2025 RAM 1500 Limited Review

The Ram 1500 is no longer Hemi-powered, relying instead on a new six-cylinder engine. But fear not, it’s still a beast.

Americans are famous for super-sizing everything. Burgers, highways, people. And in the case of the 2025 Ram 1500 Limited, that philosophy meets a dose of unexpected refinement. While many grieve the loss of the legendary Hemi V8 (post script: it’s coming back, at least in the US], Ram’s decision to introduce a new straight six twin-turbo engine marks a daring evolution. This isn’t just a nod to downsizing for efficiency, it’s a full-force reimagining of what a modern full-size pick-up should be.

I spent a week behind the wheel of Ram’s latest flagship, doing everything from city commutes to open-road towing and I walked away seriously impressed.

Power to burn

Let’s start with the heart of the beast. The 3.0L ‘Hurricane’ delivers 403kW and 707Nm of torque in its high output guise, making it the most powerful six-cylinder engine RAM has ever offered. Built on a cast-aluminium block with forged steel internals and deck-plate honed for optimal efficiency, it’s more than muscle, it’s precision engineering.

Each turbo feeds three cylinders, giving you instant boost without the delay of larger single-turbo set-ups. There’s barely any lag.

Cruising at 2000rpm is easy; tip in the throttle and by 2350rpm, the torque hits like a wave: hard and fast. Hard enough, in fact, to break traction and send those rear wheels spinning like a V8 with something to prove. Not something you expect from a pick-up this size, but trust me, it’s got grunt and it knows how to use it.

There’s no V8 bark, but instead a hum that suits the truck’s upscale vibe. It’s powerful, polished and never feels short on pull. In 4WD Auto it gives you grip when needed but flick it into 2WD and the Ram will happily feed the rears for a cheeky bit of kick-out fun.

Surprisingly sophisticated

This isn’t some clunky lifted brute with leaf springs bouncing your kidneys loose. The air suspension makes its presence known in the best way; smoothing rough roads, keeping the load level and responding smartly to changing terrain. It’s not cloud-floating soft, but it absolutely takes the edge off real-world roads.

When I hooked up my 3.5 tonne trailer, the Ram gave a confident lift, like it was tipping its hat and saying, “Let’s get to work.” No sagging, no scrambling. It just sorted itself out and got on with the job.

On corners, the Ram doesn’t wallow like a beached whale. It leans in, grips up and handles more like a heavy-set wagon than a full-size ute. That’s high praise. The steering was one of the biggest surprises. It’s light, direct and makes the Ram far easier to place than something this size normally is. U-turns and reversing manoeuvres felt natural after just a day or two.

Comfort King

The cabin is where the Ram goes from truck to luxury liner. Premium leather, soft-touch everything and grey-toned open-pore wood set a more refined tone than you’d expect in a work-ready hauler. It’s upscale, without being over-the-top.

The cabin is spacious. Whether you’re in the front or back, there’s legroom to spare and back seat comfort is a standout. Three across? No problem. Reclined seats, USB-C ports, cup holders, and storage nooks make it an easy place to pass the hours. For anyone who’s spent too long perched on a Ranger’s or Hilux’s upright bench, the Ram’s rear is practically a lounge. And if you sit behind the driver, you’re in the best seat in the house: that’s where the Harman Kardon sub lives. You don’t just hear the music, you feel it.

Storage is everywhere. The centre console could hide a week’s groceries. RamBoxes on the outside give you secure, easy-access compartments for tools, gear, or cold drinks. The glovebox is small, but you won’t miss it with the stash space elsewhere. The heated steering wheel gets hot fast (bless), and the heated, plus ventilated seats and sunroof round out the creature comforts.

The 14.4-inch touchscreen is crisp and bright, packed with features, and mostly intuitive once you learn its quirks. Yes, there are menus within menus, but once it’s set to your liking, you’re golden. The 19-speaker Harman Kardon system is serious. I ran a full week of country gold through it, because how could I not? And the Ram delivered every boot-stompin’, twangy verse with concert-hall clarity.

The 10.25-inch passenger screen is cleverly hidden from the driver by privacy glass. It’s not essential but it’s a cool touch. And if you’ve ever had a backseat driver, well, congrats, they’ve been just upgraded to active co-pilot. Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto are flawless. Dual wireless pads up front charge fast and without fuss.

There are USB-C and USB-A ports all around. One quirk: the gear selector is a knob on the dash, not a traditional shifter. It takes a minute to get used to, but it frees up the centre console for that excellent storage. There’s no manual gear select or paddle shifters, which might bother some, but I never missed them.

