The RAM 1500 Express Black Edition seems to have a straightforward mission; make full-size American pickup ownership more attainable. At just under $110,000 before on-road costs, it significantly lowers the entry point into the RAM lineup while retaining the attributes that have made these trucks so popular in Australia.
To achieve that price, RAM has pared back some luxury equipment rather than the fundamentals. Underneath, it retains the same twin-turbo ‘Hurricane’ inline-six engine as the more expensive Rebel and Laramie Sport, along with the same imposing dimensions, generous cabin and 4500kg towing capacity. For many buyers, that combination could prove to be the sweet spot of the range.
2026 RAM 1500 Express Black Edition: Specifications
Engine: 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline-6
Output: 313kW@5200rpm / 635Nm@3500rpm
Gearbox: Eight-speed auto
Drive type: RWD/4WD
Wheels: F & R: 20×9.0, 275/55
Braked towing: 4500kg (70mm ball)
GVM/GCM: 3505kg/7711kgKerb weight: 2491kg
Power-to-weight: 7.95:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 10.7L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 98L/91 RON
Power efficiency: 29.25kW:L/100km
0-100km/h: 5.92 seconds*
Starting price: $109,950
*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day using a 20Hz Vbox Sport. Manufacturers’ claims may be different
2026 RAM 1500 Express Black Edition: How much does it cost?
Priced from $109,950 (excluding on-roads), the new 1500 Express is actually the most affordable American pickup truck on sale, officially, undercutting the Ford F-150 XLT ($114,950) and Chevrolet Silverado LTZ ($134,990). Further beyond is the Toyota Tundra, starting from $155,990, although it does feature a proper hybrid powertrain.
Interestingly, prices have gone up for almost all new vehicles in recent years (all products in general, really), but since the 1500 Express was last on sale in Australia, the price has jumped by around 10 per cent, with the old V8 Express kicking off from $98,950 in 2023. In that time frame the Honda Civic Type R, different style of vehicle, obviously, but even so its price has climbed from roughly $73,000 to $85,500 today. That’s about 15 per cent.
At this price it is less than the Rebel and Laramie Sport with the same engine, and showcases a unique ‘black pack’ theme with various exterior trimmings in black, including the vents for the standard performance bonnet, black badges, and unique 20-inch matt black alloy wheels. So, what’s missing?
2026 RAM 1500 Express Black Edition: Interior & packaging
Inside, the Express Black Edition doesn’t feel like a stripped-out work truck. Yes, the infotainment screen is smaller than those fitted to higher grades, consisting of an 8.4-inch square unit as opposed to the large rectangular vertical-style setup. But it provides all of the essentials, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a reversing camera.
The rest of the cabin continues to demonstrate why full-size American pickups have developed such a loyal following. Interior space is enormous, with generous room in both rows and enough storage compartments to swallow just about anything you carry day to day. The huge centre console alone is almost big enough to accommodate a person.
Speaking of which, the Express comes with the very handy adjustable/sliding console rubber-lined bucket, with cup holders and a deep storage box and massive arm rest. You get the clamp-type phone holder which braces your phone upright, however, there is no wireless charger backboard like in upper variants. A cluster of four USB ports remains (two -A and two -B).
At first you might think a cloth upholstery is a bit basic. But, in reality, it’s warmer in winter and cooler in summer. It means no heating/cooling functions, though. While leather has become something of a status symbol, cloth, in our opinion, is the more comfortable option in Australia’s climate. Especially if you’re travelling long distances.
The rear seat area is so large it makes you smirk in disbelief – how could anyone possibly need this much legroom? Well, nobody. But it sure creates an open and relaxing living environment. Climates vents sit on the back of the chunky centre console, with cup holders, but the four-port USB cluster is removed on the Express. So is the flip-down centre armrest. The clever floor pockets remain on each side, perfect for storing mucky gloves or wet gear as they are fully sealed.
