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The Ram 1500 2020 model line-up will see the introduction of the new Express Crew cab model, which is said to offer a more premium variant than the entry-level Express Quad cab.
It steps up to the full-size double-cab body and scores the “5ft 7in” tub with spray-in bedliner as standard - and of course, it has the same 5.7-litre petrol V8 engine with 291kW and 556Nm of torque, paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive.
Maximum towing capacity is 4.5 tonnes for all petrol variants in the 2020 model range when a 70mm tow ball is fitted, and a heavy duty towbar package is fitted as standard equipment. The payload is rated at 830kg for this variant.
The new Express Crew model is priced at $89,950 plus on-road costs, and has a decent list of standard features that split the difference between the cheaper Quad cab model ($79,950) and the full-fat Laramie model ($99,950) that tops the range.
Standard is an 8.4-inch touchscreen system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, sat nav, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, six speaker stereo, a 7.0-inch instrument cluster, dual zone climate control, a reversing camera, rear parking sensors, and the option of RamBox tub-side cargo storage.
This generation of Ram 1500 does, however, miss out on the safety equipment you can now find in utes at half the price - there is no auto emergency braking (AEB), lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring or rear cross traffic alert.
The five-seat cabin features black cloth trim, tilt adjust steering column (no reach adjust), a large front centre storage bin and an under-seat storage compartment in the second row.
To further visually differentiate the 1500 Express Crew over the Quad model, there is a Sports Hood, black exterior highlight package (black badges, side steps, smoked headlights and fog-lights, black 20-in wheels) and it is available in four limited-edition colours: Diamond Black, Bright White, Granite Crystal and Flame Red.
“We’ve assessed the market and feel the time is right to build on the huge levels of passion for the RAM Trucks brand in Australia,” said Jeff Barber, the brand’s national sales manager.
“The 1500 Express Crew allows us to grow our product portfolio and offer a premium version of our entry level Express range. It also marks the first step in what will be an exciting product roll-out in 2020,” he said.
Ram backs its models with an outdated three-year/100,000km warranty plan, but roadside assist is included for the duration. Servicing is due every 12 months/12,000km.
Fuel consumption is claimed at 12.2 litres per 100 kilometres, and all V8 petrol models have a 121-litre fuel tank.
Ram 1500 2020 range pricing (before on-road costs):
| Variant | Price |
| V8 Express Quad cab | $79,950 |
| V8 Express Crew cab | $89,950 |
| V8 Laramie Crew cab | $99,950 |
| Diesel Laramie Crew cab | $109,950 |
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