2009 Dodge Ram 1500: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 is an all-new fourth-generation truck, led by a redesigned frame and a new five-link coil-spring rear suspension. It also gets a new Crew Cab, a redesigned cabin, added standard safety equipment, and an updated 5.7-liter HEMI V8.

0 in stock at Carvana

About the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500

4th generation Ram 1500 (DS), first year of the redesign.

Dodge positions the 2009 Ram 1500 as a full-size pickup that does real truck work without feeling rough or stripped down. The core pitch is strong towing and payload, smarter storage, roomy cab choices, and a noticeably smoother ride than older half-ton trucks thanks to the new rear suspension. It is aimed at people who need a truck for hauling, towing, family duty, or all three, and who want a more comfortable cabin than the segment’s old-school norm.

The 2009 lineup ranges from the basic, work-oriented ST to the more comfortable SLT and luxury-focused Laramie. The SLT adds everyday conveniences such as power windows, keyless entry, and cruise control, while the Laramie pairs standard HEMI power with heated leather seating, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, and rear park assist.

What changed, by category

Powertrain

The 5.7-liter HEMI V8 was reworked with variable valve timing and cylinder deactivation, which shuts off some cylinders when full power is not needed.

Styling

The light-duty lineup received a new exterior design and a fully redesigned cabin.

Safety

Electronic stability control became standard, along with Brake Assist, traction control, roll mitigation, hill-start assist, and trailer sway control. Side-curtain airbags also became standard.

Structural

The redesign brought a new frame, a new five-link coil-spring rear suspension for a smoother and more controlled ride, and a new Crew Cab body style for the half-ton lineup.

2009 Dodge Ram 1500 specs and features by trim

Feature	2009 Dodge Ram 1500ST0 in stock	2009 Dodge Ram 1500SLT0 in stock	2009 Dodge Ram 1500Laramie0 in stock
Engine	V6, 3.7 Liter / V8, 4.7 Liter / V8, HEMI, 5.7 Liter	V8, 4.7 Liter / V8, HEMI, 5.7 Liter	V8, HEMI, 5.7 Liter
Transmission	Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive / Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive	Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive	Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive
Drivetrain	2WD / 4WD	2WD / 4WD	4WD
Fuel Type	Gas	Gas	Gas
MPG City	13–14 mpg	13–14 mpg	14 mpg
MPG Highway	18–20 mpg	18–19 mpg	20 mpg
Horsepower	210–390 hp	310–390 hp	380–390 hp
Torque	235–407 lb-ft	330–407 lb-ft	404–407 lb-ft
Max Towing	8400–9100 lb	8400–8850 lb	7600–7650 lb
Rear Legroom	36.8–42 in	36.8–42 in	36.8–42 in
Seats	3–6	3–6	6
Doors	2–4	2–4	4
Safety & Security
Alarm System
Cruise Control
Rear Parking Sensors
Rear View Camera
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
Memory Exterior Mirrors
Power Moonroof
Entertainment & Electronics
Built-In Hard Drive
Front DVD Entertainment System
Navigation System
Satellite Radio
Comfort & Convenience
115V Power Outlet
Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror
Dual Power Front Seats
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Heated Front Seats
Heated Rear Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
Integrated Garage Door Opener
Leather Seats
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
Memory Driver's Seat
Memory Pedals
Power Adjustable Pedals
Remote Start
Remote Keyless Entry
Tilt Wheel
Ventilated Front Seats

How the 2010 Dodge Ram 1500 compares

The 2010 Dodge Ram 1500 was a light update, not a redesign. The biggest change was the addition of flexible-fuel powertrains for the SLT and ST trims.

See the full 2010 changes

Frequently asked questions

Was the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 fully redesigned?

Yes. The 2009 Ram 1500 began its fourth generation with a new frame, a new five-link coil-spring rear suspension, fresh exterior styling, a redesigned cabin, and a new Crew Cab body style.

What changed about the 2009 Ram 1500’s rear suspension?

The 2009 Ram 1500 received a new five-link coil-spring rear suspension. Dodge paired it with the redesigned frame to give the truck a smoother ride and better control.

Did the 2009 Ram 1500 HEMI V8 change?

Yes. The 5.7-liter HEMI V8 was reworked with variable valve timing and cylinder deactivation, which lets the engine shut off some cylinders when they are not needed.

What safety features became standard on the 2009 Ram 1500?

The 2009 Ram 1500 made side-curtain airbags and an electronic stability control suite standard. That suite includes Brake Assist, traction control, roll mitigation, hill-start assist, and trailer sway control.

How do the 2009 Ram 1500 ST, SLT, and Laramie trims differ?

The 2009 ST is the basic work trim, the SLT adds comfort and convenience features, and the Laramie is the luxury-focused version. Notable Laramie equipment includes standard HEMI power, heated leather seating, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, and rear park assist.