2025 RAM 1500 RHO

The 2025 Ram 1500 RHO (Rebel High Output) marks Ram's strategic shift from the supercharged V8-powered TRX to a more efficient, high-performance option. The new 1500 RHO is powered by an all-new 3.0-liter Hurricane High Output Straight-Six Turbo engine rated at 540 horsepower and 521 lb.-ft. of torque.  Capability includes a maximum towing capacity of 8,380 pounds, a maximum payload of 1,520 pounds and up to 32 inches of water fording. Pricing for the RAM 1500 RHO starts at $69,995 and can climb into the low $90k range when fully optioned out. I spent time in a well-equipped model that checked in at $87,900 and here’s what stood out…

Exterior Style:
Much like the TRX that it replaced, the RHO stands out from other 1500 models with an aggressive stance and flared fenders. Those fenders stretch over 35” tires and 18” wheels that include an optional set of bead lock wheels for $1,895 that add even more durability.  The RHO is eight inches wider than most other light-duty trucks which accommodates a six-inch increase in its track width.  Up front is an RHO specific grille with R-A-M badging, skid plates, steel bumpers, and a unique hood with built in LED lights integrated into the hood scoop. All-black premium LED headlamps, including twin bi-functional projector headlamps, are standard. RAM also threw in a distinctive animated lighting signature that activates when approaching/departing the truck and when the remote start feature is engaged.

Along the side, RAM offers an optional full-length rock rail, or a more traditional powder coated aluminum running board. My test truck had rock rails which provide more protection for off-roading but are tucked in more to the truck for those that need the traditional running board to get in the truck. Also available (and seen on my test model) are body-side and hood graphics as a pair or sold separately. Around back R-A-M is spelled across the tailgate while oversized tow hooks and integrated 5-inch dual exhausts highlight the performance grade of this truck. The 5’7” truck bed itself offers ample cargo space but is shorter than the standard 6’4” bed on most 1500 models. You can opt for additional features like Ram Box storage along the sides of the bed for securing tools and smaller items. It’s available in six basic colors with a two-tone finish (black on bottom) or sold as a monotone all black truck. Overall, it looks as good as it performs.

Power:
Equipped with a 3.0-liter high-output twin-turbo inline-six engine producing 540 horsepower and 521 lb-ft of torque, the RHO delivers robust performance, achieving 0 to 60 mph in approximately 4.5 seconds. The engine delivers strong acceleration and a satisfying amount of torque. While the 540 horsepower is significantly less than the former TRX’s 702 horsepower, the RHO nearly matches its 0-60 time. One thing it doesn’t match is the supercharged V8 exhaust tone, the RHO's exhaust note is a bit less aggressive. It’s still significant with a throaty rumble that was too loud for my wife, but just not the loud beast that was the TRX.

Handling:
On the road, it provides a smooth and controlled ride, even at higher speeds. The suspension is tuned to offer a balance between off-road prowess and everyday comfort. It’s equipped with a coil-spring suspension system, which provides a smoother ride compared to some other trucks in its class that use traditional leaf springs. There’s no need to worry about potholes or bumps in the road with this truck as it will glide right over them. The steering is responsive, and the truck feels stable, offering good driver feedback. Clearly, it’s a heavy truck, so it’s not agile like a sports car, but I am impressed at how easy it is to handle. There are nine various drive modes to select from to allow for optimized performance across a variety of terrains and conditions. Sport was one of my favorites to use which maximizes on-road performance with adjustments to power output, throttle response and shift points.

At the other end of the spectrum are off-road modes like Rock for low-speed rock crawling or Baja focused on high-speed off-roading. I experienced the RHO in Baja mode while in Texas and was blown away with what this truck can do without any modifications. The professional driver I was with had all four tires off the ground while it was in Baja mode, and we took some significant dirt jumps. The Bilstein Black Hawk e2 adaptive performance shocks were beyond impressive,  and the truck even features an internal three-stage progressive hydraulic Jounce Control (Jounce Cut-off) to provide bottom-out control during the most extreme compression events.

Off-Road Capability:
When it comes to off-roading, the RHO excels, as it can handle rough terrain and challenging trails with ease. It boasts a ground clearance of 11.8 inches due in part to a 2-inch ride height increase when compared with the rest of the 1500 lineup, along with 35-inch tires. This combination enables RHO to clear surface obstacles easily and at high speeds. The adjustable air suspension offers the option to raise the truck's height for better ground clearance when needed as well. Whether navigating loose gravel, mud, or rocky paths, the RHO stays composed and confident, with a suspension that absorbs bumps well. The RHO is built to allow for greater wheel travel which helps its ability to get through tougher off-road obstacles.

Other features that help maximize its off-road capabilities are its high-flow air induction system that features a hood duct that drains water and filters out debris from reaching the engine to help the truck breathe only clean, cool air. There’s also a high-capacity radial air filter housed in an open-top air box that allows easy access for a quick field-clean.

