With all of the talk about tariffs, rising prices and uncertainty, Ram is introducing its 2026 Ram 1500 Express with the focus on affordability. The truck is built in Michigan and Ram is promising a starting MSRP of $44,495 and that includes destination. The Ram 1500 Express is the first 2026 model that Ram has unveiled. Ram has offered an Express model periodically throughout the years. This one appears to replace the Ram 1500 Classic that was phased out.
“The Express is the latest drop in Ram’s product offensive,” said Tim Kuniskis, CEO, Ram brand. “We started the 2025 model year with a new Ram 1500 and new Ram Heavy Duty lineup. With the platforms refreshed, we begin rolling out trim level enhancements.”
2026 Ram 1500 Express
The Ram 1500 Express offers plenty of options, just not all of the high-end options. For example, it has a touch screen, just not the huge one. It has lots of safety options and comes in both 2WD and 4WD drivetrains. It comes with the popular 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine standard. The V-6 is rated at 305 horsepower. However, drivers have the option to get the new 3.0-liter Hurricane Standard Output I-6. The Straight-Six Turbo (SST) engine is rated at 420 horsepower. The upgraded engine would add $1,695 to the purchase price.
The Ram 1500 Express Is designed for customers who want new but with plenty of value. Not every driver needs massaging seats with a gazillion settings. The new Express comes in Diamond Black, Bright White, Granite Crystal, Forged Blue and Hydro Blue. All five colors feature body-color front and rear bumpers. The Express is available in a Crew cab or Quad cab body style.
2026 Ram 1500 Express content:
- 20-inch wheels
- Standard – 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 rated at 305 horsepower
- Optional – 3.0-liter Hurricane SO I-6 rated at 420 horsepower
- Adaptive cruise control
- Automatic emergency braking
- Pedestrian Automatic Emergency Braking
- Tow rating up to11,550 lbs.
- Black-bezel LED headlamps
- Interior accents in Liquid Graphite laser etched paint
- Available in Crew or Quad Cab
“The sunset of our Ram 1500 Classic makes the Express a natural front-runner. We have 25 more product announcements planned within the next 18 months, ranging from mild to wild with something for every truck buyer,” said Kuniskis.
Ram is Bringing Back the Black Express Custom Package in 2026
While the Ram 1500 Express is pretty basic, Ram gives buyers the chance to add some sportier, style upgrades. It is bringing back the Black Express Custom Package which dresses up the truck. The Black Express Package adds $995. It is only available on Quad and Crew 4WD vehicles.
The 2026 Ram 1500 Black Express package features:
- Sport hood
- Black badging
- Black 20-inch wheels
- Side steps
- LED fog lamps
- Upgraded interior with black cloth bucket seats
- 7-inch gauge cluster
- Floor console
Ram 1500 Express Pricing
The Ram Express 1500 is not the least expensive Ram. As of right now, that is still the Ram Big Horn. However, the Ram 1500 Express pricing includes $2,095 destination. Because the truck is built in Michigan, prices should be fairly stable depending on what ends up happening with the tariffs.
2026 Ram 1500 Express Prices
- Quad Cab 2WD - $44,495
- Crew Cab 2WD - $47,245
- Quad Cab 4WD - $48,345
- Crew Cab 4WD - $51,095
Ram has built its reputation on providing vehicles built on value. It offers the full range from basic work trucks to the most luxurious. Most importantly, it focuses on affordability without looking or feeling cheap. Especially when automakers are warning that there could be future price hikes, the 2026 Ram 1500 Express could be a great option. Orders for the 2026 Ram 1500 Express are open. The trucks should be delivered in the late summer or early fall.
Ram Photo
Mary Conway is a professional automotive journalist and has decades of experience specializing in automotive news analysis. She covered the Detroit Three for more than twenty years for the ABC affiliate, in Detroit. Her affection for the Motor City comes naturally. Her father ran a gas station while Mary was growing up, in Wisconsin.
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