2023 Ram 1500 Big Horn: New, dearer entry model arrives

The 2023 Ram 1500 Big Horn has arrived in Australia as the cheapest ‘DT’ model, as the older ‘DS’-series enters run-out.

Ram Trucks Australia, managed by third-party distributor Ateco, said the Ram 1500 Big Horn would become the new “starting point to Ram ownership” once the older DS model stocks are cleared.

Priced from $119,950 before on-road costs in standard-wheelbase form, the 1500 Big Horn is $21,000 dearer than the older DS Express ute, which remained in production alongside its successor. It is currently in run-out at $98,950 drive-away.

The Big Horn is the most affordable version of the latest ‘DT’ series sold in Australia, competing against the entry-level Ford F-150 XLT available from $106,950 plus on-roads – but also the higher-spec $121,000 Chevrolet Silverado LTZ Premium.

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Like the F-150, a long-wheelbase Big Horn with a larger bed is available for $1000 extra at $120,950 plus on-roads, with the bed size rising from 1708mm (5’7”) to 1930mm (6’4”).

Compared to the existing DT-series 1500 Laramie, the Big Horn has halogen exterior lighting, an 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system without built-in satellite navigation (down from 12 inches), cloth upholstery, a smaller 3.5-inch instrument cluster display, and fewer USB ports.

It also has smaller 18-inch alloy wheels (down from 20-inch), a non-power tailgate, black plastic side mirror caps, no wireless phone charger, manually-adjustable seating, a six-speaker unbranded audio system, manual air conditioning, and no automatic high beam.

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Potentially life-saving autonomous emergency braking technology is also deleted from the Big Horn compared to the Laramie.

Ram vehicles sold in Australia use international specifications and are converted to right-hand drive by Walkinshaw Automotive in Melbourne. An optional active safety package is available in US-spec 1500 Big Horn variants, but this has not been selected for vehicles sent to Australia.

Under the bonnet, the Big Horn retains the 5.7-litre naturally-aspirated Hemi petrol V8 producing 291kW and 556Nm, matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Combined fuel consumption is rated at 12.2L/100km.

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The 4.5-tonne braked towing capacity is retained, in line with other full-size utes sold in Australia.

Year-to-date, 3979 Ram 1500 vehicles have been sold in Australia – compared to 1119 Chevy Silverados.

The ‘re-manufactured’ Ford F-150 is due to launch in Australia in September, while the Toyota Tundra remains likely for Australia in 2024.

The addition of the entry-level Ram 1500 Big Horn follows the recent arrival of the mid-spec Laramie Sport from $136,950 before on-road costs, adding a standard-fit RamBox storage solution and additional features over the Laramie.

The 2023 Ram 1500 Big Horn is now arriving in Australia.

2023 Ram 1500 pricing

All prices, except 1500 Express, exclude on-road costs.