How the 2025 Ram 1500 RHO Plans to Change the Off-Road Game

In late April 2024, Ram gave everyone in Northern Kentucky and the Greater Cincinnati Area yet another reason to visit a Ram dealer near Independence. In their announcement, Ram revealed plans for the all-new 2025 Ram 1500 RHO, the brand’s replacement for the long-gone Ram 1500 TRX. For Independence drivers, this means more freedom to explore than ever before.

Said to be “The Strongest Ram 1500 Ever,” the RHO’s claim to fame is that it provides more horsepower for your dollar compared to other premium off-road-oriented full-size pickup trucks. However, the 2025 Ram 1500 RHO is more than just higher horsepower and torque figures—impressive though those numbers may be. Here’s what we know about the 2025 Ram 1500 RHO so far and why we think it will be an excellent addition to the streets (and trails) of Northern Kentucky.

Performance and Capability

Ram has been very excited about sharing the power and performance details of the 1500 RHO, and for a good reason, as these numbers are awfully impressive.

Stellantis has gotten a lot of attention in the past two years for their Hurricane Twin-Turbo engines, which currently include Standard Output and High Output versions. This 3.0L inline-six powerhouse replaces the beloved 6.2L Hellcat engine in many Stellantis models, including the Ram 1500, Jeep Wagoneer, and the upcoming Dodge Charger.

The Hurricane High Output Straight-Six Turbo engine under the hood of the Ram 1500 RHO will provide 540 hp and 521 lb-ft of torque. Not only is this an improvement in power, but Ram also states that fuel economy and emissions will be notably different as well—in a positive way. The RHO’s powertrain is lighter, more efficient, and offers a more nimble driving feel.

That being said, the 2025 Ram 1500 RHO is still a highly capable truck. The maximum towing capacity is 8,380 lbs, and the payload maximum is 1,520 lbs. And don’t forget that this is an off-roading truck, so it has a boosted 11.8-inch ground clearance, thanks to a two-inch height increase over the other trims in its lineup. Also boasting 35-inch tires, the Ram 1500 RHO is suited for fording water up to 32 inches without issue.

A range of selectable drive modes allows drivers to tailor their experience behind the wheel to what’s happening beneath them. These modes include Auto, Tow, Mud/Sand, Rock, Snow, Sport, Baja, Custom, and Valet. There are also some handy upgrades, such as Launch Control and engagement switches for the BorgWarner 48-13 full-time active transfer case. Whether you want to go very fast or travel in very low gear, the Ram 1500 RHO is ready to go.

What About the Ride?

For many drivers, the ride refers to two things: the way the vehicle handles and how nice that experience is from the driver’s seat. The two definitions are very much related, and the 2025 Ram 1500 RHO has given great consideration to both.

As an off-road-ready truck, the Ram 1500 RHO includes an independent front suspension system made with high-strength aluminum front upper and lower control arms; the size, travel rate, and materials of this system provide this off-road truck with some of the most articulate suspension performance in the Ram lineup.

Inside the cabin, your comfort begins with a well-designed interior. Ram decided to give the 1500 RHO equal doses of practicality and luxury—so, to offset the mud-hungry attitude of the exterior, the interior is clad in Natural Plus leather and suede seating. Proving their luxury further, the front and rear bucket seats are heated and ventilated, and the front seats include massage and memory settings.

A performance floor shifter wrapped in leather and aluminum paddle shifters can be accessed both above and below the steering wheel, and it leaves the driver feeling both in charge and swaddled in luxury.

Then there are the screens. The highlight of the 2025 Ram 1500 lineup is a cutting-edge “cockpit” that offers over fifty inches of digital display screens; this includes a 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen on the RHO. As the centerpiece of the cabin, this screen can be configured to provide all of the media, connectivity, and setting shortcuts needed, and its Uconnect 5 architecture adds speed and ease of use.

The Ram 1500 RHO’s front-seat passenger receives their own class-exclusive 10.25-inch touchscreen, which allows them to manage navigation and entertainment from the co-pilot seat, along with managing exterior camera views of the vehicle. They can also connect their own devices via an HDMI cord, allowing the passenger screen to mirror that of their device.

The driver receives a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster that can be configured to display over two dozen different vehicle menus, from drowsy driver recognition to a digital tachometer. Many of these features can be shown on the up to 10.0-inch full-color head-up display. Essentially, the Ram 1500 RHO does its best to ensure drivers are fully informed at every moment.

In Terms of Technology

In the 2025 Ram 1500 RHO press release, Ram acknowledges that this was “designed to be the most technologically advanced pickup ever.” While we’re still waiting for all of the details to be released, it does seem that the new Ram 1500 RHO has an incredible array of comfort, convenience, and connectivity features.

In addition to the information and infotainment screens, the Ram 1500 RHO includes class-exclusive dual device wireless charging capability, along with USB connection points that have been clearly shaped for ease of use. Another class-exclusive feature is the 900-watt premium Harman Kardon audio system, which allows you to experience your favorite tunes through 19 speakers and a ten-inch subwoofer.

The 2025 Ram 1500 RHO will include over a hundred standard and available safety, security, and driver assistance features. While the full list has not been published, Ram has confirmed that Evasive Steering Assist (which helps drivers avoid forward-moving collisions), Intersection Collision Assist System, Drowsy Driver Detection, and Traffic Sign Recognition are present. Drivers will also have the opportunity to try out Ram’s hands-free driving technology, which provides automated driving capability on pre-mapped highways (though trail-friendly navigation technology is starting to improve in our part of the world, too).

In addition to the drive modes, Launch Control, and transfer case switches, a multifunction switch bank and available Trailer Reverse Steer Controls are also easily accessed from the driver’s seat. Between the cockpit and the technology offered, RHO drivers may be about to experience Northern Kentucky in a whole new way.

More to Come…

As we get closer to the 2025 Ram 1500 RHO’s release date, we expect to learn even more about what this multi-functional, high-powered, and highly-anticipated vehicle can do.

In the meantime, early reports from experts and sources indicate this pickup truck will be an off-roading legend. Still, it would be a shame not to put horsepower figures like these to work within city limits—perhaps even at a local track or drag strip!

As we see more off-road-ready trucks hit the market, we also see an increase in happy off-road drivers. Whether you’re a seasoned trail runner or are new to dipping your tires in the mud, the 2025 Ram 1500 RHO promises to be a next-level all-terrain experience for us all.