Technically a package, the 2026 Ram 1500 BackCountry slots between the Warlock and the Rebel in terms of off-road prowess. Stands out with a lot of black.

Ram just added another off-road trim to its 2026 1500 line-up, the BackCountry. Falling between the Warlock and the Rebel, you get a different suspension, skids plates, and tires. Technically a package, to get one you start with a Big Horn 4×4 Crew Cab with either the Level 1 or Level 2 equipment group already added. And you need either the Hurricane 3.0-liter inline-six or the Hemi V-8 mounted under the hood.  

BACKCOUNTRY PACKAGE

From there, spend an additional $2995 to get the BackCountry package, it includes:

• 1-inch suspension lift with heavy-duty shock absorbers
• Skid plates for the front underbody, power steering rack, transfer case and fuel tank
• Rear electronic locking differential (ELocker); functions as anti-spin when disengaged
• 32-inch off-road tires
• Satin Black 18-inch aluminum five-spoke wheels
• Front tow hooks
• Selec-Speed off‑road cruise control
• Contrasting black fender flares for added trail protection
• Body-color grille surround and accents
• Contrast lower body and bumpers painted in Diamond Black Crystal Pearl-Coat
• Satin Black BackCountry emblem on the tailgate and instrument panel
• Satin Black badging and lighting bezels
• Durable vinyl bucket seats with alloy printed mesh inserts
• MOLLE panel seatback storage system
• All-weather rubber floor mats

OFF-ROAD PROWESS

Much more than styling, as you see from the list, Ram lifts the 1500 by one-inch, retunes the suspension, and includes a locking rear-diff. Critically, Ram also protects the engine, steering, fuel tank, and transfer case with skid plates. Switching to 32-inch Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac all-terrain tires, however, likely make the single most effective change to managing off-road trails. Those ride on 18-inch wheels, by the way.

To get power down, the BackCountry also includes an electronically locking rear differential. To help you focus attention on just steering, it also comes with Selec-Speed, an off-road cruise control from Ram.

VIISUALLY SPEAKING

The aforementioned 18-inch wheels get a coat of Satin black paint. That pairs nicely with black lower body parts, fender flares, and bumpers. The grille surround and other accents get painted in the same color as the rest of the body, which, in the pictures Ram provided, is black.

Inside, Ram upholsters the seats in black vinyl. They also throw in all-weather floor mats in both the first and second rows. From there, you’ll see a “BackCountry” badge on the passenger side of the dash. And another back outside on the tailgate.

MOTORING ALONG

Keep the base V-6 away from back country, apparently. To get this package, you need to fist select the Hurricane, 3.0-liter inline-six, or the 5.7-liter, HEMI V-8. The former gives you the most power to play with, 420 horsepower and 468 ib.-ft. of torque.

But the latter gives you the most linear delivery of power and the best sound. The HEMI also holds its own in the power department, laying down 395 horsepower and 410 lb.-ft. of torque. Both use an eight-speed automatic transmission to get the power to all-four-wheels, in the case of this BackCountry at least.

EQUIPMENT GROUPS

As mentioned above, you need to include either the Level 1 or Level 2 equipment group in your Big Horn 4×4 CrewCab to get the BackCountry package.

Level 1 adds heated front seats, heated steering wheel, adjustable pedals, and second row storage bins. Outside, you get auto dimming sideview mirrors that electrically fold and are heated, LED courtesy maps, and a power rear sliding window.

Going Level 2 goes further. It adds a seven-inch instrument cluster display, 12-inch center display, configurable drive modes, 10-way adjustable driver’s seat, two wireless smartphone charging pads, dual climate control, power tailgate release, and an upgraded sound system.

THE NEW RAM 1500 BACKCOUNTRY

If you stick to the basics (Hurricane engine, Level 1 equipment group), Ram says to expect to spend at least $62,410 for this truck. That’s a pretty penny, to be sure. But with the one-inch lift, proper tires, and real skid plate protection, it sounds like a fun toy, too. It’s also one with a big and comfortable interior, a healthy dose of creature comforts, and all the usual truck usefulness that other Rams offer. I know that Ram said plenty to entice me to give it a test drive and review. Coming your way ASAP.