It’s the vehicle that lots of Australians love to hate, but that hasn’t stopped sales booming and now there is a new mega ute to choose from.
2023 Ram 1500 Big Horn is powered by a big V8 petrol engine.
There’s a big beefy new pick-up truck in town.
Ram Trucks Australia has revealed its new 1500 Big Horn mega ute. Ram is playing up the size of the pick-up with its marketing slogan: “It’s not big unless it’s a RAM 1500 Big Horn”.
It’s not just the size that is big as prices start at $119,950 (before on-road costs) for the standard tub length and $120,950 for the long-tray version that boosts it from 1.7 metres to 1.95 metres.
The Ram 1500 Big Horn is priced from about $120,000 before on-road costs.
The company says the Big Horn will soon be the cheapest way into a Ram as the older 1500 DS costing $98,950 drive-away is in runout and won’t be sold once current stock is gone.
Under the Big Horn’s bonnet is a burly Hemi 5.7-litre V8 petrol engine that makes 291kW and 556Nm.
This is matched to an eight-speed auto and all-wheel drive and Ram claims fuel use of 12.2L/100km.
It can tow up to 4500kg but only has a payload of 900kg. A tub liner is standard and there are multiple tie-down points in the tray.
Towing is the Ram’s strong point with a braked towing capacity of 4500kg.
There are some nice touches including 18-inch alloy wheels, a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats and a small 8.4-inch central touchscreen that is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There are front and rear parking sensors but it makes do with standard cruise control instead of the more advanced radar version that maintains the distance between you and the car in front.
Big American pick-up trucks have been in the firing line recently from motorists who take issue with their sheer size and bulk.
Despite this, Ram sales are up more than 50 per cent so far this year.
It lacks tech features found on much cheaper cars.
The big picck-ups are a boon for local manufacturing as they are imported to Australia before being converted to right-hand drive in a factory in Melbourne.
Other brands are about to get in on the act too. Ford is bringing the F-150 to Australia this year. The F-Series has been the best selling vehicle in North America for decades.
Ford will also be converting them to right-hand drive in Melbourne.
Toyota is looking to bring the full-sized Tundra pick-up to Australia next year.
Keyword: 2023 Ram 1500 Big Horn has arrived in Australia