It looks like Ram Trucks finally listened to the market’s prayers (and complaints)! After a challenging 2025, when finding a basic Ram 1500 was nearly impossible, forcing many to spend fortunes on top trims or resort to the used market, the brand strikes back with the 2026 Ram 1500 Express. Let’s dive into the details of this new model that promises to shake up the pickup segment.
Did Ram Listen? The 2026 Express Arrives to Save Your Wallet!
I must admit I was pleasantly surprised by Ram’s CEO, Tim Kuniskis, admitting that the company “struggled” with the 2025 model’s strategy. The shortage of entry-level trims left a huge gap, with options starting at steep prices near $70,000, or pushing buyers toward used pickups. It was an unsustainable situation for anyone looking for a rugged pickup without having to sell a kidney.
The 2026 Ram 1500 Express is here precisely to fill that “void,” as Kuniskis called it, left by the retirement of the popular (and older) 1500 Classic. It’s not the bare-bones option – that title still belongs to the Tradesman – but positions itself as a “value” choice, significantly more affordable than the 2025 Ram 1500 Big Horn, targeting buyers who need a work tool or a versatile daily driver truck but have a tighter budget.
Unexpected Style: What’s New with the Express?
Anyone who thinks “value” means “boring” is mistaken. Ram seems to have learned that even the most pragmatic buyer appreciates a stylish touch. The 2026 Express aims to deliver that without breaking the bank. The look is surprisingly clean and modern for a budget-friendly trim.
The highlight is the 20-inch wheels—something not commonly expected as standard on entry-level models. Also, the truck adopts a monochromatic look, with body-color bumpers, most badges removed (less is more!), and a blacked-out grille surround that gives it a more aggressive stance. It’s an approach that avoids the excessive chrome seen on many competitors.
Visual Highlights of the 2026 Ram 1500 Express
- 20-inch alloy wheels
- Monochromatic exterior (body color)
- Black grille surround
- Clean look with fewer badges
Available Color Options
- Bright White
- Granite Crystal (Gray)
- Forged Blue
- Hydro Blue (Vibrant Blue)
- Diamond Black
Configurations and Pricing: How Much Does the New Express Cost?
Versatility is key. The 2026 Ram 1500 Express will be offered in both Quad Cab (extended cab with smaller rear doors) and Crew Cab (full four-door, more spacious) configurations, catering to different interior space needs. Additionally, you can choose between rear-wheel drive (2WD) or all-wheel drive (4WD) depending on your usage and conditions faced.
Now, for the important part: pricing. Ram has positioned the Express smartly. It starts above the basic Tradesman, but well below higher trims, offering an interesting middle ground and making the 1500 lineup more approachable compared to luxury options like the Ram 1500 Limited. Prices in USD (including the $2,095 destination fee in the U.S.) are as follows:
Price Table (USD – Including $2,095 Destination Fee)
| Configuration | Drive | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1500 Express Quad Cab | 2WD | $44,495 |
| 1500 Express Crew Cab | 2WD | $47,245 |
| 1500 Express Quad Cab | 4WD | $48,345 |
| 1500 Express Crew Cab | 4WD | $51,095 |
For reference, the 2025 Tradesman starts at $42,370 and the 2025 Big Horn at $47,030, showing how the Express fits strategically between them.
Under the Hood: Pentastar V6 or Hurricane Turbo?
For the powertrain, the 2026 Express comes standard with a familiar and reliable engine: the 3.6-liter V6 Pentastar delivering 305 horsepower. It’s a proven unit suitable for most daily tasks and light work. A safe and economical choice for many.
But the big news for those seeking more power is the optional availability of the new 3.0-liter Hurricane turbo inline-six engine that churns out 420 horsepower! For an additional $1,695, you turn the Express into a much more capable machine, especially for towing. According to Ram (official brand info), in the Quad Cab 2WD configuration with the Hurricane, the max towing capacity reaches an impressive 11,550 pounds (~5,240 kg) — the highest ever for any Express model. This power puts it on an interesting level, nearly matching performance-focused trims like the Ram 1500 RHO in brute strength.
No matter the engine, the transmission is always the smooth and efficient eight-speed automatic TorqueFlite. A well-suited pairing for both powerplants.
Technology and Safety: More Than Just Basic
Here Ram surprises again. Usually, entry-level trims “cut corners” on technology and safety, but the 2026 Express goes against that trend. It includes important standard features like Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), and even Pedestrian Emergency Braking. These are features that add real value and peace of mind, increasingly appreciated by buyers and safety organizations alike.
LED headlights with blacked-out surrounds also come standard, improving nighttime visibility and contributing to the modern look. Inside, although Ram says the theme “does not stray far from the current repertoire,” there are details such as “laser-etched Liquid Graphite painted accents and Gridiron colors” aiming to give a unique touch.
Black Express Package ($995)
For those wanting to darken everything and add a sporty flair, the Black Express package returns (last seen in 2019) for $995. It adds:
- 20-inch black wheels
- Black exterior badges
- Black side steps
- Sporty hood design
- LED headlights with black surrounds
- LED fog lights
- Upgraded interior (bucket seats, center console, 7″ cluster)
Ram’s Strategy: What Does the Future Hold?
The Express launch is not an isolated move. It’s part of an ambitious product blitz announced by Tim Kuniskis: no less than 25 new releases in the next 18 months! The Express is just the tip of the iceberg, showing Ram’s willingness to compete across all segments, “from light to wild,” as the CEO put it.
The choice of the name “Express” is strategic as well, reviving a name with historic roots in the brand (dating back to 1939!), associated with utility and affordability. Kuniskis bets this mix of a familiar name, robust content, and competitive price will “resonate with buyers.” It’s a smart move to reconnect the brand with an audience that may have felt forgotten while Ram also invests in heavier segments, as seen in the Ram HD lineup with Cummins engines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the 2026 Ram 1500 Express
- What is the standard engine on the 2026 Express?
The Express comes standard with the 3.6L Pentastar V6 making 305 hp. The 3.0L Hurricane I6 Turbo with 420 hp is optional. - Is the 2026 Express the cheapest Ram available?
No, the entry-level model remains the Ram 1500 Tradesman. The Express positions itself as a “value” option between the Tradesman and Big Horn. - What are the main differences between the Express and the Big Horn?
The Express focuses on delivering style and essential features at a lower price, with a monochromatic design and standard 20″ wheels. The Big Horn typically adds more chrome, interior trim options, and some added convenience features, with a higher starting price. - When will the 2026 Ram 1500 Express arrive in dealerships?
Orders are already open (in the U.S.) with first deliveries expected by late summer 2025, corresponding to the third quarter.
Looking at the complete package, the 2026 Ram 1500 Express seems like a very well-calculated move. It directly tackles a perceived weakness in the 2025 lineup, offering a pickup with attractive styling, a solid set of standard tech, and the option of a modern and powerful engine (the Hurricane), all at a more palatable starting price. It has the potential to win back buyers looking for function and style without busting their budget, filling the important gap left by the 1500 Classic.
And you, what do you think of the new 2026 Ram 1500 Express? Do you think it strikes the right balance between price and features? Leave your comment below!
Author: Fabio Isidoro
Fabio Isidoro is the founder and editor-in-chief of Canal Carro, where he has been writing about the automotive world since 2022. Passionate about cars and technology, he began his journey on the HospedandoSites portal and today dedicates himself to creating technical content and comprehensive analyses of national and international vehicles. 📩 Contact: contato@canalcarro.net.br