Ram Trucks Australia recently added the Laramie Sport to its model range, bridging the gap between the most affordable and top-of-the-line variants. Trent Nikolic spent his time with a truck that, on paper at least, looks to have what it takes to appeal to Australian buyers eyeing the full-size segment.
The engine is powerful but very efficient
Cabin comfort and space is outstanding
Good hard worker but also a great tourist
2023 Ram 1500 Laramie Sport
Full-size US pick-up truck. Yes, it's a truck. So does the Ranger and HiLux actually, but that's an argument for another day. Where was I?
Yes, it's a truck, yes, it's full-size, yes, it's American in every way, and yes, it's a relatively new sight (certainly in large numbers) on our urban streets. That they are targets of ridicule is simply the mood of the moment—soft targets and so on.
We'll cover why you shouldn't buy one if you live in a city center with no parking later, but you won't see too many of them in the middle of our big cities. However, this has not stopped various interest groups from complaining about them.
However, if you look at the sales figures, these numbers will persist. And I suspect that will continue to happen when they also permanently switch to electric power. This segment, and the capabilities it brings, is popular with Australian buyers.
At the front of the queue is Ram Trucks Australia. There's no denying that the conversion of left-hand drive vehicles to right-hand drive in our market has been a minor concern over the years, that's a fact, and we've tested quite a few of those products over the years.
However, Ram Trucks Australia was the first company to implement this concept on a large scale, and not only converted but also remanufactured some components to offer well-engineered vehicles to Australian buyers. Stories detailing the investment, number of jobs, and infrastructure required have been told by Drive before, but Ram Trucks Australia put its money where its mouth is and delivered a quality product.
Therefore, it is now a segment in Australia and not a night flight. There are some things these trucks can't do well – such as underground parking lots or narrow city highways – but their capabilities far outweigh any shortcomings. When it comes to work, towing, or touring, few things do it like a full-size pick-up truck. Of course, towing stands out as something this vehicle does with absolute ease, and nothing else can match it.
When you talk to owners in rural areas, the first thing they will tell you is that nothing else can do what they need to do as easily as the Ram they are driving. It's time to look at the newest entrant in the growing Ram 1500 lineup.
How much does a Ram 1500 cost in Australia?
The availability of the Laramie Sport spec grade we tested here comes as Ram Trucks Australia tightens its range and discontinues the older generation model that was hugely popular on Australian roads. Josh Dowling reported the following in July:
As Ram Trucks Australia prepares to phase out the sub-$100,000 edition that has driven much of its sales growth in Australia over the past eight years – the 'DS Series Ram 1500 Express – Ram Trucks Australia is filling in the remainder of the newer 'DT Series'. ' line up. While most of the current Ram 1500 range in Australia ranges from $98,950 to $156,950, the newly introduced Ram 1500 Laramie Sport is priced from $136,950 plus on-road costs. The high-performance supercharged TRX tops the range at $224,950.
The Ram 1500 Laramie Sport, then, is set apart from the rest of the Ram 1500 lineup via color-coded bumpers, grille and mirrors, a black roof lining, carbon fiber-look trim inside the cabin on the dash and doors, a 12-inch widescreen digital instrument cluster, unique alloy wheels 20 inches, and RamBox cargo storage in the rear quarter panel. LED headlights and taillights are standard equipment. The Laramie Sport is available in Australia in three colors – white, black, or grey.
As mentioned above, pricing for this model starts at $136,950 before on-road costs, and given US pick-ups are heavily specified regardless of trim grade, you won't need to add anything to the options list. If you're looking for a current comparison, a GMSV Silverado 1500 in ZR2 spec starts at $124,000 before on-road costs, while the new Ford F-150 Lariat starts at $139,950. However, it's fair to say that Ford will go with two model classes from launch, and the Lariat is the best.
The Laramie Sport is a step above the most affordable DT 1500, the Big Horn, and below the Limited we've previously tested. If you don't need all the extras you get when upgrading the range, this may be the right model for you.
With the Toyota Tundra still in the fray, there's no doubt that Australian buyers have never had a better experience when it comes to full-size trucks in this country. The quality of remanufacturing and conversion work is top-notch across all brands, and a wide range of models and qualities are available.
Ram Trucks Australia deserves credit for being the first to identify the market and pursue it with significant investment and resources. Given the Ram's popularity in Australia, this was an investment that paid off.
Important 2023 Ram 1500 Laramie Sport details
The price is $136,950 plus on-road costs
The color of the test car is bright white
Options None
The price as tested was $136,950 plus on-road costs
Rivals Ford the F-150 | Chevrolet Silverado | Toyota LC79
How much space does a Ram 1500 have inside?
Ram claims the Laramie Sport has the largest cabin in its class, and it certainly feels like the chairman's lounge when you're upfront. Visibility is excellent, aided not only by the seating position and adjustability but also by the height at which you sit, which is also one of the reasons the Ram 1500 is such a capable tow vehicle. Visibility makes driving much safer, no matter what segment you're on.
