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In the Netherlands, pickups such as the Ram 1500 are relatively popular, but across Europe, the so-called “fullsize” pickup plays only a modest secondary role. According to Ram Trucks, the European market consists of about 8,000 units per year. On the other hand, that’s quite a lot for a type of vehicle that gets here exclusively through gray imports. Moreover, as many as three out of four of those pickups would be Ram. True, Ram is helped in this regard by a somewhat stronger representation in the gray import market, but it certainly says something about the model’s popularity as well.

What is Ram Trucks?

Since 2010, Ram pickups have been separate from Dodge. Ram Trucks offers other models in addition to the 1500 (and related large pickups). In North America, for example, there is also the ProMaster, a Ram version of the Fiat Ducato. Until a few years ago, there was also the ProMaster City, a Ram version of the Fiat Doblo. In South America, there are many other Ram models, both pickups and vans. Apart from the Rampage, these are also rebadged models, mainly based on Fiats.

Ram Trucks officially to Europe

Ram Trucks sees a growth market in Europe. The main target group here is, of course, the people who currently import such a pickup gray. These are entrepreneurs looking for a distinctive and comfortable company car, but also private individuals who want to combine the comfort of an SUV with the extra capacities of a pick-up. Because of the gray license plate regulations, it is mainly the former group in the Netherlands.

The largest importer of Ram (and Dodge) is currently KW Automotive and it will remain so. However, KW Automotive will now receive official support from Ram Trucks. Thus, Ram Trucks will become officially active in the European market, but will still remain separate from the other Stellantis brands. There is already a new joint Ram website for the European markets.

For now, the European Ram offering consists only of the 1500 models. Only the version with double cab and standard cargo box is actively offered, but if you want, other configurations and versions are also available. The regular 2025 Ram 1500 is already available to order. The all-electric 2025 Ram 1500 REV will be added to the lineup in the third quarter of 2025. No word on the plug-in hybrid 1500 Ramcharger.

What’s new about the 2025 Ram 1500?

For the new 2025 model year, the Ram 1500 is undergoing a facelift. Some of the news consists of the usual facelift stuff. An updated design (especially recognizable by the flatter headlights), updated infotainment, new driving assistants, that work. In the form of the Tungsten, there is a new top-of-the-line luxury model, and the extreme TRX version is succeeded by the visually largely identical, but less spectacular engine-wise RHO version (see below).

V8 gives way to six-in-line

The biggest news of the facelift can be found under the hood. The almost iconic 5.7-liter Hemi V8 is completely gone from the Ram 1500 lineup, making way for the all-new Hurricane six-in-line, with a capacity of 3.0 liters. There are two power variants. In most versions, the block delivers 309 kW (420 hp) and 636 Nm. In the top models Tungsten and RHO you have 397 kW (540 hp) and 706 Nm. The new engine should provide better driving performance than the V8, with lower consumption at the same time. The new six-in-line is also perfectly suitable for combination with an LPG system.

In addition, for certain versions, the 227 kW (309 hp) powerful 3.6-liter V6 with eTorque mild hybrid technology will remain on offer. The 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine had already disappeared from the range for the 2024 model year. All engines are combined with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Furthermore – somewhat depending on the version – there is a choice of rear- or all-wheel drive and various differentials. Depending on the version, the maximum towing weight is 3,500 kg (in Europe, in the US even 5,200 kg) and the payload 1,000 kg.

Interior Ram 1500

Time for a test drive. Once climbed aboard (for those who are small in stature, there are automatic retractable running boards), we take our seats in an environment that is midway between the cabin of a commercial vehicle and the interior of a luxury SUV. A commercial vehicle, because everything looks robust and there is plenty of space, with a wide center console between the front seats. A luxury SUV, because everything is beautifully finished and many parts are covered in leather and even wood. You also lack nothing in terms of equipment. In addition to the 12- or even 14.5-inch central display, there is even its own 10.25-inch touchscreen for the front passenger (at the expense of a small glovebox). Fine: physical buttons for frequently used functions have remained.

Now we are in a deluxe Lariat version, though, so not all of these things are standard. The absolute base model is also present at the event. The wood, leather-trimmed dash and passenger touchscreen then give way to black plastic, but the level of finish remains fine.

How does the Ram 1500 drive?

Once on the road, the comfort is especially striking. Both large and small and/or short bumps are smoothed out nicely by the suspension. The Ram 1500 also handles surprisingly well through curves. It is true that it tilts slightly, but otherwise it almost has the driving characteristics of a comfortable medium-sized car. Even on a winding mountain road in Italy – because that is where we get to drive the Ram, of all places – it proves surprisingly agile. As long as you drive slowly, but with a car like this you weren’t planning on attacking the curves sportily anyway.

Apart from that sway, the Ram 1500 manages to mask its size and weight very handsomely. Also in terms of other driving performance. With total power of 309 kW (420 hp) and ample torque, you have more than enough reserve even at low revs. Although the new six-in-line offers fine performance, the sound experience is unfortunately uninspiring. At low revs, there is still a nice rumble, but if they had said that there was a four-cylinder in the front, we would have believed it too… So off to the aftermarket exhaust specialist.

Offroad with the Ram 1500 Rebel

We very briefly switch to a Ram 1500 Rebel for an off-road course. The Rebel is identical to the regular 1500 models in terms of engine, but in addition it comes with the necessary off-road equipment. From modified bumpers to different differentials and the like. The Ram passes the off-road course with two fingers in its nose. Even large potholes or ramps are taken as if they were ordinary speed bumps.

Prices 2025 Aries 1500

The updated Ram 1500 can be ordered in Europe immediately from 62,000 euros. For the more luxurious Laramie, the price goes to around 65,000 euros and the Rebel sits at over 70,000 euros. These are the versions most expected on the European market. Note that these are the prices before any local taxes, i.e. the gray license plate price. How the price develops in 2025, with the changed regulations for commercial vehicles such as the expiration of the bpm exemption, remains to be seen. What is certain is that if you are interested, you had better make your move this year.