The newest-generation Ram 1500 has hit Aussie showrooms, ready to tackle the Chevy Silverado in Australia’s burgeoning converted American pickup market.
As with its predecessor, the new Ram is re-engineered for right-hand drive in Melbourne through a contract partnership between importer and distributor Ateco, and partner Walkinshaw.
For price-conscious truck fans, the highly successful outgoing Ram 1500 model will continue to be sold, with this new DT series slotting in above it.
The 1500 Laramie is priced at $114,950 before on-road costs, with the Limited and Limited Launch Edition priced at $139,950 before on-road costs. The older truck is priced between $79,950 and $108,950 before on-road costs.
The redesigned 1500 features a sleeker look than the older truck and, thanks to aerodynamic items like active grille shutters and air dams, has a drag coefficient of 0.357.
The DT series features Ram’s eTorque 48V mild-hybrid system, which gives it automatic stop/start, brake energy regeneration, and a short boost of torque.
Optional on the Laramie and standard on the Limited is the RamBox, a lockable, water-resistant and illuminated storage box on the side of the tray.
Four-corner air suspension is also standard on the Limited.
It’s a big year for the Ram brand in Australia, with the redesigned 2500 and 3500 due in 2021 and the wild 1500 TRX also expected to touch down this year.
Ram Trucks Australia is the only factory-authorised producer of right-hand drive Ram pickup trucks.
Pricing
- 2021 Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab: $114,950
- 2021 Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab RamBox: $119,900
- 2021 Ram 1500 Limited Crew Cab RamBox: $139,950
- 2021 Ram 1500 Limited Launch Edition Crew Cab RamBox: $139,950
All prices exclude on-road costs.
Premium paint is a $950 option.
For context the Silverado range is priced between $106,990 for the LT Trail Boss and $114,990 for the LTZ Premium.
Engines
All 2021 Ram 1500 DT models use a naturally-aspirated 5.7-litre ‘Hemi’ V8 producing 291kW of power and 556Nm of torque. It features the new eTorque 48V mild-hybrid system, automatic stop/start and cylinder deactivation.
Fuel Economy
The 2021 Ram 1500 uses 12.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
It has a 98L fuel tank.
Dimensions
The 2021 Ram 1500 measures 5916mm long, 2474mm wide (including the mirrors) and 1971mm tall on a 3672mm wheelbase. For context that’s more than 500mm longer overall than a Ranger Raptor.
Its tray volume is 1.5m3 and the length of the tray floor with the tailgate closed is 1712mm. Depth is 543mm, while width is 1687mm or 1270mm with the RamBox.
Braked towing capacity is 4500kg (1000kg more than what a Ranger, HiLux, D-Max and co. can handle), while unbraked is 750kg.
Payload is 833kg in the Laramie, or 779kg with the RamBox option. This decreases to 701kg in the Limited.
Kerb weight is 2617kg in the Laramie (2671kg with RamBox) and 2749kg in the Limited.
Gross vehicle mass is 3450kg and gross combination mass is 7713kg.
The RamBox storage units have 210L on both sides.
Servicing and Warranty
The 2021 Ram 1500 has a three-year, 100,000km warranty with three years or 100,000km of roadside assist.
Servicing is required every 12 months or 12,000km.
Safety
The Ram 1500 has yet to be tested by ANCAP.
Standard safety equipment includes:
- Front, front-side and curtain airbags
- Reversing camera with front and rear parking sensors
Optional on the Laramie and standard on the Limited are the following:
- Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Surround-view camera
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Lane-departure warning
- Lane-keeping assist
- Adaptive cruise control
Pictured: Limited
Standard Equipment
The Laramie comes standard with the following features:
- 12.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Satellite navigation
- 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system
- 20-inch polished aluminium wheels
- Black partial leather upholstery
- 10-way power driver’s seat with memory
- 10-way power passenger’s seat
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Heated outboard rear seats
- Heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Power tailgate
- Keyless entry and start
- Remote start
- Dual-zone climate control
- Tyre-pressure monitoring
- Rain-sensing wipers
- LED headlights
- Automatic headlights
- Power-adjustable pedals
- Tub liner
- Tow hooks
- 12-pin wiring harness
- Heavy-duty tow bar
- Power sliding cab window
- Carpet cabin flooring with carpet mats
- Wireless charging pad
- Five USB-A outlets
- Four USB-C outlets
The Laramie with RamBox adds:
- RamBox cargo management system with 230V power outlet
- LED tray lighting
The optional Driver Assist Package ($4950) adds:
- Semi-autonomous parking assist
- Surround-view camera
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Lane-departure warning
- Lane-keeping assist
- Adaptive cruise control
Power-retractable side steps are a $1950 option.
The Limited adds:
- Air suspension
- 22-inch black-finish alloy wheels
- Black ‘premium’ partial leather upholstery
- Power-retractable side steps
- Rubber floor mats with carpet inserts
- Heated and ventilated rear outboard seats
- Panoramic sunroof
Optional accessories include:
- 50mm or 70mm tow ball mount kit
- Tonneau cover
