2012 Ram 1500: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The 2012 Ram 1500 is a light-update year, led by a six-speed automatic replacing the old five-speed on V8 models. It is not a redesign, but the trim range and utility options expand.

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About the 2012 Ram 1500

4th generation DS (2009-2012), final year before the redesigned 2013 Ram 1500.

For 2012, Ram positioned the 1500 as a full-size pickup that mixed real truck capability with a smoother, more comfortable ride and a more upscale cabin than many rivals. Its big selling points were HEMI V8 power, a roomy interior, clever storage, and the coil-spring rear suspension that helped it feel less harsh in daily driving. It was aimed at buyers who wanted a truck that could tow and haul but still work well as everyday transportation.

The 2012 lineup stretches from basic ST and Tradesman work trucks to street-focused Express, Sport, and R/T models. Tradesman Heavy Duty emphasizes towing and hauling, while Laramie, Longhorn, and the new Laramie Limited pair HEMI V8 power with features such as leather seating, navigation, heated seats, and a rearview camera. The R/T stands out with a regular cab, 22-inch wheels, and a floor-mounted shifter.

What changed, by category

Powertrain

V8-powered Ram 1500 models switch from the old five-speed automatic to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Trim lineup

Big Horn, Express, Laramie Limited Edition, Lone Star, Outdoorsman, R/T, Tradesman, and Tradesman Heavy Duty join the lineup. Laramie Longhorn Ed continues under the full Laramie Longhorn Edition name.

Utility

RamBox bedside storage expands to trucks with the 6-foot-4 bed. Express covers more cab and drivetrain configurations, while Tradesman Heavy Duty adds a towing-focused work-truck setup with an 8-foot bed and heavy-duty cooling hardware.

Tech

The Laramie’s touchscreen navigation system and rearview camera become standard rather than optional.

2012 Ram 1500 specs and features by trim

Feature	2012 Ram 1500ST1 in stock	2012 Ram 1500R/T0 in stock	2012 Ram 1500SLT0 in stock	2012 Ram 1500Sport0 in stock	2012 Ram 1500Express2 in stock	2012 Ram 1500Laramie2 in stock	2012 Ram 1500Big Horn0 in stock	2012 Ram 1500Lone Star1 in stock	2012 Ram 1500Tradesman2 in stock	2012 Ram 1500Outdoorsman0 in stock	2012 Ram 1500Tradesman Heavy Duty0 in stock	2012 Ram 1500Laramie Limited Edition0 in stock	2012 Ram 1500Laramie Longhorn Edition0 in stock
Engine	V6, 3.7 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 4.7 Liter / V8, HEMI, 5.7 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	V8, HEMI, 5.7 Liter	V8, HEMI, 5.7 Liter	V8, HEMI, 5.7 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 4.7 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 / Automatic, 6-Spd	Automatic, 6-Spd	Automatic, 6-Spd	Automatic, 6-Spd	Automatic, 6-Spd	Automatic, 6-Spd	Automatic, 6-Spd	Automatic, 6-Spd	Automatic, 6-Spd	Automatic, 6-Spd	Automatic, 6-Spd	Automatic, 6-Spd	Automatic, 6-Spd
Drivetrain	2WD / 4WD	2WD	2WD / 4WD	4WD / 2WD	4WD / 2WD	4WD	4WD	2WD / 4WD	2WD / 4WD	4WD / 2WD	2WD	4WD	4WD
Fuel Type	Gas / Flexible Fuel	Gas	Flexible Fuel / Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas / Flexible Fuel	Flexible Fuel / Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas
MPG City	13–14 mpg	14 mpg	13–14 mpg	14 mpg	14 mpg	14 mpg	14 mpg	14 mpg	13–14 mpg	13–14 mpg	14 mpg	14 mpg	14 mpg
MPG Highway	19–20 mpg	20 mpg	19–20 mpg	20 mpg	20 mpg	20 mpg	20 mpg	20 mpg	19–20 mpg	19–20 mpg	20 mpg	20 mpg	20 mpg
Horsepower	215–390 hp	390 hp	310–390 hp	390 hp	390 hp	390 hp	390 hp	390 hp	310–390 hp	310–390 hp	390 hp	390 hp	390 hp
Torque	235–407 lb-ft	407 lb-ft	330–407 lb-ft	407 lb-ft	407 lb-ft	407 lb-ft	407 lb-ft	407 lb-ft	330–407 lb-ft	330–407 lb-ft	407 lb-ft	407 lb-ft	407 lb-ft
Max Towing	9100–10450 lb	5050 lb	8900–10200 lb	5050–9950 lb	9100–10050 lb	9800–9850 lb	10000–10050 lb	10000–10250 lb	9100–10250 lb	8900–10200 lb	11500 lb	9650 lb	9650 lb
Rear Legroom	34.7–40.3 in		34.7–40.3 in	34.7–40.3 in	34.7–40.3 in	34.7–40.3 in	34.7–40.3 in	34.7–40.3 in	34.7–40.3 in	34.7–40.3 in		40.3 in	40.3 in
Seats	3–6	2	3–6	2–5	3–6	6	6	6	3–6	3–6	3	5	5
Doors	2–4	2	2–4	2–4	2–4	4	4	4	2–4	2–4	2	4	4
Safety & Security
Alarm System
Cruise Control
Rear Parking Sensors
Rear View Camera
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors
Fog Lights
Heated Mirrors
Memory Exterior Mirrors
Power Moonroof
Power Folding Exterior Mirrors
Power Mirrors
Privacy Glass
Side Steps
Tow Hooks
Trailer Hitch Receiver
Entertainment & Electronics
Bluetooth
Built-In Hard Drive
Front DVD Entertainment System
Navigation System
Satellite Radio
Subwoofer
Touch Screen Monitor
USB Ports
Comfort & Convenience
115V Power Outlet
Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror
Dual Power Front Seats
Dual Power Lumbar Support Front Seats
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Folding Rear Seat
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
Power Locks
Power Windows
Remote Start
Remote Keyless Entry
Tilt Wheel
Ventilated Front Seats

How the 2013 Ram 1500 compares

The biggest change for the 2013 Ram 1500 is a major mid-cycle overhaul centered on a new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 and the first eight-speed automatic in a full-size pickup. The truck also gets a lighter, stiffer structure, a thoroughly updated cabin, and optional four-corner air suspension.

See the full 2013 changes

Frequently asked questions

Was the 2012 Ram 1500 redesigned?

No. The 2012 Ram 1500 is the final year of the fourth-generation DS truck introduced for 2009, with a light mechanical and trim update before the redesigned 2013 model.

What transmission changed in the 2012 Ram 1500?

V8-powered 2012 Ram 1500 models use a six-speed automatic transmission in place of the previous five-speed automatic. This is the year’s main mechanical change.

Which trims joined the 2012 Ram 1500 lineup?

The 2012 lineup adds Big Horn, Express, Laramie Limited Edition, Lone Star, Outdoorsman, R/T, Tradesman, and Tradesman Heavy Duty. Laramie Longhorn Ed was not dropped; its name was expanded to Laramie Longhorn Edition.

What changed on the 2012 Ram 1500 Laramie?

The 2012 Ram 1500 Laramie gains a six-speed automatic with its standard HEMI V8, and its touchscreen navigation system and rearview camera move from optional to standard equipment.

What are the main reasons to consider a 2012 Ram 1500 over a 2011?

The main reasons are the six-speed automatic on V8 models, the broader trim range, wider RamBox bed-storage availability, and standard navigation and a rearview camera on the Laramie. Otherwise, the 2012 remains part of the same generation as the 2011 truck.