• When buying a used Ram 1500, you’ll want to keep in mind its capabilities. If you want something that can do the most work, then you’ll want the most recent generation.
• The most recent generation is also the most efficient one, thanks to the introduction of eTorque.
• If you don’t want something newer to help keep the price down, we recommend looking for 2018 models, as they still come with some decent tech.
• If you’re not looking for a work truck, then you can look for a Rebel trim, as it comes with some off-road prowess.

When this generation hit the roads, it came with some new features that made it stand out from the rest. The first one is the addition of eTorque that combines a belt-drive generator with a battery pack to provide short-term torque and energy regeneration to increase torque output by up to 130 pound-feet. This also has the added benefit of increasing fuel efficiency, with Car and Driver saying that “the eTorque system mostly operates silently in the background, like a clandestine operative on a quest to save fuel.”

With the start of this generation, it also came with the new Uconnect platform, which came with a 12-inch screen. This made it the largest in its class, and if that sounds like something you want, then you can find it at a reasonable price given its age.

With a new build, this generation also comes with better capabilities, thanks to the increase in both towing and payload capacity when properly equipped. The new tow rating sits at 12,750 pounds, while the new payload capacity is at 2,300 pounds.

Out of all the engines on the lineup, the one that you want to look for if you want efficiency is the 3.0L V6 diesel. This is because it comes with an EPA-rated 26 MPG combined, making it the best option for those who don’t want to make frequent stops at the pump.

When this generation came out, it came with a new four-door cab style offering, new suspension, a new Hemi engine option, and the Rambox. The Rambox was a new way to store things inside the bed's walls, with later models having it tied to the remote keyless system. You could also find three bed lengths in this generation, coming in at 5.5 feet, 6.3 feet, and 8 feet. You could also find regular cabs, quad cabs, and an all-new crew cab.

With the Ram being rather tame for the first few years in this generation, having seen mostly mechanical changes, in 2016, that changed. This is when the Rebel trim joined the family, adding some much-needed fun to this work truck lineup. This adds off-road suspension with a 1.0-inch higher ride height and larger tires.

2018 was a big year for those who want the best tech in their truck, as this is the year that it saw the Uconnect 8.4 infotainment systems gain HD radio. Smartphone integration also joined the truck this year, making it easier to connect to your phone for your favorite apps or playlists.