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All-new 2025 Ram 1500 RHO: Super-capable off-roader

Powered by an all-new 3.0-liter Hurricane High Output, straight-six twin-turbo engine with 540 hp and 521 lb-ft of torque, the RAM 1500 RHO sport performance truck offers more horsepower per dollar than any other premium off-road, full-size pickup. It carries a max payload of 1,520 lb and can handle up to 32 in. of water fording. Overall, the RHO is the complete package; it combines new features, technology, and authentic premium materials with extreme performance, class-leading quality, comfort, and durability.

Now that Ram has retired its 1500 TRX truck with a Hellcat V8, the 1500 RHO model is ready to slip into its place. The 3.0-liter Hurricane High Output engine is rated at 540 hp and 521 lb-ft of torque, delivering enhanced fuel economy and fewer emissions while generating more horsepower and torque than other naturally aspirated V8 and boosted six-cylinder engines in the light-duty segment. RHO will do 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 sec and has a top speed of 118 mph. As part of Ram's Core/Electric/Sport approach, Ram 1500 RHO expands the Sport light-duty lineup that already consists of Warlock and Rebel.

The all-new 3.0-liter Hurricane H/O SST engine is the most powerful six-cylinder in the segment. An eight-speed automatic transmission delivers quick, crisp gear changes during both normal and performance driving conditions. The new powertrain is 150 lb lighter than the previous performance model and features a more balanced weight distribution.

New truck features include a high-flow air-induction system that features a hood duct that drains water and filters out debris from reaching the engine and helps the truck breathe only clean, cool air. A high-capacity radial air filter is housed in an open-top air box that allows easy access for a quick field-clean. RHO also features a new exhaust system that is different than the rest of the Ram 1500 lineup. It incorporates a Sport Tune low-restriction system with true dual pipes running from the front to the back of the truck.

The Ram 1500 RHO is equipped with a BorgWarner 48-13 full-time active transfer case that enables passage through most any off-road obstruction or weather condition. This modified transfer case features upgraded internals for improved strength and durability. Ram 1500 RHO features a low range of 2.64:1 for rock crawling and can be flat-towed while in neutral.

An independent front suspension system with active performance damping uses high-strength aluminum to maintain overall strength and durability. The independent front suspension system includes unique front upper and lower control arms made of forged aluminum with special attention paid to the caster and camber angles during suspension cycling. The longer, substantially sized front upper and lower control arms are designed with a focus on additional wheel travel and axle track width. This suspension system features retuned spring rates, jounce bumper and damping control to provide enhanced performance and endurance.

Bilstein Black Hawk e2 adaptive performance shocks use precision-machined, single-piece construction comprised of rigid aluminum to reduce and dissipate heat and continuously adjust damping forces for optimal body control and terrain isolation. The adaptive performance shocks feature robust corrosion protection, with a durable finish and directional-machined cooling fins aligned with airflow for more effective cooling.

The 1500 RHO also sports Dual Electronic Proportional Valves that continuously adjust damping forces for precise, independent control of compression and rebound damping. A nitrogen-charged remote reservoir uses a hot-formed, zero-leak tube closure to ensure maximum durability during extreme on- and off-road events.

A Dana 60 rear axle with full floating axle shafts is standard equipment and handles the rear electronic locking differential and 35-in. tires. The Dana 60 rear axle uses an axle hop damper that enables improved traction and axle control on rough surfaces. A rear axle center section provides balanced performance and a locking differential for increased off-road performance.

The 2025 Ram 1500 RHO also features a rear suspension system that is innovative, durable, and unique. The greater wheel travel offered by RHO is managed without reducing cargo area in the bed. Adaptive damping and a five-link coil system create comfortable ride characteristics no matter the road surface. The frame's hard points differ when compared to a standard-issue Ram 1500, allowing for rear axle travel of up to 14 in. The Ram 1500 RHO offers more than 40% additional rear wheel travel when compared to the rest of the Ram 1500 lineup.

The Ram 1500 RHO boasts a ground clearance of 11.8 in. due in part to a 2-in. ride height increase when compared with the rest of the 1500 lineup, along with 35-in. tires. This combination enables RHO to clear surface obstacles easily and at high speeds.

