RAM 1500
| Price | From $120,000 |
|---|---|
| ANCAP Safety Rating | 5 stars (2021) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol |
| Body Type | Pick-up |
The perfect vehicle for towing the caravan or horse float down the highway, the RAM 1500 is an American sweetheart that’s exceedingly becoming more popular in Australia.
A twin-turbo six-cylinder Hurricane engine is slated to replace the 5.7-litre V8 sometime in 2025, but for now the Australian line-up – Laramie, Laramie Sport, Big Horn and Limited – is powered exclusively by the HEMI powerplant that generates 291kW and 556Nm and is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Pros
- Strong V8 performance with serious towing and payload capability
- Spacious, comfortable cabin with high-end features
- Factory right-hand-drive conversion with full local support
Cons
- Thirsty fuel consumption, especially around town
- Large size can be impractical in urban or tight off-road settings
- Higher entry price compared to Japanese dual-cabs
Specs
| Specification | Laramie | Laramie Sport | Big Horn | Limited | TRX |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8P / 5.7 | V8P / 5.7 | V8P / 5.7 | V8P / 5.7 | V8P / 6.2 |
| Transmission | A8 | A8 | A8 | A8 | A8 |
| Torque (Nm) | 556 | 556 | 556 | 556 | 882 |
| Power (kW) | 291 | 291 | 291 | 291 | 523 |
| Kerb Weight (kg) | 2,617 | 2,671 | N/A | 2,749 | 3,033 |
| Payload (kg) | 833 | 779 | N/A | 701 | 767 |
| Towing Capacity (kg) | 4,500 | 4,500 | 4,500 | 4,500 | 3,500 |
Off-road specs
| Specification | Laramie | Laramie Sport | Big Horn | Limited | TRX |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Approach Angle | 20.4 | 20.4 | 20.4 | 20.4 | 30.2 |
| Departure Angle | 25.1 | 25.1 | 25.1 | 25.1 | 23.5 |
| Rampover Angle | 19.8 | 19.8 | 19.8 | 19.8 | 21.9 |
| Ground Clearance | 217mm | 217mm | 217mm | 217mm | 300mm |
| Wading Depth | 600mm | 600mm | 600mm | 600mm | 812mm |
Warranty
The RAM 1500 in Australia typically comes with a 5-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, providing strong peace of mind for owners. Servicing intervals are generally set at 12 months or 15,000 km, with maintenance costs higher than average due to the truck’s size and complexity, especially for the supercharged TRX variant. While routine servicing is manageable through authorised dealers, some parts and repairs can be costly, reflecting the RAM’s status as a premium American full-size ute in the local market.
Pricing
The RAM 1500 commands a premium price in Australia, reflecting its status as a large, imported American pickup with powerful V8 engines and extensive features. Pricing typically starts around $120,000 and climbs significantly for higher-spec models like the high-performance TRX, which can exceed $170,000.
