CPO Ram Trucks: What a Difference a Year Makes

Making certain choices while shopping for your next vehicle helps narrow down many options, but it also opens up more decisions that you need to consider. For example, if you decide that a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Ram truck is what you’re looking for, then you still need to choose the right dealership and consider some important specifics about the pickup you choose. As your Certified Pre-Owned Ram dealer, we understand how vital it is that you get a great truck with everything you’re looking for. We also know how difficult it can be to consider all of your options when there are so many choices that need to be made.

Choosing a CPO model means you have a fairly limited window of model years to choose from. Every CPO Ram has to be from within the last five model years; right now, that means you’ll find vehicles from as far back as 2018. As long as they have fewer than 75,000 miles on them, they can be that old and still offered as a CPO Ram truck. On paper, five model years might not seem like much, but in this case, there have been some significant changes and new additions over the last five years. Let’s take a look at these model years and some key things you should consider as you’re deciding on the CPO Ram that’s right for you.

The 2018 Ram 1500

We’d argue that the biggest thing you should note when looking at CPO Rams right now is that the 2018 model was the end of the fourth generation for this truck. For 2019, Ram launched an all-new fifth generation of the Ram 1500, which means there are significant differences between these trucks and those that came after them. On 2018 models, you’ll find one of three possible engines: a 3.6L Pentastar V6 with 305 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque, a 5.7L HEMI V8 with 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque, or a 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 with 240 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque.

From the outside, there are significant differences between the 2018 model and the one that came after it, but these are largely aesthetic rather than things that will impact performance. The differences inside are much more noteworthy as the 2018 Ram 1500 had a nice interior with an available 8.4-inch infotainment display, available leather upholstery, and similar features. While the 2018 model was excellent and set a high standard for impressive luxury and technology inside, the generation that followed took things much further.

The 2019 Ram 1500

With the launch of the fifth generation, the 2019 Ram 1500 had a complete redesign that includes a host of all-new options. For starters, the 2019 model launched with three engines: a 3.6L Pentastar V6 with an eTorque mild hybrid system that delivers 305 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque, a 5.7L HEMI V8 with 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque, and the same HEMI V8 but with Ram’s eTorque mild hybrid. At launch, there was no diesel engine offered on the 2019 Ram pickup, though one was eventually added. This means CPO models from 2019 will rarely have a diesel. What’s very noteworthy here is the HEMI V8 from 2018 topped out at 10,760 lbs of towing capacity, while the 2019 HEMI with eTorque can haul up to 12,750 lbs behind it.

Inside, the 2019 model has absolutely gorgeous details that make it arguably the nicest truck on the road. The 8.4-inch infotainment display from the previous year became the new standard on this model, while a stunning 12-inch screen and updated Uconnect Infotainment system became available. This means a 2019 CPO Ram can have an absolutely gorgeous interior. Best of all, this big screen comes with physical buttons and knobs for easy control while driving. Altogether, a 2019 model is a fantastic choice if you’re looking to save money on an older CPO Ram but want some of the latest bells and whistles.

The 2020 Ram 1500

Since there were tons of big changes on the 2019 model, there weren’t many updates for 2020, but the available diesel engine became more prevalent. In fact, it was improved for this year, so the EcoDiesel V6 on 2020 models delivers 260 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque, with up to 12,750 lbs of towing capacity. This is a huge factor to consider if you’re looking for a CPO truck with a diesel engine. A 2020 model is definitely your best option unless you’re looking for some updated features from the past couple of years at a reasonable price. Otherwise, you should focus on the features you find on any particular CPO model rather than its year.

The 2021 Ram 1500

There was a massive change for the 2021 model year, or perhaps we should say addition: the Ram 1500 TRX and its incredible engine. The TRX is the top-end version of the Ram 1500 that’s designed to deliver incredible performance while going off-road. If you find a CPO Ram 1500 TRX from 2021, then it will feature a monstrous 6.2L Supercharged HEMI V8 that delivers 702 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. This beast is built for raw power and speed, going from 0 to 60 in just 4.5 seconds and responding to your foot on the pedal with aggressive performance.

The TRX is also an amazing option for hitting the trail, with a wide stance, more than 13 inches of suspension travel, and 35-inch all-terrain tires wrapped around 18-inch wheels. It has nearly 12 inches of ground clearance and can ford up to 32 inches of water. This is an incredible off-road truck if that’s what you’re looking for in a CPO Ram pickup. It’s also worth noting that some of the impressive features of the TRX, like a head-up display and digital rearview mirror, became available options on other trims for the 2021 model year. While these models might cost a bit more since they’re quite recent, they’re well worth it for the features they can have.

The 2022 Ram 1500

With the introduction of the amazing TRX model in the previous year, there were only a few updates for the 2022 model. Of note was the addition of several new options, like a G/T Package designed to boost performance with a cold-air intake, unique exhaust, paddle shifters, and more. Overall, much of what you could find on 2021 models carried over into 2022, and if you’re looking for a CPO Ram with the fewest miles on it, then these are great options when you can find them. They’ll be priced closer to a new model than any other comparable CPO model, but the price can be worth it for the great features of this model year.

Other Things to Consider

Overall, the trim you’re looking at will have more impact on the features you find on a CPO Ram than nearly any other factor––other than the change from the 2018 to 2019 model years. There have been numerous trims offered on Ram trucks over the last five years, so you’ll find a lot of differences between them. That being said, any CPO Ram 1500 you’re looking at is going to be a great model and worth the investment since it will serve you well for many years.

We’ve focused on the Ram 1500, but you can also find Ram 2500 and 3500 heavy-duty models when shopping for a CPO truck. The 2500 and 3500 also changed to a new generation starting with the 2019 model year, so while there will be differences between them and the Ram 1500––particularly when it comes to engines and capability––much of what we looked at here is true for them too. It’s also worth noting that you’ll only find Ram CPO models at a licensed dealership allowed by Ram to certify and sell their trucks, like ours. Come visit us at Zimmer CDJR today to learn more about CPO Ram trucks, and we’ll help you find the perfect model.