If anything’s due for a rethink, it’s the multifunction stalk. With high beams on auto, it gets awkward to reach indicators. Small hands? Prepare for a stretch.

Heavy Hauler

This is where the Hurricane shines. I’ve always been a dedicated diesel girl. For 15 years, petrol wasn’t even in the running unless it was a V8 with a badge and attitude. But after towing 3.5 tonnes behind the Hurricane from Auckland to Whangarei and back, I might have to retire my old-school diesel loyalty.

Fuel consumption averaged 24L/100km on the way up with the full load, and 22L/100km on the way back with just 2.5T. You’re not buying this truck to save fuel. The trailer sat flat; no nose lift, no bounce. The Hurricane barely blinked on hills, pulling like a freight train with none of the strain. And this wasn’t dead weight, I had live animals on board. Anyone who has towed livestock knows the dynamic challenge that adds. But the Ram handled it like a pro. No fuss, no sway, no panic braking. It felt planted, calm and confident.

Trailer Sway Assist? Built-in but it never even kicked in. That’s how sorted the rig is. Downhill? Ditto. Braking? Solid. For the first time in my towing life, I forgot what was behind me, and it didn’t break my back on Northland’s notorious roads.

Backing the float took some getting used to. Length and swing are different from your average ute but the cameras and visibility made the learning curve short and sweet. The only real compromise? The mirrors. Due to the RHD conversion, they’re flipped, with the wide-angle lens on the wrong side. You adjust but it’s not ideal. Still, I could see cleanly down both sides of my 2.4m-wide trailer without extensions. That’s impressive.

And the best part? Everywhere I went, it turned heads, fuel stations especially. People didn’t just look; they asked questions. “How’s the fuel bill?” “What does it cost to run that beast?” My answer? “A little dignity and a lot of diesel remorse.” Then I’d swing open the door, hop down; all 157cm of me, and land like I just descended from a throne. You could almost hear the record scratch. It’s not every day you see a small human clamber out of a big rig with this much presence. And honestly? I was here for it.

Okay Everyday?

What’s it like day to day though? Brother’s school pick-ups, airport runs, supermarket hauls. Even the tight squeeze of Ponsonby’s narrow streets. Double-parked hatchbacks, blind intersections, pedestrians that don’t believe in road rules. You name it, I tackled it.

It’s long. It’s wide. That’s not up for debate. But once you’ve spent a day or two behind the wheel, you realise it’s not actually difficult, just deliberate. You drive it like you mean it. And in return, it gives you confidence, control and presence. You sit high. You see everything. It makes you a more aware driver, not because you have to be scared of its size, but because you respect it.

When I handed it back, the team said, “People need to drive them to understand them.” True that.

Big D*** Energy, Ram Style

For the past 15 years that I’ve been towing, I’ve filtered out every petrol listing on TradeMe when looking for my next tow rig. Unless it was a V8 with drama, I wasn’t interested. I was a dirty diesel snob, and proud of it. 

But this truck? This Hurricane High Output? It’s changed my mind.

Ram didn’t just build another truck. They built a statement. A full-sized, full-strength, full-send machine that gives you all the brawn, with more brains. 

Would I buy one? If my bank account didn’t cry, hell yes. I tow often. I live rurally. I demand comfort. This hits every mark, and then some. It’s bold, brave and exactly what I didn’t know I needed. The 2025 Ram 1500 Limited isn’t trying to impress. It knows it already has.  

Ram 1500 Limited
$185,990  /  11.8L/100km  
0-100 km/h 5.3s
Engine  2993cc / IL6 / T / DI
Max power  403kW@5700rpm
Max torque  707Nm@3500rpm
Drivetrain  8-speed auto / Switchable 4×4
Front suspension  Wishbone / air springs
Rear suspension  Solid axle / sway bar
Turning circle  14.4m (3.1 turns)
Front brakes  Ventilated discs (378mm)
Rear brakes  Discs (375mm)
Stability systems  ABS, ESP
Safety  AEB, ACC, BSM, ALK,
Tyre size  285/45R22  
L/W/H  5916 / 2235 / 1972mm
Track f-1749mm  r-1721mm
Fuel capacity  125L
Payload 560kg
Tow rating  750kg (braked 4200kg)
Service intervals  12 months / 12,000km
Warranty  3yrs / 100,000km
ANCAP rating  Not yet rated