What is the best year for a Dodge Ram?

There isn’t a single universal “best year” for a Dodge Ram. The ideal year depends on your priorities—reliability, towing capability, technology, and budget. For many buyers today, late-model Ram 1500s (2019–2024) offer a strong blend of comfort and modern tech, while diesel-minded buyers often prize older Cummins-powered Rams for durability and torque.

What makes a Ram year stand out

To judge a year’s worthiness, buyers should weigh the powertrain options, transmission updates, ride quality, interior tech, and notable reliability or recall history. The Ram lineup has evolved considerably across generations, and different years excel in different areas.

The following factors commonly influence whether a given year is considered strong by reviewers and owners.

• Powertrain options and reliability by generation (gas Hemi, EcoDiesel, or Cummins diesel)


• Ride quality and chassis updates (coil-spring rear suspension on later 1500s, optional air suspension on higher trims)


• Interior tech and comfort (Uconnect versions, infotainment, driver-assist features)


• Maintenance costs, common issues, and recall history


• Resale value and long-term durability, particularly for diesel variants

In practice, this means the best year depends on whether you prioritize modern comfort and tech or proven long-haul durability.

Best eras for the Ram lineup

Below are the eras that often surface in buying guides. Each era has its strengths and trade-offs.

• Ram 1500 modern era (2019–2024): A major refresh brought improved ride, upgraded interiors, and new powertrains, including the 3.0L EcoDiesel option and the mild-hybrid eTorque for some V8s. These trucks typically offer better daily usability and tech than earlier generations, though price is higher and some early-year builds encountered initial quality quirks.


• Ram heavy-duty (2500/3500) modern era (2019–2024): These models gained stronger payload and towing capabilities, updated interiors, and the latest Cummins diesel options for heavy-duty work, with similar tech upgrades as the light-duty lineup.


• Diesel-power era with a long-running reputation (1994–2012): The Cummins-powered Rams are praised for torque and durability, especially on work trucks, though maintenance costs and emissions controls can be higher and older emissions setups may require more careful upkeep.

Bottom line: if you want a well-rounded, comfortable daily driver with modern tech, the 2019–2024 Ram 1500 range is a strong bet. If your focus is raw towing strength and diesel torque, older Cummins-powered Rams offer proven durability, provided you review maintenance history and emission-system health.

Best picks by use case

Best overall for everyday use: Ram 1500 (2019–2024)

The 2019 refresh and subsequent years delivered a quieter cabin, more refined ride, and up-to-date infotainment. Powertrain options include gas V6/V8 with optional eTorque and the 3.0L EcoDiesel in select trims, delivering a favorable balance of performance and efficiency.

• 2019–2024 Ram 1500: Notable for ride quality, interior refinement, and modern infotainment. Powertrains include V6, eTorque-equipped V8s, and the 3.0L EcoDiesel in certain trims.


• 2020–2024 updates: Ongoing tech enhancements and incremental reliability improvements.

These years are often recommended for buyers who want a well-rounded pickup with modern features and solid resale value, provided the price point fits their budget.

Best for heavy towing and durability: Ram 2500/3500 (2019–2024)

For real workhorse needs, the heavy-duty Rams with Cummins diesels deliver strong torque and payload, with modern interiors and technology carried over from the light-duty lineup.

• 2019–2024 Ram 2500/3500 with Cummins diesel: Strong towing capacity and high payload ratings, suitable for heavy-duty use.


• Diesel variants across these years continue to emphasize durability and torque, with updated interiors and tech.

When shopping for a heavy-duty Ram, verify that the payload and tow ratings match your requirements and review any updates or service campaigns affecting the diesel systems.

Diesel heritage picks: classic torque and reliability (1994–2012)

For enthusiasts seeking legendary diesel durability, Cummins-powered Rams from the 1990s to the early 2010s are celebrated for their long-term reliability and torque, though maintenance complexity and emissions controls can be greater than on modern diesels.

• 1994–2002 5.9L Cummins (12-valve): Renowned for reliability and straightforward mechanical design.


• 1998–2002 24-valve 5.9L Cummins: Improvements with updated fuel delivery and power characteristics while maintaining durability.


• 2007–2012 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel: Modern diesel with substantial torque; more complex and potentially higher maintenance costs than older 12V engines.

For diesel buyers, these generations offer a different ownership experience focused on durability and torque. Always check service history and have a pre-purchase inspection performed to assess emissions-related components and overall condition.

