2024 RAM 1500 Review

For those in need of an XL take on the conventional dual-cab platform, the RAM 1500 steps into the fight with a huge footprint, powerful engine lineup and immensely practical interior design that makes light work of family duties.

It doesn't come cheap, though, which begs the question of just how confidently the RAM 1500 range asserts itself as a tough, spacious and effortless tourer for holiday towing adventures.

Let's take a closer look at the 2024 RAM 1500 lineup to see how it stacks up in the unique but growing full-sized pickup segment.

RAM 1500 Competition

How Much Does the RAM 1500 Cost?

The MY24 RAM 1500 range is priced from $119,950 for the Big Horn SWB, while the Big Horn LWB is priced at $120,950.

Stepping up to the RAM 1500 Laramie SWB brings the price to $137,950 while the Laramie Sport RamBox SWB is priced at $141,950.

The RAM 1500 Limited RamBox SWB is priced at $156,950, while the range-topping RAM 1500 TRX is priced at $224,950.

Keep in mind that these prices are subject to change and do not include on-road costs.

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Ram 1500 Big Horn SWB Specifications

What Features & Specs Does the RAM 1500 Have?

The RAM 1500 Big Horn comes riding on a set of 18-inch alloys and receives halogen headlights, cloth upholstery with heated seats, keyless start, a tub liner, cruise control, a sliding rear cab window, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, a full-sized spare tyre and a rear-view camera with rear parking sensors.

Upgrading to the RAM 1500 Laramie range adds a set of 20-inch aluminium wheels, LED head and tail lights, a powered tailgate, electric side steps, partial leather upholstery with 10-way power-adjustable front seats, heated & ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, dual-zone climate control and remote engine start.

Stepping up to the RAM 1500 Laramie Sport adds a 12.0-inch digital instrument cluster, LED tray lighting and a tonneau cover, as well as the RamBox cargo system, which incorporates water-proof storage on the outside pillars of the rear tray and adds 420L of cargo space in total.

RAM's 1500 Limited range picks up 22-inch black alloys, as well as a panoramic sunroof, black premium leather upholstery with heated & ventilated rear seats and an air suspension package.

Finally, the range-topping 1500 TRX comes riding on 18-inch alloys with 35-inch all-terrain tyres, projector LED headlights, leather and suede upholstery, aluminium shifters and a sporty flat-bottom steering wheel.

RAM 1500 Connectivity & Infotainment Features

The entry-level RAM 1500 Big Horn comes packaged with an 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system atop the dashboard.

There are three USB-A ports inside the cabin, as well as two USB-C ports to keep your devices charged, with the infotainment system working alongside a six-speaker sound system.

Upgrading to the 1500 Laramie or above adds a larger 12.0-inch touchscreen infotainment display which proves a worthy upgrade, especially with satellite navigation, a wonderful 19-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system and a wireless smartphone charger thrown in for good measure.

Does the RAM 1500 Have Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto?

Potential buyers will be pleased to know that all members of the RAM 1500, from the entry-level Big Horn to the flagship TRX come with an infotainment system offering wireless smartphone mirroring.

This means you'll gain access to wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in all versions of the RAM 1500 to have your contacts, music and compatible navigation and productivity apps on the move.

Is the RAM 1500 Comfortable to Drive?

The RAM 1500 feels like a smooth and powerful loungeroom on wheels, making it perfect for cross-country touring with a caravan in tow.

Under that massive bonnet lies the key to the RAM 1500's effortless cruising, a monstrous 5.7-litre Hemi V8 with some 48-volt mild-hybrid tech that pushes out 291kW of power and 556Nm.

For those looking for the ultimate RAM experience, the flagship 1500 TRX comes powered by a larger, supercharged 6.2-litre V8 that pushes out an astonishing 523kW of power and 882Nm of torque.

Acceleration is unrelenting and linear, which gives its massive weight some impressive motivation off the line while the eight-speed automatic remains smooth around town and on a country road.

Peak torque is available from low down in the rev range which means the V8 feels unstressed, almost lazy at times, but doesn't skip a beat when it comes to providing some serious push.

Obviously, for such a large vehicle, it's not the most user-friendly to drive and park around town.

That said, RAM has done well to keep the steering fairly light so you can navigate your way into a vacant car space - if you find one big enough to accommodate.

The RAM 1500 really shines out on the open road, where it soaks up bumps with confidence and makes for a mighty impressive tourer.

The heavy-duty suspension package proves itself more than capable when tackling a country B-road, helping to keep the weight in check and maintaining a planted feel in the corners.

Opting for the 1500 Limited range also adds a trick air suspension system that helps to iron out larger bumps on the road.

All up, the RAM 1500 is a great partner in crime for tackling hundreds of kilometres in comfort, with its work-ready platform making it an effortless tourer and towing vehicle that has rightfully won the acclaim of buyers here in Australia.

How Much Can the RAM 1500 Carry and Tow?

Braked towing capacities for the RAM 1500 lineup stand at between 3,500kg in the Big Horn LWB and range-topping TRX, while the rest of the range adds another tonne of towing weight to the equation.

With a 70mm tow ball installed, the remaining members of the RAM 1500 range can tow up to 4,500kg, putting it on another level from the conventional ute segment.