Other compromises over the upper variants include an inferior six-speaker sound system compared with the kicking 19-speaker unit, and there’s a smaller 7.0-inch display screen for the instrument cluster with actual dials and needles. This combination, in our opinion, presents a more pleasing, 3D aesthetic over the full digital setup anyway.
Overall, while it lacks some of the premium finishes of the Laramie and Limited, the Express gets on just fine and remains totally supportive of everyday use.
2026 RAM 1500 Express Black Edition: Powertrain & handling
Out is the old 5.7-litre HEMI V8 and in is RAM’s 3.0-litre twin-turbo ‘Hurricane’ inline-six. In the Express it produces a meaty 313kW and 635Nm, matching the Laramie Sport and Rebel. For reference, the old V8 Express may have sounded good, but it developed 291kW and 556Nm.
On paper, it’s a clear improvement. Not only does it offer substantially more power and torque than the outgoing V8, it also posts a lower official average fuel consumption figure of 10.7L/100km compared with 12.2L/100km in the old V8. And we can confirm this figure is achievable while cruising, because last year we drove from Sydney to Melbourne on one tank, easily, and recorded an average of 9.5L/100km (1117km on one tank).
For a vehicle designed to tow and haul, the extra torque is the most important gain. It means you don’t have to constantly rev the engine to get things done. This reaches highway speed limits without any effort at all. Often quicker than you expect. It’s so smooth and refined as well, emitting a mere hum in the background.
Despite its size and weight, the Express Black Edition is genuinely quick. We tested 0–100km/h in just 5.92 seconds on a less-than-ideal surface. That’s the same sort of acceleration we’ve timed in the Ford Ranger Raptor – a dedicated performance machine. There is probably more in this as well given it is about 130kg lighter in weight than the Laramie Sport (the best time we’ve tested in that is 5.84s).
The eight-speed automatic complements the engine perfectly, delivering clean, uninterrupted shifts while making the most of the thick mid-range torque. However, unlike all variants above this, the Express misses out on the 4A adaptive four-wheel drive system. You still have 4H high-range and 4L low-range, but it means you cannot drive this on dry tarmac with the added safety and security of 4WD.
This a pretty big letdown in our view, especially for a vehicle that is synonymous with towing and carrying heavy loads. In wet conditions, 4A can be a huge stability benefit. RAM isn’t alone, though, Ford removes 4A in its equivalent base-spec XLT F-150 as well.
Ride quality is a major strength. Like other RAM 1500 variants, the coil-sprung rear suspension provides a level of comfort and control that many traditional leaf-sprung dual-cab utes simply can’t match. It settles comfortably on long highway journeys, reinforcing the truck’s reputation as an effortless long-distance tourer, while remaining compliant and confident along rapid-frequency bumpy back roads.
One often-overlooked advantage of the Express is its lower kerb weight. Because it carries less equipment than higher-spec models, it leaves more usable GVM and GCM available when towing at maximum capacity. The braked towing rating is 4500kg (with a 70mm ball), with the same 3505kg GVM and 7711kg GCM as the Laramie Sport.
With its kerb weight of 2491kg, it means you have 720kg left-over in the GCM, but you’ll run into the GVM before that based on a 450kg towball download at max towing capacity. Even so, 564kg of remaining GVM mean you can legally tow 4500kg and have weight to spare for five big adults, or about four adults and plenty of luggage.
For buyers regularly hauling heavy caravans, horse floats or machinery, that makes it arguably the most practical variant in the lineup despite being the least expensive.
2026 RAM 1500 Express Black Edition: First impressions
The Express Black Edition successfully delivers the core appeal of the RAM 1500 at a more accessible price point. It retains the spacious cabin, exceptional on-road comfort, outstanding Hurricane engine, and impressive towing credentials, while deleting only a handful of luxury features that many buyers may never miss.
The smaller infotainment display does make the cabin feel less modern than higher grades, and some buyers will inevitably miss the theatre and soundtrack of the old HEMI V8. However, the main drawback in our view is the deleted 4A mode.
2026 RAM 1500 Express Black Edition: Video
