RAM Reviews

The new-generation Ram 1500, the DT Series, has arrived. This modern utility vehicle has a 5.7-litre Hemi V8, a very versatile load space, plenty of safety tech and it's able to tow 4.5 tonnes – all of that in a premium package. This is a prestige ute if ever you've seen one, but does a luxurious full-size pick-up truck deserve your attention?

The Ram 1500 Warlock is brash, bold, and big. It runs a big petrol V8 engine and is a full-size US-spec pick-up, and as you can see here, it’s bright red, too.

The Dodge RAM has a fourth version, the terribly angry Warlock. With a big Hemi V8 and a towing capacity to suit even the most enthusiastic tradie or caravan-dragger, it's a big American truck with a proper warranty and none of the private import worries.

The new 2020 Ram 1500 is expected to arrive in Australia towards the end of the year, bringing more power, more tech and a new drive experience. But who can wait that long? So we travelled all the way to Los Angeles just to put the new model to the test.

The RAM 1500 stands apart from Australia’s mainstream pack of turbo-diesel dual cab utes, with its muscular Hemi V8 performance, superior 4.5-tonne tow rating and imposing presence. In fact, RAM Trucks Australia proudly claims that its big, brash American pick-up “eats utes for breakfast.”After a week behind the wheel, it’s easy to understand why the RAM 1500 is generating such a strong local sales appetite. It’s an excellent package that’s well suited to tradies and recreational buyers alike, who clearly want something different for breakfast.

The Ram 1500 diesel model has arrived in Australia, and it promises effortless towing. But does it live up to the promise in the real world?We put it to the test - with and without a load behind it - to see if the 2020 Ram 1500 Laramie EcoDiesel is a good option for buyers after a big strong ute.

If bigger really is better, then the hulking Ram 1500 Laramie promises to be absolutely brilliant. But can it handle family duties? We put it to the Weekend Test to find out.

The Ram 1500 has a big V8 petrol engine, class-leading towing capacity and a cavernous cabin, but a lower payload than some vehicles a class below it. So does it really 'eat utes for breakfast'?

Topping the Ram 1500 line-up is the Laramie model, which lists from $99,950 plus on-road costs.The Ram 1500 Laramie can also be optioned with RamBoxes - a pair of insulated, lockable boxes over the wheel arches that offer secure storage - and the list price for this model is $104,450 plus on-road costs.The US-made, Australian-converted Ram 1500 ute is powered by a 5.7-litre Hemi V8 with 291kW of power (at 5600rpm) and 556Nm of torque on offer (at 3950rpm). That’s some serious horsepower.The engine is teamed to an eight-speed automatic transmission, and all Ram 1500 models are four-wheel drive. Towing capability tops out at 4.5 tonnes (braked) for Laramie models when fitted with a 70mm towball and chosen with the 3.92 rear axle ratio, while the Laramie model with a 3.21 rear axle ratio  is capable of a 3.5-tonne towing capacity (with a 50mm towball). The Laramie has the Crew Cab body, allowing more rear-seat space but with a shortened tub spanning 5’7” (1712mm) in length.Fuel consumption for the Laramie model (3.92 rear axle ratio) is claimed at 12.2L/100km, while the 3.21 rear axle version claims fuel use of just 9.9L/100km. The fuel tank size is 98L for Laramie models.The 1500 Laramie has more stylish exterior finishes, with chrome details on the grille, mirrors, door handles and wheels, and it also features full-length side steps. The Ram 1500 Laramie adds luxury items inside, too, such as leather seat trim, deep-pile carpeting, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, climate control, a heated steering wheel, an 8.4-inch media screen with sat nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (none of which are available on the Express model), and it has a 10-speaker sound system (six speakers in the Express).Other extras the Laramie adds over the Express include an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, auto wipers, power-adjustable pedal placement, rear seat air-vents, and remote engine start.There is a reversing camera, but no auto emergency braking (AEB), and no advanced safety equipment. There is no ANCAP safety rating, either.

The Ram 1500 Express 2018 model opens proceedings for the big American pick-up range, with pricing starting from $79,950 drive-away.The Ram 1500 Express can also be optioned with RamBoxes - a pair of insulated, lockable boxes over the wheel arches that offer secure storage - and the list price for this model is $84,450 plus on-road costs.The Ram 1500 Express model can also be ordered with a Black Pack, consisting of black exterior highlights, smoked headlights, black badging and a sports exhaust. This version lists at $89,450 plus on-road costs, or $93,950 with RamBoxes.The US-made, Australian-converted Ram 1500 ute is powered by a 5.7-litre Hemi V8 engine with 291kW of power (at 5600rpm) and 556Nm of torque on offer (at 3950rpm). That’s some serious horsepower.The engine is teamed to an eight-speed automatic transmission, and all Ram 1500 models are four-wheel drive. Towing capability tops out at 4.5 tonnes (braked) for both Express and Laramie models when fitted with a 70mm towball. It has the “Quad Cab” body with a 6’4” (1939mm) tub.Fuel consumption for the Express model (which has a 3.92 rear axle ratio) is claimed at 12.2L/100km. The fuel tank size is 121L.The entry-level Express model comes with a 5.0-inch media screen, cloth seat trim, a leather-lined dashboard, colour-coded grille and bumpers, side steps, halogen headlights and fog lamps, a spray-in bed liner, 20-inch wheels and a full towing kit with integrated electric brake control. In this specification there is no reversing camera, no auto emergency braking (AEB), and no advanced safety equipment. There is no ANCAP safety rating, either.