The updated Ram 1500 has been approved for sale in Australia, packing a new twin-turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine in two states of tune instead of the venerable Hemi V8.
While Ram Trucks Australia remains tight-lipped about launch timing, this approval – as well as the recent start of runout for Hemi-powered 1500s – points to an announcement being around the corner.
The approval documents list five variants in total.
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2025 Ram 1500 Rebel
The short- and long-wheelbase Big Horn, as well as the Laramie – with or without the lockable Rambox tub-side storage compartments – pack the standard-output version of the 3.0-litre twin-turbo ‘Hurricane’ inline petrol six called the SST SO.
While only a power output is listed – 313kW – we know the US-market 1500 with this engine pumps out 636Nm of torque.
The high-output version of this engine, called SST HO and producing 403kW, is exclusive to the Limited. This produces 706Nm of torque.
For context, the Hemi V8 produces 291kW and 556Nm.
Both Hurricane engines are mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Big Horn LWB
The 1500 is classified as a NB1 vehicle, which means one with a gross vehicle mass between 3.5 and 4.5 tonnes.
The outgoing model is classified as an NA vehicle, apart from the TRX, with the move to NB1 meaning it’ll be exempt from certain safety regulations like ADR 85/00 (Pole Side Impact Performance).
All models have a braked towing capacity of 4500kg and a gross vehicle mass of 3505kg, while other dimensions are as follows:
| Variant | Tare mass | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Horn SWB | 2426kg | 5916mm | 2084mm | 1971mm | 3672mm |
| Big Horn LWB | 2463kg | 6142mm | 2084mm | 1968mm | 3898mm |
| Laramie | 2517kg | 5916mm | 2084mm | 1971mm | 3672mm |
| Laramie (w/ Rambox) | 2579kg | 5916mm | 2084mm | 1971mm | 3672mm |
| Limited | 2660kg | 5916mm | 2057mm | 1971mm | 3672mm |
The Big Horn continues to be the only 1500 variant to come in long-wheelbase guise in Australia, riding a 226mm-longer wheelbase. It features a longer 6’4” (1937mm) tub, up from 5’7” (1712mm).
Not included in the approval documents are the fancy new Tungsten flagship, or the sportier Rebel or RHO variants. Also missing is the new Ramcharger, which features a range-extender powertrain with a large battery and a 3.6-litre petrol V6 used as a generator.
Limited
It’s unclear if any of these variants will follow at a later point.
The 2025 Ram 1500 update also brings freshened exterior styling, as well as an improved 12-inch infotainment touchscreen or a new 14.5-inch unit.
A segment-first 10.25-inch passenger display allows those along for the ride to view navigation, camera and entertainment functions, and they can use an HDMI plug to connect their phone or tablet and turn it into a mirrored extension of their device.
Once the Ram 1500 loses its V8, only Chevrolet’s Silverado will offer a V8 in this segment in Australia. The Ford F-150 is only offered here with a twin-turbo V6 despite V8s being offered overseas, while the new Toyota Tundra is only built with six-cylinder power.
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