There’s something undeniably imposing about seeing a RAM 1500 in your rearview mirror here in Australia. The massive grille, towering stance, and distinctly American presence make it clear this isn’t just another ute – it’s a statement. And for 2025, that statement has gotten bolder, more luxurious, and yes, more expensive.
I’ve spent the better part of a week poring over the specifications, pricing, and features of the new lineup, and even had the chance to sit in (though not yet drive) the range-topping Limited model at a dealer preview event last weekend. The experience left me with plenty to share about RAM’s latest offering to the Australian market.
Pricing: The Painful Part First
Let’s not sugarcoat it – the 2025 RAM 1500 isn’t cheap. Starting at $89,950 before on-road costs for the base Tradesman, the lineup climbs steadily to a wallet-destroying $139,950 for the top-shelf Limited. That represents an increase of approximately $7,000 across the range compared to the outgoing models.
Here’s how the full lineup breaks down:
- Tradesman: $89,950
- Big Horn: $94,950
- Laramie: $109,950
- Rebel: $114,950
- Limited: $139,950
(All prices are before on-road costs)
“The price increases reflect significant improvements in technology, refinement, and standard equipment,” explained James Thompson, RAM Australia’s Marketing Director, when I questioned him about the higher figures at the preview event. “We’re confident customers will see the value proposition remains strong despite the higher entry point.”
That may be true, but it’s worth noting these prices put the RAM 1500 well above traditional dual-cab utes like the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux, firmly positioning it as a premium offering rather than a mainstream workhorse.
Powertrain Options: Farewell HEMI, Hello Hurricane
Perhaps the biggest change for the 2025 lineup is under the hood. The legendary 5.7-liter HEMI V8 that powered previous generations has been retired, replaced by RAM’s new Hurricane twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine in two output levels.
The standard Hurricane delivers 313kW of power and 635Nm of torque, while the high-output version fitted to Rebel and Limited models pushes those figures to a substantial 375kW and 680Nm.
For those keeping score, that’s more torque than the outgoing HEMI V8 (635Nm vs 556Nm), though many will miss the distinctive rumble that only eight cylinders can provide. The Hurricane’s soundtrack is artificially enhanced through the audio system, which seems a bit disingenuous on a truck of this stature.
During a walk-around at Richmond Motors in Melbourne’s east, service manager David Larter shared some early feedback: “The old HEMI had its fans, no doubt. But this new Hurricane engine is honestly impressive. Better fuel economy, more torque where you need it, and the reliability concerns people had about the early test models seem to have been addressed.”
All models continue with the excellent ZF-sourced 8-speed automatic transmission, which has been recalibrated to work with the new powerplant. Four-wheel drive remains standard across the Australian lineup, with a dual-range transfer case and electronic locking rear differential available on higher grades.
Towing and Payload: The Numbers That Matter
For many potential buyers, the RAM 1500’s appeal lies in its superior towing capability compared to conventional utes. The 2025 model continues this tradition, offering a maximum braked towing capacity of 4,500kg when properly equipped – unchanged from the previous generation and still at the top of the class in Australia.
Payload capacity ranges from 775kg to 894kg depending on the variant, which is actually slightly lower than some dual-cab utes like the Ford Ranger, which can handle over 1,000kg in certain configurations.
The trade-off, of course, is the RAM’s superior towing stability, thanks to its larger footprint and longer wheelbase. For those regularly towing heavy caravans, boats, or horse floats, this remains the 1500’s key selling point.
I spoke with Craig Westaway, who recently traded his Ranger Wildtrak for a previous-generation RAM 1500 Laramie. “Night and day difference when towing my 3.5-tonne caravan,” he told me while checking out the new model. “The Ranger was at its absolute limit, swaying in crosswinds and struggling up hills. The RAM just gets on with the job, no drama. Worth every cent for that peace of mind.”
Exterior Design: Evolution, Not Revolution
RAM hasn’t completely reimagined the 1500’s exterior for 2025, instead opting for a more evolutionary approach to a design that already has strong presence.
The front end receives the most noticeable updates, with a revised grille design that varies across the model range. The Rebel and Limited trims get unique LED lighting signatures that illuminate in a rather theatrical sequential pattern when approaching or leaving the vehicle – a party trick that never failed to impress onlookers during my time with the display model.
The bed length remains at 5’7″ (1.7m) for crew cab models sold in Australia, which is shorter than the 6’4″ (1.9m) bed available in some American configurations. This remains one of the compromises of the right-hand drive conversion process, though most buyers seem willing to accept it given the truck’s other capabilities.
New wheel designs range from 18-inch alloys on the Tradesman to massive 22-inch multi-spoke affairs on the Limited. The latter caught my eye at the dealer event – the intricate design with black accents against the Delmonico Red paint created a striking contrast.
Interior: The Real Leap Forward
If the exterior changes are subtle, the interior represents a genuine leap forward for the 1500. RAM has clearly benchmarked luxury SUVs rather than traditional pickups, with materials and build quality that would embarrass some European offerings costing considerably more.
The headline feature is the new 14.5-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen that dominates the center console on Laramie models and above (Big Horn and Tradesman make do with a still-impressive 12.3-inch unit). Running the latest Uconnect 5 system, it’s responsive, logically organized, and supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Behind the steering wheel sits a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, configurable to display everything from traditional gauges to navigation directions. The Limited model adds a 10.25-inch passenger display, allowing front passengers to control their own entertainment or even help navigate without disturbing the driver’s view.
