RAM release 1500 Express ‘Crew’ ute

Priced and spec’d between the 1500 Express V8 quad cab and 1500 Laramie V8, the Express Crew version adds more space and features more premium finishes and specification.

“The 1500 Express Crew allows us to grow our product portfolio and offer a premium version of our entry level Express range,” said Jeff Barber, National Sales Manager, RAM Trucks Australia.

Powered by the same 5.7-litre V8 Hemi petrol engine as the 1500 Express quad cab, the Express Crew adds the larger cabin from the Laramie, which means more head, shoulder and leg room for all five occupants, as well as larger rear doors.

The trade off for the larger cabin is a smaller tub length, which at 5’7” (1.71m) long, is 9” (0.23m) shorter than the 1.93m tub in the 1500 Express V8 quad cab. Payload capacity is down, too, from 845kg to 830kg, but braked towing capacity is unchanged at up to 4.5 tonnes.  

Updated in-car connectivity for the 1500 Express Crew comes in the form of an 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen (up from 5-inch) with Apple CarPlay and Google Android connectivity standard. A 7-inch instrument display, standard sat nav and dual-zone air con are also updates over the 1500 Express quad cab.

A sports bonnet and black accent package is standard (covering the 20-inch alloys, badging and headlight surrounds), with the sports appearance of this model enhanced by a limited-edition colour palette that includes Diamond Black, Bright White, Granite Crystal and Flame Red (pictured).

A spray-in bedliner for the tub is standard, with ‘RamBox’ lockable side storage optional.

The Hemi V8 delivers 291kW and 556Nm maximums (unchanged from the other 1500 V8 variants) and is matched to an 8-speed Torqueflite automatic. A part-time 4x4 system features an electric 2-speed transfer case with 2H, 4H and 4L, but lacks the 4Auto function of the full-time 4x4 1500 Laramie.

At $89,950 (plus ORCs), the 1500 Express Crew is a $10,000 premium over the Express V8, but $10,000 cheaper than the 1500 Laramie V8. The Laramie Diesel remains the top of the RAM 1500 price tree at $109,950. 

Barber added that the release of the Express Crew will be the first of what’s “an exciting product roll-out” this year.

See your RAM Trucks dealer for more details.