A truck for work and for fun
Trucks with ludicrous power in today’s market are not a new thing. Between the Ford Raptor and the Dodge Ram 1500 TRX, automakers are more than happy to give us the ability to both haul stuff and take on muscle cars at the stoplight.
I spent a week with one such truck, the Ram 1500 RHO, around Southern California. This is after sampling a few in the mountains in the past and getting to know its off-road chops. By driving it as a daily, I got a chance to see it in its regular habitat – commuting. Sorry to say to many who love the image of a super-macho truck in the backwoods and on challenging trails, but most of you will be pounding a lot of pavement as well. Fortunately, this truck is surprisingly well sorted for daily driving, as long as you can allow yourself space for compromise.
Ram
Stellantis
What is the 2025 Ram 1500 RHO?
For one thing, Ram is coy about the actual meaning of “RHO.” To some, it means “Ram High Output,” “Really High Output,” or “Rebel High Output.” Others believe it’s a hidden acronym related to a rhinoceros, as one is depicted in the graphics. I think it means “Removed (the) Hemi Overture,” as in it doesn’t sound as glorious as the former TRX it’s based on, because the massive, supercharged Hemi is no longer present. While it does drop the intoxicating noise, some swagger, and has lower power numbers, the Ram 1500 RHO more than makes up for it.
The only powertrain available is a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six engine that produces 540 hp and 521 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and a four-wheel drive (4WD) system that’s always engaged. The EPA rates this beast of a truck at 15 mpg city and 16 mpg highway. While that’s a bit eye-watering, it’s better than the TRX, which was about 3 mpg lower.
Ram
For those who don’t want to be yelled at for unleashing a sonic roar, the RHO is the way to go. It sounds almost industrial by comparison and will not bother many of its neighbors. It is, pretty much, a TRX with a heart transplant, but it doesn’t drive the same. With an approximately 240-lbs lighter nose, upgraded suspension, and sharper tuning, the Ram 1500 RHO is a different beast altogether. Thanks to those weight savings and updated tuning, it can tow up to 8,380 pounds and haul up to 1,520 pounds, which are slight increases over the TRX.
Ram
In my opinion, the unsung heroes are the Bilstein Black Hawk e2 adaptive dampers, new mounting points, and a completely revised suspension system. Not only is it much easier to drive daily thanks to its better body control and maneuverability, but it also gains an impressive 13 inches of front wheel travel and 14 inches at the rear. The 4WD system will mitigate wheel slippage under most driving conditions, and there are various on and off-road drive modes that make the most out of the traction control system as well. If things become challenging, locking up the rear diff is a snap.
Ram
Driving the Ram 1500 RHO in the city
I have to say, even compared to the F-150 Raptor and Raptor R, the Ram 1500 RHO is one of the most compliant, easy-to-drive super-trucks available. It’s still ridiculously wide and taller than many heavy-duty pickups, but it is a better driver on the streets. It is slightly more powerful than the regular turbocharged Raptor, but not as quick as the Raptor R, with a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.6 seconds that I wholeheartedly believe.
Ram
It launches fast, and there is a bit of turbo lag if you don’t rev it up first. It’s not as brutal as the TRX when launched, and I suspect passing power is on par with the TRX as well. Once the high-output I6 spools up, it flies. Handling and steering are best in class, and I was just as surprised as you are to witness that. The brakes are a bit spongy, then clamp hard, which takes time to get used to.
Ram
Ram
Some feel the interior design looks cluttered, but I feel it’s the best in class for comfort, design, and quality. I’m not a huge fan of the 14.5-inch vertical touchscreen, but the 12.3-inch cluster works quite well. The head-up display could be better, as it is low and kind of dim. The stereo, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto are quite good, and the interior is very quiet for this (or any) class of pickup truck.
Ram
Final thoughts
My only complaint is the plethora of bells and chimes that yell at you as you drive and park, but that can always be addressed in a later update. Some are defeatable, but others are not. It’s annoying and makes me not want to trust what the beeping is about after a while. Still, other than my lamenting the swagger of the V8, there’s little else to complain about. It does so much so well that it’s hard to dislike its issues. Also, with a base price of about $70,000, it’s a bit of a bargain in this class.
About the author
Nathan Adlen
Contributing Writer, Autoblog