Big American utes

Some say they’re oversized and overpriced but they’re over here to stay.

Not since the influx of US soldiers during World War II has something so big, brash and American been so conspicuous and controversial in Australia.

It was Chrysler’s Ram - the initiative of distributor Ateco Automotive - that began the big-ute craze with the earlier-shape DS series.

Imported from America in left-hand drive and then re-engineered and rebuilt in right-hand drive (RHD) at considerable cost in Melbourne, sales exceeded forecasts despite high pricing. This was fuelled by next-level size, engine capacity and towing capability compared to smaller utes like Toyota’s HiLux.

That none fit within standard parking bays didn’t matter. Ram’s success has since prompted General Motors Speciality Vehicles (GMSV), Ford and (from 2025) Toyota to follow with their own RHD conversions for their respective Silverado, F-150 and Tundra rivals.

We drive three 1500 4x4s to see what they’re all about and how they handle on typical Aussie roads.

GM has confirmed that it is working on a next-gen V8, meaning the Silverado alone will stick with V8s for a few more years - but there’s also an all-electric model available in America that may eventually come to Oz.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ Premium from $130,500

Out of the ashes of Holden comes GMSV.

Launched locally in 2020 following a global debut two years earlier, the Mexican-made Silverado is the fourth to wear the nameplate since 1999, though its roots stretch back to 1941.

Facelifted in 2022 with fresh styling inside and out, today’s range opens with the LTZ Premium.

Premium in nature, too, with a vast and attractive cabin. The dash looks crisp and modern. Comfy seats provide support aplenty. Vision, storage and ventilation are ample.

And the build quality is exemplary.

Equipment levels include climate control, powered/vented front seats, heated outboard seating, leather, sunroof, a 13.4-inch touchscreen, digital instrumentation, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bose audio, wireless charging, a powered sliding back window, 20-inch alloys and heaps more.

Among the safety items are Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), lane-alert/keep, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic warning, adaptive cruise control and 360-degree cameras with a bed view.

As with the others here, the flat rear bench is purely perfunctory, though vents, USB outlets and an armrest are provided, along with hidden storage. Out back, the tailgate is powered, there’s a spray-on cargo liner and a tow bar.

If size is your thing, then the Silverado obliges, thanks to a 6.2-litre V8, delivering the most power (313kW) of the trio, to either the rear or all four wheels as per the others here for part-time 4×4. Our test car was very new, but still pulled strongly, burbled the right noises, and drove sweetly thanks to a smooth 10-speed automatic, while averaging 14.2L/100km in testing, aided by fuel-saving engine tech.

The Chevy also steered well, handled predictably and was comparatively easy to park. But, with heavy load-prioritising leaf springs rather than comfort-orientated coil-sprung rear suspension, it wasn’t as refined, cushy nor as fun to drive as the dynamic Ram.

Still, with imposing looks, big space, a lovely interior and V8 muscle, the Silverado is a convincing full-sized luxury truck.

Although the current model landed in Australia in late 2023, the facelift is due by early 2025, bringing fresh styling, improved multimedia and updated safety. The all-electric F-150 Lightning version is also expected soon.

Ford F-150 Lariat from $139,950

Did you know Ford assembled the F-Series in Australia from the 1970s to the ‘90s?

Last imported in the 2000s, the F-150 relaunched locally in 2023.

This is the 14th generation since 1948, debuting in America during 2021. Like the Ram, a long-wheelbase option is also available.

Boasting a “military grade” aluminium body, the XLT from $106,950 is Australia’s least-expensive contender now that the old-shape DS Ram 1500 is history but seems it too. Halogen rather than LED headlights, AWOL fog lights/front sensors/wireless charging/rear centre armrest and just a tiny (8.0-inch) touchscreen annoy at this price. At least AEB is standard, though.

The flagship Lariat, then, justifies its 31% premium with adaptive cruise control amongst extra driver-assist safety tech, leather, a sunroof, powered/heated/vented front seats, larger (12-inch) displays/touchscreens, surround-view cameras and lighting, dual-zone climate control, premium audio, lashings of extra chrome, spray-in bedliner, electric sliding back window, powered tailgate, auto-folding mirrors, a fold-away gear selector allowing for tray-table workspace/dining and lots more besides.

But while the US-made F-150 feels massive inside, with a panoramic driving position, supportive seats and thoughtful ergonomics, even all that extra gear cannot disguise the Aldi-style ambience. This interior lacks premium-ness.

Meanwhile, the 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 offers a leading 678Nm of pulling power; mated to a slick 10-speed auto, it’s a gutsy performer, with ample muscle for effortless overtaking, and yet delivers best-of-class economy (12.7 on test). But sadly, the exhaust note sounds dreary compared to its compatriots’ V8s.

Sticking with leaf springs out back, the F-150 at times suffers from firm and fidgety suspension, affecting ride comfort - and that’s a shame because the steering feels the most natural and precise here.

Never mind. The Ford does score on load area size/versatility, warranty and presence.

Impressive in most parts yet disappointing in others, the F-150 might possess the glamour, but its smaller, Australian-developed Ranger brother is the more-consistent performer. Wait for the imminent update.

Due soon is the Series II facelift, that sadly loses the V8 but gains a turbo in-line six, completely redesigned interior and a host of safety and multimedia system improvements. We’ll miss the old Hemi, though.

Ram DT 1500 Laramie Crew Cab SWB from $137,950

The Ram 1500 is America’s third bestselling vehicle, after the leading F-150 and Silverado. And we reckon it tries a bit harder as a result.

Launching in 1981 as a Dodge, Chrysler made Ram standalone by 2010, with the fifth-gen DT series debuting in America in 2018 - three years before arriving to Australia as a premium alternative to the since-discontinued DS.

Longer, larger and stronger than before, the latest Ram uses aluminium in some body panels to save weight. Its five-link coil-sprung rear suspension is unique.

As with the base F-150 XLT, we recommend bypassing the base Big Horn from $119,950, because it is even more-poorly equipped, with no AEB among other key driver-assist safety and jump up to the Laramie instead.

The latter includes LTZ Premium/Lariat-equalling safety including adaptive cruise control, along with LED lighting, a sunroof, leather, powered/heated/vented front seats, premium audio, a 12-inch touchscreen, 360-degree camera, a sliding back window, 20-inch alloys and more. Also fitted are heated reclinable rear seats and auto-deploying side steps.

Obviously, the Ram’s interior is vast.

But it’s also more car-like in its execution, with great vision, a fine driving position, sofa-esque front seating, user-friendly interfaces, classy design and quality finishes. Most rear seat amenities like vents and USB outlets are present, along with hidden storage areas. And the size and versatility of the massive tub out back are further bonuses. The tailgate is damped and has an electric release.

Speaking of which, the famous Hemi V8 up front uses mild-hybrid tech to reduce consumption.

But we averaged 14.6L/100km - partily because the orchestral exhaust and rapid yet refined power delivery is difficult to resist. This feels like true big V8 trucking.

Which is why the Ram’s light steering, controlled handling and absorbent ride are unexpected pleasures, making the Laramie the most civilised of the Big Americans.

Fast, dynamic, comfortable and intelligently packaged, the DT 1500 is a class favourite.