Ram 1500 Classic · Model year 2020 · No longer built
2020 Ram 1500 Classic specs, maintenance & manuals
Owner and shopper reference for the 2020 Ram 1500 Classic, built from Stellantis and Mopar data: the maintenance schedule, fluid capacities and 11 manufacturer publications, plus a tow rating of up to 10,680 lb.
- Max towing
- 10,680 lb
- Combined MPG
- 17–20
- Recalls
- 0
- Schedule covers
- 150k miles
What changed for the 2020 Ram 1500 Classic
The 2020 Ram 1500 Classic looks like a carryover from 2019 in the data we compare.
Compared automatically from the manufacturer's trim feature charts, specification sheets, towing guides and the EPA's fuel-economy data for 2019 and 2020. No trim equipment chart is on file for one of the two years, so equipment changes aren't listed. Equipment varies by trim and market; confirm details on a specific vehicle.
2020 Ram 1500 Classic fuel economy (EPA)
The EPA rates the 2020 Ram 1500 Classic at 17–20 MPG combined; the 3.6L 6-cylinder (RWD) is the most efficient and the 5.7L 8-cylinder (RWD) the thirstiest. Every EPA test configuration is below, from the government's fuel-economy database.
City, highway and combined figures are in MPG (MPGe on electricity).
| Version | Engine | Transmission · drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1500 Classic 2WD | 3.6L 6-cylinder | 8-speed automatic · RWD | 17MPG | 25MPG | 20MPG | $3,100 | 450 |
| 1500 Classic 2WD | 5.7L 8-cylinder | 8-speed automatic · RWD | 15MPG | 22MPG | 17MPG | $4,200 | 513 |
| 1500 Classic 4WD | 3.6L 6-cylinder | 8-speed automatic · 4WD | 16MPG | 23MPG | 19MPG | $3,300 | 475 |
| 1500 Classic 4WD | 5.7L 8-cylinder | 8-speed automatic · 4WD | 15MPG | 21MPG | 17MPG | $4,200 | 526 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. MPG is miles per gallon (MPGe for electric operation). Plug-in hybrids list gasoline-only MPG with the electric rating underneath. Annual fuel cost assumes 15,000 miles a year at the EPA's fuel-price assumptions, so yours will differ. Range is total driving range on a full tank or charge.
2020 Ram 1500 Classic wheels & tires
The spec sheet doesn't list tire sizes for this model year; here is what the owner's manual says.
- Cold tire pressure
- Not a single number: the owner's manual refers to the tire and loading placard (Tire and Loading Information Placard at the driver's side door opening), which lists the pressures for your exact tire size and load.
- Spare
- Equipment decides: a compact spare, a non-matching full-size spare or a tire service kit with no spare; a non-matching or compact spare has no pressure sensor.
- Lug nut torque
- 130 ft-lb (176 N·m), M14 x 1.50 thread, 22 mm socket
- Pressure monitor
- A tire pressure monitoring system warns when a tire is low.
Sizes and pressures vary by trim, wheel package and load: check the placard on your vehicle and the tire sidewall. Pressure and spare notes from the owner's manual.
2020 Ram 1500 Classic maintenance schedule
The factory schedule for normal driving. Oil changes follow the oil-change indicator on most models; severe use (towing, dusty roads, lots of idling) shortens some intervals.
A dot means the service is due at that mileage or after that many years, whichever comes first.
