2026 Ram 1500 Express Is Cheap, Doesn't Look It

• The 2026 Ram 1500 Express is the new cheapest Ram you can buy.
• It starts at $44,495, which is almost as much as a fully loaded Ford Maverick.
• You get a healthy list of standard kit and the option of a turbocharged inline-six engine.

There are two engine options. The base engine is the well-known Pentastar 3.6-liter V6 that makes 305 horsepower. For an extra $1,695, you can move up to the more potent twin-turbo Hurricane 3.0-liter straight-six that makes 420 horsepower. For less than $2,000, that's a screamin' deal, and we suggest heavily considering the upgrade given how much more potent the Hurricanes have proven to be. The big difference is torque — the Hurricane used in the Express makes 469 lb-ft of torque; the Pentastar makes a measly 271 lb-ft in comparison. 

You also get a load of niceties as standard. Some cool 20-inch wheels, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and LED headlights are all here from the jump. If you go for a 4WD model, you can add the Black Express package ($995), which throws in a sporty hood, black badging, black wheels, side steps and LED foglights. It also throws in a slightly nicer interior that adds black cloth bucket seats, a 7-inch gauge cluster, and more storage in the floor area. 

A fully loaded Ford Maverick — the Tremor — starts at $43,385, so you're getting a lot more truck here for very similar money. Even if you go for the Quad Cab with 4WD and all the options (including the more potent engine), you're looking at a well-equipped truck for under $55,000. That's not bad at all.