The RAM 1500 has long been a favourite among full-size pickup buyers in Australia, combining muscle, utility, and luxury in one imposing package. For 2025, RAM Trucks Australia is shaking things up by replacing the beloved 5.7L HEMI V8 with a new-generation inline-six called the Hurricane.
Available in two variants, the Laramie Sport (SO) and the Limited (HO) flagship, the twin-turbo 3.0L six promises more power, more torque, and improved efficiency over its predecessor. But does the Hurricane-powered RAM retain the character that buyers love? And/or does it matter? Let’s take a look.
2025 RAM 1500: Specifications
Engine: 3.0L twin-turbo inline-6CYL
Output: 313kW/635Nm – 403kW/707Nm
Gearbox: Eight-speed auto
Drive type: RWD/4WD
0-100km/h: 5.70s – 5.21s*
Starting price: $139,950 – $159,950
*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different
2025 RAM 1500: How much does it cost?
Prices start from $139,950 for the Laramie Sport, and the Limited starts from $159,950 (excluding on-road costs.)
Although it is still a very expensive package in Australia compared with prices in the USA for equivalent models, you are getting more standard features and inclusions this time around.
If you’re wondering, the V8 is still available in some trim levels. RAM Australia says it has enough stock to last until around the third quarter of 2025. As reported, RAM in the USA has all but confirmed it is going to bring back the V8. But by the time it makes it to Australia (if it happens), we could be in 2027 or beyond by the time local adjustments and compliance are completed.
2025 RAM. 1500: Interior & Packaging
The 2025 RAM 1500 doesn’t just bring powertrain updates; its cabin has also been modernised and packed with high-end features. A 14.4-inch infotainment touch-screen takes centre stage, integrating nicely within the dash design and not simply stuck on like an after-thought. There’s also a convenient arrangement of physical buttons around the screen for speedy access to common functions.
It offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a heap of in-built apps such as trailer functions and camera views, while an additional 10.25-inch touch-screen sits ahead of the front passenger. This secondary display allows co-pilots to control media, input navigation, or even watch movies via a connected device. A privacy film over the top is included so the driver can’t see the passenger screen, to eliminate distraction – it looks like the screen is off from the driver’s side.
The Limited trim pushes things even further into premium territory, introducing massaging front seats with five settings and three speeds – a first for the RAM 1500 – while adding surround-view cameras, heated and cooled rear seats, and special lighting and puddle lamps. Both models come equipped with a dual-pane panoramic sunroof as standard, retractable power side steps, and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
Cabin space remains one of the 1500’s biggest attractions. It is massive in here, with more than enough legroom for all passengers including the middle seat, lots of practical storage solutions front and back, and at least 10 USB ports (there might be more but that’s what I counted). RAM’s innovative RamBox system and a power tailgate come standard, enhancing everyday usability.
Fit and finish feels solid, with plush materials and well-executed details, though there are some fake wood trimmings. But these are very subtle and suit the mood of the cabin. Overall quality is superb, and seems identical to production. As in, there are no clues that this has been converted to right-hand drive after initially being produced and shipped over in left-hand drive form.
Up at the back the tray stretches 5ft 7in in length, and 543mm deep. The RamBox containers measure 210L on both sides. Maximum towing capacity is 4500kg for the Laramie and 4200kg for the Limited, with a GVM of 3505kg for both variants, but a GCM of 7711kg for the Laramie and 7285kg for the Limited. With a lower kerb weight, the same GVM, and higher GCM and max towing, the Laramie seems the obvious pick if you’re planning serious heavy towing on a regular basis.
2025 RAM 1500: Powertrain & handling
Now then, how well or badly does the Hurricane replace the 5.7L V8? There are two states of tune, the Standard Output (SO) and the High Output (HO). And straight off the bay, power and torque are up compared with the V8, even in SO form.
The SO produces 313kW at 5200rpm, and 635Nm at 3500rpm. That’s up from 291kW at 5900rpm and 596Nm at 3950rpm of the V8. As you can see, peak torque is available from lower revs, as is peak power. This means it requires less effort to get the job done.
Stepping up to the HO sees outputs boosted to a whopping 403kW at 5900rpm, and 707Nm from 3500rpm as well. This is achieved through higher revs (the rev limit is lifted from 5800rpm to 6100rpm from the SO), turbo boost increases from 22psi to 26psi, and twin fuel pumps are used instead of one. The compression ratio is dropped from 10.4:1 to 9.5:1 to help manage the extra boost as well.
These figures represent a major leap over the old HEMI V8, offering faster acceleration, improved towing performance, and a more refined power delivery. Fuel economy on the combined cycle is listed at 10.74L/100km in the SO and 11.79L/100km in the HO. Both well below the 12.2L/100km rating from the less powerful V8.
Our test drive mainly comprised performance testing along with a short drive around a proving ground circuit that is designed to represent a typical Aussie country road. In other words, our real-world fuel consumption wasn’t worth noting. But with their effortless nature, I suspect real-world economy would be a decent improvement over the V8 as well, including when towing (thanks to more torque).
Power is sent through an eight-speed automatic transmission, with multiple drive modes (Auto, Sport, Tow, Snow, Off-Road) ensuring adaptability, with RWD, 4WD Auto, 4WD, and 4L. While all rivals use a 10-speed, this eight-speed seems like a better fit, especially for these high-torque engines. It has no trouble pulling through long gearing. Having more ratios would likely result in an interrupted drive. Kick-down is quick and the upshifts are rapid enough for this style of vehicle.
On the road, the Hurricane six-cylinder feels more responsive than the outgoing V8, despite being turbocharged. It feels like peak boost is available just off idle, because there is a strong surge straight off the mark. Speaking off which, we timed 0-100km/h in 5.70 seconds in the SO and 5.21 seconds in the HO using a Vbox. Neither are slow, that’s for sure.
Going for the Limited adds air suspension to enhances ride comfort and versatility. On choppy surfaces it does feel slightly firmer, but wheel movement control seems better managed over the standard spring setup in the SO/Laramie Sport. Body roll also feels reduced. The Limited does wear 22-inch wheels, from 20s on the SO, which may contribute to that initial firmness.
The wheels are wrapped in Nexen 275/55 tyres on the SO, and 285/45 Pirelli Scorpions on the HO. A full-size 20-inch spare wheel is located under the tub on both variants as standard. In my opinion, the Pirellis offer superior grip and braking performance over the Nexen rubber.
2025 RAM 1500: First impressions
The 2025 RAM 1500 Hurricane marks a bold shift for RAM Trucks Australia, swapping V8 nostalgia for modern turbocharged muscle. But fans can rest assured, the new six delivers serious performance gains and versatility over the V8. About the only thing you’ll miss is the burbling soundtrack.
As for the rest of the package, the refreshed interior, expanded tech suite, and increased standard kit and practicality measures ensure the 1500 remains as one of the most premium and capable full-size pickups on sale in Australia. And now it’s the quickest – according to our tests.
2025 RAM 1500: Video
