2019 Ram 1500 North Edition: Ready to Walk in a Winter Wonderland

Despite redesigning the 1500-series for 2019, Ram’s leaner, meaner, and more economical pickup was already in danger of being overshadowed by the parade of special edition models pouring out of the factory. While many emphasize style over substance, the inverse is sometimes true — which happens to be the case with the 1500 North Edition.

Visually, there’s not much going on here. It’s definitely the new Ram 1500, but lacks some of the bolder designs that typically epitomize a special edition model. Based on the Big Horn, the North Edition focuses entirely upon adding equipment that might be useful in the snow. Presumably, Fiat Chrysler realized that bold graphics and bright colors lose some appeal when covered in road salt.

Unveiled to the New England Motor Press Association (NEMPA) members Monday evening, the truck will eventually be shipped to dealerships across America — so long as they see snow every winter. The North Edition Ram 1500 comes standard with winter-rated three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) Falken LT tires, one-inch factory lift, 4×4 transfer case (with auto, high and low), electronic locking rear axle, and engine block heater.

Creature comforts include heated seats, steering wheel, and side mirrors. FCA has also deemed the North Edition fit to receive a 12-way power driver seat with 4-way lumbar adjustments, remote starting capabilities, front and rear Park Sense, and a 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen with SiriusXM Travel Link Weather.

While light on visual aesthetics, the winterized Ram does come equipped with a 4×4 decal on the rear fender (likely to reassure other motorists that you are ready to tow them out of a snowy ditch) as well as body-colored bumpers, grille, mirrors, and door handles. There are also cold-weather Mopar floor mats, but those have at least some practical value.

Engine options include either the eTorque 3.6-liter Pentastar or 5.7-liter Hemi V8, the latter of which can tow 12,750 pounds. Adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring can all be added as part of FCA’s safety tech suite. You’re also able to upsize the center console to a full 12 inches, which adds split-screen capabilities and a 360-degree camera view.

The 2019 Ram 1500 North Edition starts at $45,890, plus a $1,695 destination charge. Available exclusively as a crew cab 4×4, buyers do have the option to customize bed length. However, while futzing around on Ram’s website, we noticed setting a Big Horn up with the North Edition package was actually a few hundred dollars cheaper than FCA claimed in its media release. Maybe that’ll give you some extra wiggle room while haggling, assuming you’re in the market for something customized specifically for a winter wonderland.

[Images: FCA]