Designwise, the Ram 1500 RHO separates itself from the rest of the light-duty lineup with an aggressive stance and an hourglass body design. Composite flares are stretched over 35-in. tires and 18-in. available bead lock wheels for heightened capability straight from the factory. Ram 1500 RHO is 8 in. wider than anything else offered in the light-duty lineup, and the composite fender flares accommodate a 6-in. increase in track width.

A unique RAM badge, front grille, hood, skid plates, and steel bumpers help RHO meet heightened performance objectives. The RAM badge is bigger when compared to the rest of the Ram 1500 lineup and features a flow-through design that assists with airflow. All-black premium LED headlamps, including twin bi-functional projector headlamps, are standard. LED clearance marker lights flank the front bumper and are also integrated in the hood scoop.

RHO customers can choose an optional full-length rock rail for added body/sill protection or traditional off-road powder-coated aluminum running boards. Optional body-side and hood graphics are available as a pair or separately. The 5-ft 7-in. bed features a powered tailgate and two 110-V power outlets.

Since the rear of the truck is what most people will see if they're not sitting in the RHO, the design team positioned a large RAM badge, like what is seen on Rebel, across the tailgate. Center identification marker lights, like what is seen on Ram heavy-duty models, are tucked between the tailgate and rear bumper. Oversized tow hooks, found at the front and rear of the truck, and integrated 5-in. dual exhaust ports drive the functional performance objective home.

Inside, the interior design team chose premium textures, colors and material, including available hand-wrapped instrument panels for unexpected luxury throughout. Taking the attention to detail one step further, Ram 1500 RHO features a custom center console badge with vehicle-specific VIN and an "RHO" badge on the passenger's side instrument panel.

The Ram 1500 RHO features premium 12-way power leather front seats including memory settings, a new massage function, and embroidered logos. Heated and ventilated premium Natura Plus leather with perforated suede accents covers the front bucket and rear bench seats. The RHO and RHO Level 1 Equipment Groups come standard with medium Greystone stitching and Graphite Metallic accents. The RHO Level 1 Equipment Group offers standard carbon-fiber accents and available red accent package, including seat striping, accent stitching, perforated leather, and speaker grille accents.

A console-mounted performance floor shifter, which includes a cast metal main grip wrapped with semi-perforated leather, lends itself to spirited performance driving that RHO offers, while maximizing storage. Aluminum paddle shifters stretch above and below the steering wheel spokes, allowing the driver to choose the proper gear with their fingertips.

The Drive Mode selector has been integrated into the dashboard above the transfer case switches and offers different modes of operation: Auto, Tow, Mud/Sand, Rock, Snow, Sport, Baja, Custom, as well as a Valet mode. A Launch Control button is easily within reach of the driver, sitting to the right of the transfer case switches, and is standard on RHO. Each drive mode offers a unique screen that splashes across the 12.3-in. digital display to highlight which mode has been selected.

A best-in-class interior with leading-edge technology features over 50 in. of combined available digital display screens, including a 14.5-in. touchscreen display, a class-exclusive 10.25-in. passenger screen, and a 12.3-in. digital gauge cluster.

The truck also features a full-color Head Up Display that is configurable up to 10 in. and features several different content areas at once, including a digital tachometer, Lane Departure, Lane Keep Assist, adaptive cruise control, turn-by-turn navigation, current speed, current gear, and speed limit. A Digital Rearview Mirror is also available.

Other notable tech features include Hands-free Driving Assist, dual wireless phone charging, an RHO-only multifunction switch bank and optional Trailer Reverse Steer Control, and a class-exclusive 900-W premium Harman Kardon audio system with 19 speakers and 10-in. subwoofer.

Many more features, including over 100 safety and security features! Learn more at ramtrucks.com/2025/rho.html.

Built in Sterling Heights, MI, the 2025 Ram 1500 RHO is scheduled to arrive in dealerships in the third quarter of 2024 and starts at $69,995. Orders are open now.

Source: Ram/Stellantis

Published May 2024

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