Tested: The 2025 Ram 1500 RHO Evolves the Off-Road Beast

The 2025 Ram 1500 RHO doesn’t just revive the spirit of raw, primal performance—it redefines it. With its aggressive styling, upgraded suspension, and twin-turbocharged powertrain, this truck feels like a modern-day dinosaur: massive, powerful, and engineered to dominate its environment.

In a world shifting toward electrification and efficiency, the Ram 1500 RHO stands out as a bold statement. It’s not just a truck—it’s an experience, blending rugged utility with refined engineering. Whether tearing across rough terrain or cruising on the highway, the RHO delivers power and presence in equal measure.

This next-generation beast isn’t trying to keep up with the times—it’s carving its own path through them.

The 2025 Ram 1500 RHO: A Refined Evolution of Raw Power

High-performance off-road pickups have never been known for subtlety. Their appeal lies in their bold presence and commanding performance—qualities that make them both awe-inspiring and polarizing. A prime example was the now-discontinued Ram 1500 TRX, the direct predecessor of the 2025 Ram 1500 RHO. The TRX was unapologetically aggressive, boasting a wide, muscular stance and a thunderous 702-horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter V8—widely celebrated (and criticized) as the infamous Hellcat engine. It was not a vehicle for the timid.

But times are changing, and for a multitude of reasons, the iconic Hellcat V8 has been retired. In its place comes the Hurricane—a more refined, twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six that powers the new RHO. In its most potent configuration, this engine produces 540 horsepower and 521 lb-ft of torque. While these figures mark a drop of 162 horsepower and 129 lb-ft compared to the outgoing V8, the Hurricane delivers its full torque at just 3500 rpm—a significant 1300 rpm lower than the V8—making its performance more readily accessible and responsive in real-world conditions.

An added advantage of the new powerplant is its reduced weight. The aluminum-block inline-six is significantly lighter than the iron-block V8 it replaces, contributing to improved overall balance and efficiency. According to our measurements, the 2025 Ram 1500 RHO tips the scales at 6541 pounds—240 pounds lighter than our long-term TRX. This weight reduction not only enhances agility but also subtly shifts the truck’s dynamic character toward greater refinement without sacrificing its rugged appeal.

2025 Ram 1500 RHO: Strength, Sophistication, and Subtle Trade-offs

Highs: More affordable than the outgoing TRX, impressively smooth and quiet on the highway, and just as eager to tear through off-road terrain.

Despite the RHO’s fewer cylinders and modern enhancements like direct fuel injection, any hopes for significantly improved fuel economy were quickly tempered. In our real-world testing, we averaged just 11 mpg—4 mpg short of the EPA’s combined estimate of 15 mpg. Ironically, that figure matches the fuel economy we recorded over 40,000 miles with the TRX, highlighting that efficiency gains remain modest, even with the new powertrain.

That said, one tangible advantage of the RHO’s lighter, six-cylinder setup is found in its enhanced towing capacity. Thanks to the reduction in engine mass, the truck’s gross combined weight rating allows for a towing capacity of up to 8380 pounds—280 pounds more than what the TRX could manage. It’s a rare example where shedding cylinders and weight translates into practical utility.

However, no amount of engineering precision can replicate the acoustic thrill of a V-8. The inline-six simply doesn’t have the same muscular growl. With only three exhaust pulses per crankshaft revolution, compared to the V-8’s four, the RHO delivers a more refined, silken purr through its model-specific dual exhaust system—a marked contrast to the TRX’s thunderous and aggressive soundtrack. While technically sophisticated, the auditory experience lacks the visceral character that enthusiasts of the TRX came to love.

Still, the RHO doesn’t stray far from its predecessor in terms of hardware. Most of its core components—chassis layout, suspension geometry, drive modes, and off-road hardware—carry over with minimal changes. At the front, unequal-length control arms allow for 13.0 inches of wheel travel, while the rear axle, guided by four trailing links and a Panhard rod, delivers 14.0 inches of travel. Traction is ensured by 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory AT tires, ready for serious off-road action.

Ram engineers note that while the drive mode and suspension software is largely inherited from the TRX, it has been fine-tuned specifically for the RHO, giving it a distinct identity despite the shared DNA.

2025 Ram 1500 RHO: A Calmer Predator with Surprising Finesse

Lows: Marginal fuel economy improvements, slower than the TRX, and the once-thunderous exhaust note has softened into a civilized purr.

Despite its toned-down demeanor, the RHO executes its mission with quiet confidence. It makes no compromises in everyday usability, proving impressively composed during city driving and nearly luxurious on the highway. At 70 mph, interior noise levels register just 66 decibels—four decibels quieter than the TRX. The RHO cruises effortlessly at 85 mph with lane stability that defies expectations for a truck riding on massive off-road tires and long-travel suspension.

Performance on pavement is equally refined. The RHO pulled 0.72 g on the skidpad, outperforming the TRX’s 0.66 g, and stopped from 70 mph in just 190 feet, an improvement of 5 feet over the TRX.

In straight-line performance, the RHO reached 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and completed the quarter-mile in 13.1 seconds at 104 mph. While that’s 0.6 seconds slower to 60 and 0.7 seconds off in the quarter-mile compared to the TRX (12.4 seconds at 110 mph), the RHO still edges out the last Ford F-150 Raptor we tested, which clocked 5.2 seconds to 60 and 13.9 seconds in the quarter. With the TRX’s departure, Ford’s 720-hp F-150 Raptor R now holds the crown among internal combustion off-road pickups.

But where the RHO truly shines is off-road. At Rouch World Off-Road Park in Sturgis, Michigan, the truck glided over hard-packed whoops at 35 mph without unsettling the suspension or triggering cabin rattles. It tackled 34-degree muddy inclines and descents with ease, never needing to lock the rear differential or engage low range. It also splashed through over two feet of water without soaking the interior or causing misfires. And for those seeking airborne thrills, the RHO handled jumps with poise, thanks to its Bilstein Black Hawk e2 adaptive dampers and sophisticated control software, making even aggressive landings feel like minor ripples on the trail.

In a segment not typically associated with harmony, the RHO stands out as a balanced, well-rounded evolution. It’s as if the TRX spent time on a spiritual retreat and returned with a deeper understanding of performance and composure. With the loss of two cylinders and 162 horsepower, comes a $26,345 price reduction, bringing the RHO’s base price to $71,990—a thoughtful recalibration that reflects a more Zen-like philosophy.

The 2025 Ram 1500 RHO is designed to deliver exceptional off-road performance without compromising on comfort or technology. Its powerful engine, advanced suspension system, and robust features make it a formidable choice for enthusiasts seeking adventure-ready capability.