The RAM 1500 has carved out a strong presence in Australia’s burgeoning full-size pickup segment, offering American-style muscle with premium comfort. Things will change this year, in a big way, as RAM is getting rid of the HEMI V8 and replacing it with a new inline-six engine family. So, if you’ve always loved the idea of a big V8 ute, you’re options are getting slim.
Imported and remanufactured to right-hand drive by RAM Trucks Australia, the 1500 has been a sales success since its local arrival. During 2024, RAM delivered 3239 1500s to customers. And although that was down 45.3 per cent on the previous year, it remains the most popular full-size pickup against the Silverado (2389 units) and Ford F-150 (2428 units), according to VFACTS figures.
As for the Laramie variant, it bridges the gap between the rugged workhorse Big Horn and the luxury Limited RamBox. But does it justify its price premium over mainstream dual-cab utes? Let’s take a look.
2024 RAM 1500 Laramie HEMI V8: Specifications
Engine: 5.7-litre petrol V8 mild-hybrid
Output: 291kW@5600rpm / 556Nm@3950rpm
Gearbox: Eight-speed auto
Drive type: Selectable RWD/4WD
Wheels: F & R: 20×9.0, 275/55
ANCAP: Not tested
Tare weight: 2553kg
Power-to-weight: 8.77:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 12.2L/100km
Our consumption: 14.4L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 98L/91 RONPower efficiency: 23.85kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 3.30 seconds*
0-100km/h: 7.27 seconds*
60-110km/h: 5.47 seconds*
1/4 mile: 15.25 seconds at 150.8km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.935g*
100-0km/h braking: 45.49m in 3.59 seconds*
Max deceleration: -1.146g*
Decibel at idle: 45*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 79*
Starting price: $138,900 drive-away
*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different
2024 RAM 1500 Laramie HEMI V8: How much does it cost?
Prices for the Laramie start from $138,900 drive-away. It’s not cheap, including against the Ford F-150 which starts from $106k – although, the equivalent F-150 SWB Lariat starts from a very close $139,950 (but excluding on-roads). Stepping down to the Big Horn SWB drops the price to $114,950 drive-away.
In terms of its own lineup, the 1500 Laramie seems to walk the best balance between luxury and comfort, capability, and practicality. You can get the ‘RamBox’ storage system with the Laramie Sport RamBox for a few grand more. All are powered by a 5.7-litre petrol V8, at the time of writing.
2024 RAM 1500 Laramie HEMI V8: Interior & packaging
One of the Laramie’s biggest selling points is its cabin. Unlike most utes in the Australian market, the RAM 1500 offers a level of space and refinement that leans closer to a high-end SUV. The front seats are broad and well-cushioned, offering both heating and ventilation as standard. Leather-trimmed upholstery, wood-inspired accents, and a 12-inch vertical touch-screen create an upmarket feel, complemented by the latest Uconnect 5 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Storage solutions are aplenty, with a massive centre console, deep door bins, and RAM’s clever in-floor storage compartments in the second row. The dual-cab configuration provides limo-like rear passenger space, making it one of the most comfortable pickups on the market.
What’s great about it all though is the practicality. A wireless phone charger is featured in the front, but it’s not just a typical pad. Instead, this uses a very handy rubber clamp system to stop your phone from sliding about. It’s also got both USB-A and -C ports in the front and back, so you don’t have to fumble around with different cords. And the touch-screen itself is one of the easiest to use on the market, with simple menu flow yet heaps of depth and functionality if you want to dive in deeper.
Up at the back the 1500 SWB (short wheelbase) boasts a cavernous cargo tub, with a bed length of 1712mm and width of 1687mm, with 1295mm between the wheel arches. A typical full-size pallet in Australia is 1165mm by 1165mm, for reference. There’s also a sliding tie-hook rail and hooks on the floor.
2024 RAM 1500 Laramie HEMI V8: Powertrain & handling
Under the bonnet lies the tried-and-true 5.7-litre HEMI V8, producing 291kW and 556Nm. Peak power is reached at just 5600rpm, suggestive of its casual and relaxed attitude, but then peak torque isn’t available until 3950rpm. That’s not a huge window, especially compared with modern forced-induction engines.
However, does a vehicle like this really need a high-revving NASCAR engine? No, of course not. This is all about effortless cruising including while towing. In fact, if I was serious about towing stuff, heavy stuff, this is exactly the type of vehicle I’d go for.
The braked towing capacity is 4500kg for starters. And with a GCM of 7713kg, minus the hefty kerb weight of 2617kg, you’re left with 596kg of payload. Imagine that, towing a 4000kg trailer and still having 1.1 tonnes of payload left over for passengers and equipment.
