2025 Ram 1500 Drops V8, Adds Luxury Tungsten and Off-Road RHO Trims
Stellantis has taken the wraps off the 2025 Ram 1500 pickup truck, marking a significant update for the popular model. This overhaul not only introduces a new powerplant but also enhances the truck’s luxury and technological features, setting new standards in its segment. Unfortunately, with these changes, it also means bidding farewell to the Ram TRX.
The 2025 Ram 1500 now offers three engine choices. While the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 eTorque remains an option, the major highlight is the new Hurricane inline-six engines, available in two different configurations. The standard Hurricane powerplant generates an impressive 420 horsepower and 469 lb-ft of torque. However, the High Output variant takes things up a notch, boasting a remarkable 540 hp and 521 lb-ft of torque. These powertrains mark a departure from the traditional 5.7-liter Hemi V8. Notably, the High Output engine will be under the hood of the all-new Ram 1500 RHO, effectively taking the place of the TRX and offering a formidable competitor to the Ford F-150 Raptor.
Engine Upgrades, TRX Replacement, And More
With the exception of the electric Ram 1500 REV and Ramcharger versions, all Ram 1500 models will now feature six-cylinder powerplants. These engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and drivers can choose between rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations.
Despite these significant powertrain changes, the Ram 1500 retains its impressive capabilities. Stellantis states that the truck maintains a maximum towing capacity of 11,580 lbs, a maximum payload capacity of 2,300 lbs, and offers a 24-inch water-wading ability without any major challenges. The Ram 1500 continues to provide a comfortable ride, thanks to its double-wishbone front suspension and a five-link solid rear axle. Additionally, buyers can opt for the adjustable air suspension, a longstanding hallmark of the Ram 1500, which sets it apart from its competitors.
While specific details about the RHO model are limited, Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis explained that it’s essentially a TRX with a smaller engine, retaining all the advanced suspension features but with slightly less power. Notably, the TRX nameplate is on hiatus, although there’s potential for its return in the future.
Subtle Styling Upgrades Freshen Up A Familiar Face
The Ram 1500 for the 2025 model year maintains its recognizable design, but it has received several updates that give the truck a more contemporary appearance. At the front, the headlights have been restyled with slimmer clusters, featuring LED lighting with twin bi-functional projector headlamps. It’s essential to note that this lighting setup is standard on Limited trim levels and above.
The truck’s grille has also undergone a redesign, now sporting a forward-leaning design that’s larger than the previous iteration. Ram describes the grille as exuding a heroic presence and pushing the boundaries of boldness. Additionally, the “RAM” badging on the front has been raised for enhanced visibility.
Moving to the rear of the vehicle, the taillights have been refreshed with a jewel-like finish. This upgrade applies to the entire lineup, although only specific models come equipped with LED lighting elements. Furthermore, the bed and cab have been subtly reshaped to enhance aerodynamics.
Ram will offer ten exterior colors for the 2025 Ram 1500, including Baltic Grey, Billet Silver, Bright White, Delmonico Red, Diamond Black, Flame Red, Hydro Blue, Ivory White Tri-coat, and River Rock.
A Tech-Fest Interior
The Ram 1500 offers several notable exterior upgrades, including a new power-operated tailgate featuring obstacle detection. Vehicles equipped with this feature now come with a dedicated button on the keyfob for convenient tailgate operation. Additionally, the RamBox option remains available, complete with a 115-volt outlet. This cargo system provides owners with a weatherproof and lockable storage space integrated into the bed rails, enhancing utility.
Moving to the interior, the 2025 Ram 1500 introduces new premium materials and textures to enhance the cabin’s overall quality. Depending on the specific model, you’ll find sophisticated metal accents, high-quality leather, and even carbon fiber elements, offering a level of luxury that sets it apart from its competitors. Notably, Bighorn and Lone Star models receive Gridiron paint with laser-etched decorative trim on the dashboard, console, and doors. Additionally, these models feature Gear Embossed seat inserts available in Diesel Gray or Black.
The Rebel interior gets an upgrade with Red/Black Ombre mesh inserts in the cloth seats, adding a sporty and distinctive touch. Inside the Laramie trim, customers can enjoy Chevron film trim elements and have the option to choose from a stylish Bison Brown/Sea Salt Gray two-tone leather interior, further elevating the premium feel of the cabin.
New Mega-Luxury Tungsten Trim
In the upper echelons of the range, the 2025 Ram 1500 offers some luxurious interior options. The Limited Longhorn, for instance, boasts Barn Wood 45 open poor veneer. This particular model exclusively features Bison Brown leather and adds a massage function to the front seats for enhanced comfort. The Limited model, on the other hand, introduces new Black Ebony open poor wood veneer inlays. For those not interested in the black monochromatic interior, this trim is available with an optional black/ebony red color package.
In the 2025 model year, Ram introduces a new Tungsten model that brings a wealth of premium and luxury features. The interior of this trim is elegantly trimmed in Indigo/Sea Salt Natura leather upholstery and adorned with diamond-knurled decorated metal accents and a suede headliner. The Tungsten is designed as a lifestyle truck rather than a workhorse, featuring unique exterior design elements such as a one-piece molded front fascia instead of steel bumpers. Its bespoke grille treatment and distinct head- and taillight detailing set it apart, as do the 22-inch diamond-cut and painted Tungsten-specific wheels.
The front seats in the Tungsten trim are equipped with extensive adjustability (24-way), memory settings, massage functionality, and lumbar support. The trim also boasts a premium 23-speaker Klipsch Reference Premiere sound system with 1,228 watts of power and dual wireless chargers. An exclusive Tungsten badge on the center console features the VIN and decorative elements to highlight the model’s uniqueness.
Irrespective of the trim level, all Ram 1500 models come with convenient features like a push-button trailer steering knob and an accessory switch bank.
On the technology front, the 2025 Ram 1500 receives an upgraded Uconnect infotainment system. While a 12-inch screen is standard, a larger 14.5-inch touchscreen display is also available. The bigger screen allows for touchscreen capability for dual application use. Notably, the segment introduces a first with a 10.25-inch passenger screen, offering the front passenger entertainment, navigation, and the ability to view the exterior cameras.
Safety features abound in the 2025 Ram 1500, with standard offerings like Active Driving Assist, providing Level 2 self-driving capabilities, and automated trailer hitch assistance is now part of the feature list.
While pricing details are pending, the 2025 Ram 1500 is set to hit dealerships in Q1 2024. The RHO model is expected to arrive in Q3 of 2024, around the same time as the production of the Ramcharger and REV. This upcoming lineup will surely make for an interesting comparison with the facelifted Ford F-150.
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