Ram 1500 Classic · Model year 2023 · No longer built
2023 Ram 1500 Classic specs, maintenance & manuals
Owner and shopper reference for the 2023 Ram 1500 Classic, built from Stellantis and Mopar data: 12 factory configurations, the maintenance schedule, fluid capacities and 9 manufacturer publications.
- Horsepower
- 305–395 hp
- Combined MPG
- 17–20
- Recalls
- 0
- Configurations
- 12
2023 Ram 1500 Classic prices by configuration
Base MSRP for each factory configuration as last listed on the manufacturer's site (November 2026), excluding destination, taxes and options.
| Configuration | Trim | Base MSRP |
|---|---|---|
| Ram 1500 Classic Tradesman Regular Cab 4x2 8' Box | Tradesman | $32,345 |
| Ram 1500 Classic Tradesman Quad Cab 4x2 6'4" Box | Tradesman | $38,705 |
| Ram 1500 Classic Tradesman Regular Cab 4x4 8' Box | Tradesman | $39,505 |
| Ram 1500 Classic Tradesman Crew Cab 4x2 5'7" Box | Tradesman | $41,405 |
| Ram 1500 Classic Tradesman Crew Cab 4x2 6'4" Box | Tradesman | $41,705 |
| Ram 1500 Classic Tradesman Quad Cab 4x4 6'4" Box | Tradesman | $42,505 |
| Ram 1500 Classic Warlock Quad Cab 4x2 6'4" Box | Warlock | $43,635 |
| Ram 1500 Classic Tradesman Crew Cab 4x4 5'7" Box | Tradesman | $45,205 |
| Ram 1500 Classic Tradesman Crew Cab 4x4 6'4" Box | Tradesman | $45,505 |
| Ram 1500 Classic Warlock Crew Cab 4x2 5'7" Box | Warlock | $46,335 |
| Ram 1500 Classic Warlock Quad Cab 4x4 6'4" Box | Warlock | $47,435 |
| Ram 1500 Classic Warlock Crew Cab 4x4 5'7" Box | Warlock | $50,135 |
What changed for the 2023 Ram 1500 Classic
Nothing we compare (trims, equipment, engines, ratings) changed from 2022 to 2023.
Compared automatically from the manufacturer's trim feature charts, specification sheets, towing guides and the EPA's fuel-economy data for 2022 and 2023. 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.
2023 Ram 1500 Classic specifications
Every one of the 12 factory configurations, from the manufacturer's own spec comparison (as of November 2026). Pick one, or two to compare.
- Horsepower
- 305 hp
- @ 6,400 rpm
- Torque
- 269 lb-ft
- @ 4,175 rpm
- Combined MPG
- 20 mpg
- Curb weight
- 4,888 lb
- Seats
- 3
- Wheelbase
- 140 in
- Fuel tank
- 32 gal
Same on every configuration
- Engine liters
- 3.6 L
- Cylinder configuration
- V-6
- Horsepower
- 305 hp @ 6,400 rpm
- Torque
- 269 lb-ft @ 4,175 rpm
- Curb weight
- 4,888 lb
- Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR)
- 6,600 lb
- Payload
- 1,710 lb
- Towing capacity
- 4,600 lb
- Gross combined weight rating (GCWR)
- 9,850 lb
- Exterior length
- 231 in
- Exterior body width
- 79.4 in
- Exterior body height
- 74.4 in
- Wheelbase
- 140 in
- Front track
- 68 in
- Rear track
- 67.5 in
- Turning radius
- 22.6 ft
- Pickup box cargo length
- 98.3 in
- Pickup box minimum width
- 51 in
- Pickup box maximum width
- 66.4 in
- Pickup box cargo volume
- 74.7 cu ft
- Pickup box depth
- 20.2 in
- Front legroom
- 41 in
- Front headroom
- 39.9 in
- Front hiproom
- 62.9 in
- Front shoulder room
- 66 in
- Passenger volume
- 63 cu ft
- Fuel economy – city
- 17 mpg
- Fuel economy – highway
- 25 mpg
- Fuel economy – combined
- 20 mpg
- Fuel tank
- 32 gal
- Recommended fuel
- Regular gasoline
- Valvetrain
- DOHC
- Compressor
- None
- Drive type
- Rear-wheel
- Transmission
- 8-speed automatic
- Sequential shift control
- With steering wheel controls
2023 Ram 1500 Classic fuel economy (EPA)
The EPA rates the 2023 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 | 444 |
| 1500 Classic 2WD | 5.7L 8-cylinder | 8-speed automatic · RWD | 15MPG | 21MPG | 17MPG | $4,200 | 523 |
| 1500 Classic 4WD | 3.6L 6-cylinder | 8-speed automatic · 4WD | 16MPG | 23MPG | 19MPG | $3,300 | 474 |
| 1500 Classic 4WD | 5.7L 8-cylinder | 8-speed automatic · 4WD | 15MPG | 20MPG | 17MPG | $4,200 | 528 |
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.
