I cannot get excited about this so-called controversy. The later 4th gen Rams (2014-2018) are without a doubt the best looking light duty pickups on the market. Unlike their competition, the 4th gen Rams always had a much more blended and flowing sophistication design.
Overtaken by the "big rig" styling of the 2nd and 3rd gen Rams, GM eventually tried to capture some lost market share by introducing their chiseled, over testosterone-laden design. But that lacked the harmony and sophistication that the Ram possessed.
Ford took a more stubborn approach by rejecting huge style changes thinking the absence of their mundane, slab-sided appearance would turn-off loyal F-series owners. In retrospect they probably were right. However, to my eye the new F-series design seems continually awkward and even further away from a 'modern' design.
I had two 4th gen Rams and I still find them extremely appealing. But if you already have the best looking truck on the road, where do you go from there? Would you continue the same style like the VW Beetle? There were already Ram owners complaining about Ram getting "long in the tooth."
I find the 2019 Ram style an evolution of a very handsome design. There's still no mistaking its a Ram, despite the claim by some that it looks like a Chevy, which is only just fair if you're concentrating on the front grill execution. The bottom line for me was the complete evolution of the entire package. The '19 Ram is without a doubt a significant improvement on an already superior design, and it's obvious that Ram engineers concentrated on the engineering and capability, and did with what was left in the budget for styling changes.
Best regards,
Dusty
2019 Ram 1500 Laramie Quad Cab 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP75, 3.21 axle, factory dual exhaust, 18” wheels. Now at: 003148 miles.
