New MY25 RAM 1500 arrives in NZ with twin-turbo power

The MY25 RAM 1500 will be here very soon, and while it’s no longer powered by a V8, it has been given a decent upgrade in the output stakes. This comes courtesy of the new ‘Hurricane’ twin-turbo inline-six engine. Available in two models—Laramie Sport and Limited— RAM says the new 1500 brings more power, better efficiency and an upgraded interior packed with high-tech features.

Power and Efficiency Improved

The 219kW/556Nm 5.7-litre HEMI V8 is no longer, but the new Hurricane six-cylinder delivers more performance with less fuel consumption, RAM says.

• The Laramie Sport packs the Standard Output (SO) Hurricane 3.0-litre twin-turbo engine, producing 313kW and 635Nm—7.6 per cent more power and 14.2 per cent more torque than the outgoing V8.
• The Limited steps it up with the High Output (HO) version, churning out 403kW and 707Nm—a 38.5 per cent power increase over the HEMI V8.

Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, both versions offer all-wheel drive or two-wheel drive configurations, as well as five selectable drive modes, including Auto, Sport, Tow, Snow, and Off-road.

Read more 2024 Ram 1500 Big Horn review

Refined Interior, High-Tech Upgrades

Inside, the RAM 1500 now boasts the largest infotainment screen in its class, with a 14.4-inch touchscreen front and centre. In addition, the front-seat passenger gets their own 10.25-inch screen, complete with privacy film to prevent driver distraction. This secondary screen allows passengers to control media, navigate, and even watch videos when connected via USB-C to HDMI.

Luxury has also been stepped up, particularly in the flagship Limited, which introduces massaging front seats with five settings and three speeds. Both models come standard with a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, retractable power side steps, and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system for an immersive audio experience.

More Safety and Smarter Towing

Safety and convenience have been given a boost too. Both models feature adaptive cruise control, intersection collision avoidance, drowsy driver detection and evasive steering assistance. The power-operated tailgate can be opened via the key fob or closed with a gentle touch, making loading and unloading easier.

For towing, the RAM 1500 remains a powerhouse:

• The Laramie Sport can tow up to 4,500kg (with a 70mm tow ball) and carry 863kg of payload.
• The Limited offers a 4,200kg towing capacity, with a payload of 782.5kg.

MY25 RAM 1500 NZ Pricing and Availability

The all-new RAM 1500 models will arrive in showrooms next month, with pricing set at:

• Laramie Sport: $164,990 + ORC
• Limited: $185,990 + ORC

First customer deliveries are expected in April 2025.

If, you still desire a V8, a few of the HEMI-powered ‘Finale’ edition models are still up for grabs here; the Big Horn priced at $119,990, the Laramie Sport at $146,990 and the Limited at $172,990.

MY25 RAM 1500 New Zealand specifications
Ram 1500 Laramie Sport

• Twin-turbo in-line 3.0-litre six-cylinder Hurricane engine (Standard Output) NEW
• 313kW and 635Nm NEW
• Eight-speed automatic
• All-wheel-drive or two-wheel-drive
• Five driving modes (auto, sport, tow, snow, off-road) NEW
• 98-litre fuel tank
• Redesigned LED headlights NEW
• Redesigned tail-lights NEW
• Redesigned front fascia NEW
• Redesigned 20-inch alloy wheels (275/55/20 tyres) NEW
• 19-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system
• Dual pane panoramic sunroof
• 14.4-inch infotainment screen NEW
• 10.25-inch front passenger infotainment touchscreen NEW
• Dual wireless phone charging NEW
• Wireless and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Automatic lowering and retracting power side steps
• Power tailgate (up and down, also with one-touch function for closing) NEW
• RamBox storage system
• Spray-in bedliner
• Rear-view camera
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Towing capacity 4500kg (70mm tow ball), 3500kg (50mm tow ball)
• Payload 863kg
• Four colour options: Bright White, Billet Silver, Delmonico Red, Diamond Black

Ram 1500 Limited

• Twin-turbo in-line 3.0-litre six-cylinder Hurricane engine (High Output) NEW
• 403kW and 707Nm NEW
• Eight-speed automatic
• All-wheel-drive or two-wheel-drive
• Air-suspension with three modes (normal, aero and off-road)
• Five driving modes (auto, sport, tow, snow, off-road) NEW
• 125-litre fuel tank NEW
• Traffic sign recognition NEW
• LED headlights with animation on unlock NEW
• LED tail-lights with animation on unlock NEW
• Proximity lighting on unlock at night (with Ram logo projection) NEW
• Redesigned front fascia NEW
• Redesigned 22-inch alloy wheels (285/45/22 tyres) NEW
• 19-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system
• Massaging seats (with five settings and three speeds) NEW
• Dual pane panoramic sunroof
• 14.4-inch infotainment screen NEW
• 10.25-inch front passenger infotainment touchscreen NEW
• Dual wireless phone charging NEW
• Wireless and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Switchable digital rear-view mirror
• Automatic lowering and retracting power side steps
• Power tailgate (up and down, also with one-touch function for closing) NEW
• RamBox storage system
• Spray-in bedliner
• 360-degree view camera
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Towing capacity 4200kg (70mm tow ball), 3500kg (50mm tow ball)
• Payload 782.5kg
• Four colour options: Bright White, Billet Silver, Delmonico Red, Diamond Black