The 2019 Ram 1500 crew cab fell short of earning a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety because its headlights earn a marginal rating, but the institute recognized the redesigned large pickup for its safety improvements.

The institute put the model through the paces during six intense crashworthiness tests. The Ram 1500 performed well — garnering good ratings across the board. The previous generation rated only marginal in the driver-side small overlap front test, according to the institute.

The large pickup's roof strength also improved — moving from just a marginal rating for the previous model to good. In fact, two versions of the Ram 1500 — the crew cab and the extended cab — were the worst performers of any 2018 vehicle in roof strength, which involves pushing a metal plate against one side of the vehicle's roof at a slow, constant speed.

In addition, the new Ram 1500 scored a good rating in the passenger-side small overlap test — its predecessor models had never undergone this testing. Both small overlap ratings apply to trucks built after July, when the cab mounts to the vehicle frame were improved.

For the first time, the 2019 model comes with optional superior-rated front crash prevention. In track tests at 12 mph and 25 mph, the vehicle avoided a crash. The system also features a forward collision warning component that meets National Highway Traffic Safety Administration criteria.