Ram’s new version of the 1500 pickup truck, formerly known under the code name the “Adventurer”, has finally received an official designation. The Ram 1500 Express targets younger customers and first-time buyers and comes with a starting price of $23,830 (€16,677), including a $975 destination charge.

The truck is fitted with a standard 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine that delivers 390 horsepower and 407 lb-ft of torque (552 Nm) and posts an average fuel economy rating of 20 mpg (11.76 l/100km). Available as a regular cab short-bed model, with either a 4×2 or 4×4 drivetrain, the 1500 Express comes in a monochromatic paint scheme, with body-colored grille, front fascia and rear fascia and a total of eight body colors available.

A grille with black honeycomb inserts, chrome-tipped dual exhausts, fog lamps and five-spoke 20-inch aluminum wheels are also part of the package.

Standard features include a locking tailgate, 160-amp alternator, 26-gallon fuel tank, 3.55 rear axle ratio, 700-amp battery, heavy-duty front and rear shock absorbers, power steering, heavy-duty engine and transmission cooling and a full-size spare tire.

The interior of the 1500 Express gets a heavy-duty vinyl 40/20/40 split-bench seat, with buyers being able to choose between vinyl or carpeted floor covering. Other features include air conditioning, 12-volt auxiliary power outlet, six-speaker audio unit with CD and MP3 player, automatic headlamps, behind-the-seat storage bins, power accessory delay and tinted glass windows. Safety equipment includes front, side and curtain airbags, ABS, ESP and tire pressure warning lamp.

The options list is extensive and includes two rear-axle ratios (3.21, 3.92), anti-spin differential, engine block heater, trailer brake controller, Mopar chrome tubular side steps, Mopar chrome steel bed rails, folding and heated trailer-tow power mirrors, spray-in bedliner and under-rail bedliner.

For the interior, buyers can outfit the 1500 Express with a cloth split-bench seat, Uconnect voice command with Bluetooth, remote USB port, cruise control, remote keyless entry and a Sirius Satellite Radio. Finally, Mopar will offer more than 300 accessories for those who want to customize their ride.

By Dan Mihalascu

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