Review: 2025 RAM 1500 Laramie Sport

An enormous change to America’s enormous pick-up truck represents good news for motorists but enthusiasts will be less than impressed.

The rumours are true – Ram really has replaced its Hemi V8 engine for a smaller six-cylinder engine in the 2025 Ram 1500 pick-up.

But it’s not bad news.

More powerful than the old V8, the new “Hurricane” six only misses out on the previous car’s thumping soundtrack.

It’s faster and more efficient than the old car, though it might not feel particularly frugal when you fill its enormous tank with premium unleaded.

Speaking of money, Ram Australia decided not to increase the entry-level price point of its popular pick-up, which starts from $141,950 before on-road costs for the Laramie Sport, rising to $159,950 plus on-roads for the Limited – $3000 more than the outgoing V8. 

Let’s start with major changes in the Laramie Sport.

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RAM 1500 Laramie Sport. Picture: Supplied

The new twin-turbo six engine produces 313kW of power – up seven per cent from the V8 – and 635Nm of torque – up 14 per cent – and is mated to an eight speed automatic gearbox. 

Customers get a 863kg payload – up 99 kgs, and up to 4.5 tonnes of towing capacity when using a 70mm ball.

A new dashboard design introduces a 14.4-inch portrait-style infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a new 10.25-inch front passenger display and full digital instrument cluster for the driver. 

RAM 1500 Laramie Sport. Picture: Supplied

Ram made design changes with new LED headlights and tail lights, a beefier front end as well as new 20-inch alloy wheels. 

Those who can afford the near-$20,000 premium for the Limited receive an upgraded engine with 403kW – up 38 per cent from the outgoing V8 and 707Nm – up 27 per cent. 

Despite the extra power, the maximum towing capacity is reduced to 4.2-tonnes while the payload shrinks to 782kg.

It’s worth noting however this is still higher than the outgoing 2024 Laramie Sport and Limited.

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RAM 1500 Laramie Sport. Picture: Supplied

The Limited soothes troubles away with massaging seats, soft touch cabin material, and tech such as traffic sign recognition, a 360-degree camera and digital rear-view mirror.

It also adds 22-inch alloy wheels, air suspension and a whopping 125-litre fuel tank.

Driving the pair back-to-back, there is a noticeable difference in ride thanks to the Limited’s air suspension and larger wheels.

My personal preference is the Laramie Sport.

It feels more cushioned over bumps and potholes thanks to its 20-inch alloy wheels with larger tyre sidewalls. And the reduced power outputs barely make a difference in stop-start traffic. I wouldn’t want anything to go wrong with the top-spec Limited’s air suspension, as it is only backed by a three-year warranty. Another reason to pick the cheaper Laramie Sport. 

The less powerful version feels quick when sprinting to 100km/h in six seconds, and the boosted Limited shaves almost a second off that.

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RAM 1500 Laramie Sport. Picture: Supplied

On the ride and handling track, the Limited felt firmer and almost abrasive on some bumps at speed. It feels a little like a performance car, with a taut ride and low-profile tyres.

For city driving at low speeds I don’t think there’s too much to worry about as the air suspension should play its role, but I don’t know if I’d volunteer for pot-holed dirt roads with the Limited in comparison to the Laramie Sport. 

Having driven a seven seat off-roader to the launch, I didn’t feel the Ram 1500 felt much larger than that to drive.

Yes, this is an extra-large ute.

But I’d often forget how big the car was until I turned around to see the tray and rear bench seat. 

We drove down to the local servo during the peak lunch period and there wasn’t once I felt it was too big for where I needed to go.

Yes, the six-cylinder engine sounds a bit “meh” now the V8 has disappeared.

But it’s safe to say that the Ram 1500 remains a great pick up for those who require more capability than smaller four-cylinder utes.

Originally published as Review: 2025 RAM 1500 Laramie Sport