The 2019 Ram 1500 crash results and safety ratings from the IIHS.org are in, and the new generation truck makes a big leap in crash performance when compared to the older 2018 model.
(All images and tables shown here are courtesy of IIHS.org). Also, all data you see here is for 2019 Ram 1500 crew cab. The 2019 extended (quad) cab crash test results are not in yet.
The previous generation of the Ram half-ton (2018 model year) got a ‘M’ Marginal rating for the small overlap driver-side and roof strength tests. The small overlap passenger-side crash testing was not performed. The old truck also did not have driver-assistance / crash prevention systems, such as the adaptive cruise control or lane keep assist.
2019 Ram 1500
The new 5th generation truck gets all green marks across the board, with the notable exception of the headlights and the child-seat LATCH system. The small overlap front and roof strength tests are very difficult to pass with a ‘G’ Good rating.
Check out the roof strength test graphs. The old Ram 1500 was marginal, while the new truck cabin, specifically the a-pillar area around the windshield, can handle a lot more crushing load, and gets a ‘G’ Good rating. It can withstand up to 4.24 times the truck’s curb weight.
Here is how the fourth generation 2018 stacks up against the 2019.
How does this compare to the other half-ton trucks on the market? Here is the data for a 2018 Ford F-150. The Ford also performs very well, but has a ‘P’ Poor headlight rating.
Check out this side-by-side comparison of the 2018 and 2019 Ram 1500 trucks. These are both HEMI V8s, and we found them to sound differently.
