2025 Ram 1500 RHO: Specs, Price, and Engine

Hey there, engine lovers and wheel-to-the-floor thrill seekers! Ram just stirred the hornet’s nest by unveiling the 2025 Ram 1500 RHO. Yep, the name might sound a bit quirky (almost like “Rino,” right?), but this beast is here to fill the void left by the legendary TRX and its supercharged V8, taking direct aim at the throat of the Ford F-150 Raptor. Can the new Hurricane engine handle the job? Let’s dive into the specs, compare it to the competition, and find out if this RHO is a worthy successor.

The Heart of the Beast: Hurricane HO Engine

Goodbye, gas-guzzling, loud V8 (I’ll admit, we’ll miss that roar!). Hello, (sort of) efficiency and tech! The star here is the 3.0L Hurricane High-Output (HO) inline-six twin-turbo engine. According to Ram Trucks, it cranks out 540 horsepower at 5,750 rpm and a massive 521 lb-ft (706 Nm) of torque at 3,500 rpm. That’s more than enough power to turn any trail into your personal playground.

This switch means a significant weight reduction (about 62 lbs or 28 kg) compared to the old TRX’s HEMI V8 block, which, according to MotorTrend, improves the center of gravity and agility. Although the peak horsepower is lower than the TRX’s 702 hp, the Hurricane’s torque kicks in earlier, promising quicker response. This move toward smaller turbocharged engines is a trend, mirroring shifts in other brands within the group, such as Stellantis, investing in new battery tech for electrification.

Off-Road Performance and Capabilities

Power without control is nothing, right? Ram knows that. The RHO comes equipped with an 8-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission and a rugged 4×4 system featuring a low-range transfer case and electronic rear differential locker (e-locker). Adaptive suspension features Bilstein® Black Hawk® e2 shocks, designed to handle high-speed off-road abuse while maintaining comfort on the pavement. The 0 to 60 mph sprint happens in an impressive 4.6 seconds.

When it comes to heavy-duty work, the RHO doesn’t disappoint. It boasts a max towing capacity of 8,380 lbs (3,802 kg) and a payload capacity of 1,520 lbs (690 kg). Those are solid numbers that place it just above its main direct competitor in capacity. Maintaining a vehicle like this requires care, and some maintenance tips are essential for smooth trips, especially if you plan to push its full off-road potential.

Technology and Comfort Onboard

Inside, the 2025 RHO isn’t just brute force. It packs the latest tech in the Ram lineup. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system with navigation runs on a vertical 12-inch touchscreen, complemented by a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and, believe it or not, a 10.25-inch touchscreen exclusively for the front passenger — standard! That’s tech with no compromises.

The luxury list keeps going: digital key (compatible with iPhone and Apple Watch), digital rearview mirror, dual wireless charging pads for smartphones, and over 100 safety and driver-assist features. A standout is the Hands-Free Active Driving Assist, a semi-autonomous driving system that lets you take your hands off the wheel on compatible highways — something not yet common among competitors like the Nissan Frontier, which focuses on other tech like plug-in hybrid technology.

Head-to-Head: RHO vs. Rivals

The battle in the high-performance off-road pickup segment is fierce. The Ram 1500 RHO steps into the ring primarily to challenge the Ford F-150 Raptor and, to a lesser extent, the Chevrolet Silverado ZR2.

Performance Comparison Table (2025 Models)

Model	Engine	Horsepower (hp)	Torque (Nm)	Towing Capacity (kg)	Payload Capacity (kg)	Base Price (Approx. USD)
Ram 1500 RHO	3.0L I6 Twin-Turbo	540	706	3,802	690	$69,995
Ford F-150 Raptor	3.5L V6 Twin-Turbo	450	691	3,719	639	$78,000*
Chevrolet Silverado ZR2	6.2L V8	420	624	4,037	653	$70,000*

*Prices can vary significantly with options and market fluctuations. Source: Official sites and specialized publications like Edmunds.

Looking at the table, the RHO clearly leads in horsepower over both the Raptor’s V6 and the Silverado ZR2’s V8. Torque is also higher. In towing and payload, the numbers are competitive, with the RHO beating the Raptor and just slightly trailing the Silverado V8 in towing capacity, but ahead in payload. Chevrolet also offers the Blazer EV SS as a performance SUV contender, but it focuses on electric SUVs.

The RHO’s starting price ($69,995) is aggressive, placing it below the estimated base price of the 2025 F-150 Raptor, which could be a deciding factor for many buyers seeking the most performance per dollar spent.

Pros and Cons of the New Ram RHO

Not everything is smooth (or muddy, as the case may be), so here are the strong points and caveats of this brute:

Pros

• The Hurricane engine delivers excellent power and torque.
• Robust off-road package with cutting-edge technology.
• High-tech, comfortable interior with exclusive features.
• Competitive towing and payload capacities.
• Competitive starting price compared to the Raptor.

Points to Consider

• Fuel consumption is likely still high.
• Missing the visceral roar of the TRX’s V8.
• Initially available only in one trim level.
• International availability may be limited at first.
• Parts and specialized service network could pose challenges outside the U.S.

Price and Availability

As mentioned, the 2025 Ram 1500 RHO has a suggested starting price (MSRP) in the U.S. of $69,995. Keep in mind this does not include freight, taxes, and options, which can noticeably increase the final purchase price. Car and Driver mentions a slightly different figure, but the official MSRP remains the benchmark.

Production has already started, and the first units should hit American dealerships soon. Availability in other markets such as Europe or Latin America hasn’t been officially confirmed by Ram yet, but sightings suggest the pickup is already undergoing testing in other countries, hinting at a possible future global launch.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Ram 1500 RHO 2025 FAQ

1. What engine powers the Ram RHO?
   Answer: The 2025 Ram RHO uses the 3.0L Hurricane High-Output (HO) inline-six twin-turbo engine, producing 540 horsepower and 521 lb-ft (706 Nm) of torque.
2. Does the Ram RHO replace the TRX?
   Answer: Yes, the RHO takes over as Ram’s high-performance off-road pickup, succeeding the Ram 1500 TRX, which used a supercharged V8.
3. What is the price of the Ram RHO 2025?
   Answer: The manufacturer’s suggested starting price (MSRP) in the U.S. is $69,995, before taxes, freight, and options.
4. Who are the Ram RHO’s main competitors?
   Answer: Its primary rivals are the Ford F-150 Raptor (with a V6 EcoBoost engine) and the Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 (with a V8 engine).
5. Is the Ram RHO faster than the F-150 Raptor?
   Answer: With 540 hp and a 0-60 mph time of 4.6 seconds, the RHO is significantly more powerful and quicker than the F-150 Raptor V6 (450 hp, approximately 5.1 seconds 0-60 mph).

The arrival of the 2025 Ram 1500 RHO undoubtedly marks a new chapter for high-performance pickups. The bet on the Hurricane inline-six twin-turbo engine is bold, swapping brute force and the iconic V8 roar of the TRX for a more technological and (theoretically) efficient approach. Its power, torque, and capability numbers are impressive, positioning it as a strong contender in the segment, especially considering its competitive price point. It might not have the “insanity” of the TRX, but it delivers top-tier performance with an enviable tech package. It’s a natural evolution — perhaps less emotional, but extremely capable.

What do you think about the new 2025 Ram 1500 RHO? Does the Hurricane engine convince you? Leave your comment below!