The post-V8 era begins! Ram 1500 pricing and spec confirmed with 'Hurricane' in-line six models ready for battle with Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-150 & Toyota Tundra

It may be faster and more powerful than the ‘Hemi’ V8-powered model it replaces but the big question is whether the in-line six-cylinder MY25 Ram 1500 maintains its well-established ‘tough truck' aura with two fewer cylinders under the bonnet.

A signature growling exhaust note was a big part of the US pick-up’s ‘Eats utes for breakfast’ positioning and existing owners, as well as interested prospects, will be keen to get a handle on it now pricing and specification for the two-model local line-up has been confirmed.

Scheduled to hit local showrooms next month, the updated 1500 is powered by two versions of Ram’s 3.0-litre, twin-turbo ‘Hurricane’ in-line six-cylinder engine, replacing the previous version’s rumbling 5.7-litre, naturally aspirated V8.

Ram Trucks Australia says the new ute will be sold alongside the MY24 Hemi V8-powered Ram 1500 Big Horn, Laramie and Limited models while stock lasts.

A low-key facelift for the new model year brings a revised grille, headlight and front bumper treatment and inside there’s a new 14.4-inch multimedia screen with a 10.25-inch interactive companion screen for the front passenger. There’s also a new power tailgate, operated by a button on the key fob.

Worth noting the passenger touchscreen is covered with privacy film so its display can’t be viewed by the driver.

Safety also gets a boost with the new 1500’s cruise control system now featuring intersection collision avoidance, while drowsy driver detection and evasive steering assistance have also been added to the standard features list.

The launch line-up consists of two models - Laramie Sport ($141,950, before on-road costs) and Limited ($159,950, before on-roads) - with a panoramic sunroof, 19-speaker audio and retractable side steps now standard on both. On top of that, massaging front seats (with five settings and three speeds) have been added to the flagship Limited.

With the MY24 1500 Big Horn Crew Cab tagged at $119,950, before-on-road costs, MY25 pricing raises the Ram 1500 entry-point by just over 18 per cent. 

As for the engine swap, the new 1500 Laramie Sport is powered by the Standard Output (313kW/ 635Nm) 3.0-litre six, while the Limited is motivated by a High Output (403kW/707Nm) version of the Hurricane engine, both driving the rear or all wheels through an eight-speed auto transmission. For reference, the out-going Ram 1500’s 5.7-litre V8 produces 291kW and 556Nm. 

The new 1500’s ‘big pick-up’ competitors are in the same power and torque ballpark with the Chevrolet Silverado 1500’s 6.2L non-turbo petrol V8 producing 313kW/624Nm, the Ford F-150’s 3.5L twin-turbo V6 producing 298kW/678Nm and the Toyota Tundra’s 3.5-litre, twin-turbo (and parallel hybrid) petrol V6 pumping out 326kW/790Nm.

If Ram Trucks Australia is concerned about the 1500’s switch to six-cylinder power it’s not showing it, with General Manager Jeff Barber saying, “We know a lot of people love the sound of the Hemi V8, but we think the Hurricane engines will become iconic in their own right.

“With more power and more torque than the 5.7-litre Hemi V8, the Hurricane engines take the Ram 1500 – and, frankly, US pick-ups – to a new level of performance.

“Once people experience the power of the Hurricane engine series they will see what the fuss is all about,” he said.

2025 Ram 1500 price (before on-road costs)

Laramie Sport	$141,950
Limited	$159,950