2025 Ram 1500 RHO Takes Flight When the Hurricane Blows

• The 2025 Ram 1500 RHO fills the void at the top of the Ram hierarchy left by the Ram 1500 TRX’s departure last year.
  

• The Ram 1500 RHO uses the same 3.0-liter Hurricane I6 as the optional high-output engine in the standard Ram 1500, which makes 540 hp and 521 lb-ft of torque.

• The Ram 1500 RHO starts at $71,990 and is arriving at dealers now.

Ram’s Hemi-powered, Raptor fighting TRX is dead, for now. That doesn’t mean the folks at Ram are ignoring the beloved high-horsepower, off-road-racing-inspired rigs that command high price tags.

Filling the void left at the top of Ram’s ladder, the 1500 RHO lacks a supercharged Hemi but packs a potent Hurricane under the hood and evolves its off-road chops.

Filling the void left by the Hemi is Ram’s 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, which is the optional engine in the standard Ram 1500 truck and sends 540 hp and 521 lb-ft of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission.

That’s down considerably from the TRX’s 702 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque from the outgoing 6.2-liter V8, but that power difference isn’t that substantial on loose surfaces. Of course, the Ram 1500 RHO is only available with a four-wheel-drive system.

Like its less off-road-capable standard Ram truck, the RHO’s turbocharged I6 pushes along just fine. A new exhaust and air intake system helps the 3.0-liter breathe a little better, but peak power stays the same.

However, just like the Ford F-150 Raptor’s transition away from a V8, there is a lack of supercharged V8 howl from the RHO. That said, the upgraded exhaust underneath the RHO provides some burbles and drama when it’s pushed.

Just like the Ram 1500 TRX, and its crosstown rival, the 1500 RHO is more than just a vessel for a potent powerplant. Somehow even more important is what’s suspending the Ram 1500 RHO. Underneath you’ll find aluminum front control arms that are stuffed with Bilstein Black Hawk e2 dampers.

These high-tech dampers manage the rear live axle, which also packs a dedicated damper to help manage wheel hop. All in all, the RHO’s front suspension can travel 13 inches, with the rear axle moving up to 14 inches.

On the road, the Ram 1500 RHO is about what you’d expect from a TRX proxy. The power comes on early, the turbochargers spool quickly, and you jettison away. The four-wheel-drive system helps manage the traction of the Goodyear Wranglers touching the pavement. Those tires do make for a good bit of road noise when cruising at highway speeds.

On the highway, this RHO also offered a chance to try out Ram’s hands-free driving system. Like the growing swath of options in the space, the system works well but, predictably, struggles in construction zones. Still, it’s surprising to see level 2 hands-free tech on an off-road-focused pickup.

Now, to the part that really matters: it’s off-road chops. With a rig this large, you probably won’t want to do too much crawling or trail driving. But, just like its TRX counterpart, this high-speed desert stormer thrives in the open expanse of land where you can just mash the throttle and fly over just about anything.

And “fly” isn’t hyperbole: Jumping the Ram 1500 RHO over whoops is totally possible, and it lands about as well as a full-size pickup can land. The suspension does a good job managing the tires over off-road obstacles and cushions the landing after catching air.

But there’s more to the Ram 1500 RHO, like a comfortable cabin. Full-size trucks today have interior volume to rival some San Francisco studio apartments, with plenty of space in the second row.

The large infotainment screen is a hub for creature comfort controls, but it’s flanked by enough buttons that you can operate essential functions without closing your Apple CarPlay window. You can also add on a passenger video screen similar to other high-end Stellantis products, which might help your passengers cope with the road noise.

Overall, the RHO scratches most of the itch that off-road truck buyers want from their high-end pickup. The weight savings, too, help make the RHO a little nimbler in the dirt.

It doesn’t have the TRX’s Hemi exhaust note, but its pace isn’t far off, especially in low-friction situations. For some TRX owners, that supercharged Hemi might prevent them from trading in for an RHO.

But with a windy Hurricane under the hood, would-be RHO buyers can reap the rewards of a higher volume powertrain when they sign the financing papers at the dealership.

Ram says the 1500 RHO is on sale now, and starts at $71,990. If you walk across the showroom to the few TRXs sitting on the lot, you’ll see a starting price of $98,580—a premium of over $26,000.

That’s a lot of dough, and the savings could open the door for Ram buyers who couldn’t swing for the TRX.

Do you think Ram will make a more powerful light-duty pickup in the future? Tell us your thoughts below.