2025 Ram 1500 RHO First Look
The RHO takes the Ram performance mantle with a downsized turbo six and a lower price than the TRX.
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QuickTakes:
With Ram parent company Stellantis retiring its line of Hemi V8 engines, the truck maker has announced a boosted six-cylinder replacement for its high-performance TRX for the 2025 model year. Known as the RHO, the latest hot-rod Ram is down on overall power but retains much of the TRX's hardware, making for a highly capable truck on the road and off. Details about Ram's latest performance rig were recently announced.
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The 2025 Ram 1500 RHO Carries the TRX Torch
At first glance, you might mistake the new RHO for the old TRX. Both trucks have bulging bodywork, including pronounced front and rear fender flares, a front hood scoop, skid plates, tow hooks, and oversized Ram badging.
One thing Ram hasn't specified is what RHO stands for.
More than just for tough looks, the RHO's beefed-up bodywork is required to accommodate the truck's wider track, which has been increased by about 6 inches compared with the standard Ram 1500. The RHO rides on a suspension raised 2 inches compared with other Ram 1500s, allowing the company to fit 35-inch tires as standard.
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Part of that added ride height comes courtesy of Bilstein Black Hawk e2 adaptive performance shocks, similar to those that came bolted to the previous TRX. To withstand the rigors of off-roading, they feature special valves, a nitrogen-charged remote reservoir, and stainless-steel braided high-pressure hoses.
The RHO is equipped with a long-travel independent front suspension constructed from forged aluminum upper and lower control arms. Spring rates and damping control have been tuned for the RHO.
The Ram RHO uses a Dana 60 rear axle with an electronic locking differential and floating axle shafts. An axle hop damper is fitted as standard to improve traction and axle control on rough surfaces. Rear suspension travel reaches a maximum of 14 inches, which is 40% more than any other truck in the Ram lineup. The RHO is capable of fording up to 32 inches of water.
Power is divided between the front and rear axles via a BorgWarner full-time active transfer case. When the going gets tough, that box includes a rock-crawling 2.64:1 low-range setting.
All 2025 Ram 1500 RHO models roll on 18-inch wheels mounted with Goodyear Wrangler all-terrain tires. The RHO can be optioned with beadlock-capable 18-inch wheels and full-length rock rails for serious off-roaders.
Exterior lighting is provided by LEDs, including integrated clearance marker lights.
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The RHO Goes for Turbocharging
The biggest change in the transition from TRX to RHO happens under the hood, where the previous supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8 has given way to a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six. The inline-six is part of Stellantis' new Hurricane line of engines, making 540 horsepower and 521 pound-feet of torque in the RHO. The six is paired exclusively with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Although the RHO is down on power compared with the 702-hp TRX, it is still a snappy performer. Ram says the RHO can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, which is just a tenth of a second off the pace of last year's TRX. To help with consistency, the RHO features a launch control system activated via a physical button mounted in the center console.
Ram notes that the RHO's six-cylinder is 150 pounds lighter than the V8 in the TRX, resulting in better weight distribution.
The RHO has nine driver-selectable modes, including Sport, Rock, and Baja.
The RHO is rated to tow up to 8,380 pounds and can handle a maximum payload of 1,520 pounds. Both of those figures represent improvements over the V8-powered TRX.
As of April 2024, fuel-economy ratings have not been announced.
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Screens Galore and Available Hands-Free Driving
The interior of the RHO boasts amenities and technology befitting its flagship positioning within the Ram lineup. Standard equipment includes perforated Natura Plus leather seating surfaces with suede accents; power-adjustable front seats with heat, ventilation, and massage functions; aluminum paddle shifters; a 12.3-inch digital gauge display; a full-color head-up display; and a 14.5-inch central touchscreen running the Uconnect 5 infotainment system. All RHO models are also fitted with a VIN-specific console badge.
Standard safety features include lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The RHO is also offered with Ram's Hands-Free Driving Assist, allowing Level 2 hands-free driving on approved roadways.
An optional RHO Level 1 Equipment Group adds carbon-fiber trim, contrasting stitching, and unique speaker grille accents. The RHO can be further outfitted with Trailer Reverse Steer Control, dual wireless phone charging pads, a Harman Kardon audio system, and a 10.3-inch passenger screen with HDMI connectivity for phone or tablet mirroring.
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The RHO's Price Undercuts the TRX's
The 2025 Ram 1500 RHO will list from approximately $72,000, including destination, which is about $27,000 less than what Ram was charging for the TRX. The order books are open for the Michigan-made RHO, with the first deliveries scheduled to commence during the third quarter of 2024.
