Tech Progression: Modern Tech in the Ram 1500 Since the 2000s

Do you want to know a secret? Finding a used Ram 1500 for sale is an excellent way to stretch your budget and enjoy the luxuries and innovative technologies that have defined the best-selling truck for decades. The award-winning Ram 1500 defies expectations, especially on the used lot where you can enjoy its most popular and innovative features at a fraction of the cost. 

So, what should you know about the Ram 1500’s tech progression before you start shopping? Ram is renowned for its constant pursuit of ingenuity. The Ram 1500’s consistent updates reflect as much, with Ram introducing its fourth generation in 2009 and its fifth generation in 2019. Here’s a closer look at the truck’s modern tech features over those generations and when they were introduced, updated, and standardized. 

A Blast From the Past: Tech on the 2006 Ram 1500 

Fully appreciating the Ram 1500’s progressive technologies across its latest generations requires understanding where that evolution began. In 2006, Ram introduced the truck’s mid-cycle refresh, creating anticipation for the Ram 1500’s fourth-generation debut just a few years later in 2009. So, what type of tech was considered modern in 2006? 

The 2006 Ram 1500’s technologies give us a glimpse into the truck’s future, with Ram equipping its best-selling model with a 4.9-inch full color display with a navigation system, AM/FM stereo, and a CD player. The DVD-based navigation system was top-of-the-line at the time, with Bluetooth technology integrated to offer drivers hands-free communication capability. The model also features Sirius satellite radio, a feature limited to certain trims and configurations. 

A Growing Digital Landscape

Long-time Ram 1500 fans appreciate the truck’s evolution, particularly its digital landscape as Ram introduces larger, more intuitive displays. This evolution became even more apparent after the truck’s fourth-generation debut in 2009. The 2009 Ram 1500 features a large radio in the center stack with the optional multimedia system and navigation technologies, the latter offering real-time traffic updates and hands-free communication. By 2010, Ram had added iPod control, a precursor to smartphone integration. 

The Ram 1500’s digital landscape continued to evolve in 2011 and 2012 before a significant upgrade in 2013. The 2011 and 2012 models feature a dedicated media center with a CD and MP3 player, with certain trims featuring a rear-seat DVD entertainment system and the segment’s first-ever surround sound audio system. By 2013, the Ram 1500’s digital landscape changed entirely as Ram added an 8.4-inch touchscreen display with Uconnect Access, the newest iteration of the infotainment system. The upgrade is significant because it adds enhanced voice recognition technology, touchscreen accessibility, navigational tools, and improved integration with mobile phones. 

Larger Displays, Premium Sound

By 2018, drivers anticipated the Ram 1500’s upcoming fifth-generation debut in 2019, with Ram fueling that excitement with several tech updates. The 2018 Ram features the Uconnect infotainment system on an 8.4-inch display, with the addition of 4G LTE, HD Radio, and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It’s also the first year model to have pinch and zoom capability on the screen. 

The 2019 Ram 1500 marks the truck’s fifth-generation debut and introduces state-of-the-art technologies that make this year’s model and its successors popular on the used lot. Ram equips its full-size truck with the award-winning Uconnect infotainment system on a class-exclusive 12-inch display with split-screen capability, SiriusXM with 360L, a 360-degree Surround View Camera, and enhanced navigation. With plenty of technologies to keep you connected and engaged, Ram sweetens the packaging by adding the most powerful audio system in truck history–a Harmon Kardon setup with 19 speakers, a 900-watt surround sound amplifier, active noise cancelation, and a 10-inch subwoofer for an incredible listening experience. 

Ram 1500 models built since 2019 offer the same massive 12-inch touchscreen, with a few upgrades over the last few years. The 2022 Ram 1500 introduced the latest iteration of the Uconnect 5 system, making it faster and more responsive.  Depending on the trim, 2023 and newer models also feature a 12-inch frameless digital gauge cluster that’s reconfigurable and seamlessly integrates with the Uconnect 5 technology. 

An Expanding Suite of Driver-Assistance Tech

Ram has always prioritized driver safety, but that focus has evolved over the years to include innovative technologies that heighten our situational awareness and mitigate the potential for collisions. Safety features looked much different over a decade ago, with the 2011 Ram 1500 boasting one of the best safety configurations in the segment with its airbags, electronic stability control, and tire pressure monitoring system. Fortunately, those basics have expanded and showcase Ram’s continuous pursuit of improving our experience and safety behind the wheel. 

In 2018, the Ram 1500 set new standards of excellence when the automaker made the rearview camera standard on every model. This year, the Ram 1500 also introduced drivers to enhanced safety tools like Sirius Guardian with SOS call, roadside assistance, vehicle finder, send and go, and remote services. While these features are certainly appealing, the Ram 1500’s most significant advancement in terms of safety came in 2020 with the debut of the Ram Safety Group. 

The Ram Safety Group equips the Ram 1500 with driver-assist technologies like Forward Collision Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning-Plus, Automatic High Beam Headlamps, and Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop, Go, and Hold. In 2021, Ram expands this suite to include Pedestrian Detection, also offering Full-Speed Collision Warning Plus as a standard on the Ram 1500’s mid and top-tier trims. Along with these features, the 2021 Ram 1500 introduces drivers to cutting-edge technologies, including the automaker’s first Head-Up Display, a 9.2-inch digital rearview mirror, and the revolutionary Trailer Reverse Steering Control that dramatically improves navigating a trailer in reverse. 

A Class-Leading Ride Mile After Mile 

The Ram 1500 is renowned for its luxury, from its upscale cabin to its unparalleled ride quality that defies every expectation. So, what’s the secret to the truck’s smooth ride? It’s all about Ram’s ingenuity. 

The 2010 Ram 1500 introduced the segment’s first-ever multi-link coil rear spring suspension. The unique suspension continues to make waves across the industry, delivering best-in-class ride quality and handling to Ram’s opulent chariot. Yet, even with this success, Ram refused to stop there and looked for ways to up the ante to give drivers a truly transformative experience on every terrain. 

By 2013, Ram debuted its solution with the Ram 1500’s class exclusive air suspension. Designed to enhance fuel economy without impeding performance, the Ram 1500’s air suspension is responsible for every aspect of your experience in the driver’s seat. It heightens your control, enhances fuel efficiency, and improves accessibility, whether climbing into or out of the cab or loading and unloading cargo in the bed. With automatic load leveling, the adjustments occur behind the scenes to heighten the Ram 1500’s performance while you focus on the road ahead. 

The Ram 1500’s extraordinary performance reaches new heights in 2019 and newer models. The fifth-generation Ram 1500 is built on a high-strength steel frame with a significant weight reduction to its build. The combination makes it the most aerodynamic in the segment, with active grille shutters, an air dam, and air suspension optimizing the conditions to ensure the Ram 1500 performs its best in every situation. 

Experience the Ingenuity Firsthand  

Shopping for a used Ram 1500 is guaranteed to put you behind the wheel of a tech-savvy truck that can handle the demands of your life. Whether towing a heavy trailer, navigating your weekday commute, or venturing beyond the pavement to explore a new trail, the Ram 1500 is up for any task. More importantly, Ram’s dedication to keeping the model relevant with cutting-edge technologies fosters confidence behind the wheel, ensuring you have everything you need at your fingertips.

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