2025 Ram 1500 RHO Review

2025 Ram 1500 RHO – Overview

With its wide, dominating stance, reinforced suspension, and plenty of bold character, the 2025 Ram 1500 RHO stands out as a powerhouse among everyday pickups. Built on the solid foundation of the standard half-ton Ram 1500, it inherits a refined platform and a premium cabin that elevate its appeal. Replacing the 1500 TRX in Ram’s lineup, the RHO may leave fans longing for the previous model’s 702-horsepower supercharged V-8 engine. Instead, it boasts a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six delivering 540 horsepower—still enough muscle to compete head-to-head with the Ford F-150 Raptor, though with a noticeably quieter engine note.

While some may lament the loss of the roaring V-8, Ram has compensated with an array of off-road and performance upgrades. The RHO comes standard with air suspension, sits higher than the typical 1500 4×4, offers up to 11.8 inches of ground clearance, and provides 14 inches of rear suspension travel. This rugged truck matches its predecessor’s off-road prowess while dialing back some of the previous model’s flair and excess. It remains one of the standout choices in its segment.

When Is The 2025 Ram 1500 RHO Coming Out?

Ram has scheduled the official launch of the 2025 Ram 1500 RHO for late summer 2025, with deliveries expected to begin in early fall. This timing ensures it slots perfectly into the competitive fall pickup market, allowing Ram to leverage the latest tech and powertrain upgrades alongside refreshed styling cues. Pre-orders are already being accepted at select dealerships nationwide, with a growing buzz among pickup enthusiasts.

What’s New for 2025 Ram 1500 RHO?

When Ram revealed that 2024 would be the last model year for the TRX, many feared it marked the end of Ram’s high-performance pickups. However, the brand quickly dispelled those concerns by introducing the 1500 RHO for 2025. Although it trades some horsepower compared to the TRX, the RHO is designed to keep delivering thrilling off-road capabilities and excitement.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The 2025 Ram 1500 RHO starts at $72,090, making it notably more affordable than the outgoing TRX, which carried a price tag close to six figures. This price drop opens the door for a wider range of buyers to experience Ram’s high-performance off-road truck.

The RHO is available in a single trim, but if your budget allows, we recommend opting for the RHO Equipment Group package. This feature-rich upgrade includes a larger 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 360-degree exterior camera system, rain-sensing windshield wipers, heated and ventilated front seats with massage functions, power-adjustable pedals, adaptive cruise control with hands-free driving capability, a head-up display, an upgraded 19-speaker sound system, and much more.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Beneath the hood, the Ram 1500 RHO features a tuned version of the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, the same powerplant found in the standard Ram 1500 as well as Jeep’s Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer SUVs. In the RHO, it delivers a robust 540 horsepower and comes paired with standard four-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission.

While this output positions the RHO well against the standard Ford F-150 Raptor, it falls short of matching the more potent Raptor R, which boasts a 700-plus horsepower V-8. To complement its powertrain, the RHO is equipped with Bilstein Black Hawk e2 adaptive shock absorbers and a specially tuned air spring suspension that allows up to 14 inches of rear axle travel.

Thanks to its suspension lift and rugged 35-inch all-terrain tires, the RHO offers the highest ground clearance in the 1500 lineup at 11.8 inches. During our test drive, we noticed improved on- and off-road handling, largely thanks to the lighter inline-six engine compared to the TRX’s heavier V-8. However, the inline-six’s quieter engine note lacks the thrilling roar of the supercharged V-8, somewhat dampening the driving excitement for those seeking an adrenaline rush.

0–60-MPH Times

In our testing, the Ram 1500 RHO accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. While that’s 0.6 seconds slower than the previous TRX, it’s still a solid 0.8 seconds quicker than the V-6-powered Ford F-150 Raptor.

Towing and Payload Capacity

The Ram 1500 RHO doesn’t quite match the towing capacity of the standard Ram 1500, but its maximum rating of 8,380 pounds is still enough to haul a speedboat or a sizable box trailer. It offers a maximum payload of 1,520 pounds. For those needing extra towing power, the Ford F-150 Raptor R can tow up to 8,700 pounds, though the Ram edges it out when it comes to payload capacity.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA estimates the Ram 1500 RHO will achieve 15 mpg in city driving and 21 mpg on the highway. While these numbers may seem modest, they mark a significant improvement over the V-8–powered TRX, which was rated at just 10 mpg city and 14 mpg highway. We plan to test the RHO on our 75-mph highway fuel economy course soon and will update this article with real-world results. For the latest official fuel economy details, you can visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Ram has raised the bar for truck interiors with its latest half-ton pickups, featuring premium materials and excellent sound insulation that keeps outside noise at bay. This high level of luxury and refinement extends to the performance-focused RHO, which is available exclusively as a crew cab with a short bed.

Inside, standard leather and suede upholstery create a sophisticated cabin, complemented by upscale touches like upholstered dash panels and carbon-fiber accents. For those seeking even more comfort, the RHO Equipment Group package adds massaging front seats—perfect for easing out those lower-back kinks while you tackle rugged terrain. Truly, it’s a remarkable blend of comfort and capability.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Ram 1500 RHO comes standard with a vertically oriented 12.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while an optional upgrade to a larger 14.5-inch display is available through the RHO Equipment Group package. Both setups feature the latest Uconnect 5 interface, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, built-in navigation, and SiriusXM satellite radio.

A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster comes standard, and buyers can opt for a 10.0-inch full-color head-up display as well as a 10.3-inch dash-mounted display for the front passenger. The standard audio system includes 10 speakers, but for audiophiles, the RHO Equipment Group also offers a premium 19-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The Ram 1500 RHO comes equipped with essential driver-assistance features as standard. More advanced technologies, such as evasive steering assist and an intersection collision warning system, are included with the optional RHO Equipment Group and Advanced Safety Group packages.

Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking

• Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist

• Standard adaptive cruise control

For detailed crash-test ratings, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Ram offers a competitive limited and powertrain warranty that aligns with others in the full-size pickup segment. Unlike rivals such as the Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, and Toyota Tundra, Ram does not provide complimentary scheduled maintenance.

• Limited warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

• Powertrain warranty: 5 years or 50,000 miles

• Complimentary scheduled maintenance: Not included

2025 Ram 1500 RHO Specifications

Final Verdict

The 2025 Ram 1500 RHO is a standout full-size pickup that expertly balances power, luxury, and technology. Its mild hybrid powertrains offer commendable fuel economy gains without sacrificing performance, while the cabin is among the most comfortable and tech-rich in its class. Whether you need a capable work truck or a daily driver with a premium feel, the Ram 1500 RHO is a versatile and highly competitive option.

2025 Ram 1500 RHO Videos