What is the Difference between the Ram DT and the Ram DS?

Sometimes automakers do things that create some confusion. And when you are looking at used trucks for sale, you want to know exactly what you’re looking at on the market. And few things can be as confusing as when an automaker comes out with two versions of the same vehicle. This is what happened when Ram decided to introduce a new generation of its ever-popular 1500 while continuing to manufacture and market the older generation model. This is an almost unprecedented move in the automotive world since most manufacturers retired the old generation of a model whenever a new generation came out. Here, Ram continued both, designating one the Ram DT and the other Ram DS. So this begs the question: What is the difference between the Ram DT and the Ram DS?

The short answer is that the Ram DT is the truck that is being sold as the Ram 1500 since 2019 (the 2020 model year), while the Ram DS is now called the Ram 1500 Classic. However, it is not that simple, as we shall see. So, if you are looking for a used truck, it is crucial for you to know the subtle differences between the Ram DT and DS so that you can make sure you get the right model for you. So today, we at Orange Coast CJDR in Costa Mesa, CA, are going to lay out the differences between the Ram DT and the Ram DS to give you a better understanding of which may be better suited for you. Let’s get started!

Can You Judge a Truck By Its Cover?

The first thing you will notice about the Ram 1500 DT is its exterior. The front end has a bolder grille with a higher profile than the Ram 1500 Classic DS. This is most noticeable when looking at the headlights, which are mounted slightly higher on the front end. You can also see this in the grille, with the bold RAM logo set slightly higher. In addition, the lower air intake and fog lamps are also mounted higher on the bumper. This gives the Ram 1500 DT a more aggressive look than the Ram 1500 DS.

The other thing you will notice is that there is no one-row, regular cab configuration with the Ram 1500 DT. Ram only makes the DT in either extended cab, with only two full-doors, two-half doors, and a short second row of seats, or a crew cab, with four full doors and two full rows of seats. This is because Ram aimed the 1500 DT at buyers who wanted to use their trucks for some form of pleasure as well as work. On the other side, the Ram 1500 Classic DS comes in a two-door, single-row, regular cab.

And, interestingly, if you want a heavy-duty truck, you will have to go with a DS look. The Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 did not get a generational upgrade. As a result, their looks, styling, and interiors remained the same, with no option for a DT other than the Ram 1500.

What’s Under the Hood?

Beyond just exterior cosmetics, there are automotive engineering differences between the Ram 1500 DT and Ram 1500 DS. While both offer the option of two gas engines, the 1500 DT also comes in a diesel. The two engines that are the same are the 3.6-liter V6 that produces 305 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque, and the 5.7-liter V8 HEMI that produces 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. The diesel option on the 1500 DT is a 3.0-liter turbocharged EcoDiesel that produces 260 hp and a muscular 480 lb-ft of torque. All engines on the Ram 1500 DT and Ram 1500 Classic DS are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Despite the similar engines, the Ram 1500 DT is going to give you more strength for towing and payloads. The Ram 1500 DT has a maximum towing rating of 12,750 pounds. That is almost as powerful as Ram’s heavy-duty trucks, fully 19,800 pounds for the Ram 2500 and 35,100 pounds for the Ram 3500. This compares to the maximum towing rating of 5,020 pounds of trailer for the Ram 1500 Classic DS. Clearly, if you are looking to tow trailers but don’t want a heavy-duty truck, your best bet is a Ram 1500 DT.

The same goes for payloads. The Ram 1500 DT can carry up to 2,302 pounds of payload compared to 1,923 pounds on the Ram 1500 Classic DS. For comparison sake, the Ram 2500 can carry up to 4,010 pounds of cargo and the Ram 3500 up to 7,680 pounds. And, interestingly enough, the Ram 1500 DT offers two different sized payload beds. You can get a short bed with a 5 foot 7-inch box or a long bed with a 6 foot 4-inch box. The short box can fit 53.9 cu.ft. of cargo while the long box fits 61.5 cu.ft. The Ram 1500 Classic DS has only one cargo bed with room for 57.5 cu.ft. of cargo. So, with all of that information in mind, the newer Ram 1500 DT has more capability and options in terms of performance. However, not everyone needs such high capabilities, which could lead some in the direction of the DS.

What’s Inside?

Once you climb into a Ram 1500 DT, you are sure to notice that on many trims, you have a huge infotainment system touchscreen. While many entry-level trims feature the 5-inch Uconnect that is standard on all Ram 1500 Classic DS trucks, many feature an impressive 8.4-inch touchscreen, with the top trim Limited featuring an astounding 12-inch touchscreen. This makes it easy to access all the features on your Uconnect system, including Bluetooth connectivity, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. Most of these features come standard on the Ram 1500 DT. This is not the case with the Ram 1500 Classic DS, especially if you buy an older model. And it is important to check to make sure your used Ram truck has the features you desire before you close the deal; the interior is where you are going to spend most of your time with the vehicle.

The other thing you are going to notice is the attention to detail in the Ram 1500 DT. While the Ram 1500 Classic DS has a perfectly acceptable interior, it just doesn’t compare to the comfort you are going to find with a Ram 1500 DT. This is another area that shows that Ram intended the DT for private consumers and the DS more for commercial customers. If you are buying the truck solely for work, you won’t need a large touchscreen or fancy seats for you and your co-workers. It all comes down to what you need and what you are willing to pay for.

Decide What You Want and Need

As with anything in life, you need to figure out what you want and then go for it. This is especially true when you are buying a used Ram truck. When buying a Ram 1500 DT or a Ram 1500 Classic DS, get your wants and needs together and compare them with what each truck has to offer. And if you have any questions or need help analyzing which is the better choice for you, contact us or come by for a visit at Orange Coast CJDR; we are happy to help!