Ram is reintroducing a familiar name to the truck market with its 2025 Ram 1500 Express, targeting individuals who continue to depend on their vehicles for tough jobs, long work hours, and dependable performance—without breaking the bank. This modern truck revives the “Express” nameplate, which has its origins in the late 1930s. First appearing in 1939, the original Express truck sold for just \$670. Adjusted for inflation, that would amount to approximately \$15,305 today, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. At the time, the truck offered a modest 78 horsepower, delivered by a 3.8-liter (230.2-cubic-inch) flathead six-cylinder engine. It came in a straightforward regular cab design, devoid of luxury, with its primary appeal being its practical, work-focused nature.
Fast forward to 2025, and the new Ram 1500 Express has evolved substantially while still aiming to deliver value and functionality. The base price is \$44,495, which includes destination fees. While it’s not the most affordable option in the Ram 1500 lineup—that distinction goes to the Tradesman model, priced at \$40,275—the Express provides a robust set of features. Under the hood, it houses a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 305 horsepower. For those looking for more power, there is an optional 3.0-liter inline-six engine generating 420 horsepower, available for an additional \$1,695. Customers can choose between rear-wheel and four-wheel-drive variants, and configurations include both crew cab and quad cab options.
The 1500 Express stands out with several notable standard features. These include 20-inch wheels, adaptive cruise control, automatic and pedestrian emergency braking systems, and distinctive black-bezel LED headlights. The interior is adorned with stylized touches in Liquid Graphite laser-etched paint and Gridiron color themes, adding a touch of modern design flair. On the outside, the truck adopts a bold, badge-less monochromatic paint scheme, accented by a gloss-black grille and body-colored bumpers. Buyers can pick from five exterior colors: Diamond Black, Bright White, Granite Crystal, Forged Blue, and Hydro Blue.
An optional Black Express package—originally popular between 2013 and 2019—adds even more style. It includes black 20-inch wheels, black badges, a sport hood, side steps, LED fog lamps, and upgraded interior features like black cloth bucket seats, a center console, and a 7-inch digital gauge cluster. Before any additional options, the highest trim level of the Express costs \$51,095. With the inline-six engine and rear-wheel drive in a quad cab setup, the truck can tow up to 11,550 pounds. Availability is expected in the third quarter of 2025.
Ram’s CEO, Tim Kuniskis, is known for successfully capitalizing on brand heritage, a strategy he previously employed with Dodge vehicles like the Charger and Challenger. Many of their trims and special editions drew from iconic names of the past. The revival of the Express name fits into that same strategy. “The Express is the latest drop in Ram’s product offensive,” Kuniskis explained, noting that following the refresh of the Ram 1500 and Heavy Duty platforms, the company is now introducing trim enhancements. The final question is whether the heritage-laden name will appeal to buyers—but given its combination of features and pricing, the 1500 Express seems to offer solid value.