Ram 1500: New-gen base model arrives, old-gen in run-out

Ram Trucks Australia is introducing a new entry-level version of the DT-generation 1500 pickup, as the older and cheaper DS-generation 1500 is now in “run-out mode”.

The Ram 1500 Big Horn is available to be ordered now and is available in a 5’7″ and 6’4″ tub variants. They are priced at $119,950 and $120,950 before on-road costs, respectively.

This is around $21,000 more expensive DS-generation 1500 Express Crew Cab that’s in run-out, and around $8000 cheaper than the DT-generation 1500 Laramie Crew Cab.

Like the rest of the DT range, the 1500 Big Horn is powered by the same 5.7-litre naturally aspirated ‘Hemi’ V8 petrol engine with a 48V mild-hybrid system that enables cylinder deactivation and refined engine stop-start. It produces 291kW of power and 556Nm.

This is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with drive sent through a full-time four-wheel drive system.

Ram claims the 1500 Big Horn has a combined fuel consumption of 12.2L/100km.

The Ram 1500 Big Horn has a braked towing capacity of 4500kg and a maximum payload of 900kg.

On the safety front the new 1500 variant comes with a “full suite of airbags”, front and rear parking sensors, a trailer sway control function, cruise control, and hill-start assist.

The 2024 Ram 1500 Big Horn also comes standard with the following equipment:

18-inch alloy wheelsTubliner“Multiple” tie-down pointsBed stepElectric rear sliding cab window8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment systemWireless Apple CarPlay and Android AutoElectrochromatic rear-view mirrorLeather-wrapped steering wheelHeated steering wheelHeated front seats60/40 stadium folding rear bench

The announcement of this new 1500 Big Horn variant comes just a few weeks after Ram Trucks Australia introduced the 1500 Laramie Sport that slots between the Laramie and Limited.

The entire Ram 1500 range is remanufactured from left- to right-hand drive locally in Melbourne, Victoria. The company recently celebrated converting 20,000 Ram 1500 and 2500 models.

The Ram 1500 goes head-to-head with the Chevrolet Silverado, but will soon go up against the Ford F-150 which is set to arrive in the third quarter of this year.

It’ll also go up against the Toyota Tundra, which has yet to be officially confirmed for Australia but is looking more likely for a 2024 launch.

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