ROAD TEST: RAM 1500 HURRICANE, NEW TRICKS FOR THE OLD DOG

Which makes the timing of its arrival in New Zealand all the more awkward. The Hurricane I6 is now the default powertrain across the RAM 1500 line-up. And after getting a week to know the new powertrain, I have to say that this pivot back to Hemi power is a bit of a shame.

The six-pot is sold in two flavours; the 313kW/635Nm Standard Output version and the flagship 403kW/707Nm High Output. The former powers the $159,990 Rebel and the pictured $164,990 Laramie Sport, whilst the High Output is exclusive to the $185,990 Limited.

Even in its more mild form, the small-block six makes 22kW/79Nm more than the Hemi V8 that RAM traditionalists mourned the short-lived death of. It’s also about a second quicker to hit 100kph (taking just six seconds) and about 1.0L/100km better on fuel economy than its bulkier predecessor. All big wins, and it can still tow 4500kg.

We’ll get back to the Hurricane 6-cylinder, but it’s worth a quick detour to talk about the other changes that have been made to the 1500 and this Laramie variant. RAM has given the nameplate a comprehensive tech makeover, underscored by new screens inside and a few tricks outside.

Stellantis’ UConnect infotainment system has always been a key strength in RAM products, and it’s now even better here thanks to a fresh 14.4-inch portrait touchscreen,12-inch digital cluster, and a 10.25-inch passenger display. The passenger screen is a neat extra, with its main benefit being its video streaming capabilities (a deliberately narrow viewing angle means the driver won’t be distracted by it), whilst the main screen’s UConnect software is logical and easy to get to grips with.

I particularly appreciate the top and tail hard shortcut keys that remain on screen when wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are being used. The split-screen functionality is also a useful addition, giving drivers freedom to pick what pages get prominence.

I’ve long considered the RAM 1500 to offer a better interior space than its sole direct rival in New Zealand, the Chevrolet Silverado. It feels more premium, is driven by better software, and is more clever in the way it uses space.

I appreciate the bevy of inputs up front (which includes three USB-A ports, three USB-C ports, an AUX and an HDMI port), the excellent cameras, the cooled centre console, and all the nerdy math conversion tables engraved under the lid of the centre console. It feels like they’ve thought of everything.

On the outside, there’s a pair of retractable electric side sills that spring into life every time you open a door, making it fairly easy to get into and out of this 4-wheeled behemoth. The tailgate can now be opened electronically via your keyfob or a button inside. And those handy lockable RamBoxes on the flanks of the wellside bed are back.

Indeed, the RAM 1500 remains well appointed and cleverly packaged. And thanks to the Hurricane straight six, it also feels totally different to drive.

The laws of physics have limits, I’ll concede. This is still an awfully large pick-up, one that feels a bit silly if you’re touring your nearest CBD. But it does shrink around you a little over time. Someone used to driving a typical double-cab ute wouldn’t take long to acclimatise to 5.9-metre RAM.

Swapping the 5.7 for the 3.0 has made quite a difference to how the 1500 delivers its power and torque. There’s less theatre, but arguably quite a bit more drama. The Hurricane makes considerably more torque in low RPMs and thanks to how the twin turbos look after three cylinders each, there’s almost zero turbo lag.

The result is a pick-up that’s hugely nimble off the line, with plenty of will to spin its rear tyres if you’re overzealous. This isn’t really what standard versions of the old 5.7 Hemi were known for. It was quite a relaxed powertrain down low, only really delivering when under high-RPM stress. RAM claims it can return 10.7L/100km (combined) in fuel economy, whilst we saw around 15L/100km in our time with it.

The switch in character completely changes how the RAM feels as a daily commuter. It’s still calm once you’re up to speed on motorways and on rural stretches, but now with the added bonus of surprising agility everywhere else. The lighter front end (the straight six has 50kg over the Hemi) means it’s better in the corners, too.

Look, I love a V8 as much as the next guy. But in the case of a big pick-up like the RAM 1500, a tool of utility first and foremost, the new Hurricane straight six is a peach. Should the Hemi return to the local RAM line-up, I can only hope it doesn’t come at the expense of this fresh recruit.