The 2020 Ram 1500 Limited Black Edition is a limited-edition version of the latest-generation Ram 1500 pickup truck. Based on the range-topping Limited trim, the Black Edition is exactly what the name suggests. It’s painted black, it features body-colored bumpers, and replaces all chrome trim with black inserts. It’s probably the meanest Ram 1500 you can buy aside from the Rebel. What’s more, it combines both sportiness and luxury, something the Rebel trim can’t offer. Let’s find out more about that in the review below.
WHAT MAKES THE RAM 1500 LIMITED BLACK EDITION SPECIAL?
While the black exterior paint is quite common on modern vehicles, this truck also boasts black trim
If I had a penny for every Black Edition every automaker launched over the last decade, I’d have enough to buy a McLaren Speedtail. I’m kidding, there aren’t that many, but at least every major automaker sold something with this badge at some point. The cool thing about Dodge Black Edition models is that they usually sport a murdered-out look, and this Ram 1500 is no exception from this rule.
While the black exterior paint is quite common on modern vehicles, this truck also boasts black trim. There’s not even an inch of chrome in the front or in the rear, something you have to get used to on a truck that comes with plenty of sheen as standard. Every chrome element in the fascia is pitch black on this model, including the grille surround, the bumper, and the “RAM” lettering on the center on the grille. What’s more, Ram added a performance hood with a big bulge as standard for a more menacing look. The blacked-out headlamps round off the front fascia.
Alongside the performance hood, Ram offers a black tonneau cover as standard for this model
Move onto the sides and you’ll notice even more black trim. There’s black mirror caps, black door handles, and black “RAM” lettering on the lower front doors. Obviously, the door trim is also black. The regular wheels found on the Limited trim are gone, replaced by larger 22-inch rollers in a sportier design. As you might have already guessed, these are black as well.
The rear is pretty much the same. While it carries the features usually found on a standard 1500 Limited truck , it also comes with blacked-out trim. There’s a black Ram badge in the center of the tailgate, as well as black “Limited” and “4×4” lettering on the lower side. There’s black trim in the taillights, a black bumper, and black exhaust pipes. Alongside the performance hood, Ram offers a black tonneau cover as standard for this model.
The Black Edition is just a regular Limited model under the hood, but this is good news
Ram didn’t release info about the interior, so it’s safe to say that it’s identical to the standard model. Since it’s based on the range-topping Limited trim, the Black Edition is very well equipped. It comes with a digital instrument cluster, a 12-inch display for the infotainment system, active noise cancellation, and Apple CarPlay integration. It also features leather upholstery as standard, in either black or a two-tone, Indigo and Light Frost Beige combination. Other highlights include extensive rear legroom, a reconfigurable center console, and under-seat storage.
The Black Edition is just a regular Limited model under the hood, but this is good news, as you can pick from three different drivetrains. There’s two gas options and a diesel. The base gasoline mill is FCA’s already iconic 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6, which cranks out 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet. The engine is equipped with eTorque, which turns it into a mild hybrid.
The Black Edition comes with significant savings over the regular Limited model
Next up is the equally iconic 5.7-liter Hemi V-8, which generates extra oomph at 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of twist. You can also opt for a diesel mill, in the form of a 3.0-liter V-6. Specs for the turbocharged oil burner aren’t yet available, but the engine will be launched soon for the 2020 model year.00:00
Pricing for the Limited Black Edition starts from $53,690. That’s identical to the standard Limited trim. Given that features like body-colored bumpers, black paint, 22-inch inch wheels, and toneau cover cost almost $3,000 when ordered as separate options, the Black Edition comes with significant savings over the regular Limited model. The truck arrives in showrooms in the third quarter of 2019.
Read full review on the 2019 Ram 1500 Classic.