During my hands-on time with the Limited, I was particularly impressed by the “Indigo/Sea Salt” interior option – a striking combination of deep blue leather with contrasting light gray stitching and brushed aluminum accents. It feels more Bentley than work truck, light years ahead of the plasticky interiors that plagued American trucks of previous generations.
Storage remains a strong point, with the clever RamBox system available as an option on higher trims. This utilizes the otherwise wasted space in the bed walls for lockable, waterproof storage – perfect for tools, sporting equipment, or keeping beverages cold (the compartments are drainable and can serve as ice coolers).
The center console is cavernous enough to swallow a laptop or small bag, and RAM claims there’s over 150 liters of interior storage space throughout the cabin. Having unsuccessfully tried to find homes for all my gear in various dual-cab utes over the years, this level of thoughtful storage is genuinely useful rather than merely a marketing claim.
Technology and Features: Future-Proofed
RAM hasn’t skimped on technology with the 2025 update. Standard on all models is a comprehensive safety suite including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
The Limited adds RAM’s Level 2+ hands-free driving assistant, which functions similarly to Ford’s BlueCruise system, allowing for hands-free operation on mapped highways across Australia. The system uses a driver-monitoring camera to ensure attention is maintained, gently reminding you to take control if your gaze wanders for too long.
Other notable tech features include:
- Head-up display (Limited only)
- 360-degree camera system (Laramie and up)
- 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system (optional on Laramie, standard on Limited)
- Digital rearview mirror
- Wireless phone charging
- Power tailgate with remote opening function
One feature I found particularly clever was the “bed view” camera, which provides a clear view of the cargo area from the infotainment screen – useful when connecting a gooseneck trailer or checking if your cargo has shifted during travel.
The Right-Hand Drive Conversion
All RAM 1500s sold in Australia continue to be converted to right-hand drive locally by Walkinshaw Automotive Group in Clayton, Victoria. The process has been refined over years of experience, and the quality of the conversion work has improved dramatically since the early days.
“We’re now at a point where you’d be hard-pressed to tell it wasn’t built this way from the factory,” notes automotive journalist Tim Roberts, who’s followed the Australian RAM operation since its inception. “The dash symmetry, the placement of controls, the overall finish – it’s all factory-grade now.”
That sentiment was echoed by several owners I spoke with, none of whom reported any significant issues related to the conversion process. The partnership between RAM International and Walkinshaw seems to be producing results that satisfy even picky customers.
On-Road Behavior: First Impressions
While a full driving impression will have to wait for the official media launch, I did gather insights from dealers who’ve had limited experience with the new model.
“The Hurricane engine makes it feel more responsive than the HEMI,” shared senior salesperson Rebecca Chan from Sydney’s Northern Beaches RAM dealership. “The throttle response is more immediate, and it doesn’t have that slight hesitation the V8 sometimes had when you put your foot down.”
The switch to a coil-spring rear suspension (rather than leaf springs found on most utes) continues for the 2025 model, a design choice that has long given the RAM 1500 its characteristic smooth ride. Optional air suspension allows for adjustable ride height, providing up to 50mm of additional ground clearance when off-roading.
NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) improvements have reportedly been a focus, with additional sound insulation and acoustic glass making the cabin notably quieter than before – something I noticed even when just sitting in the stationary display vehicle compared to the 2024 model parked beside it.
The Competitive Landscape
The RAM 1500 doesn’t compete directly with mainstream dual-cab utes, instead occupying a premium space alongside the Chevrolet Silverado and, to some extent, the upper reaches of the 79 Series LandCruiser market.
Its closest competitor is arguably the aforementioned Silverado, which offers similar capabilities at comparable price points. The choice often comes down to brand preference, styling, and dealer locations, as the fundamental proposition is similar.
For buyers considering the leap from a top-spec Ranger or HiLux, the RAM offers tangible benefits in towing stability, interior space, and luxury appointments – albeit at a significant price premium. Whether those advantages justify the roughly $40,000 difference between a Ranger Wildtrak X and a RAM 1500 Big Horn depends entirely on individual priorities and budget.
The Verdict: Impressive But Expensive
The 2025 RAM 1500 builds impressively on its predecessor’s strengths. The new Hurricane engine delivers more torque while promising better efficiency, the interior represents a major step forward in quality and technology, and the towing capabilities remain class-leading.
The conversion quality has reached a point where it’s essentially transparent to the end user, and the dealer network has expanded to provide better coverage across Australia.
The only significant hurdle is the price, which places the RAM firmly in premium territory. Starting at nearly $90,000 before on-roads and climbing to $140,000 for the Limited, this is a significant investment for what is, fundamentally, still a pickup truck.
For those who need its capabilities – particularly serious towers – the value proposition makes sense. For others drawn primarily to the style and presence, it requires deeper pockets than ever before.
As the Australian ute market continues its unstoppable march upmarket, the 2025 RAM 1500 sets a new benchmark for luxury and technology in the segment. Whether enough buyers are willing to meet its ambitious price point remains to be seen, but based on the steady growth in sales over recent years, RAM’s confidence doesn’t seem misplaced.
I’ll be eagerly awaiting the chance to put the new Hurricane engine through its paces and see if the driving experience matches the impressive specs sheet. Until then, the 2025 RAM 1500 makes a compelling first impression as the American pickup that continues to redefine expectations in the Australian market.
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