Ram 1500 Express Black Edition review: right hooked

The latest-generation DT Ram 1500 is a familiar model by now. It was launched in the US back in 2019 and allowing development time for the Melbourne-based American Special Vehicles right-hand drive product, was introduced to New Zealand and Australia in 2021.

It’s a Ram thing to offer a more work-focused, budget-conscious variant and to date that role has been filled by a continuation of the previous DS generation, known as Bighorn (or “Ram Classic” if you like).

No more. Ram has introduced a DT 1500 model called Express Black Edition, which keeps the new Hurricane engine but steps back on specification to land at $124,990, or a handy $35,000 less than the next-Ram-up, the 1500 Rebel.

On the outside: what are the Ram 1500 Express Black Edition's main design features?

The 1500 Express Black Edition is a styling-180 compared to the previous DS-series Bighorn, which was essentially about 2 tonnes of chrome trim with a vehicle hanging around it.

Now that the 1500 Express represents Ram’s entry-level model in latest-generation guise, there’s no true equivalent at anywhere near this price.

The Express might be the cheapest Ram 1500 you can buy by $35k, but it still looks the part next to the rest of the range because it only comes in the full Black exterior package. There’s an argument it’s the best-looking of them all (that chrome issue again).

The Express wears the Mopar “sports performance hood” (that’s a bonnet to us) and fixed side steps, black grille, door handles and mirror caps, and dual black exhaust tips. The 20-inch alloys (same size as the rest of the range) are also finished in flat black, unlike the shinier rims of more expensive Rams. We approve.

What it’s lacking on the outside is the Rambox storage system around the tray (the Rebel doesn’t have that either, to be fair). And that big tailgate is damped, but it lacks the power assistance of other models.

Just because you’re having the Black styling package, doesn’t mean you’re having a black truck. The Express still comes in a variety of exterior colours, including some striking ones like Molten Red and Forged Blue.

OVERVIEW

On the inside: what's the Ram 1500 Express Black Edition cabin like?

The Express is suitably Ram inside, but it’s a bit more obvious you’re in the entry-level model. The instrument panel is 7-inch not 12, and analogue dials not digital. The infotainment display is a small 8.4in unit rather than the 14.4in portrait setup in other models. 

It’s easy to focus on what’s missing, but the Express is not lacking in cabin ambience or character. It feels very authentic and perfect for those Yellowstone fantasies.

Express is the only Ram to have a basic 6-speaker audio system instead of the thunderous Harman Kardon 19-speaker configuration, which does seem positively un-American. No audio controls on the steering wheel, either.

There’s no wireless phone charger and the centre console, while still incredibly spacious with a sliding section on top, is a bit more basic than other Rams. But still with a nifty mathematical conversion table on the underside of the lid.

The seats are cloth, but many (okay, us) might prefer that to the leathery excess of other models. The adjustment is all manual… just like the air conditioning.

It’s easy to focus on what’s missing, but the Express is not lacking in cabin ambience or character. It feels like an authentic US pickup, perhaps even more so because it’s clearly configured for durability. It's perfect for those Yellowstone fantasies.

The bigger screen would be nice, but the only thing that really jars is the plastic steering wheel, which has a faux-leather texture on it… but isn’t fooling anybody.

INTERIOR

On the road: what's the Ram 1500 Express Black Edition like to drive?

You have to come to the Ram 1500 with your eyes wide open. It’s a large pickup knocking on 6 metres long, designed to work hard and tow 4.5 tonnes. It’s not supposed to be a sports-ute.

There’s a good traction/stability control system, but the rear end can still get lively in the dry, let alone when the road surface is damp.

And when your eyes are wide open, they might pop a bit when you put your foot down for the first time. The Express 1500 has the standard output (SO) version of the new Ram Hurricane twin-turbo straight six engine, but it’s pretty perky. Like, light-up-the-rear-tyres-easily perky.

The HO is 313kW/635Nm and actually, the Ram 1500 isn’t especially heavy in these days of battery-powered vehicles: 2491kg, 280kg lighter than a BYD Shark 6.

Or to put it another way, even this entry-level six is 7.6% more powerful and 14.2% more torquey than the old Hemi V8. 

What the Express does lack is drive-mode selection and the fully featured powertrain of the Rebel, Laramie and Limited. There’s no automatic AWD setting, so you’re in 2WD for normal road use or committing to 4WD fully for off-tarmac driving. There’s a good traction/stability control system, but the rear end still gets lively in the dry, let alone when the road surface is damp.

It’s a big fella and that’s not a complaint, but it’s worth noting the Express only has a reversing camera if you’re regular parking in city or suburban areas. In fact, only the $186k Limited has the full 360-view setup.

SPECIFICATIONS

On ownership: what's the Ram 1500 Express Black Edition warranty and servicing situation?

The vehicle warranty is 3 years/100,000km. Servicing is required every 12 months/12,000km.

On the whole: what do we think of the Ram 1500 Express Black Edition?

Ram Trucks Australia, via American Special Vehicles (a partnership between Australasian distributor/RTA parent company Ateco Automotive and Walkinshaw Automotive Group across the Tasman… it’s complicated) is pretty good at this whole right-hand-drive Ram thing. 

It’s been “remanufacturing” (don’t say converting, they hate that) these US trucks for RHD for over a decade now and has sold 35,000 of them. It remains a quality product.

The Express replaces the old DS-series and completes the local 1500 lineup nicely. It’s more work-focused, less showy than the rest of the lineup, but that suits the character of the Ram perfectly.

More to the point, now that the Express represents Ram’s entry-level model in the latest generation, there’s no true equivalent at anywhere near this price.

Ram 1500 Express Black Edition FAQs

What kind of car is the Ram 1500 Express Black Edition?

A 4-door pickup truck.

Does the Ram 1500 Express Black Edition have hybrid or EV technology?

No, it's a twin-turbo petrol straight six.

What’s the fuel economy of the Ram 1500 Express Black Edition?

It rates 12.0l/100km under NZ's 3P-WLTP protocol.

Is the Ram 1500 Express Black Edition safe?

ANCAP does not have a conventional safety rating for the Ram 1500, but it awarded the truck Gold for Collision Avoidance in its Large Utility ADAS testing last year.

What safety and assistance features does the Ram 1500 Express Black Edition have?

What are the Ram 1500 Express Black Edition's main rivals?

• Chevrolet Silverado LTZ Premium ($150,990): Smae power, more luxurious, but a lot more expensive.
• Ford Ranger Super Duty ($TBC): We're still wating for this one thanks to NZ certification hassles, but it's coming. Honest.
• GWM Cannon Alpha Vanta ($71,990): Paltry 3.5 tonne towing, but 3.0-litre diesel makes almost as much torque as the Ram SO.
• Foton Tunland V9-S ($57,990): Unashamed styling ripoff of the Ram. Buy two, keep one for best.
• Ram 1500 Rebel ($159,990): The lifestyley alternative to the Express, complete with decals.