RAM 1500 Express Crew Cab 2022 Review

There’s no hiding the shift in upward pricing across the competitive mid-size dual-cab ute segment over the past two years – or any new-car segment for that matter.

Flagship versions of the Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux and Volkswagen Amarok are creeping towards $90,000, and the trend doesn’t look like going away.

That brings the RAM 1500 into play. While the new DT generation introduced in 2021 sets the bar for pricing – starting at $123,900 – the Australian distributor continues to offer a more affordable alternative.

The DS-series 2022 RAM 1500 Express Crew Cab tested here is in the same ballpark as the incoming new-generation Ford Ranger Raptor and the Toyota HiLux Rugged X, armed with more performance, additional interior space and load-carrying credentials.

Does the 1500 deserve to be cross-shopped on merit, even if towing isn’t a major prerequisite?

When we set the wheels in motion for this test, the list price for the DS-generation 2022 RAM 1500 Express Crew Cab was $89,990 plus on-road costs, strengthening the correlation with the mainstream dual-cab ute crop.

However, that price was recently increased to $95,950 plus ORCs, placing it just that little bit further from the grasp of many Aussie ute buyers.

In any case, the DS-series RAM 1500 – or DS Classic, as it’s known – will continue to be offered in Australia alongside the newer DT generation launched last year.

Both models are imported to Australia by Ateco Automotive and remanufactured to right-hand drive courtesy of a deal with the Walkinshaw Automotive Group – the same minds that brought us some of HSV’s best and brightest.

The two-pronged sales strategy mirrors RAM in the US, which also sells newly-built DS and DT models.

At $95,950 plus ORCs, the 2022 RAM 1500 Express Crew Cab is the most affordable model currently offered by RAM Trucks Australia, following the deletion of the previous $82,950 entry model.

That price compares with $123,900 plus on-road costs for the entry version of the DT 1500 Laramie.

All RAM 1500s regardless of series remain powered by the familiar 5.7-litre HEMI petrol V8, developing 291kW/556Nm.

The DS Express Crew Cab features 20-inch alloy wheels, a spray-in bedliner, halogen headlights, side steps and, inside, a six-speaker audio system, dual-zone climate control and cloth seat upholstery.

Infotainment comprises an 8.4-inch centre touch-screen display utilising the FCA Group’s proven UConnect software and armed with wired Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite navigation and Bluetooth.

There’s also a separate digital screen in the instrument cluster conveying important trip information.

That brings us to safety. The RAM 1500 includes a suite of front and side airbags, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution and traction/stability control, but no autonomous emergency braking (AEB).

Trailer sway control is also included.

The 1500 has not been ANCAP crash-tested, so goes unrated in Australia.

The RAM 1500 is backed by a three-year/100,000km warranty in Australia, while servicing intervals are set every 12 months/12,000km.

RAM Trucks Australia doesn’t offer capped-price servicing, but officials say that owners can expect to pay $1812 for the first three years/36,000km of ownership.

Putting the colossal 291kW/566Nm HEMI V8 to one side, the other inherent strength in the 2022 RAM 1500 is its towing credentials.

In standard trim, the RAM 1500 offers a payload of 845kg and a 4.5-tonne braked towing capacity.

The major caveat is that to not exceed the maximum GCM (the maximum permitted weight for vehicle and trailer) while taking full advantage of the 4500kg tow-capacity models, payload is limited to just 132kg (Express) on a regular car licence.

The Express Crew Cab offers a 170cm-long bed with spray-in liner, four-tie down points and integrated lighting, plus a handy divider. For reference, that means you cannot fit a full-size motorcycle in the back with the tailgate up – you’ll need to drop it like a regular dual-cab.

Our vehicle is also fitted with novel RAM boxes, a $4500 option that provide storage for tools, recreational gear or, if you wish, ice for a mobile esky – complete with rubber bungs at the base.

Drive is shuffled to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The full-time four-wheel drive system features high-range and low-range gearing for off-road work.

Officially, fuel consumption is rated at 12.2L/100km – so with a 121-litre fuel capacity, you’re looking at about 1000km between refuels claimed.

Given fuel is hovering close to $2 per litre, it means a refill is going to be the best part of $250 from empty. Ouch.

