourth generation. It’s often a rule of thumb to avoid the first model year to kick off a generation, so the 2010 offers updated features and several cab options. The 5.7-liter Hemi V8 was available at the time, giving the 2010 RAM 1500 plenty of towing power. This was also the beginning of the trend toward posh interiors.
9. 2011 RAM 1500
The fourth generation was a pretty good one for the RAM 1500, and the 2011 model year is no exception. The only knock against this one is that it had a five-speed transmission instead of the more modern six-speed of the time. This model year offered both V6 and V8 powerplants.
8. 2012 RAM 1500
The 2012 RAM 1500 continued with the strong V8 and a nice, comfortable interior that made it great for long road trips. This was also the last model year since 2008 with a standard 4.7-liter V8 engine. A 3.6-liter V6 became the standard engine from 2013 on.
7. 2013 RAM 1500
Image source: Bring A Trailer
As mentioned earlier, this was the first model year since 2008 to feature a 3.6-liter V6 engine as the standard base engine. A V8 engine was still available, but if you find yourself looking at base models on the used market, many of them will have the V6. Higher trims for this model year offered an eight-inch driver display and controls mounted on the steering wheel.
6. 2017 RAM 1500
The 2017 RAM 1500 belongs to the fourth generation of the RAM 1500 and it was a mix of good and bad. It had to endure a few recalls, but most of the problems were fixed thanks to that. It’s still a pretty reliable model and it looked good to boot. A 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with a sport-tuned exhaust was also available, and a new air suspension was introduced.
5. 2014 RAM 1500
Image source: Bring A Trailer
The 2014 model of the RAM 1500 continued the previous few years with a comfortable ride and nice interiors. This is the second model year where the new V6 engine was standard equipment. Compared to the 2013 RAM 1500, the 2014 model featured a quieter cabin with less vibration.
4. 2007 Dodge RAM 1500
Photo courtesy of W.G. Motors
This is the first year for the Dodge RAM bedliner by DualLiner and also the oldest model on this list, which means you’ll likely find it affordable on the used market. This model year is also the second entry after a facelift in 2006. Some more modern tech features were added as well, including an updated infotainment system.
3. 2019 RAM 1500 Classic
The 2019 RAM 1500 Classic was a unique entry in the model lineup. The fifth RAM 1500 generation began in 2019, but as the fourth generation was still in production despite the new one coming out, it was renamed the RAM 1500 Classic. Essentially, it was still the fourth-generation truck without any of the new 2019 updates, but it was a great way to get a newer model for a lower price. The actual 2019 model year saw a significant body redesign.
2. 2018 RAM 1500
From 2017 on, the RAM 1500 saw a lot of upgrades with modern tech and interiors. This model year was featured on Ward’s 10 Top Interiors, marking a continued ascent into striking luxury interiors for the RAM 1500. The 2017 and 2018 models are also considered the beginning of a much more aggressive exterior look.
1. 2020 RAM 1500
And now we’ve reached what is perhaps the best RAM 1500 model of all time, at least, up until now. Although it’s less than five years old, it’s garnered tons of good reviews and has high predicted reliability. It features an incredibly classy interior and offers a selection of capable powertrains. Motor Trend named it the Truck of the Year for 2020 and the IIHS also gave it the Top Safety Pick rating.
RAM 1500 Years to Avoid
A Best List isn’t complete without a Worst List. One thing about the RAM 1500 is that it generally progressed to more reliable models as the years went on. Early models of the RAM 1500, such as the 1980s and 1990s models, had a lot of problems with subpar interiors and electronics issues.
Early 2000s models logged a fair amount of engine problems as well as subpar interiors with a common one being a cracked dashboard. The 2015 and 2016 models also had some engine issues and electronics issues. Those models saw the introduction of the EcoDiesel V6, which was highly maligned.
Once you bring your new or used RAM 1500 home, make sure to protect the bed with a Dodge RAM 1500 bed liner by DualLiner. Our Dodge RAM bed liners will keep your truck bed in great shape for a long time. Designed for a custom fit to keep out moisture, the DualLiner bed liner for the RAM 1500 is highly praised as the best RAM bed liner on the market.
A DualLiner truck bed liner on a 2022 New Body RAM 1500 with a 6.4
