2025 Ram 1500 RHO: Less Power, Better Agility
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Over at Stellantis, and Ram in particular, the future now lies with the Hurricane engine. This turbocharged inline six-cylinder will be available in many different applications, two of which can be found in the refreshed and updated 2025 Ram 1500 lineup. The all-new RHO model is the more powerful one.
RHO stands for “Ram High Output.” Unlike lesser Ram 1500 models equipped with the Hurricane engine, it features a high-flow air intake on the hood. The duct runs directly into a high-capacity radial air filter supplying the engine with fresh air, which benefits performance. The exhaust system has also been revised, incorporating a Sport Tune low-restriction system with true dual pipes running from the front to the back of the truck. All in all, the RHO generates 540 horsepower and 521 lb-ft of torque.
- Also: Most 2025 Ram 1500 Models in Canada Get $4,000 Price Cut
- Also: Is 2025 Ram 1500’s New Turbo-Six Really More Efficient Than Old HEMI V8?
Those are some impressive numbers considering the six-cylinder engine has a displacement of just 3.0 litres versus 6.2 litres for the outgoing, Hellcat V8-powered Ram 1500 TRX. That being said, we’ll probably miss the latter with its 702 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque.
Similar to the TRX, the new RHO benefits from a reinforced chassis that can withstand the worst kind of abuse, as well as a beefy, electronically controlled suspension system developed by Bilstein that increases off-road capability. Meanwhile, the forged aluminum wheels feature contrasting-coloured bead locks and are mounted on 35-inch tires.
Such a Wonderful Cab
Ram is still a leader when it comes to designing beautiful truck interiors. The richly equipped, top-of-the-range Ram 1500 RHO is no exception. With high build quality, a nice mix of colours and textures, as well as a special plaque decorating the middle of the centre console, the cabin is wonderful to look at and live in.
Almost all of the truck's functions go through the large, vertically arranged centre display. While the interface is generally intuitive and well thought-out, it’s a shame there are no physical controls for adjusting cabin temperature and ventilation or activating the heated seats and steering wheel.
Speaking of which, the seats are very accommodating and offer plenty of space no matter where you sit. What’s more, multiple storage and other handy solutions make family use a no-brainer. Behind the cabin, the cargo bed is 5.7 feet long, with no possibility to get a different one. If it's too short for your needs, you'll have to settle for a more reasonable, less powerful Ram 1500.
Downgrade From TRX
The six-cylinder Hurricane fires up with a discreet, vibration-free roar. It sounds nothing like the almighty and thunderous Hellcat V8, which made the whole truck sway from left to right with every jab at the throttle. If you don't want to wake the neighbours when you leave for work, this will be perfect. On the other hand, fans of loud engines may be disappointed.
Ram has come up with a total of nine drive modes for the RHO, and we logically decided to start with Auto mode, which felt like the most appropriate for road use. From the very first acceleration, we couldn’t help but feel a certain nostalgia for the TRX. Sure, the RHO works hard, but everything seems more polished and toned down. Acceleration is energetic and the sound of the six-cylinder becomes more pleasant at higher revs. However, if you recall the Hellcat V8's potent beat at low revs and the shrill howl of its supercharger at high revs, it’s pretty clear that something is missing.
When selecting Sport mode, the engine becomes more alert, giving the truck a more assertive character. Performance is good and picking up speed can be done in no time, but once again the thrills just aren’t the same.
More Agile and More Playful
On the other hand, when the road gets twisty, the combination of a lighter engine, precise steering and a playful chassis makes the Ram 1500 RHO a seriously dynamic truck—clearly more so than the TRX. Amused by its pleasant road manners, we were able to gauge just how accomplished the vehicle is. It kept its poise even on wet, greasy surfaces, with any slippage from the rear end compensated for by a slight countersteering manoeuvre and gentle easing of the throttle.
On the road, comfort is definitely one of the highlights of this truck. Like the TRX, the RHO effortlessly handled Michigan's rough roads. With such high-profile tires and long-travel suspension, you have nothing to fear if you live Nova Scotia, Quebec or Alberta. We even found the cabin to be very quiet for a truck riding on off-road tires.
In other words, the RHO is less demonstrative, noisy and radical than the TRX, and thus proves easier to live with in normal driving conditions. You'll also save money at the pump since the high-output Hurricane is much less fuel-thirsty than the old V8. At the end of our road test, we recorded 15.4 L/100 km, while Natural Resources Canada’s official combined rating is 15.9 L/100 km. The last TRX we drove couldn’t manage better than 21.4 L/100 km.
Drifting, Jumping and Having a Blast
Obviously, we didn’t just spend time on the road. We also had the opportunity to put the Ram 1500 RHO through its paces on a rather demanding off-road course. In order to get the most out of the vehicle, we selected Baja mode, which makes the electronic nannies more permissive without totally cutting them off. Our driving instructor kept telling us “Go ahead, the truck can handle it,” so we heeded his advice and pushed the RHO as hard as we could.
Whether on loose, sandy terrain or tight, sketchy trails, the vehicle made light work of the obstacles without ever giving the impression of breaking a sweat. The only stuff we didn't do was rock crawling, so we can't comment on that.
In the quarry we explored, ground clearance was high enough to go almost anywhere, the brakes proved powerful and enduring, while the lightened front axle offered greater agility than the TRX. The RHO also negotiated S-turns like a pro, swinging from one direction to the other with no apparent effort. The electronic systems are particularly well calibrated, giving the driver enough latitude while correcting any excess of enthusiasm. It was all very impressive—and reassuring for those who want to have fun with their truck without taking too many risks.
We finished the day with a series of jumps at 60, 70 and 90 km/h. Thanks to its robust, long-travel suspension, the RHO soared through the air and landed on the ground without bottoming out. While we felt a bit queasy right before taking off, the truck passed the test with flying colours.
Less Power for the Same Price?
Highly capable and confident both on and off the road, not to mention spacious, comfortable and well appointed, the 2025 Ram 1500 RHO is a tremendous performance truck any way you look at it. But as good as it is, the new six-cylinder engine can't make you forget the Hellcat V8 that gave the TRX its unique character.
And it's not the price that will console you. While the 2024 Ram 1500 TRX sold for $119,670 in Canada, the RHO starts at $112,945. Granted, the vehicle is fully equipped and features premium materials in the cabin, but that seems like an outrageously hefty price tag if you ask us. The addition of a cheaper, more rudimentary model—so to speak—like the one sold in the U.S. from $69,995 would be a smart move.
