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2026 RAM 1500 Express Black Edition confirmed for Australia

Ram Trucks Australia is expanded its local full-size pickup range with the introduction of the RAM 1500 Express Black Edition, positioned as the new entry point.

Due in Australian showrooms from June, 2026, the new variant is priced from $109,950 (excluding on-road costs), undercutting the existing Rebel and Laramie Sport grades while retaining the new twin-turbo inline-six powertrain.

2026 RAM 1500 Express Black Edition - rear

The Express Black Edition adopts a darker styling theme inspired by higher-spec models, with black exterior highlights across the grille, badging, mirror caps, door handles and 20-inch alloy wheels. A sports bonnet with a raised centre section is also included, along with black side steps and exhaust tips.

Under the bonnet sits the latest 3.0-litre twin-turbo ‘Hurricane’ inline-six petrol engine, producing 313kW and 635Nm. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and part-time four-wheel drive system, the engine delivers stronger outputs than the previous 5.7-litre HEMI V8 while also offering improved efficiency – as we saw completing a drive from Sydney to Melbourne on one tank last year.

Despite its lower positioning in the range, the Express Black Edition still carries substantial capability, with a 4500kg braked towing capacity when fitted with a 70mm tow ball, along with a 1014kg payload and 3505kg GVM. The GCM is 7711kg.

2026 RAM 1500 Express Black Edition - interior

Inside, the cabin includes cloth upholstery with black trim accents, an 8.4-inch infotainment system, digital instrument display, wireless smartphone connectivity and multiple storage compartments. Standard safety equipment spans adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assistance and trailer brake control.

The new model arrives as RAM looks to broaden the appeal of its full-size pickup in Australia, particularly for buyers stepping up from dual-cab utes who want greater towing ability and cabin space without moving to the higher-end variants.

The MY26 Ram 1500 range now opens with the Express Black Edition before stepping up through Rebel, Laramie Sport and Limited grades, alongside the larger RAM 2500/3500 HD Laramie heavy-duty models. See below for the full price list (excludes on-roads):

2026 RAM 1500 Express Black Edition (313kW): $109,950
2026 RAM 1500 Rebel (313kW): $141,950
2026 RAM 1500 Laramie Sport (313kW): $141,950
2026 RAM 1500 Limited (404kW): $159,950

2026 RAM 2500 HD Laramie: $172,950
2026 RAM 3500 HD Laramie: $177,950

Brett Davis

Brett started out as a motor mechanic but eventually became frustrated working on cars that weren't his. He then earned a degree in journalism and scored a job at Top Gear Australia back in 2008, and then worked at Zoom/Extreme Performance magazines, CarAdvice, and started PerformanceDrive/PDriveTV in 2011 with Josh Bennis. He's now the owner and managing editor here at Driving Enthusiast.

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