2023 Ram 1500 Big Horn base model added in Australia

The 2023 Ram 1500 'DT Series' pick-up range in Australia has expanded with a new entry-level Big Horn variant, on sale now priced from $119,450 plus on-road costs.

It will fill the role of the ageing 'DS Series' Ram 1500 line-up – which started the US pick-up boom in Australia five years ago – that is now in run-out, ahead of its discontinuation by the end of this year.

However the new Big Horn is about $20,000 more expensive than the outgoing base DS-series Ram 1500 Express – which is priced from $98,950 plus on-road costs normally, or $98,950 drive-away for a limited time.

While it is $8000 cheaper than the next DT model up today, the Laramie ($127,950 plus on-roads), it is $5000 dearer than the better-equipped Laramie was when it arrived in Australia two and a half years ago, due to significant price rises over that period.

It is available in two double-cab formats: with a five-foot, seven-inch (1702mm) tub for $119,950 plus on-road costs, or a six-foot, four-inch (1931mm) for $120,950 plus on-road costs.

The cabin is the same in both guises, however the wheelbase is lengthened to increase the load area – unlike comparable versions of the DS Ram 1500 Express, where opting for a larger tub would reduce rear-seat space.

The Ram 1500 Big Horn is not fitted with key advanced safety technology such as autonomous emergency braking – as offered on more expensive variants – which will become mandatory for all new vehicles sold in Australia from next year.

Standard features in the Big Horn include 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, front and rear parking sensors, halogen headlights, and a tub liner.

Compared to the Ram 1500 Laramie 'DT', the new base model loses features such as 20-inch wheels, LED headlights, a larger 12-inch touchscreen, and ventilated front seats.

It is powered by the same 5.7-litre petrol V8 developing 291kW and 556Nm, sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission, and aided by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system.

Towing capacity of up to 4.5 tonnes braked is claimed, as well as fuel consumption listed as 12.2 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2023 Ram 1500 Big Horn is available to order now.

As with all vehicles sold through official Ram Trucks Australia dealerships – rather than independent conversion companies – the Big Horn is "re-manufactured" from left- to right-hand drive at a facility in Melbourne to factory quality and safety standards.