2025 RAM 1500's V8 blown off the menu by Hurricane straight-six

Ram has unveiled its new 1500 full-size pick-up that packs 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-sixes where there were once high-capacity V8s.

There's also an electric version, known as the 1500 REV (from Q4 2024), that will form part of the range while a separate, 1100km driving range Ramcharger plug-in hybrid has also been confirmed.

“The new 2025 Ram 1500 brings our customers more: more power, more performance and more fuel efficiency with our all-new 3.0-liter Hurricane engines,” said Ram brand CEO, Stellantis Tim Kuniskis.

Ram's Australian importer, Ateco, is yet to confirm if and when right-hand drive conversions of the new 1500 will commence.

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Six where there were once eight...

Ram replaces eight with six

Ram claims the 3.0-litre Hurricane straight-six is all-new.

It features a deep-skirt cast aluminium block, structural alloy oil pan, forged crankshaft and connecting rods to balance strength, outputs and weight.

The resulting 'standard' engine's outputs are 313kW/636Nm, improvements of 22kW and 90Nm over the 5.7-litre V8 with the added benefit of lower fuel consumption – though Ram is yet to quantify savings.

Come the third quarter, a High Output (H/O) version will arrive with 403kW and 707Nm, up on the standard car but down on the 6.2-litre TRX's 523kW and 882Nm. '

Ram hasn't ruled out a revitalisation of TRX in the future, but at least the H/O will be a nice addition for now.

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The 1500 Rebel has an off-road pitch

At the bottom of the range, the 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 hybrid continues, now developing 228kW and 365Nm. All variants use a 'TorqueFlite' eight-speed automatic.

The peak braked towing capacity in the US is 5253kg (11,580lbs) with the heavy-duty tow hitch. There's up to 1043kg of payload and it'll wade depths to 610mm.

In North America, the Ram 1500 is available in rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive with open, limited-slip and electronically-locked rear differentials and various axle ratios to best suit towing or off-road needs.

As before, the ladder-frame Ram 1500 uses double-wishbone front suspension but it has a new five-link solid rear axle and – for the first time in this segment – optional four-corner air suspension with five selectable heights just like a Range Rover.

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Got a boat? The Ram 1500 will probably tow it.

What variants are offered?

Outside, the Ram 1500 takes many design cues from its back catalogue, blending tough looks with contemporary detailing.

A new R-A-M badge features prominently on the classic grille, and care has been taken to make the bed and cab fit flush to engance aerodynamics. 'Jewel'-like LED taillights complete the look.

At the top of the 1500 tree sits the new Tungsten model with Indigo/Sea Salt two-tone Natura Plys leather upholstery, diamond-knurled knobs, heated and ventilated seats with 24-way power adjustment and massage function.

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The new Ram 1500 Tungsten's cabin. Pretty lush for a work ute.

Backing up the luxe appointments is a new tech suite featuring uConnect 5 with smartphone key technology.

There's a 14.5-inch central touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital driver's display and – on certain grades – a 10.25-inch touchscreen for passengers, just like in the Jeep Grand Cherokee L.

The Tungsten scores premium Klipsch audio with 1228 watts of power pumping out of 23 speakers including a 12-inch subwoofer and two one-inch titanium dome tweeters.

Buyers will be able to option a 1.8kW onboard power inverter with two covered outlets in the bed – perfect for powering tools on the worksite or gear when you're camping.

Naturally, the RamBox cargo solution is offered on the new 1500.

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There's a digital rear-view mirror optional, and Ram claims the new 1500 has over 100 driver assistance technologies including level two hands-off motorway autonomy.

Below the Tungsten sit the Limited, Limited Longhorn, off-road focused Rebel, mid-spec Laramie, Big Horne/Lone Star and entry-level Tradesman.

Ateco – Ram's Australian importer – has yet to announce plans for the updated Ram 1500. It will go on sale in North America next year with the core grades to be joined with the 1500 Hurrican H/O due in Q3, followed by the REV electric version in Q4.

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A high-output Hurricane is coming...

When the Ram arrives, it will face off against the Chevrolet Silverado, Toyota Tundra, and recently-updated Ford F-150 full-size utes.

The move away from V8s and towards electrification comes down to the goals of Stellantis – Ram's parent company. It aims to half its carbon emissions by 2030 on the way to net zero in 2038.