The Ram 1500 ‘DT’ series is expanding its presence in Australia with the arrival of the all-new entry-level model, the Ram 1500 Big Horn. This exciting addition comes as the older ‘DS’ series is set to bid farewell, making way for fresh and enhanced offerings. The 2023 Ram 1500 ‘DT Series’ pick-up range now includes the Big Horn variant, available for purchase starting at $119,450 plus on-road costs.
As the DS-series Ram 1500 Express reaches its run-out phase, with its discontinuation expected by year-end, the new Big Horn steps in to continue Ram’s legacy in Australia.
However, it’s worth noting that the Big Horn commands a higher price tag than the outgoing DS-series Ram 1500 Express, priced at $98,950 plus on-road costs (or $98,950 drive-away for a limited time). While it sits $8,000 below the next DT model, the Laramie ($127,950 plus on-roads), it’s worth mentioning that the Big Horn is $5,000 more expensive than the Laramie when it was introduced to Australia two and a half years ago, primarily due to significant price adjustments over that period.
The Ram 1500 Big Horn is offered in two double-cab formats: one with a five-foot, seven-inch (1702mm) tub for $119,950 plus on-road costs and another with a six-foot, four-inch (1931mm) tub for $120,950 plus on-road costs.
While the cabin remains consistent across both versions, the wheelbase is extended to maximize the load area—a departure from the DS Ram 1500 Express, where choosing a larger tub would reduce rear-seat space.
It’s essential to note that the Ram 1500 Big Horn lacks advanced safety features like autonomous emergency braking, a feature offered on higher-priced variants. However, it’s worth mentioning that this safety technology will become mandatory for all new vehicles sold in Australia starting next year.
The Ram 1500 Big Horn comes equipped with a range of standard features, including 18-inch alloy wheels, cloth seats, a heated leather steering wheel, heated front seats, cruise control, an 8.4-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, front and rear parking sensors, halogen headlights, and a tub liner.
In comparison to the Ram 1500 Laramie ‘DT,’ the new base model foregoes some features such as 20-inch wheels, LED headlights, a larger 12-inch touchscreen, and ventilated front seats.
Under the hood, you’ll find the same 5.7-litre petrol V8 engine, producing 291kW and 556Nm, channelled to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, bolstered by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The Big Horn boasts a claimed towing capacity of up to 4.5 tonnes when braked, with a fuel consumption rating of 12.2 litres per 100 kilometres.
Excitingly, the 2023 Ram 1500 Big Horn is available for order now. Like all vehicles sold through official Ram Trucks Australia dealerships, it undergoes a meticulous “re-manufacturing” process to convert it from left-hand to right-hand drive at a Melbourne-based facility, adhering to factory quality and safety standards.
Australian Pricing for the 2023 Ram 1500 Series:
Ram 1500 Express Crew Cab – $98,950 Ram 1500 Warlock II Crew Cab – $109,950 Ram 1500 Big Horn Crew Cab short-wheelbase MY23 – $119,950 (New) Ram 1500 Big Horn Crew Cab long-wheelbase MY23 – $120,950 (New) Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab MY22 – $127,950 Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab RamBox MY22 (with tonneau and bed divider) – $132,900 Ram 1500 Laramie Sport Crew Cab RamBox MY23 (with tonneau and bed divider) – $136,950 Ram 1500 Limited Crew Cab RamBox MY22 (with tonneau and bed divider) – $153,950 Ram 1500 Limited Crew Cab RamBox MY23 (with tonneau and bed divider) – $156,950 Ram 1500 TRX Crew Cab with sunroof MY22 – $219,950 Ram 1500 TRX Crew Cab with sunroof MY23 – $224,950
Standard Features in the 2023 Ram 1500 Big Horn Include:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Halogen headlights
- 900kg payload capacity
- Multiple tie-down points
- Tub liner
- Cloth seat upholstery
- 60:40 split-folding rear bench
- Trailer sway control
- Hill-start assist
- 8.4-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Electric rear sliding cab window
- Cruise control
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Leather-wrapped heated steering wheel with audio controls
- Heated front seats
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
The 2023 Ram 1500 Big Horn marks a significant addition to Ram’s line-up in Australia, offering a blend of power, versatility, and rugged style that will surely appeal to truck enthusiasts Down Under.
