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Best Exhaust for Ram 1500 (2019-2024): Top Picks & Buyer’s Guide

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Best Exhaust for Ram 1500 (2019-2024): Sound, Power & Value

If you’re hunting for the best exhaust for Ram 1500 trucks built between 2019 and 2024, you’ve landed in the right place. Whether you’re driving the 5.7L HEMI, the turbocharged 3.6L eTorque, or the EcoDiesel V6, swapping out the factory exhaust is one of the fastest, most satisfying upgrades you can make. A quality aftermarket exhaust can unlock hidden horsepower, improve throttle response, and most importantly — give your Ram the deep, aggressive rumble it deserves. In this guide, we break down the top exhaust systems on the market, what to look for before you buy, and how installation typically goes.

Quick Comparison: Best Ram 1500 Exhaust Systems (2019–2024)

System Type Best For Est. HP Gain Sound Level
Borla S-Type Cat-Back Cat-Back Daily driver + performance 10–15 hp Medium-Aggressive
Flowmaster American Thunder Cat-Back Classic muscle sound 5–10 hp Loud & Aggressive
MBRP S5162409 Cat-Back Budget-conscious buyers 5–8 hp Moderate
Corsa Sport Cat-Back Cat-Back Drone-free highway driving 8–12 hp Sporty, Refined
Magnaflow Street Series Axle-Back Easy install, mild upgrade 2–5 hp Mild-Moderate

Top Exhaust Picks for the 2019–2024 Ram 1500

1. Borla S-Type Cat-Back Exhaust — Best Overall

Borla has been synonymous with premium truck exhausts for decades, and their S-Type Cat-Back system for the Ram 1500 5.7L HEMI continues to earn that reputation. Constructed from T-304 stainless steel with multi-core straight-through muffler technology, this system offers a powerful, throaty tone without the obnoxious cabin drone that plagues cheaper setups. It’s engineered for direct bolt-on fitment on 2019–2024 Ram 1500 Crew Cab and Quad Cab configurations.

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👉 Check the Borla S-Type Cat-Back for Ram 1500 [CTA_BUTTON:borla-stype-ram1500:Borla S-Type]

2. Flowmaster American Thunder Cat-Back — Best Sound

If that iconic American muscle growl is what you’re after, Flowmaster’s American Thunder system delivers it in spades. Featuring Flowmaster’s signature Delta Flow technology, this cat-back system produces an aggressive, deep rumble that turns heads at every stoplight. It’s one of the loudest street-legal options available for the Ram 1500 and pairs especially well with the 5.7L HEMI V8.

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👉 Shop the Flowmaster American Thunder for Ram 1500 [CTA_BUTTON:flowmaster-american-thunder-ram1500:Flowmaster American Thunder]

3. MBRP S5162409 Cat-Back — Best Value

For Ram 1500 owners who want a solid performance upgrade without breaking the bank, MBRP’s cat-back exhaust is hard to beat. Using 409 stainless steel and a straight-through muffler design, MBRP delivers meaningful sound and minor performance gains at roughly half the cost of Borla or Corsa. It fits 2019–2024 Ram 1500 models with the 5.7L HEMI and is available in single and dual exit configurations.

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👉 Get the MBRP Cat-Back for Ram 1500 [CTA_BUTTON:mbrp-s5162409-ram1500:MBRP S5162409]

4. Corsa Sport Cat-Back — Best Drone-Free Option

Corsa’s patented Reflective Sound Cancellation (RSC) technology sets this exhaust apart from every competitor. The Corsa Sport Cat-Back is specifically engineered to eliminate interior drone — particularly the 1,800–2,200 RPM cruise drone that ruins long highway drives — while still producing a satisfying, sporty exhaust note under acceleration. If you use your Ram 1500 as a daily driver and highway hauler, this is the system to beat.

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👉 View the Corsa Sport Cat-Back for Ram 1500 [CTA_BUTTON:corsa-sport-ram1500:Corsa Sport]

5. Magnaflow Street Series Axle-Back — Best Easy Install

Not ready to commit to a full cat-back system? The Magnaflow Street Series Axle-Back is the perfect entry point. Replacing only the muffler and rear pipe sections, this system takes under an hour to install and delivers a noticeably improved exhaust note over the factory setup. It’s a great option for lease drivers, those on tighter budgets, or anyone who just wants a mild, polished sound upgrade for their 2019–2024 Ram 1500.

