Textual content by Tom Appel
2025 Ram 1500 RHO
Specs
Class: Full-Dimension Pickup Truck
Nation of Manufacture: U.S.
Coloration: Billet Silver Metallic
Seating Capability: 5
Miles pushed: 137
Actual-world gasoline financial system: 14.9 mpg
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Consolation | A |
| Energy and Efficiency | A |
| Match and End | A |
| Gas Economic system | C |
| Worth | B- |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different autos in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim stage evaluated, and should not mirror Shopper Information’s impressions of your entire mannequin lineup. | |
| Large & Tall Consolation | |
| Large Man | A |
| Tall Man | A |
| Large & Tall consolation scores are for entrance seats solely. “Large” ranking based mostly on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” ranking based mostly on 6’6″-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 540-horsepower 3.0liter |
| Engine Sort | Turbocharged six |
| Transmission | 8-speed automated |
| Drive Wheels | 4WD |
Driving combine: 65% metropolis, 35% freeway
EPA-estimated gasoline financial system: 15/21/17 (metropolis, freeway, mixed)
Gas sort: Premium fuel
Base value: $69,995 (not together with $1995 vacation spot cost)
Choices on check automobile: Tri-Fold Tonneau Cowl ($695), exterior graphics ($495), rock rails ($995)
Worth as examined: $87,900
Professionals and Cons
The good: Promise of utmost off-road functionality, roomy and cozy cabin
The nice: Higher than anticipated gasoline financial system
The not so good: Agency trip could restrict time within the tough stuff
Overview
It’s doable that publicity to the Cybertruck has given the truck-shopping public purpose to rethink going fully loopy when making a truck buy. And whereas the Cybertruck introduced with it to market a bag stuffed with issues, many of which have been unrelated to its hanging design or huge horsepower numbers, no less than some compromises have been made to attain these bragging rights.
Hemi Energy
However let’s reel the instance right here in a bit: Think about the 1500 TRX. Ram’s giant-killing, all-terrain pickup boasted amongst its many promoting factors a monstrous 702-horsepower supercharged engine. The large V8 hustled the thundering Ram to 60 mph from a cease is sports-car like time, and sounded implausible doing so. The brawny “Hemi” engine was so spectacular, at instances it appeared as if the TRX’s different qualities have been being ignored.
Supplied between 2021 and 2025, the Ram TRX was completely spectacular, it was additionally fully excessive. It was costly, extremely gasoline thirsty, and its payload and towing numbers a bit of disappointing, all issues thought-about.
So, we ask, what if the oldsters have been to construct a truck just like the TRX. A greater-balanced truck, maybe with rather less muscle, that price rather less to purchase, however was nonetheless a blast to drive?
Enter the Ram 1500 RHO.
TRX versus RHO
As Ram changed the old-school—and previous tech—V8 engines in its 1500 sequence pickups, diehard V8 loyalists decried the break with custom. By no means thoughts that the brand new turbocharged inline 6-cylinder powerplants have been smoother, quieter, extra highly effective, and extra gasoline environment friendly than the V8s.
At 540 horsepower, the high-output model of Ram’s new six is not any slouch, serving up efficiency numbers inside hanging distance of the previous supercharged V8, this per instrumented testing by Automotive and Driver. Extra importantly, the RHO drivetrain feels sturdy pulling away from a cease, or when executing merging and passing maneuvers. Whereas down 162 horsepower from the TRX, the RHO powertrain nonetheless ranks as probably the greatest within the class.
RHO Gas Economic system
And right here’s the large engine information: In Shopper Information testing, a 2021 Ram 1500 TRX returned simply 10.9 mpg in routine driving. Our check 2025 RHO, in roughly related driving, posted 14.9 mpg, a virtually 40-percent mileage enchancment. Each vehicles, nevertheless, do require dear premium-grade gasoline.
Worth Comparability
Aside from the engines, the TRX and RHO are usually not fairly equivalent, however they’re fairly shut. Chassis upgrades—over lesser Ram 1500 trim ranges—are related, as is the final stage of cabin refinement. As such, costs are usually not too completely different. Our check ’21 truck got here to $91,205, with a couple of choices added to the underside line. 4 years later, our check 2025 RHO listed for $87,900. Curiously, each began at $69,995.
RHO Benefits
Not seen on the window sticker, or simply ascertained from a check drive, the RHO is a couple of hundred kilos lighter than the TRX. And whereas the burden financial savings could assist the RHO really feel considerably nimbler than the TRX, it does boast extra spectacular specs. In comparison with the TRX, the RHO tows extra (8380 kilos versus 8100), and boasts a higher payload ranking (1520/1310).
Experience and Dealing with
One the highway, the 2 vehicles really feel just about the identical, no less than in addition to we are able to bear in mind. What’s spectacular is how strong and tight the RHO feels, extra like a sports activities automobile than an off-roader. There isn’t any sloppiness to the dealing with, and the steering feels agency and direct. Likewise, the brakes have a strong, reassuring really feel. Experience high quality, although, is a bit of agency. Although not harsh, the RHO suspension does transmit a good quantity of road-surface irregularities into the cabin, a attribute that will develop tiresome over longer drives on unimproved roadways. The RHO does settle in properly at freeway speeds, nevertheless, although the tires to kick up extra noise than might be heard in different Ram 1500 variants.
Cabin and Connectivity
The Ram RHO cabin is one may count on of a modern-era Ram; posh to an virtually embarrassing stage. The big, vertically oriented touch-screen dominates the sprint, and is straightforward to learn. The display itself is flanked on each side by bodily switchgear, most of which is logically positioned and fairly straightforward to shortly find.
Entering into and out of the Ram is straightforward sufficient, although its 11.8 inches of floor clearance—about 3.0 greater than most different Ram 1500 variants—means reaching up a bit of additional to settle in. This 6-foot-tall editor discovered the attain straightforward sufficient, and his daughter loved the journey of all of it.
In Billet Silver, our check truck managed to look each rugged and comparatively inconspicuous, save for the extra-cost ($495) RHO decals, which we’d go on have been the truck ours.
Worth
All informed, we don’t miss the additional energy of the TRX’s supercharged V8, and slightly welcome the refinement of the Hurricane six. We actually applaud the vastly improved gasoline financial system, and to the extent we might ever have to tow or haul with our RHO, the padded efficiency scores are good, as properly.
The RHO is maybe most spectacular for its docile around-town demeanor. People in search of a critical off-road automobile that will also be pushed to church or dinner will discover lots to love in regards to the RHO. And we doubt very many Ram intenders will miss the V8 very a lot.
Hearken to the Automotive Stuff Podcast
2025 Ram 1500 RHO Photos
Click on under for enlarged photographs