Meet the 2023 RAM Lineup

Learn what’s new on RAM’s menu for the 2023 model year.

While the big three domestic truck players have all shifted focus toward the electric market of late, ICE pickups still dominate consumer preferences in America. And RAM, whose EV pickup doesn’t arrive until very late next year, is content with delivering higher and higher performance models of its gas and diesel offerings in the meantime.

The 2023 model year may not have too much wild innovation in store, but there are some great new trims worth talking about from the brand that will surely satiate and even excite Mopar truck fans.

1500 Limited Elite Edition

In addition to the very unique year we all faced in 2020, the car industry also went through a bit of the ringer. Sure, the focus was mostly on production setbacks and dealer markups, but one fun little accolade we probably all forgot came in the way of what won Cars.com Luxury Car of the Year.

Ahead of vehicles from German high-class stalwarts Mercedes and BMW was a RAM 1500. Yes, the Laramie Longhorn/Limited took home the crown in 2020—and they just missed the top spot again in 2021.

Fast forward a few years and never ones to rest on their laurels, RAM have stuck their callused little pinky out again to take a big ol’ swig from the chalice of decadence. Enter the new 2023 RAM Limited Elite Edition – the brand’s most opulent offering.

The exterior of the new Limited Elite is stately enough (with new colors like Patriot Blue Pearl Coat and plenty of shiny chrome), but it’s the interior that really steals the show using materials and craftsmanship that would have Cartier blushing. Buyers will be treated to open-pore black argent wood trim, exclusive limited badging and stitchwork, and a JEWELED shifter…yes you heard us right.

Tech features include an aluminum-accented 900 watt/10-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system, a new 12-inch digital gauge cluster, and RAM’s multifunction tailgate + bed step, just in case you plan on doing truck stuff. The Limited Elite comes in around $67K—or a few thousand more than the top offerings from those blue-oval and bow-tie brands.

2500 Rebel

The folks over at RAM have identified a target market who want a premium 2500 package, but just don’t need all the beefiness the fabled Power Wagon brings to the farmhouse table. New for 2023, the Rebel package isn’t just a 1500 thing anymore.

Still capable as heck, the 2500 Rebel borrows the 2.0-in. lift, Bilstein shocks, and WARN winch (gas only), but ditches the locking front differential, beadlock wheels, and pesky running boards. What the Rebel does have over the Power Wagon is the Mopar Sport Performance Hood, which gives this 2500 an aggressive look.

Talking numbers, the HEMI V-8 spec offers an impressive 16,870 lb. towing capacity with a payload of 3,140 lbs. The gas variant pushes out 410/429 in the pony and torque department. But perhaps more interesting is that the 2500 Rebel is offered with a 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel as well. While this engine option reduces the towing and payload, the 850 lb.-ft. of torque number is enough to raise the eyebrow of prospective shoppers—especially those who’ve lusted after a diesel Power Wagon.

At just under $70K, it’s another alluring choice for RAM buyers looking to step up from a 1500.

1500 TRX Havoc

Yellow is a bit of a divisive color for a car or truck. Some think that yellow is just a look at me cry for attention. Some think that yellow isn’t a ‘manly’ color and shouldn’t be around any self-respecting gentleman’s vehicle, especially a truck. And still others can’t see anything but a New York City taxi cab when they see a golden-shaded vehicle.

I happen to not agree with any of these sentiments and see yellow as a fun, youthful, Tonka Truck refreshment to the sea of black, white, and silver. That’s why I’m a bit excited for the 2023 RAM 1500 TRX Havoc Edition — as I’m sure you can guess the only color it’s available in.

Coming off the heels of the orange TRX Ignite from last year, the TRX Havoc’s Baja Yellow paint job and limited production run are its most noteworthy features. Always a great-looking duo, the bright yellow is flanked by a black grill, hood vents, beadlock wheels, and tasteful accents. None of the overdone black cladding that plagues many ‘sport trucks’ are present here, making it loud but handsome.

As you might expect, inside the Havoc features yellow accented stitching and a unique badge on the center arm rest console. The interior is also optioned very well, borrowing features from many other high-end RAM trim levels. These include a beautiful panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, a heads-up display, and carbon fiber trim.

Is the $106K asking price of the Havoc worth it? Well, if you want a capable truck and you prize getting something that no one else in your neighborhood is likely to have, then the Havoc may be your golden ticket.

Sponsored by Addictive Desert Designs

While the RAM 1500 and 2500 certainly do have some of the best-looking OEM bumpers in the truck game, once you’ve had a metal bumper on your pickup, it’s hard to go back. The look, the durability, and the functionality a metal chin can provide makes it easily one of the most popular exterior upgrades on the market. But as we’ve said before, a cheap aftermarket bumper may look great on paper, but a poor fit, inferior finish, and questionable metal quality can soon leave you frustrated.

Addictive Desert Design (ADD) is one company that will not give you that feeling. Unmatched engineering and machinery turn a simple 4×8 sheet of metal into a piece of art. Stringent tolerances and an unmatched quality control process ensure every curve matches the bodywork and every bolt hole lines up perfectly. Their thick primer coat acts not only as a perfect base to apply powder coating, but also acts as a secondary protection layer in case of damage to the top coat.

ADD offers an extensive lineup for early and current model 1500/2500 RAM models.

From Baja-style tubular models to the gorgeous Bomber and Phantom lineup, ADD has a design to match whatever vision you have for your RAM. And there’s no skimping on the features, as the company has models to accommodate any accessory you’d want to add—light bars, round lighting, skid plates, winches and more. ADD products have a design that paces the industry, and longevity to match.

As the writer of this article, I myself got a rear ADD bumper for my SUV over five years ago. My only regret? Not getting the matching front bumper. While my cheaper front bumper has seen an abundance of rust issues, even as early as 6 months after owning, the ADD looks just as good as the day it was installed. When it’s time to put my current ride out to pasture (and it’s coming quickly), you can bet your bottom dollar I’ll be getting an aftermarket bumper set for my new vehicle, and you can bet it’ll be an ADD.