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👉 Shop the Magnaflow Street Series for Ram 1500 [CTA_BUTTON:magnaflow-street-axleback-ram1500:Magnaflow Street Series]

Buying Guide: What to Know Before Choosing a Ram 1500 Exhaust

Cat-Back vs. Axle-Back vs. Header-Back

Cat-back systems replace everything from the catalytic converter back — they offer the best balance of sound improvement, power gains, and value. Axle-back systems only replace the muffler and rear pipes — easiest to install but least performance improvement. Header-back systems replace the entire exhaust from the engine headers — maximum performance but expensive and complex to install.

Engine Fitment: Know Your Ram’s Powertrain

The 2019–2024 Ram 1500 is available with multiple engines, and exhaust fitment is not universal across them. Always confirm your engine before ordering:

Material: Stainless Steel Grades Explained

Sound Level: Setting Expectations

Exhaust sound is subjective, but manufacturers generally classify their systems across a spectrum. Research YouTube sound clips of your specific system on a Ram 1500 before purchasing — what reads as “aggressive” to one person may be daily-driver acceptable to another.

Cab & Bed Configuration Matters

Many exhaust systems have different part numbers for Crew Cab vs. Quad Cab configurations, and sometimes for short vs. long bed models. Double-check the fitment notes on any system before ordering to avoid returns.

Brief Install Overview: What to Expect

Most cat-back and axle-back exhaust systems for the 2019–2024 Ram 1500 are direct bolt-on replacements requiring no cutting, welding, or tuning. Here’s what a typical DIY install looks like:

  1. Gather tools: You’ll need a floor jack, jack stands, ratchet set (14mm–18mm common), penetrating oil (PB Blaster recommended for rusted hardware), and safety glasses.
  2. Let the truck cool: Never work on a hot exhaust. Allow at least 2–3 hours after driving.
  3. Spray all clamps and hangers: Apply penetrating oil to factory clamp bolts and rubber hangers 30 minutes before removal.
  4. Remove factory exhaust: Disconnect at the midpipe connection point, remove rubber hangers, and lower the old system.
  5. Install new system: Hang the new muffler on the rubber isolators, align the connection point, and hand-tighten all clamps before final torquing.
  6. Check for leaks: Start the truck and listen/feel for exhaust leaks at connection points. Re-tighten as needed.

Estimated install time: 1–2 hours for axle-back, 2–3 hours for cat-back. Professional installation typically runs $150–$300 in labor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will an aftermarket exhaust void my 2019–2024 Ram 1500 warranty?

Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a dealer cannot void your entire vehicle warranty simply because you installed an aftermarket exhaust. However, if an exhaust-related failure occurs that a dealer can prove was caused by the aftermarket part, that specific repair may not be covered. Most bolt-on cat-back systems pose virtually no warranty risk.

How much horsepower can I gain from a cat-back exhaust on a Ram 1500?

Realistic gains from a cat-back exhaust on a Ram 1500 5.7L HEMI range from 5 to 15 horsepower, with torque gains often slightly higher. Premium systems like Borla tend to be at the higher end of that range. Pairing an exhaust with a cold air intake and performance tune can compound these gains significantly.

Does the 2019–2024 Ram 1500 Active Exhaust (factory) affect aftermarket options?

Yes. Some 2019–2024 Ram 1500 trims (particularly Sport and R/T) come with the factory Active Exhaust system, which has electronic valves. Replacing it with a standard aftermarket cat-back will eliminate the active valve functionality. Several brands including Corsa offer active-valve compatible systems — check product fitment notes carefully.

Is a cat-back exhaust legal in all 50 states?

Most cat-back exhausts are 50-state legal since they do not modify or remove catalytic converters. However, some states (notably California) have strict emissions regulations. Look for CARB (California Air Resources Board) compliant labeling if you live in California or a CARB-adopting state.

What’s the best exhaust for a Ram 1500 5.7L HEMI specifically?

For the 5.7L HEMI, the Borla S-Type Cat-Back is our top overall pick for its combination of sound quality, build quality, and real-world performance gains. The Flowmaster American Thunder is the best choice if maximum sound aggression is your priority. For value, MBRP offers the best bang for your buck on the HEMI platform.

Final Verdict: Which Ram 1500 Exhaust Should You Buy?

After evaluating sound, performance, build quality, and value, here’s our quick summary:

No matter which direction you go, upgrading the exhaust on your 2019–2024 Ram 1500 is one of the best value-per-dollar modifications you can make. You’ll hear the difference every single time you hit the throttle.

👉 Shop Our Top Pick — Borla S-Type for Ram 1500 [CTA_BUTTON:borla-stype-ram1500:Shop Borla S-Type Now]