If you’re in the market for your next truck, your top priorities are probably going to be practical. You likely want a model that’s dependable, capable, within your price range…all that good stuff. But let’s face it: a good name doesn’t hurt. While it’s not enough to keep an unimpressive truck afloat (remember the Chevrolet Tornado? exactly), it can give a good truck the extra cool factor it needs to achieve icon status. Names may not be everything, but the Ford F-150 Raptor might not be quite the legend it is today if it were called the Ford F-150 Dirt.
Since names can help drive sales in a competitive market, brands that already have good ones lying around are often looking for ways to recycle them. It’s already happened for the F-150 Lighting, and now it’s time for the Ram 1500 Warlock to get a new moment in the spotlight. If you see this name pop up at your local Ram dealer, you might assume that it’s new, but it actually has a storied past that goes all the way back to the groovy 1970s. Since it’s back in a big way for the 2025 model year, let’s hop in our time machine and put this cool-sounding trim in the context of its history.
The Original Dodge Warlock
The 1970s were a different time, a time when an automaker was willing to release a new lineup of vehicles called (I am not making this up) “Adult Toys.” Meant to stir up excitement (and nothing more, one hopes), this lineup from Dodge included models with attention-grabbing names like Macho Power Wagon, Li’l Red Express, and––you guessed it—Warlock. After debuting as a concept vehicle, the Warlock went into limited production in 1976 and full production in 1977.
This Warlock was essentially a third-generation D-series pickup with some extra flair. It didn’t come with any particular powertrain setup (you could get it with any of Chrysler’s engines, from a 318 cu.in. V8 right on up to a 440 cu.in. big-block), but it did have a singular aesthetic. With its gold wheels, gold pinstriping, and solid oak sideboards, this truck rolled out of the factory looking like it had spent some time in a custom shop. In addition to its exterior bling, the Warlock also featured bucket seats instead of a bench in the cabin.
While the Dodge Warlock made a splash, it didn’t stick around for long. The nameplate’s original run lasted from 1976 to 1979. For its final year, the Warlock was given an unusual sendoff with the name “Warlock II.” Seems like an odd choice since the only real change was swapping out the gold wheels for chrome ones, but it did foreshadow the idea that the Warlock wasn’t just a flash in the pan and had real franchise potential.
The Ram 1500 Classic Warlock
The next time the Warlock reared its head was the 2019 model year, though it probably flew under the radar for many Ram fans. That’s because it wasn’t part of the lineup for the all-new generation that debuted for the 2019 model year. Rather, it was relegated to the ranks of the “Ram 1500 Classic.” For those not familiar with the Classic, which is still alive and well for the 2024 model year, here’s the deal: when Ram redesigned its pickup for the 2019 model year, it continued to build and sell the previous-generation truck alongside it. The “Classic” name is appropriate since this version of the truck has seen little change since 2009. Basically, it’s a budget version of the Ram 1500 that’s popular with companies looking to fill out their fleets without paying extra for modern conveniences and style.
Looking at the 2019 Ram 1500 Classic Warlock, it’s a pretty far cry from its predecessor. Certainly, for better or worse, no one would call this one an adult toy. But although it lacks gold trim and wood accents, it does improve upon the offerings of the base Ram 1500 Classic with practical upgrades like a one-inch factory lift kit, heavy-duty rear shocks, and tow hooks for getting out of trouble. It also has its own aesthetic, but the key color is basic black instead of glowing gold. The 2019 Warlock has black wheels and wheel flares, black bumpers, and black badges. Inside, the cabin goes a little off-script (but not much) with a diesel gray color scheme. The most noticeable touch is a bedside graphic that reads “WARLOCK.” As of the 2024 model year, the Warlock is still available on the Ram 1500 Classic, the only trim available other than the base Tradesman.
The New 2025 Ram 1500 Warlock
For the 2025 model year, the Warlock is going mainstream by becoming part of the latest generation of the Ram 1500. Unfortunately, that gold pinstriping is still nowhere to be found, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty here to appreciate. Like the Ram 1500 Classic Warlock, this one has black accents all over the exterior. This time, it includes black dual exhaust tips, adding a sporty look. In addition to the bedside graphics, you can get exclusive decals on the hood.
Beyond the style, the newest Warlock also offers some capability for heading off-road. It comes standard with a one-inch factory lift, skid plates, and Bilstein shocks in the front and rear. It also comes standard with the new 3.0L Hurricane engine that produces 420 hp and 469 lb-ft of torque (Ram’s hoping that’s enough power to keep you from missing the outgoing HEMI V8). All told, this Warlock should be pretty handy and handsome, even if I do wish Ram had brought back a little more of the energy that Dodge was delivering in the 1970s. It seems they really don’t make them like they used to.
The Warlock From Then to Now
The 1970s were a very different time with a different auto market and different sensibilities. As much as I love the panache of the original Warlock, there probably aren’t many modern truck drivers who would be enticed by those oak sideboards. At its heart, the Warlock is still a trim that deals largely in style, and these days, black accents are where the money is.
While putting this particular name on this particular trim might not make immediate sense, there is a certain logic to it if you think it through. For the 2019 Warlock, the name harkened back to a truly classic truck, therefore making the “Classic” in the name feel less like a descriptor of a pickup that’s simply outdated and more like a reference to something with real history. As for this 2025 model, it does work on a gut level for a trim with some off-road action. While it’s not as on-the-nose as the Charger and Ramcharger coming back as electrified models (charger, get it?), it does fit in among names like Raptor and Bison. Take a cool thing that’s known for being powerful and apply it to your capable truck that’s designed to handle some rugged terrain.
Now, the question is how successful the new Ram 1500 Warlock will be. Will the Warlock name become iconic once again, or will it fade back into obscurity before it has a chance to make its mark? Unlike the Warlock’s namesake, I have no magical powers at my disposal, so we’ll just have to wait and see. But it’s certainly a name that rolls off the tongue and just works for a truck, so I definitely hope that there are more chapters to come in this saga.
