Every Ram 1500 includes a full-time/on-demand 4WD system, front and rear parking sensors, cruise control, remote central locking, heated front seats, a steering-wheel warmer, an 8.4-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a rear-view camera, five USB ports, heated/powered folding exterior mirrors, rear privacy glass, an electrically sliding back window, a rear bedliner, retractable bed step, tie-down points and alloy wheels.

Stepping up from the base Big Horn to the Laramie grades and above adds some much-needed equipment, though, like climate control, adaptive cruise-control, rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry, a driver’s seat lumbar support, front-seat height adjustment, a head-up display, DAB+ digital radio, satellite navigation, wireless smartphone charging, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), blind-spot alert, lane-keep systems and LED headlights with auto high beams.

The Ram 1500 is powered by a 5.7-litre overhead-valve ‘Hemi’ V8 engine, good for 291kW of power at 5600rpm and 556Nm of torque at 3950rpm.

The “eTorque” mild-hybrid system brings a belt-driven generator and 48-volt battery for a slight boost in torque as well as brake-energy recuperation and stop/start functionality.

An eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission sends drive to either the rear wheels in 2WD mode or all four wheels in 4WD mode. The driver can choose betwen 2WD High, 4WD Auto and 4WD High/Low.

The Ram 1500’s interior is classy and inviting, with an almost European aspect to the dashboard’s design symmetry and execution. The analogue instrument dials are especially Italianesque. Racy.

With so much space, there’s a feeling of airiness and light streaming through. Storage is fairly good, ventilation is excellent, and the driving position first class – unless, again, you’re in the base Big Horn, since the driver’s seat lacks a height adjuster.

Indeed, the entry-level Ram 1500 misses out on tonnes of convenience features.

Other points worth highlighting include a high level of fit and finish, excellent vision, a simple and intuitive multimedia system and a brace of hidden cubbies for laptops and the like, underneath the floor.

Aiding access are pillar-sited grab handles, while the rear doors open at right angles. And there’s a natty little back window that electrically slides open and shut.

Though there is certainly space for six people, the Ram 1500 is a five-seater only proposition in Australia. What looks like a front centre armrest that should fold up to allow for a third front-bench occupant is actually fixed. Blame Australian Design Rules for that omission.

Covered in a cool grey cloth, the front seats are flat yet comfy, but – in the base Big Horn – don’t bother searching for the lumbar support or height lifter as per more-expensive grades.

The rear bench has a backrest that is fixed, and nor does the cushion slide. Three can fit easily, while a centre armrest with cupholders is fitted.

The Ram 1500 can sprint from standstill to 100km/h (0-100km/h) in 7.5 seconds, on the way to a top speed of nearly 200km/h.

The 1500’s eTorque mild-hybrid system features stop/start functionality and brake-energy recuperation, as well as cylinder-deactivation at speed, to help improve range and efficiency.

The combined average fuel consumption figure is 12.2 litres per 100km, which equates to a carbon dioxide emission reading of 283 grams/km.

Running on standard unleaded petrol in the 98-litre fuel tank, the theoretical range average is over 800km.