The 2025 RAM 1500: No More V8—Following the LandCruiser’s Lead

Another one bites the dust. The V8 is officially dead in the RAM 1500—yep, even the mighty HEMI’s gone. RAM has followed in the footsteps of Toyota, who already ripped the heart out of the 70 Series and slapped in a four-cylinder. Now RAM’s doing the same—sort of.

Instead of the 5.7L V8, the 2025 RAM 1500 cops a new 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline-six called the Hurricane. And while it makes more power and torque than the old donk, the big question is—does it still feel like a proper American truck?

Because at this rate, the Chevy Silverado 1500 is looking like the last V8 cowboy standing.

The all-new 2025 RAM 1500 Limited gliding down the highway—smoother, quieter, and now without a V8. Will the new twin-turbo six hold up?

Hurricane vs. HEMI – What’s Under the Bonnet?

For 2025, RAM is offering two versions of the 3.0L twin-turbo inline-six:

• Standard Output (SO): 313kW / 635Nm (Laramie Sport)

• High Output (HO): 403kW / 707Nm (Limited)

That’s more power than the old 5.7L HEMI V8 (291kW / 556Nm), and a whole lot more torque.

Both engines are backed by an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD with a low-range transfer case for proper off-road ability. But let’s be honest—it’s never going to sound like a HEMI. And for a lot of RAM owners, that’s half the reason to buy one in the first place.

Meet the Hurricane—a 3.0L twin-turbo inline-six replacing the legendary HEMI V8. More power, better efficiency.

Still a Proper Workhorse? Towing & Payload

For those who actually use their RAMs for towing and hauling, the good news is—it still packs a punch.

• Laramie Sport – 4,500kg towing / 863kg payload

• Limited – 4,200kg towing / 782.5kg payload

The towing capacity has dropped slightly on the Limited trim, but if you’re buying one of these to tow a caravan or boat, it’s still going to get the job done.

2025 Laramie Sport (left), Limited (right)—two flavors of the new RAM 1500.

What’s New for 2025 RAM 1500?

The new RAM 1500 doesn’t just get a different engine—it also cops a facelift and tech upgrades to bring it into 2025. Here's what you need to know to spot the difference between a V6 RAM 1500 from a V8.

Fresh New Look

• Redesigned grille & LED headlights

• New tail-lights & front bumper

• New wheel designs (20” on Laramie Sport, 22” on Limited)

  
  

More Tech Inside

• 14.4-inch infotainment touchscreen

• 10.25-inch passenger screen

• 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system

• Massaging seats (Limited)

• Power tailgate

The Limited trim also gets air suspension, which adjusts the ride height for better aerodynamics, off-road clearance, or towing stability.

The 2025 RAM 1500 is packed with tech, including a passenger screen that streams videos and programs nav routes.

How Much Does the 2025 RAM 1500 Cost?

Here’s what the new lineup will cost you:

• RAM 1500 Laramie Sport: $141,950 + on-road costs

• RAM 1500 Limited: $159,950 + on-road costs

That’s the same price as last year for the Laramie Sport, while the Limited has gone up by $3,000. If you were hoping for a cheaper Big Horn variant, tough luck—for now. RAM Australia has hinted that it might return later, but nothing’s confirmed.

Would You Buy a RAM 1500 Without a V8?

RAM reckons the Hurricane six-cylinder is the future, claiming it delivers more power and better efficiency than the old HEMI. And look, the numbers back that up. But let’s not pretend this is what RAM fans wanted.

For those who need a serious towing rig, the 2025 RAM 1500 still ticks the right boxes. But if you want that V8 rumble, well, Chevy’s Silverado is now the only American truck in Australia that still offers one.