RAM 1500 Big Horn released

Just as we predicted it would in June, RAM Trucks Australia has introduced a new entry-level DT-series RAM 1500 Big Horn variant to effectively replace the aged fourth-generation DS-series RAM 1500 dual-cab range, which dates back to 2009 and is now finally in run-out priced from $98,950 drive-away for the entry-level Express while stocks last or until September 30.

However, RAM’s new range-opener is priced much higher at $119,950 plus on-road costs with a 5’7” tub ($120,950 plus ORCs with a 6’4” tray), which lowers the price of entry to the latest (fifth-generation) DT-series RAM 1500 Crew Cab range by just $8000, with the Laramie still priced from $127,950 plus ORCs.

That means that while the new RAM 1500 Big Horn undercuts the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ ($121,000 plus ORCs) by $1050, RAM Trucks Australia’s cheapest pick-up will be $13,000 pricier than Ford Australia’s most affordable F-150 ($106,950 plus ORCs).

Both versions of the RAM 1500 Big Horn are available to order now ahead of first customer deliveries in the next few weeks, but the they’ll have big shoes to fill since the old DS-series accounted for about 40 per cent of RAM Trucks Australia’s 6150 sales last year – and the Toyota Tundra is likely to join next month’s F-150 as yet another competitor for RAM in 2024.

For now, RAM Trucks Australia remains the dominant force in Australia’s locally-converted full-size pick-up market, with 4534 RAMs sold to July this year – up 51.2 per cent.

“We’ve sold nearly 25,000 RAMs since 2015 – across metropolitan, regional and rural areas – with many of them being used as fit-for-purpose vehicles for towing farm machinery, horse floats, caravans, boats and more,” said RAM Trucks Australia national manager Jeff Barber.

“The RAM 1500 Big Horn, with its class-leading 4.5-tonne max braked towing, legendary 5.7-litre V8 HEMI and optional longer tub allows us to broaden our product offering. It’s a true workhorse, perfect for the job site during the week or dirt-biking on the weekend thanks to its ability to transport two bikes or a 6ft ladder without dropping the tailgate.”

The 2023 RAM 1500 Big Horn is powered by the same 292kW/565Nm 5.7-litre pushrod HEMI V8 as the RAM 1500 Laramie, meaning it’s matched as standard to an eight-speed automatic transmission, consumes 12.2L/100km of 91RON, incorporates 48-volt eTorque mild-hybrid, idle-stop and cylinder deactivation technologies.

The new Big Horn also gets the same 4500kg towing capacity as other DT RAM 1500s, as well as 900kg of payload, a bedliner for both tub options, multiple tie-down points, bed step and a host of safety features including trailer sway control and a full suite of airbags.

But it misses out on key Laramie features including a 12.0-inch Uconnect touch-creen infotainment system with split-screen functionality, leather seat trim, 20-inch alloy wheels and premium 900-Watt harman kardon sound.

Instead, Big Horn equipment highlights are limited to an 8.4-inch Uconnect touch-screen (with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), cloth trim, 18-inch alloys, heated front seats, cruise control, front/rear parking sensors, electro-chromatic rear-vide mirror, electric rear sliding can window and a heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls.

The Big Horn has long been one of the lower-tier variants of North America’s RAM 1500 line-up, which is expected to ditch its aging 5.7-litre petrol V8 in favour of Stellantis’ new twin-turbo 3.0-litre ‘Hurricane’ straight-six petrol engine, as part of a major upgrade next year.

The RAM 1500’s new Hurricane six was revealed last year with up to 373kW/644Nm on tap in ‘high output’ guise and 298kW/610Nm in standard form – enough to outclass the HEMI V8’s peakier 291kW/556Nm and the upcoming F-150’s 3.5-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 (298kW/678Nm).

And with the Tundra also confirmed to bring a downsized (electrified) petrol V6 powertrain, the eventual end of the RAM 1500 V8 could leave the Silverado as the only V8-powered factory-backed full-size pick-up available in Australia.