Explore the 2026 Ram 1500 Express: Power, Style, Performance for Work and Weekends.
Life in New Brunswick moves fast—from morning commutes to weekend errands—and your truck should keep up. When you’re hauling gear to a job site or loading up DIY supplies at the garden center, you need muscle, comfort, and confidence in one solid package. The all-new 2026 Ram 1500 Express pickup truck delivers just that, with performance and features designed for the New Jersey pace. It’s not just another pickup. It’s Ram’s new value-driven, performance-ready answer to your daily hustle. And frankly, it's a breath of fresh (and fast) air.
What’s New: A Classic Reboot with Modern Swagger
Ram’s 2026 lineup opens strong with the return of the Express nameplate—but this time, it’s smarter, stronger, and sleeker. Order books are officially open, and deliveries are expected to start in the third quarter of this year. Here’s what you get:
- A bolder exterior with new front and rear fascias, redesigned headlights, taillights, and sportier wheels
- A new trim built to replace the beloved Ram 1500 Classic, now riding on modern architecture
- Two cab styles: Quad and Crew Cab
- Rear- or four-wheel drive options
- Five color options, all with body-colored bumpers and gloss-black grille surrounds
- The 2026 Ram 1500 Black Out Package (available for $995): 20-inch black wheels, LED foglamps, sport hood, and black-badged attitude
Check out New Inventory—these workhorses are officially ready for order.
Performance: Built to Work and Built to Win Engine: Ready for Whatever New Brunswick Throws Your Way
The roar under the hood is no afterthought—it's the soul of the Express. The 2026 model is here to prove that power and precision belong in the same breath. It’s tuned for performance, built for real work, and tailored for New Jersey’s get-it-done mindset. That kind of confidence starts with the 2026 Ram 1500 engine options:
- Base 3.6L V6: 305 hp – a solid, time-tested engine with hybrid assist, ideal for dependable everyday performance and efficient light-duty hauling.
- Available 3.0L Hurricane I6: 420 hp – a twin-turbocharged powerhouse for drivers who want serious towing capability and a thrilling punch off the line.
The Hurricane engine offers the highest tow rating in the Express lineup—up to 11,550 pounds when paired with a Quad Cab RWD setup.
Transmission: Eight Gears of Get-Things-Done
Power means nothing if you can’t put it to the ground with precision. That’s where the eight-speed automatic transmission comes in—refined, responsive, and ready for real-world New Jersey demands. The 305-hp Pentastar V6 delivers a balanced, fuel-efficient performance ideal for daily driving and light hauling.
Pair it with the 420-hp Hurricane I6, and you get smooth shifts and serious pulling power, perfect for high-demand tasks like towing and highway passing. For drivers in Edison, this powertrain combo means confidence behind the wheel, whether you’re merging onto Route 1 or pulling your trailer out to the shore.
Speed (0–60 MPH): Pickup, Literally
This truck doesn’t just move—it launches. The 420-hp Hurricane inline-six takes the 1500 Express from 0 to 60 mph in under 5 seconds, giving it sports-car levels of quickness. That kind of acceleration isn’t just fun—it’s functional.
In New Jersey, where highway ramps can feel like drag strips and weaving through traffic is part of the commute, having this kind of power at your foot changes everything. Even the V6 keeps pace, hitting 60 in the 6–7 second range—more than enough for confident passing, merging, and everyday muscle.
Towing and Payload Capacity: Bring It All
The 2026 Ram 1500 doesn’t just tow—it hauls with purpose. With a maximum towing capacity of up to 11,580 pounds and a payload rating of 2,300 pounds, the Express makes it easy to get the job done without breaking a sweat.
Sure, rivals like Ford and Chevy boast higher numbers, but few do it with the kind of ride comfort and confidence Ram brings.
Fuel Economy: Smarts Under the Hood
Fuel economy isn't just a buzzword—it's a daily necessity for truck owners in New Jersey. Between North Brunswick commutes, supply runs, and weekend getaways, saving fuel means saving money and time. The 2026 Dodge Ram 1500 understands that.
While final EPA numbers aren’t out yet, early estimates based on the 2025 model suggest up to 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway with the V6 engine. That’s efficient performance without compromising the muscle you need.
Inside the Cab: Comfort That Doesn’t Compromise Interior: Function Meets Everyday Comfort
The 2026 Ram 1500 interior brings smart storage, durable materials, and optional upgrades that elevate the everyday. Black cloth bucket seats, center floor console, and a clean, driver-focused layout define the space.
- Roomy cabin (Crew Cab offers SUV-level legroom)
- Fold-flat rear seating and in-floor storage options
- Black interior accents with soft-touch finishes on upgraded trims
This isn’t just for contractors. It’s for anyone who wants a little bit of muscle and a little bit of comfort in one package.
Infotainment: No-Nonsense Connectivity
Ram's infotainment has always hit above its weight, and the Express keeps that tradition going.
- 7.0-inch digital gauge cluster
- Uconnect system with responsive 12.0-inch or optional 14.5-inch touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (standard)
- USB-C ports, Bluetooth, and an available 10.3-inch passenger screen
In short: You can stream your music, navigate your workday, and charge your tools all without missing a beat.
Safety Features: Brains Behind the Brawn
Big power demands even bigger peace of mind—especially when you’re navigating New Jersey highways, work zones, and daily school runs. Ram builds confidence into every mile, and the 1500 Express backs up its strength with brains. Here’s what’s watching your back:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
- Adaptive cruise control with available hands-free driving mode
- Lane-keeping assist and optional 360-degree camera system
Whether you’re backing into tight Old Bridge driveways or coasting along the Turnpike, this truck’s looking out for you.
Need Help? Visit Route 18 Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, If you’ve got questions—or want a tour of every trim—Route 18 Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram is where the real ride begins. Our team is packed with truck experts, lease specialists, and friendly folks who know their payloads from their punchlines. Stop by or contact us today.
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