2023 Ram 1500 Classic wheels & tires
Factory tire and wheel sizes, spare and the pressure to run, from the spec sheet and owner's manual.
| Fits | Tire | Wheel | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Tradesman | P265/70SR17 | 17 × 7 in, styled steel | all-season, black sidewall |
| Classic Warlock | P275/60SR20 | 20 × 9 in, aluminum | all-season, black sidewall |
- Cold tire pressure
- Not a single number: the owner's manual refers to the tire and loading placard, 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.
2023 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
- For severe dusty driving conditions, inspect and replace the Evaporative System Fresh Air Filter as necessary; replacement may be more frequent depending on conditions
| 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 | ||||||||||||||
| For severe dusty driving conditions, inspect and replace the Evaporative System Fresh Air Filter as necessary; replacement may be more frequent depending on conditions | ||||||||||||||
| Replace engine air cleaner 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 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 parking brake
- Inspect the engine cooling system protection and hoses
- Inspect the exhaust system
- Inspect the engine air cleaner filter 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
2023 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 gal98 L |
| Regular Cab Longbed/Crew Quad Cab models (optional) | 32 gal121 L | |
| 3.6L engine | ||
| Engine oil with filter | 6 qt5.6 L | |
| Cooling system | 13.7 qt13 L | |
| 5.7L engine | ||
| Engine oil with filter | 7 qt6.6 L | |
| Cooling system | 18.3 qt17.3 L | |
Engine fluids
| Component | Fluid / grade | Mopar product |
|---|---|---|
| Engine coolant | OAT (Organic Additive Technology) 10 year/150,000 mile coolant | Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile Formula OAT |
| Engine oil3.6L engine | SAE 5W-20 full synthetic, API Starburst certified (equivalent full synthetic 5W-20 allowed); SAE 5W-30 meeting MS-6395 acceptable if 5W-20 unavailable | Mopar SAE 5W-20 Full Synthetic Engine Oil |
| Engine oil5.7L engine | SAE 0W-20 full synthetic, API Starburst certified (equivalent full synthetic 0W-20 allowed)MS-6395 | Mopar SAE 0W-20 Full Synthetic Engine Oil |
Chassis fluids & lubricants
| Component | Fluid / grade | Mopar product |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic transmission | ZF 8 & 9 speed ATF, or equivalent | Mopar ZF 8 & 9 Speed ATF Automatic Transmission Fluid |
| Transfer case | Mobil LT | — |
| Front axle | SAE 75W-85 synthetic GL-5 axle lubricant | Mopar GL-5 Synthetic Axle Lubricant SAE 75W-85 |
| Rear axle3.21 and 3.55 ratios | SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear lubricant; limited-slip axles need 5 oz. (148 ml) limited slip additiveMS-A0160; additive MS-10111 | Mopar Synthetic Gear Lubricant SAE 75W-90 |
| Rear axle3.92 ratio | SAE 75W-140 synthetic gear lubricant; limited-slip axles need 5 oz. (148 ml) limited slip additiveMS-8985; additive MS-10111 | Mopar Synthetic Gear Lubricant SAE 75W-140 |
| Brake master cylinder | DOT 3 brake fluid | Mopar DOT 3 |
Fuel
| Engine | Minimum | Ethanol / biodiesel |
|---|---|---|
| 3.6L engine | 87 octane Regular unleaded | Up to 15% (E15) |
| 5.7L engine | 87 octane Regular unleaded (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) |
- Do not use E-85, methanol blends, or more than 15% ethanol.
