Ram 1500 Laramie 2018 review: snapshot

Leading the Ram 1500 lineup is the Laramie, which starts at $99,950 plus travel expenses.

The Ram 1500 Laramie can also be fitted with RamBoxes — a pair of insulated, lockable boxes above the wheel arches that provide secure storage — and this model has a list price of $104,450 plus travel expenses.

Made in the USA, rebuilt in Australia, the Ram 1500 ute is powered by a 5.7-litre Hemi V8 engine with 291kW (at 5600rpm) and 556Nm (at 3950rpm) of torque. Those are some serious horsepower.

The engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, and all Ram 1500 models have all-wheel drive.

The maximum towing capacity of the Laramie models is 4.5 tons (with brakes) if they are equipped with a 70 mm towbar and are selected with a rear axle ratio of 3.92, while the Laramie model with a rear axle ratio of 3.21 is capable of towing 3.5 tons (with a ratio of 50 ). tow bar XNUMX mm).

The Laramie has a Crew Cab body providing more rear seat space, but with a 5 ft 7 in (1712 mm) shortened body.

Fuel consumption for the Laramie model (rear axle ratio 3.92) is claimed at 12.2 l/100 km, while the 3.21 rear axle version requires only 9.9 l/100 km. The fuel tank capacity for Laramie models is 98 liters.

The 1500 Laramie has a more stylish exterior trim with chrome detailing on the grille, mirrors, door handles and wheels, and full-length side steps.

Inside the Ram 1500 Laramie adds luxury items such as leather seating, high pile carpeting, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, climate control, heated steering wheel, 8.4-inch multimedia screen with satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (none of which is available on the Express model), as well as a 10-speaker sound system (six speakers on the Express).

Other extra features the Laramie adds over the Express include an auto-dimming rearview mirror, automatic wipers, adjustable pedal position, rear seat vents, and remote engine start.

There is a rearview camera, but no automatic emergency braking (AEB) and advanced safety equipment. There is also no ANCAP safety rating.