Summary

There isn’t a single “best year” for a Dodge Ram. The optimal choice hinges on your priorities: modern comfort and technology point toward the 2019–2024 Ram 1500 range; rugged towing and diesel torque point toward the Cummins-powered Rams from the 1990s through the early 2010s; and overall long-term durability is a hallmark of well-maintained older Cummins engines. Always review maintenance history, recall status, and vehicle history reports, and have a qualified mechanic inspect any used Ram before purchase. A thoughtful test drive and history check will help confirm the best year for your needs.

Which year is the Dodge Ram the best?

The best Dodge Ram years are often cited as 2018-2020 and 2014-2015, praised for reliability and modern features. More recent models like 2021-2025 are also considered excellent due to advancements in technology, performance, and comfort, with the 2020 and 2025 models specifically highlighted for their minimal issues and cutting-edge features respectively. For older trucks, 2009 and 2011 are recommended for their reliability, while 1998 is popular among Cummins diesel enthusiasts. 
This video discusses the best years for Dodge Ram trucks based on expert opinions: 59shoohoohoblinYouTube · Feb 21, 2021
For newer models (2018-2025)

• 2018-2020: Widely considered great years due to refined engineering, improved comfort, and advanced technology. 
• 2020: Specifically noted for having exceptional reliability ratings and minimal reported issues. 
• 2014-2015: Often cited as the sweet spot for reliability and features before the most recent redesign. 
• 2021-2025: A strong choice, especially the 2025 model, which features updated technology and design. The 2014-2015 V8 models are considered a good used option if on a tighter budget. 
• 2017: Recommended for having fewer reported problems. 

For older models (2011 and earlier)

• 2011: Cited as having the fewest reported problems. 
• 2009: The revised 5.7L Hemi engine in these and later models is considered reliable and a favorite among owners. 
• Pre-1999: Generally considered reliable with solid performance. 
• 1998: Popular for those seeking the last of the "pre-emission" 12-valve Cummins diesel engines. 

This video explains the best years for Ram 1500 trucks and what engine to choose: 49sHotCarsYouTube · May 19, 2024

What year is best for RAM?

The Ram 1500 is a reliable vehicle with hard-wearing components, but outlets like Consumer Reports and J.D. Power rate most years as average or fair in terms of reliability. 2020 and newer models have fewer issues than late 2010s versions, while the earlier 2009 to 2011 models also do better.

What Dodge Ram to stay away from?

Specific years of the Ram 1500 and 2500 are often cited as ones to avoid due to reliability issues, including the 2003, 2010–2016 Ram 1500 and the 2012–2016 and 2018 Ram 2500 models. Common problems include engine, transmission, and electrical issues, while the 3500 can have high maintenance costs. Additionally, the newer Hurricane engine in the 2025 Ram 1500 has reported problems, and some believe newer models lack the reliability and durability of older trucks, possibly due to increased technology.
 
Ram 1500 models to avoid

• 2003: Known for transmission and engine problems, especially with the 5.7-liter V8, as well as electrical issues. 
• 2010–2013: These years had various problems, including engine and transmission issues, with the 5.7-liter V8 engine being a frequent source of complaints. 
• 2014–2016: These years were also problematic, with engine, transmission, suspension, and electrical system issues. 
• 2019: This year saw problems with the electrical and fuel systems. 
• 2025: While still new, this model year has reported issues with its new Hurricane engine, such as potential thermostat glitches and turbo leaks, as well as problems with the new technology features. 

Ram 2500 models to avoid

• 2012–2016: These years have been associated with chronic reliability problems, including brake system failures, steering defects, turbocharger breakdowns, and transmission issues.
• 2018: This model year is also identified as having significant reliability issues, similar to the earlier 2500 models. 

Ram 3500 models to avoid

• 2011: This year is listed as one to avoid due to a high likelihood of requiring major repairs and having costly maintenance, according to some sources. 

Other models to consider

• Dodge Cummins: The 1992, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2011 Dodge Cummins models have all been identified as having fuel system failures and injector problems. 
• Other: Some owners report problems with newer Ram trucks, including electronics, fit and finish, and paint, as well as water leaks around the rear glass and third brake light. 

What is the best used Ram truck to buy?

A 2021 or newer Ram 1500 truck is the best-used choice, followed by a 2014-2015 V8 for those on a tight budget. Newer Ram 1500 pickups use a coil-spring rear suspension for a smooth, un-truck-like ride. The Ram 1500 TRX roars to life with a 702-hp supercharged Hemi V8.