The Ram 1500 RHO sets its sights on the Ford F-150 Raptor
When it comes to off-road capability, the Ford F-150 Raptor is considered one of the best. There aren’t many tried-and-true competitors on the scene, but the Ram 1500 RHO was specifically designed to put the Raptor on notice. Short for Ram High-Output, the RHO combines off-road equipment with a high-performance engine and the brand’s upscale interior to create a truck that’s ideal for both hitting the pavement and traversing the great outdoors. Does it have what it takes to challenge the F-150 Raptor, though?
Ford
Stellantis
Having undergone a redesign for the 2024 model year, the Ford F-150 Raptor sees few, if any, changes for 2026. The Ram 1500 RHO sees several notable updates, including an available MagnaFlow exhaust, five new paint colors, and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
1. The Ram 1500 RHO offers a touch more power
The 2026 Ram 1500 RHO comes powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline six-cylinder engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. That combination puts out 540 horsepower and 521 lb-ft of torque. The RHO can tow up to 8,330 lbs., which is a good deal less than the standard Ram 1500.
Stellantis
The Ford F-150 Raptor is a beast in its own right. Under the hood lies a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic gearbox. It generates 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. The standard F-150 Raptor falls just short of the RHO’s towing capability, topping out at 8,200 lbs.
For a higher tier of performance, the Ford F-150 Raptor R fits the bill. It comes equipped with a 5.2-liter supercharged V8 engine that produces 720 horsepower and 640 lb-ft of torque. As a result of all that power, the Raptor R can tackle a 60-mph sprint in under four seconds. It can also tow more than both the standard Raptor and Ram 1500 RHO, coming in at 8,700 lbs. There are several less mainstream models to consider as well, like the INEOS Quartermaster, which proves to be a capable beast in its own right.
Ford
2. The Ram 1500 RHO is thousands of dollars cheaper
With the average cost of a new vehicle now exceeding $50,000, it should come as no surprise that enthusiast models like the Ram 1500 RHO and Ford F-150 Raptor sit well above the middle ground. The former starts at $73,340, which is a good deal lower than the Raptor’s $79,005 price tag. The high-powered Raptor R starts at upwards of $110,000, making it one of the most expensive trucks on the market. Good luck getting one at MSRP, though. It isn’t uncommon for dealers to markup the Raptor R’s price due to high demand.
Zac Palmer
3. The Ram 1500 RHO is backed by a 10-year powertrain warranty
While the Ford F-150 Raptor features the industry-standard five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty, Ram has outdone itself for the 2026 model year specifically. The entire 2026 Ram 1500 lineup now comes with a standard 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. While the longer warranty was originally supposed to expire on January 2nd, Ram has opted to extend coverage through the end of the year. Thanks to its updated coverage the 2026 Ram 1500, RHO included, now features the longest powertrain warranty of any full-size truck.
Stellantis
Final thoughts
Ford
Stellantis
I, like many journalists and enthusiasts, have my qualms with Stellantis brands, Ram included, but a 10-year powertrain warranty is a major step in the right direction and can’t be ignored. On top of that, the 2026 Ram 1500 RHO’s lower price point and slightly higher performance are significant advantages. While the Ford F-150 Raptor is certainly a force to be reckoned with, the Ram 1500 RHO throws down the gauntlet like few trucks before it. While I may side with the RHO in this case, it’s still worth giving the F-150 Raptor a test drive to see which model’s design best fits your preferences. If you’re interested in vehicle design, pay us a visit over at Road Ethos.
About the author
Joseph Pudlewski
Contributing Writer, Autoblog