The front and rear doors are large, open wide, and make getting in or out of the Ram easier than you might think. Retractable electric side steps are a winner when it comes to simple functionality. They're wide enough to safely accommodate large boots, but they're also sturdy and don't feel like they're going to break when you jump on them. Furthermore, if Ram quotes five seats, that means you can accommodate five adults comfortably.
As we've noted on the Ram before, the cabin is where they best illustrate their chops as America's family transportation of choice in many states. This means they are comfortable, practical, insulated, and have plenty of storage, making the most of the large space on offer.
The partially covered leather seats are comfortable – they are heated and cooled in the front with folding armrests. They are eight-way adjustable, with waist adjustment as well. Ram has added active noise cancellation and acoustic glass to reduce ambient noise as much as possible, which the manufacturer says makes this the quietest 1500 ever.
The two outer rear seats are not only heated but also get manually reclining backrests and are limousine-like in terms of leg, shoulder, and headroom. Ram calls the rear bench a '60:40 stadium folding' design, and there's also a folding center armrest with cupholders in the back row.
Door pockets, a large center console area, clever solutions for storing your large smartphone, and plenty of cupholders throughout the cabin make the Ram 1500 Laramie Sport an attractive family touring alternative. If you're on the road for a long period, you'll be able to do it comfortably, there's no doubt about that.
20 23 Ram 1500 Laramie Sport
Seat Five
Payload 779kg
Length 5916mm
Width 2084mm
Height 1971mm
Wheelbase 3672mm
Does the Ram 1500 have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Thanks to its portrait orientation, the infotainment screen is the first thing you'll see when you step to the front of the cabin, as it dominates the center of the dashboard. Measuring 12 inches, it's large enough that everything you need or want to see is displayed, but designed so that it can sit on the dash, rather than looking like an afterthought that was just thrown onto the dash without much thought. aesthetics.
Cleverly, portrait orientation, as we've noted on other systems, lets you display your smartphone's mirrored screen on top, as it might be seen on the more common landscape setup. Then underneath, you can still see the HVAC controls for example. This doubles the effective functionality and makes primary control easy to perform. Vehicle settings are also accessed via the touchscreen menu.
There are two USB-A ports and two USB-C ports up front, which handle Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. CarPlay was perfect for us during testing, and there's dedicated smart storage for your phone at the front bottom of the center console. This also stops your phone from slipping all over the place, which is useful.
Although the touchscreen doubles as a control center, I like the way the RAM maintains traditional button controls for functions like fan speed, temperature settings, and recirculation.
Below the screen, you'll find dedicated controls for towing apps, which we didn't do in this test. Second-row passengers aren't forgotten either, and they get two USB-A charging ports and two USB-C charging ports to keep devices charged. We like the way Ram integrated the shift knob into the RHD conversion, and it makes shifting much easier if the factory used a dial instead of a traditional lever. Therefore, it is quite intuitive, even when you need to shift gears quickly to get three-figure laps.
The Ram's 12-inch digital driver display is nice, and across the Drive team, we noted the position and functionality of the steering wheel-mounted controls, which are easy to use, and don't get in the way when you're minding your own business just trying to drive the Laramie Sport. It can also be configured to suit what you want to see, ensuring you get the look you want.
Is the Ram 1500 a safe car?
The 2023 Ram 1500 hasn't been tested locally by ANCAP, so it hasn't been assessed at this stage.
It should be noted that this is an untested category in Australia, as full-size pick-up trucks are not included in ANCAP guidelines at this time. Therefore, we do not have independent crash data in Australia.
What safety technologies does the Ram 1500 have?
Standard safety technology includes traction and stability control, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, trailer sway control, hill start assist, front and rear parking sensors, autonomous emergency braking, blind zone alert, rear cross-traffic alert, and 360 degrees. -Degree camera display, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and tire pressure monitoring.
How much does it cost to maintain a Ram 1500?
Ram's three-year/100,000 km warranty is thin compared to typical warranties on the market, and we'd like to see the brand extend that warranty to five years. There is also 24/7 roadside assistance during the warranty period.
Service intervals are every 12 months or 12,000 km, whichever comes first. Service costs over three years of ownership are priced at $2040.
The annual comprehensive insurance premium we obtained showed a whopping $5195 to insure a Ram 1500 Laramie Sport, based on a comparison quote for a 35-year-old male driver, living in Chatswood, NSW. Insurance estimates may vary based on your location, driving history, and personal circumstances.
202 3 Ram 1500 Laramie Sport at a Glance
Three-year guarantee, 100,000 km
Service interval 12 months or 12,000 km
Service fee $2040 (3 years)
Is the Ram 1500 fuel efficient?
It seems nice to talk about fuel economy with something like the Ram 1500, but they're nowhere near as thirsty as most people think.
Firstly, Ram claims 12.2 liters per 100 kilometers on the combined cycle, and you'll easily manage that on long highway trips. Outright numbers in the single digits are not unusual when you're driving on the freeway. The 1500's 5.7-liter Hemi V8 includes fuel-saving technologies such as cylinder deactivation for low-load driving, and a mild hybrid stop-start system.