Fuel Economy:
When it arrived with a full 33-gallon tank it had a driving range of over 500 miles which can take you pretty far.  It gets an EPA estimated 15 MPG city, 21 MPG highway, and 17 MPG combined. Overall, it’s a significant improvement over the former TRX’s combined rating of 10MPG.  The RHO will run on regular grade fuel but performs best on premium.  

Interior:
Hopping inside, you’ll find a performance-inspired interior with all the latest technology.  It blends premium materials, textures, and colors that separate it from the rest of the 1500 lineup. Taking the attention to detail one step further, Ram 1500 RHO features a custom center console badge with vehicle-specific VIN and an “RHO” badge on the passenger’s side instrument panel. It also features premium 12-way power leather front seats with a new massage function and embroidered logos. Heated and ventilated premium Natura Plus leather with perforated suede accents cover the front bucket and rear bench seats. A console-mounted shifter includes a cast metal main grip wrapped with semi-perforated leather and aluminum paddle shifters stretch above and below the steering wheel spokes.

The cabin has a lot of room to accommodate five adults with plenty of head and leg room all around. The seats are comfortable, supportive and allow the driver to find an optimal seating position for good visibility. The rear seats also have a foldable feature to increase the cargo area, providing extra storage when you need it for gear or supplies. Despite the louder noise from the outside, the interior cabin is well-insulated and quiet. RAM has provided sufficient soundproofing to ensure that road noise is kept on the road.

Technology:
RAM trucks have always excelled at technology and this one is no different. The RHO is equipped with three different screens in the dash. Behind the steering wheel is a 12.3” digital gauge cluster that has nearly two dozen menus to go through and allows for customization of many of the driver assist features. At the center of the dash is 14.5” touchscreen that utilizes the latest iteration of Uconnect 5 to integrate wirelessly with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The system has been refined to work faster with better touchscreen response, and it did not freeze or glitch at all. The menu is intuitive, the graphics are crisp, and traditional knobs are appropriately placed.  The third screen is a class-exclusive 10.25” passenger screen that is only visible to front passengers. It’s so well hidden from the driver that I didn’t even realize it existed for a couple days until my kids sat in front and pointed it out. This screen offers three major functions: co-pilot (navigation, device management), entertainment (via HDMI) and the ability to view the exterior vehicle cameras.

Other available technology features include a full-color head up display, dual wireless phone charging, in-vehicle navigation, and various ambient lighting settings. For those focussed on sound, it offers a Harman Kardon audio system with 19 speakers. This premium sound system is clear and sounds incredible.

Driver Assist Technology:
One area that has seen big improvements is RAM’s Hands-free Driving Assist which is their Level 2+ automated driving capability. It’s still not as advanced as Ford’s Blue Cruise or GM’s Super Cruise, but it’s getting there. RAM’s system will allow for hands-off driving and lane centering on approved roadways. The system will predictively slow the vehicle down in tight curves, automatically resume control after driver override and verify that the driver is paying attention to the road.

Another key feature is Trailer Sway control which helps keep the trailer stable by detecting any sway or instability. If the system senses the trailer swaying, it can apply the truck's brakes to reduce the sway and keep the vehicle and trailer under control. And if you’re concerned about parking such a large truck, ParkSense Park Assist is available and uses sensors at the front and rear of the truck to detect obstacles while parking. It provides audio and visual alerts to help the driver park safely. It’s especially helpful in tight parking situations, whether in a crowded parking lot or when parallel parking.

Additionally, the RHO is equipped with a variety of other driver-assist technologies designed to enhance safety, convenience, and overall driving experience. Other standard features include blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning with active braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, 360-degree surround view camera, automatic high beams, and driver attention warning.

Final Statement:
The RAM 1500 RHO is a suitable replacement for the less efficient TRX. It offers plenty of power and performance for some off-road fun or daily driving. It looks appropriately aggressive on the outside without being over the top with its 35” tires and flared fenders. Inside is a nice blend of high-quality materials and modern technology that is functional and intuitive. This truck was built for high-performance off-roading, but makes for a fun alternative to take the kids to baseball practice in.

First Impression Summary:
Test Vehicle: 2025 RAM 1500 RHO Crew Cab
Exterior Color: Billet Silver Metallic / Black
Interior Color: Black Leather
Options: Paint ($295), Trailer-Tow Group ($595), Bed Utility Group ($945), TRX Level 1 Equipment Group ($9,995), Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover ($695), Exterior Graphics ($695), Rock Rails ($995), 18’ Bead-Lock Wheels ($1,895)
MSRP as tested: $87,900 (With Delivery/Destination)

Pros: Power / Performance, Off-Road Capability, Advanced Technology, Towing / Hauling
Cons: Expensive, Fuel Economy, Shorter Truck Bed