Ram is back with another new truck for 2026. The Ram 1500 BackCountry comes with some key rough-road extras like a lift, plus special body-color accents and finishes. It’s not a big addition, but it’s not a big price, either. The BackCountry package is an add-on to the Big Horn trim with either the Hemi V8 or an SO Hurricane I6.
Buyers Want More Rough-Road–Ready Trucks
“The off‑road segment has been growing for a while now and Ram has been leading that charge with Warlock, Rebel, RHO and TRX,” said Tim Kuniskis. He’s the exec who is in charge of basically anything interesting at Jeep, Ram, and Dodge.
This one sits above the Warlock, but doesn’t have quite as much stuff as a Rebel. The package starts with a 1-inch lift and heavy-duty shocks. Then Ram fits the skid plates for the underbody, power steering, transfer case, and fuel tank.
The Ram 1500 BackCountry has 32-inch off-road tires and 18-inch wheels. There is a locking differential at the rear that is an anti-slip differential when it’s not locked. That feature is unique to the BackCountry; Ram’s other lockers aren’t anti-slip.
BackCountry buyers will also get Ram’s off-road cruise control, and black fender flares that the company says give you extra trail protection. Front tow hooks help you get unstuck, but the body-color grille and black bumpers and lower body are just for looks.
More Features Than Warlock, No Rebel Price
The biggest differences between the three are that the BackCountry will have more cabin comfort standard features and options than the Warlock. It also has an on-demand 4×4 system instead of the Warlock’s part-time system.
Rebel has a more comprehensive list of cosmetic upgrades, both outside and in, like a new hood and grille, and heated front seats and steering wheel.
You do get some interior extras with the 2026 Ram 1500 BackCountry that you won’t find on other trucks. It has MOLLE panels on the front seatbacks, and the vinyl seats have a trim-specific mesh insert design. It also comes with all-weather floor mats.
Ram will offer the package with the Hemi V8 or the lower-powered I6. That means 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque with the Hemi or 420/469 with the six. Either way, you get an eight-speed automatic.
2026 Ram 1500 BackCountry Orders Now Open
BackCountry is a $2,995 add-on to the Ram 1500 Big Horn with either the Level 1 or Level 2 equipment groups. That puts the starting price at $62,410, including destination, but it can go much higher with options. It’s not the first time Ram has sold a 1500 BackCountry. The truck first went on sale for 2022, and back then, it was $40,085, plus $1,695. A lot has changed in 4 years.
Order books are open now. Ram didn’t say when production would start, but it will have to be soon. We’re already just a few months away from 2027 vehicles like the return of the Ram TRX.
Read the full article here
