2011 Ram 1500: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2011 Ram 1500 is a light-update year rather than a redesign. The main change is an expanded trim lineup led by the new western-themed Laramie Longhorn Ed luxury model.
About the 2011 Ram 1500
4th generation DS (2009-2012), third model year before the major 2013 overhaul.
Ram marketed the 1500 as a half-ton pickup that mixed real work capability with an unusually comfortable ride and a more polished cabin than many rivals. Its main selling points were the coil-spring rear suspension for a smoother unloaded ride, strong HEMI V8 power, clever storage ideas like the RamBox, and an interior that felt closer to an SUV than a stripped-out work truck. That made it appealing to buyers who wanted one truck for commuting, towing, and family use.
The 2011 Ram 1500 lineup ranges from the work-focused ST and everyday SLT to the street-styled Sport and luxury-oriented Laramie. Sport pairs a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with body-color trim and a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while Laramie adds heated leather seats and a heated steering wheel. Laramie Longhorn Ed sits at the top with western-themed leather and woodgrain trim, navigation, a rearview camera, and rear parking sensors.
What changed, by category
2011 Ram 1500 specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.7 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 4.7 Liter / V8, HEMI, 5.7 Liter | V8, Flex Fuel, 4.7 Liter / V8, HEMI, 5.7 Liter | V8, HEMI, 5.7 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 | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | 2WD / 4WD | 2WD / 4WD | 4WD / 2WD | 4WD | 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas / Flexible Fuel | Flexible Fuel / Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 13–14 mpg | 13–14 mpg | 14 mpg | 14 mpg | 14 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 19–20 mpg | 19 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg |
| Horsepower | 215–390 hp | 310–390 hp | 390 hp | 390 hp | 390 hp |
| Torque | 235–407 lb-ft | 330–407 lb-ft | 407 lb-ft | 407 lb-ft | 407 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 9100–10450 lb | 8900–10250 lb | 5000–9950 lb | 9850 lb | 9850 lb |
| Rear Legroom | 34.7–40.3 in | 34.7–40.3 in | 34.7–40.3 in | 34.7–40.3 in | 40.3 in |
| Seats | 3–6 | 3–6 | 2–5 | 6 | |
| Doors | 2–4 | 2–4 | 2–4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||||
| Cruise Control | |||||
| Park Assist | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Side Steps | |||||
| Tow Hooks | |||||
| Bluetooth | |||||
| Built-In Hard Drive | |||||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||
| Subwoofer | |||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||||
| USB Ports | |||||
| 115V Power Outlet | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||||
| Dual Power Lumbar Support 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 | |||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||
| Remote Start | |||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | |||||
| Tilt Wheel | |||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2011 Ram 1500?
The expanded trim lineup is the biggest change. The western-themed Laramie Longhorn Ed became the new luxury centerpiece, and ST, SLT, Sport, and Laramie also joined the 2011 Ram 1500 roster.
Is the 2011 Ram 1500 a redesign?
No, the 2011 Ram 1500 is not a redesign. It remains part of the fourth generation introduced for 2009, with the same basic cabin layout, core engines, and coil-spring rear suspension design.
Did the 2011 Ram 1500 get new engines?
No, the 2011 Ram 1500 did not receive a major engine change. The notable drivetrain update was an active on-demand four-wheel-drive system on some upper trims, which automatically sends power to the front wheels when needed.
What technology changed on the 2011 Ram 1500?
Garmin-based navigation was added for 2011. The year also brought a factory spray-in bedliner to the equipment list.
What makes the 2011 Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn Ed different?
The 2011 Laramie Longhorn Ed is the western-themed luxury model. It combines a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with full-leather seating, laser-etched details, woodgrain trim, navigation, remote start, a rearview camera, and rear parking sensors.