2025 Ram 1500 RHO Redefines High-Performance Trucks, Experience Power

Apr 29, 2024 12:50 AM EDT

LOW ANGLE SHOT OF A BLACK RAM PICKUP TRUCK ON A PARKING LOT — (Photo : PEXELS/Vitali Adutskevich)

Ram proudly revealed its newest competitor on Thursday morning, with the intention of seriously undermining the Ford F-150 Raptor's dominance. Known as the 2025 Ram 1500 RHO, this formidable pickup truck is expected to cause a stir in the high-performance truck industry with its striking appearance and state-of-the-art amenities.

Latest from Stellantis, 2025 Ram 1500 RHO

While Ram garners attention for its innovative electric and hybrid pickups, the spotlight now shifts to its lineup of trucks. As reported by Road & Track, The RHO boasts a robust high-strength boxed steel chassis, alongside an independent front suspension setup and multi-link rear end borrowed from the TRX model.

Bolstering its off-road prowess are Bilstein Black Hawk e2 adaptive shocks, strategically positioned at all four corners and equipped with rock shielding and nitrogen-charged remote reservoirs. Moreover, the distinctive hourglass-shaped bodywork extends the truck's width by eight inches compared to a standard 1500, resulting in a six-inch increase in track width for enhanced high-speed stability.

As per Autoblog's report, during the RHO's launch, Ram's Global Operations Officer, Bob Broderdorf, clarified to the press that the new truck does not intend to supplant the TRX model. Emphasizing its distinction, Broderdorf acknowledged the RHO's lesser power, indicating it's not positioned as a direct successor to the TRX.

He reiterated Ram's confidence in their capability to craft extreme vehicles like the TRX, underscoring the brand's experience and expertise in-house. Yet, he refrained from confirming whether an even more radical successor to the TRX was in the pipeline to supplant it entirely.

Specs, Features, Release Date

As per the Detroit Free Press, the company, which also encompasses Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge, and Fiat, proudly touted the RHO as offering the "best value with more horsepower per dollar" compared to any other off-road offering on the market.

With a starting price of $69,995, excluding the $1,995 destination charge, the RHO comes in at a more affordable price point compared to the base Raptor, which currently starts at $78,330 before destination charges. Despite the lower price, the RHO offers more horsepower than the base model of the Raptor.

Manufactured at the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant, the truck is propelled by a 3-liter Hurricane High Output straight-six turbo engine, crafted at the company's Saltillo North Engine Plant located in Mexico. Several notable exterior features of the 2025 Ram 1500 RHO include amber marker lights discreetly integrated into the hood and bumper caps.

Additionally, the truck boasts a "high-flow air induction system" featuring a hood duct designed to drain water and filter out debris, ensuring the vehicle breathes only clean, cool air. Highlighted by MotorAuthority, the 2025 Ram 1500 RHO adopts the wider body from the TRX model, measuring approximately eight inches wider than other Ram 1500 variants, boasting an impressive width of 88 inches.

This expanded width allows for a 6.0-inch wider track and accommodates the fitment of wider tires, enhancing the vehicle's overall stability and performance.

Ram maintains that the RHO doesn't supplant the TRX, with a company spokesman suggesting that if a new TRX were to emerge, it would boast an appropriately potent engine akin to its predecessor. Exclusive to the crew cab and 5-foot-7 bed configuration, the RHO showcases LED headlights complemented by a wide dark brow, a distinctive grille texture, and a grille-mounted RAM logo.

The truck features tow hooks at both ends, along with a front bumper shared with the Ram Rebel but customized for the RHO's increased width. Notably, the RamBox storage system isn't available with this wider body variant. Standard two-tone paint adorns the exterior, while a functional hood scoop prevents water and debris from reaching the engine.

Customers can opt for either full-length rock rails or powder-coated aluminum running boards. Offering versatility, the RHO provides nine drive modes selectable via dashboard buttons, including Sport, Baja, Tow, Snow, Auto, Custom, Mud/Sand, Rock, and Valet modes, along with a dedicated Launch Control button for added performance capability.