Additional Inspections
- Inspect the CV/Universal joints
- Inspect front suspension, tie rod ends, and replace if necessary
- Inspect the brake linings, replace as necessary
- Adjust parking brake as necessary
Additional Maintenance
- Replace cabin air filter
| Service | 20k2 yr | 30k3 yr | 40k4 yr | 50k5 yr | 60k6 yr | 70k7 yr | 80k8 yr | 90k9 yr | 100k10 yr | 110k11 yr | 120k12 yr | 130k13 yr | 140k14 yr | 150k15 yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Additional Inspections | ||||||||||||||
| Inspect the CV/Universal joints | ||||||||||||||
| Inspect front suspension, tie rod ends, and replace if necessary | ||||||||||||||
| Inspect the front and rear axle surfacesIf gear oil leakage is suspected, check the fluid level. If using your vehicle for police, taxi, fleet, off-road or frequent trailer towing, change axle fluid. | ||||||||||||||
| Inspect the brake linings, replace as necessary | ||||||||||||||
| Adjust parking brake as necessary | ||||||||||||||
| Inspect transfer case fluid | ||||||||||||||
| Additional Maintenance | ||||||||||||||
| Replace cabin air filter | ||||||||||||||
| Replace engine air filter | ||||||||||||||
| Replace spark plugsThe spark plug change interval is mileage based only, yearly intervals do not apply. | ||||||||||||||
| Flush and replace the engine coolant at 10 years or 150,000 miles (240,000 km) whichever comes first | ||||||||||||||
| Inspect the transfer case fluid, change for any of the following: police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer towing | ||||||||||||||
| Change the transfer case fluid | ||||||||||||||
| Inspect and replace PCV valve if necessary | ||||||||||||||
At every oil change
- Change the oil and filter
- Rotate the tires. Rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before the oil indicator system turns on
- Inspect the battery and clean and tighten terminals as required
- Inspect the CV/Universal joints
- Inspect the automatic transmission fluid if equipped with dipstick
- Inspect the brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, hoses and park brake
- Inspect the engine cooling system protection and hoses
- Inspect the exhaust system
- Inspect the engine air cleaner if using in dusty or off-road conditions, replace engine air cleaner filter if necessary
- Inspect and replace the Evaporative System Fresh Air Filter as necessary, replacement may be more frequent if vehicle is operated in extreme dusty conditions
2020 Ram 1500 Classic fluids & capacities
Oil, coolant, transmission and axle fluids with their capacities and specifications, wheel torque and fuel requirements, from the owner's manual.
Fluid capacities
| System | Applies to | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| All engines | ||
| Fuel tank (approximate) | Regular Cab Shortbed/Crew/Quad Cab models | 26 gallons98 liters |
| Regular Cab Longbed/Crew/Quad Cab models (optional) | 32 gallons121 liters | |
| 3.6L engine | ||
| Engine oil with filter | 6 quarts5.6 liters | |
| Cooling system | 13.7 quarts13 liters | |
| 5.7L engine | ||
| Engine oil with filter | 7 quarts6.6 liters | |
| Cooling system | 18.3 quarts17.3 liters | |
Engine fluids
| Component | Fluid / grade | Mopar product |
|---|---|---|
| All engines | ||
| Engine coolant | OAT (Organic Additive Technology) 10 year/150,000 mile coolantMS.90032 | Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile Formula |
| Engine oil filter | — | Mopar engine oil filters |
| Spark plugs | — | Mopar spark plugs |
| 3.6L engine | ||
| Engine oil | API Certified SAE 5W-20 (SAE 5W-30 acceptable if 5W-20 is unavailable)MS-6395 | Mopar SAE 5W-30 engine oil (MS-6395) as fallback |
| Fuel selection | 87 octane (R+M)/2, 0-15% ethanol | — |
| 5.7L engine | ||
| Engine oil | API Certified SAE 5W-20MS-6395 | — |
| Fuel selection | 89 octane recommended, 87 acceptable (R+M)/2, 0-15% ethanol | — |
Chassis fluids & lubricants
| Component | Fluid / grade | Mopar product |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic transmission | ZF 8 and 9 speed ATF, or equivalent | Mopar ZF 8&9 Speed ATF |
| Transfer case | Mobil LT | — |
| Front axle | GL-5 synthetic axle lubricant SAE 75W-85 | Mopar GL-5 Synthetic Axle Lubricant SAE 75W-85 |
| Rear axle | Synthetic gear lubricant SAE 75W-90; limited-slip axles need 5 oz (148 ml) limited-slip additiveMS-A0160; additive MS-10111 | Mopar Synthetic Gear Lubricant SAE 75W-90; Mopar Limited Slip Additive |
| Brake master cylinder | DOT 3 | Mopar DOT 3 |
Fuel
| Engine | Minimum | Ethanol / biodiesel |
|---|---|---|
| 3.6L engine | 87 octane Regular unleaded | Up to 15% (E15) |
| 5.7L engine | 87 octane Unleaded (Regular acceptable) (89 for optimum performance and fuel economy) | Up to 15% (E15) |
Wheel lug nut torque
| Wheels | Torque |
|---|---|
| Lug nuts/boltsThread M14 x 1.5022 mm socket | 130 ft‑lb (176 N·m) |
- Fuel tank size depends on cab and bed length.