There’s disc brakes at every corner, which, incredibly, is a unique feature in the ute class. And the RAM 1500 is underpinned by coil suspension at both ends.

The RAM 1500 also comes with a tow bar, electric brake controller and tow/haul mode (which sharpens up engine and transmission response for towing) as standard, so it’s ready to go hauling.

The RAM 1500 also comes with a tow bar, electric brake controller and tow/haul mode (which sharpens up engine and transmission response for towing) as standard, so it’s ready to go hauling.

The 2022 RAM 1500 Express Crew Cab might miss out on some of the luxury touches of more expensive pick-ups, but it’s still a hugely comfortable interior space.

The seats are comfortable, the cabin is spacious and replete with excellent storage options, and the sheer size of the cab almost lends a cosy loungeroom-like feel.

Similarly, FCA’s well-proven Uconnect infotainment system and centre screen are a cinch to operate on the move, either in CarPlay or native form.

The five-seat cabin features a huge centre console up front that would usually double as a sixth seat in the 1500’s US home market. In Australia, the seat is locked stowed, but can be used as an additional seat with engineering compliance.

Two USB ports are offered up front. It’s a different story in the rear with no USB ports or flip-down arm rest.

As we’ve reported in the past, the Australian conversion to right-hand drive is a thorough one, with consistent gaps between dashboard panels and no apparent shortcuts.

The one exception is the location of the foot-operated park brake on the right side of the driver’s footwell. If you normally brake with your right foot, the positioning requires a tap dance of sorts, using your left foot to hold the brake while the right foot engages the park brake, which is also quite heavy-duty in its operation.

Otherwise, there are some other tell-tale signs which align with the entry-level positioning. The steering wheel feels cheap and is devoid of buttons controlling the centre touch-screen – like volume or skipping music tracks, for instance – and there’s a solitary, unlit vanity mirror on the driver’s side, not the front passenger’s. That might sound pedantic, but at nearly $100K it’s a bit spartan.

The news is better on-road. In fact, it’s great on-road: the RAM 1500 truly enamours with the level of comfort, road-holding and refinement on mixed conditions, using its big 3571mm wheelbase and coil-sprung underpinnings to great effect.

Not surprisingly, the 1500 feels hefty initially and its 13.9-metre turning circle is considerable in tight areas.

However, light steering, strong outward vision and moderately well-tuned controls go a long way in offsetting its sheer size and 2500kg kerb weight.

Crucially, it also avoids much of the ‘tremoring’ that tends to afflict most leaf-sprung dual-cab utes. The steering offers ample weighting and the brake pedal offers excellent bite.

The V8 engine is also smooth and linear in its operation, making light work of around-town speeds and teaming favourably with the eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Sure, V8s have a reputation for performance and the HEMI will accelerate appropriately, but the more immediate benefit is the rich torque offering and accessibility.

Fuel use clearly isn’t the RAM’s strongest talking point, but it’s worth noting we averaged about 13.4L/100km across a 1000km journey – much of it highway driving.

For many, that will be a price worth paying given the level of comfort and refinement. The 1500 has a real knack of isolating occupants from what’s happening outside and underneath.

On rural roads or the highway, it’s almost akin to floating along in a lounge chair.

We didn’t hitch a trailer this time round, partly because the 1500 is a known quantity in this department with surefooted towing and reliable power, even when approaching its 4500kg mass.

In terms of payload, we threw as much as 600kg on board, and found the coil springs retained their control and composure in a range of scenarios.

We also had an opportunity to drive the 1500 at night on several occasions. Immediately, the halogen headlights feel sub-par on a rural road, almost akin to lighting the passage ahead with candles.

The high beam setting is slightly better, but for many rural owners an aftermarket light bar will be a must.

The 2022 RAM 1500 Express Crew Cab does indeed make a favourable impression against top-flight mid-size dual-cab utes.

And while it does make some equipment and comfort concessions in order to achieve the sub-$100K price, you could easily argue it makes up for that with superior power, on-road refinement and load-carrying ability.

Clearly, this big American behemoth isn’t compelling enough to sway all buyers, but if your towing preferences dictate a full-size pick-up, then the entry DS model is still among our top picks.

How much does the 2022 RAM 1500 Express Crew Cab cost?
Price: $95,950 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 5.7-litre V8 petrol
Output: 291kW/556Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 12.2L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 283g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Not tested