Not only that, the long and wide platform with a wide footprint means the 1500 is more likely to remain stable and sure-footed in gusty winds and on winding roads when towing. As a general rule, it’s usually better for the tow vehicle to be heavier than the trailer. Although that’s not commonly possible, at least here you’re getting close.
Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the RAM delivers effortless performance through the gears. Being naturally aspirated provides a linear and responsive delivery, backed by a throaty exhaust note that adds to the majestic driving experience. Across the 0-100km/h sprint we clocked a best time of 7.27 seconds. Not bad for a big beast like this, and certainly quicker than any dual-cab diesel rival.
Fuel consumption remains a sticking point, with an official claim of 12.2L/100km, though real-world figures can push higher under load. We averaged 14.4L/100km. With its 98L fuel tank, range anxiety is minimised thanks to a theoretical average range of 803km.
Taking a look at our ‘power-efficiency’ ratio (peak power divided by the official L/100km), it’s actually making good use of the fuel for a naturally aspirated engine. The ratio is 23.85kW:L/100km – anything above 20 is decent.
The eTorque mild-hybrid system helps during stop-start driving, running a 48V generator that helps spin the engine over without the need for a starter motor. It does provide some assistance while driving but it’s difficult to feel what benefit it brings.
On-road, the RAM 1500 Laramie impresses with its composed ride. Thanks to its coil-sprung rear suspension – unique in this class – the truck glides over bumps more smoothly than traditional leaf-sprung utes. Steering is light for such a large vehicle, but its sheer size can still be intimidating in tight city streets.
What I do like is the 275/55 tyre size; nice and wide. Lots of newcomers are hitting the scene, such as the BYD Shark 6 (265/65), which are quite heavy (2710kg) yet feature narrow tyres for such a heavy vehicle. With these you know you’re getting a well-balanced footprint.
In saying that, RAM has gone with Nexen tyres for the Laramie. These are not the best in my opinion, with braking performance potentially suffering more than it needs to. The Vbox returned a 100-0km/h stopping distance of 45.49m. Most utes can stop in around 40-43m on the same piece of tarmac.
Off-road capability is okay, with selectable 4WD and a ‘4WD Auto’ mode for tarmac driving – perfect for pulling boats out of the water on slippery ramps. But the ground clearance of 217mm and 18.6-degree break-over angle means you will scrub the belly on undulating terrains. Without the all-terrain focus of the mighty TRX, the Laramie is more suited to dirt tracks and towing rather than hardcore off-roading.
2024 RAM 1500 Laramie HEMI V8: Key attractions/reasons to buy
- Soothing V8 power: The HEMI V8 provides effortless cruising capability, and a lovely sound.
- Best interior in its class: In our opinion, this blends luxury, practicality and functionality the best out of all big pickup trucks in Australia. It’s more akin to a premium SUV than a workhorse.
- Ride quality: With coil springs at the rear, the suspension delivers decent comfort over rough roads compared to leaf-sprung rivals.
- Towing capability: A 4500kg braked towing capacity and 7713kg GCM mean the RAM 1500 easily outperforms most mainstream utes in towing realms.
2024 RAM 1500 Laramie HEMI V8: Key considerations before you buy
- Fuel consumption: Yes, the HEMI V8 is thirsty, especially when towing or carrying a full load. But this is a big and heavy vehicle – it will be interesting to see how the upcoming inline-six performs.
- Price: Starting at around $120k for the base Big Horn, the 1500 is significantly pricier than popular dual-cab utes, and about $14k more than the entry Ford F-150. However, spec-for-spec, this Laramie is cheaper than the F-150 Lariat ($140k) but not the Chevrolet Silverado LTZ ($130k).
- Limited off-road performance: While capable, the Laramie lacks the off-road functionality found in other trim levels, and against some rivals. This uses road tyres and offers comparatively low ground clearance at 217mm (F-150 Lariat SWB; 239mm, Silverado LTZ; 231mm).
2024 RAM 1500 Laramie HEMI V8: Video
How does it rate against its rivals?
- Price
- Quality look & feel
- Interior tech
- Powertrain performance
- Ride & handling
- X-factor (does it stand out in its class?)
Final word
The 2024 RAM 1500 Laramie HEMI V8 remains a compelling choice for buyers who need serious towing capacity and crave a luxury-like driving experience. It excels in comfort, road presence, and brute power. However, its high price, fuel consumption, and size make it a niche proposition compared with traditional dual-cab utes in Australia.
