2026 Ram 1500 Express: Attitude, Blackout Package, and Unbeatable Value

• The new 2026 Ram 1500 Express is an affordable full-size pickup truck.
• The Ram 1500 Express fills the value-void left by the now-defunct 1500 Classic.
• The Ram 1500 Express is a stylish workhorse with a sub-$45,000 starting price.

Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis Kicks Off Ambitious Product Rollout with 2026 Ram 1500 Express

Tim Kuniskis, CEO of Ram, is hitting the ground running. Just three weeks ago, he revealed the brand’s bold plan to introduce 25 new products within the next 18 months. Today, the 2026 Ram 1500 Express takes the spotlight as the first vehicle to kickstart this ambitious goal. While the official product rollout is scheduled for June 8, Kuniskis isn’t hesitating to get a jumpstart on expectations.

Ram’s Value Proposition

At its core, the Ram 1500 Express is designed as a value-driven offering, stepping in to fill the gap left by the discontinued Ram 1500 Classic. While we’ll always have fond memories of the classic model, the new 1500 Express benefits from the modern architecture of the current Ram 1500 lineup, offering an improved driving experience with enhanced ride quality, better handling, and a more refined interior. Its exterior styling moves away from outdated trends, making it a more appealing choice for today’s consumers.

Available in either an extended “Quad Cab” or a crew cab configuration, the 1500 Express offers both rear- and four-wheel drive options. It strikes the perfect balance by offering essential pickup truck features that real truck enthusiasts demand, without stripping away comfort or convenience.

The 1500 Express comes in five standard monochromatic colors: Diamond Black, Bright White, Granite Crystal, Forged Blue, and Hydro Blue. Each features a gloss-black grille surround and body-colored front and rear bumpers, providing a sleek, unified appearance.

Standard Equipment and Performance

The 2026 Ram 1500 Express comes with a solid set of standard features. It includes 20-inch wheels, the familiar 305-hp 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and adaptive cruise control with emergency braking. The interior design follows the same theme seen across the current Ram 1500 lineup, ensuring consistency in both style and functionality.

Black Express Package and Pricing

For those looking to add a bit of flair, the $995 Black Express package (available on Quad and Crew 4WD models) brings an enhanced, bold look. This package includes black 20-inch wheels, side steps, a sport hood, black-bezel LED headlamps, LED fog lamps, and distinctive black exterior badging. Inside, the package features black cloth seats, a floor console, and a 7.0-inch gauge cluster. This isn’t the first time the Black Express package has made an appearance; it originally debuted in 2013 and made a return for 2019.

Performance Upgrades and Towing Capacity

For those seeking more power, the 420-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter Hurricane inline-six engine is available as an upgrade for $1695. When paired with the rear-wheel-drive Quad Cab, this engine boosts the truck’s towing capacity to an impressive 11,550 pounds—the highest of any 1500 Express model. While Ram hasn’t provided additional towing or payload specifics, it’s expected that these figures will align closely with the performance specs of the current Ram 1500 lineup.

Pricing and Availability

So, what’s the cost for the newly revived 2026 Ram 1500 Express? The base price for the Quad Cab starts at $44,495. For comparison, the 2025 Ram 1500 Tradesman, the current entry-level model, is priced from $42,370. If you opt for four-wheel drive, the price increases to $48,345. The Crew Cab version of the 2026 Ram 1500 Express begins at $47,245, while the four-wheel-drive variant is priced at $51,095.

When you look back 25 years, a truck equipped like the 2026 Ram 1500 Express would’ve been considered quite well-appointed. While we’re not immune to the allure of today’s high-end pickups, sometimes you just need a reliable workhorse without breaking the bank—especially if you don’t want to spend $85K. And if you can get a bit of style thrown in, even better.

Ram has announced that the order books are now open, with deliveries expected to begin in the third quarter of 2025.