- Octane is by the (R+M)/2 method.
- Top Tier detergent gasoline is recommended when available.
- Check lug nut torque again after 25 miles (40 km).
Source: Owner's manual (PDF). Always confirm with the manual for your exact vehicle.
2023 Ram 1500 Classic recalls & safety
What the U.S. government's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has on file for the 2023 Ram 1500 Classic: no recalls, 199 owner complaints and crash-test ratings. Fetched November 8, 2026.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ram 1500 Classic Crew Cab PU/CC 4WD | 21.9% risk | |||
| Ram 1500 Classic Crew Cab PU/CC RWD | 19.8% risk | |||
| Ram 1500 Classic Quad Cab PU/EC 4WD | 21.9% risk | |||
| Ram 1500 Classic Quad Cab PU/EC RWD | 19.8% risk | |||
| Ram 1500 Classic Regular Cab PU/RC 4WD | 21.9% risk | |||
| Ram 1500 Classic Regular Cab PU/RC RWD | 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
- 199
- Crashes
- 9
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 5
- Electrical system70
- Engine45
- Unknown or other45
- Service brakes37
- Power train29
- Forward collision avoidance20
- Steering18
- Exterior lighting16
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, Ram 1500 Classic Crew Cab, Ram 1500 Classic Quad Cab, Ram 1500 Classic Regular Cab. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest.
2023 Ram 1500 Classic owner's manuals & publications
The manufacturer's owner's manual, quick guides, radio manuals, supplements and warranty booklets for the 2023 model year.
Owner's manuals
Quick guides
Uconnect & radio
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.
Salt, snow and hills: the data
The 2023 Ram 1500 Classic against salt, snow and steep grades
From the Snowbelt east of Cleveland to the ridges of West Virginia and east Tennessee, this part of the country throws salt, snow and grade at every vehicle. Here is how the 2023 Ram 1500 Classic specifications line up against all three.
Wheels, tires and freeze-thaw roads
The smallest 2023 factory size is P265/70R17, the largest P275/60R20. Each thaw in Michigan and Ohio opens new potholes, and a tall sidewall survives them best: the 17-inch fitment flexes over a sharp edge where a low-profile tire can pinch or bend its wheel. After a hard hit, look for a sidewall bubble.
Salt season and the underbody
Perforation coverage for 2023: 60 months / unlimited miles. Road crews across the lower Great Lakes spray liquid brine ahead of storms, and it clings to the underbody and works into seams. On a used 1500 Classic that has been through several salt seasons, have someone check the steel brake lines, fuel-tank straps and subframe mounts on a lift before you buy.
Oil for a frozen-driveway start
Oil capacity is 6 qt (3.6L) and 7 qt (5.7L), and the manual lists SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (3.6L) and SAE 0W-20 (5.7L). Where more than one engine appears in the lineup, the engine code on the window sticker settles which grade applies. The wrong one in a West Virginia winter gives up a little protection on every cold start, and over years of driveway starts that adds up.
Battery checks before the cold
The schedule includes a battery inspection at each oil change, with the terminals cleaned and tightened as required. Do it before the first cold snap: corrosion at the terminals adds resistance exactly when a frozen engine needs the most current from the battery. A load test each fall is worth adding once the battery is a few winters old.