- Engine oil capacities include the filter.
- Coolant: avoid propylene glycol-based coolant and extra rust inhibitors.
- Check the engine oil filler cap for the correct SAE grade.
- Do not use E85 or methanol blends; non-flex-fuel engines.
- Re-check lug torque after 25 miles (40 km); tighten in a star pattern.
Source: Owner's manual on Mopar.com. Always confirm with the manual for your exact vehicle.
2020 Ram 1500 Classic recalls & safety
What the U.S. government's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has on file for the 2020 Ram 1500 Classic: no recalls, 644 owner complaints and crash-test ratings. Fetched November 8, 2026.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ram 1500 Classic Crew PU/CC 4WD | 21.9% risk | |||
| Ram 1500 Classic Quad PU/EC 4WD | 21.9% risk | |||
| Ram 1500 Classic Regular PU/RC 4WD | 21.9% risk | |||
| Ram 1500 Classic Crew PU/CC 2WD | 19.8% risk | |||
| Ram 1500 Classic Quad PU/EC 2WD | 19.8% risk | |||
| Ram 1500 Classic Regular PU/RC 2WD | 19.8% risk |
Stars compare vehicles of similar weight; rollover shows the tested chance of a rollover in a single-vehicle crash.
Recalls
Owner complaints by component
- Complaints
- 644
- Crashes
- 24
- Fires
- 7
- Injuries
- 15
- Electrical system166
- Engine156
- Unknown or other113
- Steering65
- Power train63
- Visibility/wiper54
- Fuel/propulsion system46
- Structure44
Complaints are reports owners filed with NHTSA; they are not verified and a complaint can name more than one component. A high count reflects how many were sold as much as how often something fails.
Source: NHTSA public data (recalls, complaints and the New Car Assessment Program), covering Ram 1500 Classic. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest.
2020 Ram 1500 Classic owner's manuals & publications
The manufacturer's owner's manual, quick guides, radio manuals, supplements and warranty booklets for the 2020 model year.
Owner's manuals
Quick guides
Supplements
On Mopar.com
Manuals and guides are hosted by the manufacturer on vehicleinfo.mopar.com and open as PDFs. Mopar.com's owner site also has VIN-specific manuals and recall lookups.
Read for lake-effect country
What counts on a 2020 Ram 1500 Classic from Michigan to Tennessee
None of the factory data on this page changes from one region to the next, but what deserves a second look does. Below are the 2020 Ram 1500 Classic lines that matter for a Bowling Green winter, a spring of broken pavement, a boat on the hitch or a long descent in the hills.
The oil grade on a January morning
The 2020 Ram 1500 Classic fluids table lists SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (3.6L) and SAE 5W-20 (5.7L), with 6 quarts (3.6L) and 7 quarts (5.7L) per change. Lake-effect winters are full of short, cold trips: to work, to school, to the store and home again before the engine reaches temperature. That pattern is tough on oil, so let the oil-change indicator set the interval and never stretch it.
Cranking power for a lake-effect morning
A 1500 Classic left at a lake cottage or in a pole barn for weeks slowly drains its battery, and a cold snap then finds it with nothing to spare. A plug-in maintainer for stored vehicles is cheap insurance in the Great Lakes states.
Tank size for hill country
The 2020 Ram 1500 Classic holds 26 to 32 gallons of fuel. Once you leave the interstate in West Virginia or eastern Kentucky, mountain routes can run a long way between stations, and the climbs burn more fuel than flat miles do. Fill up before heading into the hills.