Our tester, which will cover a lot of highway miles during the run-in phase, returned a historical average of 12.6L/100km over 2000km.
Our standard test loop, with a mix of around-town and highway commuting, returned indicated usage of 13.4L/100km. Not bad for something as big, comfortable, and capable as the Ram 1500.
What is the Ram 1500 like to drive?
Driving any Ram 1500 should be a powerful reminder of all the inherent qualities of a naturally aspirated V8 gasoline engine. Not too complicated if not for forced induction, the V8 petrol engine serves as one of the most enduring engine platforms in history. The 5.7-liter Hemi V8 hiding under the Ram's hood is also good.
With 291kW and 556Nm, it does everything with ease, and that ease is reflected in lower-than-expected fuel consumption. The eight-speed auto is also excellent, working well around town or on the move, and plays a role in working with the engine's power.
If you want a relaxing cruise, that's what you can get. If you want to increase your speed quickly, you can do that too. The big Hemi will never feel like it's being asked to do something it doesn't want to do. The ram isn't slim – 2671kg – but it doesn't feel heavy to haul in a straight line.
Ride quality on the Laramie Sport's 20-inch wheels and tires is excellent, with all but the worst road surfaces barely visible in the cabin. The Ram is truly a classic long-legged touring vehicle that can handle family road trips with ease. It's comfortable in terms of cabin space, but it's also comfortable on the road, and that makes a difference.
Once you're out and about, and comfortable with the fact that the Ram is a huge bugger, you can easily drive it. Light steering and good brake response mean it's no different from driving a regular double cab anywhere other than on very narrow roads. It's easy to put yourself on track, respond as you see fit, and behave convincingly.
Don't fire it into a corner with the aim of braking as late as possible – it's not designed for that kind of theatrics. Our country's roads are not laid out as well as in America, and paying attention to the long wheelbase when you turn onto a main road from a side street, for example, is highly recommended. We also found it easy to park, with the 360-degree camera helping here, and sitting so high ensures you can see the Ram's angles.
You'll want to keep in mind that the Ram 1500 is larger than the double cabs we're used to, regardless of whether it's the Laramie Sport tested here or another grade. Therefore, this is not an option for those of you who live close to the city center, don't have off-street parking, or need to enter underground parking lots frequently. That doesn't mean you can't do some of these things, especially because it's not practical for those applications.
However, if you live in a non-urban area, need to frequently carry long or bulky equipment, tow a heavy trailer, or head to rural areas to explore, it's a different story. In terms of conventional competitors, only the Land Rover Defender, Nissan Patrol, or Toyota LandCruiser 300 can do what the Ram 1500 does as easily as it does. Not surprisingly, Ram dealers tell us that many of the new buyers are current 'Cruiser or Patrol owners.
Important details 202 3 Ram 1500 Laramie Sport
5.7 liter V8 Petrol Engine
Power 291kW @ 5600rpm
Torque 556Nm @ 3950rpm
Drive Type Four-wheel drive
Transmission Eight-speed torque converter automatic
Power to weight ratio 108.9kW/t
Weight (curb) 2671kg
Spare tire type Full size
Tow rating 4500kg braked (70mm ball)
750kg unbraked
Spinning a 14.0m circle
With the understanding that those of you in town don't need to apply, there's a lot to like about the Ram 1500 Laramie Sport. Its advantages are undeniably strong, and it does things that other vehicles simply can't do.
If you need to tow it, for example, almost nothing can keep up. Moving your family with space and luxury on long journeys is difficult to do easily using any other vehicle – whether four-wheeled or otherwise.
The segment is hot, with the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Ford F-150 on sale, and the Toyota Tundra on the way. But Ram Trucks Australia got the jump, and the brand has real popularity here, not to mention a loyal fan base. Full-size US trucks aren't for everyone, but the Ram 1500 Laramie Sport would be ideal for this group of buyers. Put it on your shopping list when you're ready to move on.
If you're flexible with color and trim, you can be driving a new Ram 1500 in about a month. In other words, waiting times and availability have increased significantly compared to during the COVID-19 lockdown. Initial interest in the Laramie Sport grade model is already strong, but if you walk into a Ram dealer, you'll be able to get one.
Considering the price and standard specs, and while we like the Limited, the Laramie Sport does steal the show as our pick. While more money gets you more Ram 1500, the Laramie Sport is a neat mix of price and inclusions.
The next step in the buying journey is to check the Ram Trucks Australia website for stock of your chosen Ram 1500 variant. You can also find Rams for sale at Drive.com.au/cars-for-sale.
As always, we highly recommend taking a test drive at the dealer before committing as personal needs and tastes can vary. Especially if this is your first taste of the US full-size pick-up segment. This is a big transition for buyers who are not used to big trucks. Find your nearest Ram dealer via this link. We also recommend test-driving a Chevrolet Silverado and a Ford F-150 to compare the different brands available today.