Which wheels do the pulling
Factory drive configurations for 2023: rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. The same trim name can come with more than one drive system, so on a used 1500 Classic confirm it from the window sticker or a VIN decode rather than the badge. In west Michigan, where lake-effect bands can pile up several inches of snow in an hour, driving both axles is what gets a loaded vehicle up an icy driveway.
Fuel reserve for storm closures
Fuel capacity: 26 to 32 gallons. Lake-effect whiteouts can shut stretches of I-94 in Michigan or I-90 through the Ohio Snowbelt for hours, so keep the tank from running low between November and March. If you do end up stranded, a running engine for heat needs a tailpipe clear of snow.
Filters for dust and pollen
The cabin air filter first comes up at 20,000 miles. Spring pollen in the Ohio and Tennessee valleys is heavy, and a clogged cabin filter also slows the defroster in winter because it chokes the blower's airflow. It is a five-minute job on most vehicles.
Fuel grade and winter reserve
Fuel requirement: 87 octane (89 recommended). In winter, keeping the tank above half is a sensible habit across the Great Lakes states, because lake-effect pileups and mountain snow on I-64 or I-77 can leave traffic stopped for hours, and fuel is your heat.
Specifications are the manufacturer's; the weather and road context is ours. When a note here and the 2023 owner's manual disagree, follow the manual.
2023 Ram 1500 Classic questions
How much did the 2023 Ram 1500 Classic cost new?
Base MSRP ran from $32,345 (Ram 1500 Classic Tradesman Regular Cab 4x2 8' Box) to $50,135 (Ram 1500 Classic Warlock Crew Cab 4x4 5'7" Box), before destination and options, as last listed by the manufacturer.
How much oil does the 2023 Ram 1500 Classic take?
With a filter change: 3.6L engine, 6 qt / 5.6 L and 5.7L engine, 7 qt / 6.6 L. Capacities are from the owner's manual; check the dipstick or oil-life display after filling.
What kind of oil does the 2023 Ram 1500 Classic use?
3.6L engine: SAE 5W-20 full synthetic, API Starburst certified (equivalent full synthetic 5W-20 allowed); SAE 5W-30 meeting MS-6395 acceptable if 5W-20 unavailable (MS-6395) and 5.7L engine: SAE 0W-20 full synthetic, API Starburst certified (equivalent full synthetic 0W-20 allowed) (MS-6395).
When is the first scheduled maintenance on the 2023 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; for severe dusty driving conditions, inspect and replace the evaporative system fresh air filter as necessary; replacement may be more frequent depending on conditions. Oil changes in between follow the oil-change indicator.
Where can I find the 2023 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 2023 Ram 1500 Classic get?
The EPA rates the 2023 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 / 21 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 / 20 highway / 17 combined. Ratings are the EPA's laboratory figures from fueleconomy.gov; real-world mileage varies with driving, load and weather.
What size tires does the 2023 Ram 1500 Classic use?
Factory tire sizes: P265/70SR17 (Classic Tradesman); P275/60SR20 (Classic Warlock). The recommended cold inflation pressure for your exact tires is on the tire placard on the vehicle, not in a single table.
Does the 2023 Ram 1500 Classic have recalls?
NHTSA lists no safety recall campaigns for the 2023 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 2023 Ram 1500 Classic?
Owners have filed 199 complaints about the 2023 Ram 1500 Classic with NHTSA. The components named most often are electrical system (70), engine (45), and unknown or other (45). 9 complaints involved a crash and 1 complaint 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 2023 Ram 1500 Classic's NHTSA crash-test rating?
NHTSA's overall 5-Star Safety Rating for the 2023 Ram 1500 Classic is 4 out of 5 stars (Ram Ram 1500 Classic Crew Cab PU/CC 4WD: 4, Ram Ram 1500 Classic Crew Cab PU/CC RWD: 4, Ram Ram 1500 Classic Quad Cab PU/EC 4WD: 4, and Ram Ram 1500 Classic Quad Cab PU/EC RWD: 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.