Gravel hollow roads and the air filter
The schedule asks for more frequent air-filter attention in dusty conditions, beyond the normal replacement every 30,000 miles. Gravel roads up Appalachian hollows and coal-haul routes in West Virginia and eastern Kentucky qualify, so inspect the filter at each oil change if they are part of your week.
Octane from the owner data
The owner data specifies 87 octane, with 89 recommended. A higher grade than the manual asks for adds cost without benefit, while a lower one than required makes the engine pull back ignition timing, which shows most under load on a long Appalachian climb.
Capacities, ratings and service intervals: Stellantis data for the 2020 1500 Classic. The Great Lakes reading of them is independent and is not factory or dealer advice.
2020 Ram 1500 Classic questions
How much oil does the 2020 Ram 1500 Classic take?
With a filter change: 3.6L engine, 6 quarts / 5.6 liters and 5.7L engine, 7 quarts / 6.6 liters. Capacities are from the owner's manual; check the dipstick or oil-life display after filling.
What kind of oil does the 2020 Ram 1500 Classic use?
3.6L engine: API Certified SAE 5W-20 (SAE 5W-30 acceptable if 5W-20 is unavailable) (MS-6395) and 5.7L engine: API Certified SAE 5W-20 (MS-6395).
When is the first scheduled maintenance on the 2020 Ram 1500 Classic?
At 20,000 miles or 2 years: inspect the cv/universal joints; inspect front suspension, tie rod ends, and replace if necessary; inspect the brake linings, replace as necessary; adjust parking brake as necessary; replace cabin air filter. Oil changes in between follow the oil-change indicator.
Where can I find the 2020 Ram 1500 Classic owner's manual?
The manufacturer publishes it free on Mopar.com as a PDF (linked in the manuals section above), along with quick guides, radio manuals and the warranty booklet.
What MPG does the 2020 Ram 1500 Classic get?
The EPA rates the 2020 Ram 1500 Classic at 17–20 MPG combined, depending on the version. 3.6L 6-cylinder, 8-speed automatic, RWD: 17 city / 25 highway / 20 combined; 5.7L 8-cylinder, 8-speed automatic, RWD: 15 city / 22 highway / 17 combined; 3.6L 6-cylinder, 8-speed automatic, 4WD: 16 city / 23 highway / 19 combined; 5.7L 8-cylinder, 8-speed automatic, 4WD: 15 city / 21 highway / 17 combined. Ratings are the EPA's laboratory figures from fueleconomy.gov; real-world mileage varies with driving, load and weather.
Does the 2020 Ram 1500 Classic have recalls?
NHTSA lists no safety recall campaigns for the 2020 Ram 1500 Classic. NHTSA's data was last fetched November 8, 2026. Recalls are listed by model year, so a given vehicle may or may not be covered: enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or ask a dealer to see which are open.
What are the most common safety complaints about the 2020 Ram 1500 Classic?
Owners have filed 644 complaints about the 2020 Ram 1500 Classic with NHTSA. The components named most often are electrical system (166), engine (156), and unknown or other (113). 24 complaints involved a crash and 7 complaints a fire. Complaints are reports from owners that NHTSA does not verify, so treat them as a signal to look into, not a finding.
What is the 2020 Ram 1500 Classic's NHTSA crash-test rating?
NHTSA's overall 5-Star Safety Rating for the 2020 Ram 1500 Classic is 4 out of 5 stars (Ram 1500 Classic Crew PU/CC 4WD: 4, Ram 1500 Classic Quad PU/EC 4WD: 4, Ram 1500 Classic Regular PU/RC 4WD: 4, and Ram 1500 Classic Crew PU/CC 2WD: 4). The rating combines frontal, side and rollover tests.
Specifications come from the manufacturer's spec comparison and its media-site specification sheets; maintenance schedules, fluids and publications come from Mopar's owner site and owner's manuals. Equipment and ratings vary by configuration; check the owner's manual or a dealer for a specific vehicle. This model is no longer sold new.