Ram 1500 Express Returns As The Classic’s Spiritual Successor

After the 1500 Classic left the lineup, the Ram 1500 range was left without a true affordable model to offer the masses. That’s still the case today, but at least Ram is trying to make amends by reintroducing the 1500 Express trim. The nameplate was discontinued in 2023, but is now returning for the 2026 model year, spearheading Ram’s barrage of new products arriving in the next several months.

Meant to bridge the gap between Tradesman and Big Horn trims in terms of pricing, the Express variant stands as the spiritual successor of the Classic, offering a value-filled package in a full-size pickup truck and representing a nameplate that dates back to 1939. The reintroduction of the Express name also marks the return of the Black Express package, which Ram claims to be a popular option when it was introduced in 2013 and again in 2019.

The Popular Black Express Package Also Returns

The Ram 1500 Express stands distinct in the 1500 lineup, with a monochromatic, badge-less design. It also features gloss-black grille surrounds and body-color front and rear bumpers. The truck sports a set of 20-inch wheels to complete the look. The cabin is trimmed with “Liquid Graphite” and “Gridiron” accents to complement the exterior design. Standard features include advanced driver-assist systems such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian emergency braking.

To further elevate the look, the Ram 1500 Express can be optioned with the Black Express Package for $995, exclusively available for 4×4 variants. As depicted here, this option adds an aggressive-looking hood, blacked-out badges and rims, side steps, LED fog lamps, and an upgraded interior with bucket seats upholstered in black cloth. The package also adds a 7-inch gauge cluster and a floor console.

Still No V8 Option But You Can Pay More For More Power

The 1500 Express comes standard with the naturally aspirated 3.6-liter eTorque Pentastar V6, good for 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque. Just like the rest of the 1500 range (at least for now), there is no V8 option, but customers can shell out an additional $1,695 for the 3.0-liter Hurricane inline-six for more power, rated at 420 hp and 468 lb-ft. The Quad Cab 4×2 models equipped with the latter engine have a tow rating of up to11,550 lbs.

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The 2026 Ram 1500 Express starts at $42,400 for the Quad Cab 4×2, or just a tad higher than the 2025 1500 Tradesman HFE. The most expensive 1500 Express has a starting price of $49,000 with a Crew Cab 4×4 configuration. Apart from the sleek Diamond Black seen here, other color options include Bright White, Granite Crystal, Forged Blue, and Hydro Blue.

Ram has opened the ordering books for the 2026 1500 Express, with deliveries expected in Q3 2025.