Ram resurrects 1500 Express trim as an affordable option

By Nick Godt Published May 6, 2025

Ram is revving up excitement with the return of an old favorite—the 2026 Ram 1500 Express. Reintroduced as a more affordable option in the full-size truck lineup, the Express trim brings back a combination of rugged style, respectable performance, and most importantly, a price tag that won’t send buyers running for the hills.

Starting at $41,105 for the base Quad Cab configuration (and just under $45,000 for the Crew Cab), the new Express offers a budget-friendly alternative in a market where full-size trucks can easily cross the $60,000 mark.

Designed for buyers who want a solid, good-looking truck without all the high-end frills, the 1500 Express keeps things simple, but not spartan. It features monochromatic exterior styling, 20-inch alloy wheels, dual chrome-tipped exhausts, and body-colored fascias and grilles that lend it a modern, streamlined appearance.

It’s a stylish truck for everyday drivers, weekend warriors, or anyone who prefers horsepower over heated cup holders. Under the hood, buyers get a choice between two familiar workhorses: a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine producing 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque, or a more powerful 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the truck is available in both rear-wheel and four-wheel drive configurations.

Inside, the Express may not have the luxury bells and whistles of its pricier siblings, but it still comes equipped with a 5-inch touchscreen, basic infotainment features, air conditioning, and a rearview camera. For those wanting a bit more flair, Mopar accessories and packages are available to upgrade the interior or toughen up the exterior.

In a market where truck prices continue to climb, the 2026 Ram 1500 Express is a strategic play by Stellantis to keep entry-level buyers in the game. The Express goes head-to-head with top-selling rivals like the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado. It’s a back-to-basics truck with enough modern touches to appeal to budget-conscious shoppers who still want to ride in style.