Ram 1500 priced for Australia

WHILE a V8-powered Ram 1500 remains available in run-out stock, buyers will have to wait for a return of Hemi V8 power in the MY25 facelifted Ram 1500 as the new generation big pick-up arrives here next month “initially” in two six-cylinder variants.

Both run the Hurricane twin-turbo inline six pot petrol engines in SO (Standard Output) for Laramie Sport and HO (High Output) for Limited models.

Aussie spec’ MY25 Ram 1500 Laramie Sport has the same pricing as before listed from $141,950 while the Limited cops a $3000 hike listed from $159,950 both excluding on-road costs.

Run-out examples of the cheaper, V8-powered Big Horn and Laramie models are priced from $119, 950 +ORC and $137,950 +ORC respectively.

The MY25 Ram will compete against Chevy’s 6.2-litre petrol V8 Silverado 1500 starting from $130,500 +ORC for the LTZ, the Toyota Tundra 3.5-litre V6 from $155,990 +ORC and the 3.5-litre V6 Ford F150 XLT SWB from $106,950 +ORC.

Recent reports out of the US say Ram will reintroduce a V8-powered TRX high performance model in the future after heavy criticism from rusted-on V8 owners Stateside… and a change of management at Ram Trucks.

It is unclear whether or not Hemi V8 engines will be re-introduced further down the Ram 1500 food chain with speculation Ram Trucks appears to be adopting a wait and see attitude to the prospect.

Due in showrooms in April, the Aussie spec’ facelifted Ram 1500 featuring new front facias and grilles ushers in a raft of new features including the smaller capacity 3.0-litre engines Ram saying both variants are faster and more powerful than previous Ram 1500 Hemi V8.

Additionally, much is made of the newbie’s large 14.4-inch infotainment screen (biggest in the class) and a second 10.5-inch “personal interactive” screen ahead of the front seat passenger that is not viewable by the driver due to a privacy film over the display.

Ram Trucks Australia says, “In co-pilot mode, the front seat passenger can access the vehicle’s embedded navigation system via the 10.25-inch screen to search for destinations or add stopovers – then, at the press of a button, transfer the route to the main 14.4-inch infotainment screen so the driver can view instructions.”

“The front seat passenger can access the camera view at any time on the 10.25-inch display – unless the main 14.4-inch infotainment screen is in camera mode or the vehicle is in reverse,” it added.

The range topper scores multi-mode massaging front seats while both models feature a power tailgate (open and close from key fob or gesture), panoramic sunroof, 19-speaker audio and retractable side steps.

The locally fettled Ram 1500 has been a sales success Down Under and is Australia’s top-selling US-style pick-up (for the past seven years in a row) thanks to a combination of styling, model spread and keen pricing.

Comprehensive standard safety equipment on both variants includes the choice of adaptive or fixed cruise control supplemented with intersection collision avoidance, drowsy driver detection, and evasive steering assistance.

Motive power for the new Laramie Sport is from the SO version of the new-generation twin-turbo in-line 3.0-litre six-cylinder Hurricane engine rated at 313kW and 635Nm that is 7.6 per cent more power and 14.2 per cent more torque than the 5.7-litre Hemi V8 (291kW and 556Nm).

Stepping up to the new Limited we find the HO version of the twin-turbo in-line 3.0-litre six-cylinder Hurricane engine rated at 403kW and 707Nm which correlates to 38.5 per cent more power and 27.2 per cent more torque than the 5.7-litre Hemi V8.

Both engines provide all-wheel or rear-wheel drive through an eight-speed fluid automatic transmission with five driving modes: Auto, Sport, Tow, Snow, Off-road.

“We know a lot of people love the sound of the Hemi V8, but we think the Hurricane engines will become iconic in their own right,” said Ram Trucks Australia general manager Jeff Barber.

“With more power and more torque than the 5.7-litre Hemi V8, the Hurricane engines take the Ram 1500 – and, frankly, US pick-ups – to a new level of performance.

“Once people experience the power of the Hurricane engine series, they will see what the fuss is all about,” he enthused

In terms of standard features and in addition to those already mentioned, Laramie Sport buyers will no doubt appreciate the 98-litre fuel tank, redesigned LED headlights and taillights, new look front fascia, new 20-inch alloy wheels (275/55/20 tyres), 19-speaker Harmon Kardon audio, dual pane panoramic sunroof, dual wireless phone charging, wireless and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The model also scoring RamBox storage system, spray-in bed-liner, rear-view camera, front and rear parking sensors, towing capacity 4500kg (70mm tow ball), 3500kg (50mm tow ball), payload 863kg and four colour options in Bright White, Billet Silver, Delmonico Red, Diamond Black.

The Limited gains air-suspension with three modes (normal, aero and off-road), a 125-litre fuel tank, traffic sign recognition, LED headlights and taillights with animation on unlock, proximity lighting on unlock at night (with Ram logo projection), redesigned front fascia, redesigned 22-inch alloy wheels.

It moves to a switchable digital rear-view mirror, automatic lowering and retracting power side steps, 360-degree view camera, front and rear parking sensors, and offers a towing capacity of up to 4200kg and payload of 782kg.

Visit GoAuto again soon for our Australian launch review of the 2025 Ram 1500 range.

2025 Ram 1500 pricing*:

*Pricing excludes on-road costs.