2025 Ram 1500 RHO Preview
Ram is expanding its portfolio of off-road performance trucks to five models, the most ever for the brand. The all-new 2025 Ram 1500 RHO headlines the lineup with its 540-horsepower, turbocharged “Hurricane” six-cylinder engine. The new Ram 1500 RHO helps to fill the void created by the departure of the apex predator Ram 1500 TRX.
In addition to the new 1500 RHO, Ram is rolling out refreshed versions of its existing off-road trucks, including the 2025 Ram 1500 Rebel and Warlock, and 2024 Ram 2500 Rebel and Power Wagon. While each of these trucks receives some measure of upgrades and enhancements, this preview focuses on the off-road range-topping 1500 RHO.
Ram offers the all-new 2025 1500 RHO solely as a crew cab equipped with a twin-turbocharged, high-output inline six-cylinder engine and an automatic transmission. Four-wheel drive (4WD) is standard, as is an electronic-locking differential and 35-inch off-road tires.
2025 Ram 1500 RHO Exterior - Find the best Ram 1500 deals!
Though its exterior styling isn’t as aggressive as the TRX, the new 2025 Ram 1500 RHO certainly looks like a dedicated off-road truck. The RHO is 8 inches wider than the regular Ram 1500 light-duty pickup with a 6-inch wider track. Composite flares over the wheel arches sit atop the 35-inch tires and available 18-inch bead lock wheels, giving the RHO a commanding stance.
Up front, the Ram RHO features premium LED headlamps, a unique hood with a scoop atop a new grille, and a prominent “RAM” badge front and center. Not only is the badge larger than those on the rest of the Ram 1500 lineup, but it also has a hollow design that allows air to pass through it to help cool the engine. At the rear, premium LED taillamps flank a large “RAM” badge on the tailgate.
For added protection, the RHO comes with steel bumpers, skid plates, and the option to add full-length rock rails instead of the more traditional running boards. Ram installs oversized tow hooks at the front and back and 5-inch dual exhaust outlets.
Adding a personal touch, animated lighting appears when you approach the truck or start it remotely. Buyers can also add body-side or hood graphics to enhance the truck's aesthetics.
2025 Ram 1500 RHO Interior - Find the best Ram 1500 deals!
Despite its rugged exterior, the new Ram 1500 RHO has an elegantly designed interior with materials and features that wouldn’t be out of place on a Grand Wagoneer luxury SUV costing thousands more.
The RHO has standard heated and cooled 12-way power front seats with memory, massage, and embroidered logos, all covered in premium leather with perforated suede accents. Other premium touches include a console-mounted gear shifter wrapped in semi-perforated leather, medium Greystone stitching, and Graphite Metallic accents.
Other thoughtful interior touches include a custom, VIN-specific badge on the center console, an “RHO” badge on the passenger’s side of the dashboard, and dual wireless charging pads. Notable available features include hand-wrapped leather instrument panels, carbon fiber accents, and a red accent package.
2025 Ram 1500 RHO Specs - Find the best Ram 1500 deals!
While enthusiasts may lament the passing of the Hemi V8, Ram says the new twin-turbocharged, 3.0-liter high-output “Hurricane” inline six-cylinder engine in the 2025 Ram 1500 RHO is more than up to the task. It cranks out 540 hp and 521 pound-feet of torque, sending power to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Ram says the new powertrain is 150 pounds lighter than the combo in the TRX and generates more horsepower and torque than other naturally aspirated V8 and turbocharged six-cylinder engines in the light-duty truck segment. The maximum towing capacity is 8,380 pounds, and the RHO can haul 1,520 pounds—about average compared to other full-size off-road-focused trucks. A 3.92 axle ratio is standard. The truck has a 33-gallon fuel tank, and Ram estimates the RHO will return 17 mpg in combined driving.
How does the new Ram RHO perform? The automaker quotes a zero-to-60-mph time of 4.6 seconds, zero-to-100 mph in 11.7 seconds, and a top speed of 118 mph. Ram also says the RHO can run the quarter mile in 13.1 seconds at 105 mph. Nine drive modes, including Sport and Baja, are selectable via a dashboard switch.
As the RHO is a hard-core off-road vehicle, Ram engineers devoted much of their time and energy to developing the truck’s suspension. The adaptive suspension features high-strength forged aluminum front upper and lower control arms, Bilstein Black Hawk e2 adaptive performance shocks, and 40 percent more rear-axle travel (up to 14 inches) compared to the standard 1500.
A 2-inch ride height increase contributes to the RHO’s 11.8-inch ground clearance. Wearing standard 35-inch tires, Ram says the RHO can ford water up to 32 inches deep.
2025 Ram 1500 RHO Safety and Technology - Find the best Ram 1500 deals!
The 2025 Ram 1500 RHO isn't a one-trick pony. In addition to its presumed off-road prowess, it possesses an abundance of standard and available infotainment and driver-assistance technologies.
Ram 1500 RHO drivers face a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster that displays critical vehicle information and a selection of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Next to that is a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen running Uconnect 5, upgradeable to a reconfigurable 14.5-inch split-screen display. A class-exclusive 10.25-inch touchscreen faces the front passenger and is only visible to them, Ram says. There’s also an optional 10-inch full-color head-up display. In all, the Ram 1500 RHO has over 50 inches of combined available digital display space.
Audiophiles will want the available 900-watt, 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system with a 10-inch subwoofer. Dual wireless charging pads are also available.
In addition to a handful of standard ADAS, the Ram 1500 RHO also offers semi-autonomous driving as part of an equipment package. Ram’s Driving Assist is an optional Level 2+ hands-free system that leverages adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and driver monitoring.
2025 Ram 1500 RHO Competitors - Find the best Ram 1500 deals!
The most obvious competitor to the Ram 1500 RHO is the base version of the Ford F-150 Raptor (not the ultra-high-performance, 700-hp Raptor R). While the Raptor is certainly a formidable foe, the RHO has it beat in two critical areas: price and power. The standard Raptor retails for $78,330 (not including destination)—more than $8,000 higher than the RHO, which retails for just under $70,000 (also not including destination). Additionally, with 540 hp, the RHO has the Raptor (450 hp) beat in the power department).
While Ram has said the new RHO does not replace the soon-to-be discontinued TRX, the truck maker neither confirmed nor denied that there will be a new TRX. Considering the bragging rights that are so prevalent in the full-size truck market, my guess is that there will indeed be a new TRX in the not-too-distant future.
Ram is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of April 25, 2025, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
Jeff Youngs has over 25 years of experience in the auto industry, including 19 years with J.D. Power in marketing and editorial management roles. He also spent nearly six years as a media relations pro with General Motors. As a freelance automotive journalist, his work has appeared on JDPower.com, CarGurus, Kelley Blue Book, Autotrader, Autolist, and iSeeCars.
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