New & Used 2026 RAM 1500 for Sale nearDes Moines, IA

How much does the 2026 RAM 1500 cost?

Prices have softened 5.53% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 6,755 listings available, which suggests you have a healthy amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2026 RAM 1500 a good car?

Generally — the 2026 RAM 1500 earns 4/5 from users and 8.00/10 from our experts. The model scores 9/10 across Performance and Technology.

The 2026 RAM 1500 stands out because Ram brought the Hemi V8 back for this model year, and the lineup still gives you 10 trim levels, two cab sizes, bed lengths, and four powertrain choices. That means you can tailor it for work, comfort, or a more premium setup.

The trade-offs are clear: the Hemi is not the most powerful or efficient engine in the lineup, and advanced safety features are not standard. It also lacks a base two-door work-truck configuration.

Good and great deals account for 37.3% of listings, so there is some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2026 RAM 1500 reliable?

Owners rate it 4/5, a solid signal of long-term satisfaction.

The 2026 RAM 1500 is built around a broad, flexible lineup, and the expert review points to strong powertrain variety and a well-rounded ownership experience. The Hemi V8 is described as smooth and characterful, and the truck’s overall setup emphasizes refinement alongside capability.

The performance notes also suggest the engine lineup is straightforward and proven, with the V8 paired to an eight-speed automatic and the broader range offering multiple configurations to suit different needs. On the cost side, the Hemi is not the cheapest or most efficient choice, but it does bring the kind of familiar truck character many buyers still want.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is choosing a configuration that does not match your needs, since the lineup spans very different use cases and price points.

What should I look for when buying a used 2026 RAM 1500?

Accident-free inventory is excellent at 93.8% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.

You should still run a vehicle history report and verify that the truck’s equipment matches the trim and cab configuration you want. A pre-purchase inspection is especially important if you are shopping for a higher-trim truck or one with added driver-assistance packages.

Focus on condition, feature content, and whether the truck’s setup fits your intended use, since the lineup ranges from basic work-oriented models to luxury-leaning versions.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: Tradesman models are pretty basic inside, with cloth seats and lots of plastic trim, while higher trims add much richer materials. Big Horn adds more visual flair, Laramie brings leather, Limited and Limited Longhorn add open-pore wood trim, and Tungsten gets high-end leather surfaces. The lower-end models also wear blacked-out grilles, which helps separate them visually from the chrome-heavy mid- and upper-level trucks.
• Powertrain: The base engine is a 3.6-liter V6 with eTorque, while the reborn 5.7-liter Hemi V8 makes 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque. Ram also offers a standard-output 3.0-liter Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six with 420 hp and 469 lb-ft, plus a high-output version with 540 hp and 521 lb-ft in select versions. The V8 adds traditional truck character, but the turbo six is the stronger value on paper.
• Safety package: Adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring with trailer coverage, and rear cross traffic alert come standard. Ram’s Hands-Free Active Driving Assist is included with the Advanced Safety Group II package, and it requires driver attention even though it is hands-free. Evasive Steer Assist, Intersection Collision Warning, and traffic sign recognition are standard on Tungsten and available on other models through option packages.
• Infotainment: Ram’s Uconnect 5 system includes standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Screen setups vary by trim, with base Tradesman models getting a small 3.5-inch driver display, most trucks getting a 7-inch or 12-inch digital display, and an optional 10.25-inch passenger screen available on mid- and upper-grade models. Wireless charging for two devices is also available.
• Fuel efficiency: The Hemi V8 gets a mild boost from eTorque, and the turbocharged inline-six delivers superior fuel economy by about two mpg in a 4WD truck.

Which 2026 RAM 1500 trim should I buy?

The 2026 RAM 1500 is offered in 10 trim levels: Tradesman, Express, Warlock, Big Horn, Laramie, Rebel, RHO, Limited, Limited Longhorn, Tungsten.

Here's the short version:

• Tradesman: This is the most work-focused choice, but it is also the most stripped-down. It makes sense if you want the lowest entry point and do not need much luxury content.
• Express: This trim keeps the lower-end pricing focus but adds a bit more personality than Tradesman. It is a sensible step up if you want a basic truck with a little more style.
• Warlock: Like the other lower-end models, it uses a blacked-out grille and sits near the affordable end of the lineup. It is a good fit if you want a tougher-looking truck without moving into premium pricing.
• Big Horn: This is the first trim that feels more polished, with more visual appeal inside and out. It is a strong value pick if you want a nicer everyday truck without jumping too far upmarket.
• Laramie: This trim adds leather and a more upscale cabin, making it a better choice if comfort matters as much as capability. It is one of the best-value steps if you want a clear upgrade in feel.
• Rebel: This is the off-road-oriented choice in the lineup, and it shares the black grille treatment with the other rugged models. It suits you if you want a more adventurous truck character.
• RHO: This is another off-road-focused model, positioned alongside Rebel in the lineup. It is the better fit if you want the more specialized rugged side of the Ram 1500 range.
• Limited: This trim brings open-pore wood trim and a more luxurious cabin feel. It is a strong choice if you want premium materials without going all the way to the top.
• Limited Longhorn: This version also gets open-pore wood trim and leans into a more upscale, distinctive interior presentation. It is a good fit if you want luxury with a more traditional truck personality.
• Tungsten: This is the most luxurious trim, with high-end leather surfaces and the most premium audio and safety content. It is the top choice if you want the most feature-rich Ram 1500.

Safety-package note: advanced safety features are not standard across the lineup, and some of the more advanced driver-assistance items are reserved for higher trims or option packages.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2026 RAM 1500?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market.

• Deal availability: 37.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 6,755 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.53% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 93.8% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $51,993, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2026 RAM 1500's resale value?

The current average of $51,993 sits slightly below last year's $55,039.

That softer pricing can help you buy more truck for the money today, but it also means future sellers may need to be realistic about expectations. If the market continues to favor shoppers, resale values may stay under pressure unless the truck’s configuration is especially desirable.

The good news is that the Ram 1500 still has broad appeal thanks to its powertrain variety, premium trims, and strong feature content. Those traits can help support demand when you eventually sell.

Vehicles with solid owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2026 RAM 1500 safe?

The 2026 RAM 1500 earns five-star ratings from NHTSA for the Quad Cab, while the Crew Cab loses a star even though its frontal, side, and rollover scores match the smaller-cab truck’s ratings.

It earns a 7/10 safety score from our experts.

Adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring with trailer coverage, and rear cross traffic alert come standard. Ram’s Hands-Free Active Driving Assist is included with the Advanced Safety Group II package, and it requires driver attention even though it can operate hands-free on certain roads.

Evasive Steer Assist, Intersection Collision Warning, and traffic sign recognition are standard on Tungsten and available on other trims through option packages. The main caveat is that advanced safety features are not standard across the lineup.

Should I buy a 2026 RAM 1500 or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2026 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2026 if:

• 37.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is excellent at 93.8% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.53% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• The Hemi V8 returns for 2026, giving you a characterful engine choice that many buyers still want.

Consider the 2025 if:

• At $43,660, the 2025 costs less than the current year's $51,993 average.
• It brought lots of new tech and a hands-free driver-assistance system.

The bottom line: If you want the Hemi’s return, a broad trim range, and a market that is leaning in your favor, the 2026 is the better target. If your priority is spending less up front, the 2025 is the smarter value play and still brings a lot of the Ram 1500’s core appeal.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 6, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.