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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)

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.

Pros:

• T-304 stainless steel construction — built to last
• Million-mile warranty (transferable)
• Notable low-end torque improvement
• Drone-minimized design for daily driving

Cons:

• Premium price point (~$700–$900)
• May require professional install for best fitment

👉 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.

Pros:

• Aggressive, classic muscle car sound
• Durable aluminized steel construction
• Direct bolt-on fitment, no cutting required
• More affordable than premium stainless options

Cons:

• Can produce noticeable cabin drone at highway RPMs
• Aluminized steel less durable than stainless in salt-belt climates

👉 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.

Pros:

• Excellent price-to-performance ratio (~$350–$500)409 stainless steel — decent corrosion resistance
• Moderate, non-obnoxious tone
• Straightforward bolt-on installation

Cons:

• 409 SS not as corrosion-resistant as 304 SS
• Sound may feel underwhelming for enthusiasts seeking maximum aggression

👉 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.

Pros:

• Patented drone-elimination technology
• T-304 polished stainless steel throughout
• Excellent build quality and finish
• Great sound under load without interior noise penalty

Cons:

• Premium price (~$800–$1,100)
• Sound may be too subdued for those wanting maximum aggression

👉 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.

Pros:

• Most affordable upgrade on this list (~$200–$350)
• Extremely easy installation — no special tools needed
• Polished stainless steel tips look great
• Lifetime warranty from Magnaflow

Cons:

• Minimal power gains compared to cat-back systems
• Sound improvement is modest

👉 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:

• 5.7L HEMI V8 — The most popular option, with the widest exhaust selection
• 3.6L Pentastar V6 / eTorque — Fewer options but several quality systems available
• 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 — Specialized systems required; verify diesel-specific fitment

Material: Stainless Steel Grades Explained

• T-304 Stainless Steel — Premium grade, highest corrosion resistance, polished finish. Best for long-term ownership.
• 409 Stainless Steel — Mid-grade, good rust resistance, more affordable. Excellent value for most climates.
• Aluminized Steel — Budget option, prone to rust in salt-belt or wet climates. Fine for dry regions.

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

Final Verdict: Which Ram 1500 Exhaust Should You Buy?

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

• 🏆 Best Overall: Borla S-Type Cat-Back — premium quality, great sound, minimal drone
• 🔊 Best Sound: Flowmaster American Thunder — unmatched muscle car rumble
• 💰 Best Value: MBRP S5162409 — solid quality at half the price
• 🛣️ Best for Highway Driving: Corsa Sport — drone-elimination technology is genuinely impressive
• 🔧 Easiest Install: Magnaflow Street Series Axle-Back — done in under an hour

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]