• Braked Towing Capacity: 3,500 - 4,500kg

• Payload: 779 - 900kg

• Gross Vehicle Mass: 3,450kg

• Gross Combination Mass: 7,713kg

Is the RAM 1500 Fuel Efficient?

As you might imagine, a large-capacity Hemi V8 isn't going to win any awards when it comes to fuel-efficiency, but it's not as thirsty as you might anticipate.

With the help of RAM's 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, the majority of the 1500 range consumes 12.2L per 100km on a combined cycle, while the range-topping TRX has a monstrous thirst, consuming 19.6L per 100km.

• RAM 1500 Combined Cycle Fuel Consumption: 12.2L per 100km

• RAM 1500 TRX Combined Cycle Fuel Consumption: 19.6L per 100km

Is the RAM 1500 Practical and Spacious?

One of the key selling points of the RAM 1500 range, aside from its towing abilities, is the sheer amount of real estate on offer inside the cabin.

While a typical dual-cab ute is relatively family-friendly, the RAM 1500 asserts itself as one of the most spacious vehicles on the market today.

Step inside and you'll find there's no shortage of headroom and a clear view out of the long, swooping bonnet from the tall roofline.

The ergonomics are fantastic, with ten-way power-adjustable front seats and a flexible steering column to find your preferred seating position.

Better yet, the 1500's cabin is filled with clever, practical touches that provide tonnes of storage options for large families and those on a long trip around Australia.

There's a huge centre console separating the driver and front passenger which houses an adjustable storage system with neat, sliding cupholders, separate cubbies and two tiers of storage inside.

You'll also find massive bottle holders on each door sill and two gloveboxes in front of the passenger.

While things are pretty basic in the entry-level Big Horn range, the Laramie Sport and Limited throw in a handful of luxurious touches, while the TRX receives a more sporty cabin aesthetic.

Move to the second row and the RAM 1500 treats those seated in the rear to an abundance of space, making for a wonderful place to sit back on a long trip.

It takes the legroom experience to another level compared to the more conventional utes we've come to know and is something that may be difficult to come back from after being treated to a first-class experience in the back of the 1500.

Those seated in the rear are treated to air vents, map pockets, a folding centre armrest with cupholders, USB charging ports, a storage nook and added storage underneath the seats themselves.

For the parents out there, the RAM 1500 is indeed a family-friendly option thanks to two pairs of ISOFIX anchors at the seat base and three top tether mounts hiding behind the seatback.

How Big is the RAM 1500's Tray?

RAM offers the 1500 range in both short-wheelbase (if you can call it 'short') as well as long-wheelbase variants.

While the size of the tray depends on whether you're opting for the SWB or LWB, it's safe to assume the 1500 range has you pretty much covered for whatever you can throw at it.

RAM 1500 Short Wheelbase Tray Dimensions

• Length: 1,712mm

• Depth: 543mm

• Width: 1,676mm

• Width between wheel arches: 1,295mm

RAM 1500 Long Wheelbase Tray Dimensions

• Length: 1,937mm

• Depth: 543mm

• Width: 1,676mm

• Width between wheel arches: 1,295mm

RAM 1500 TRX Tray Dimensions

• Length: 1,712mm

• Depth: 543mm

• Width: 1,676mm

• Width between wheel arches: 1,295mm

Is the RAM 1500 Safe?

Buyers looking at the most affordable members of the RAM 1500 range may be disappointed to find out that Big Horn variants miss out on some key safety technologies.

As standard, the entry-level RAM 1500 Big Horn receives hill-start assist, a trailer sway control and traction control system, as well as electronic brake-force distribution, a rear-view camera with rear parking sensors and curtain airbags.

Stepping up to the 1500 Laramie adds autonomous emergency braking and a set of front-mounted parking sensors.

If you're looking for some key safety tech like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, lane-keep assistance with departure alerts, a surround-view monitor, adaptive cruise control and a semi-autonomous parking assistant, you'll need to upgrade to the RAM Laramie Sport.

Does the RAM 1500 Have an ANCAP Safety Rating?

The RAM 1500 is yet to be officially tested by ANCAP and does not wear a current ANCAP safety rating stamp.

What Warranty Does the RAM 1500 Come With?

RAM offers the MY24 1500 range with a fairly lacklustre factory warranty.

Buyers pick up a three-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty with their vehicle, with three years of roadside assistance thrown in to sweeten the deal.

Service intervals stand at a relatively short 12-months or 12,000-kilometres, whichever elapses first.

Our Verdict: Is the RAM 1500 Worth it?

While it might not be everyone's cup of tea, those planning to put their RAM 1500 to work will not be disappointed.

It's a powerhouse that can handle the rough and tumble of Australian country roads and offers extreme towing power that makes it a truly unique offering Down Under.

Keep in mind that entry-level variants don't pick up much in the way of active safety gear, nor creature comforts inside, so you may well be looking at stepping high into the range to get a solid equipment list.

If you're looking to upgrade to a new car, be sure to reach out to one of our car-buying specialists who can help find you the best possible price.

Five RAM 1500 Specs You Need to Know

1. Three-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty

2. 12-month/12,000-kilometre service intervals

3. 12.2 - 19.6L per 100km fuel economy

4. 3,500 - 4,500kg braked towing capacity (with 70mm tow ball)

5. No ANCAP safety rating