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Should I Have Waited To Buy A 2020 Ram 1500?

Are The 2020 Models That Much Better Than The Outgoing 2019 Models?

Since the new 2020 Ram 1500 models have been arriving in dealers, the 5thGenRams.com e-mail box has been getting full of letters from owners and potential Ram 1500 owners asking several questions about the 2020 Ram 1500. Those questions have consisted of mainly two things, 2019 Ram 1500 owners saying they should have waited for the 2020 models and potential owners asking if they should get a leftover 2019 model or a 2020 model. Well as a person who has driven both the 2020 model year lineup and as a 2019 Ram 1500 owner, I figured I would answer both questions from my perspective.

2019 Ram forum
2019 Ram 1500 Laramie Black at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. (5thGenRams).

First off, the all-new 2019 Ram 1500 made its debut at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit back in January 2018. A few weeks later, 2019 Ram 1500 models started arriving in dealer showrooms kicking off the very early model year. Since then, the all-new Ram 1500 has been a sales success and Ram slowly updated the models throughout the model year to keep the trucks fresh.

2019 Ram 1500 Rebel Crew Cab 4×4 5.7-liter HEMI. (5thGenRams).

When Ram invited us to go test drive the new EcoDiesel pickups, I couldn’t wait to see what was truly different about the new model year trucks, other than the EcoDiesel. Sure we got to spend some time with the new Multifunction Tailgate, but that made its debut very late in the 2019 model year lineup. So was the 2020 model year Ram 1500s any different than the 2020 Ram 1500? The answer is not really.

2020 Ram 1500 Rebel Crew Cab 4×4 EcoDiesel. (5thGenRams).

Sure the 2020 models bring a whole ton of appearance packages like the Night Edition models on Big Horn and Laramie models, the Rebel gets a new Black Appearance Package, as does the Limited model later this year. While the Rebel models get some equipment upgrades like Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and heated backseats, there wasn’t anything that made the trucks drive or feel truly different, which is a good thing. 

2020 Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn Crew Cab 4×4 EcoDiesel. (5thGenRams).

The 2019 and 2020 Ram 1500 models are at the top of their class with handling, creature comforts, and capability. So for those who are looking for a new Ram 1500, we say save yourself some cash and before you jump into a 2020 truck consider look at a leftover 2019 model. There are some really good deals going on, depending on the area you live in with the 2019 model year 1500s. 

2019 Ram 4x4 off road
2019 Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn Crew Cab 4×4 Off-Road. (5thGenRams).

Like we said earlier, Ram continued to update the 2019 Ram 1500 throughout the model year. So there might be some 2019 Ram 1500 models still on lots with the equipment you are looking for. Late in the 2019 model year, there was the Multifunction Tailgate, Big Horn models became available with the 12-inch Uconnect touchscreen, as well as the popular Big Horn North Edition models for both certain markets in the U.S. and Canada. So there still might be some of the equipment you are looking for on a 2019 model.

2020 Ram 1500 Limited Night Edition Crew Cab 4×4. (University Dodge).

If you love the new Night Edition packages, want a Rebel with more luxury content, or have been holding out for the new third-generation 3.0-liter EcoDiesel models, then there is no doubt that you will be looking at the new 2020 models.

As for those who have been sending e-mails and writing in our forums about how they should have waited for the 2020 models, I say you wouldn’t worry. Whether you are a 2019 or 2020 model year owner, both trucks have virtually the same great traits. 

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