Cargazing
By Derek Price
The 2025 Ram 1500 RHO makes a compelling case that an extreme off-road pickup doesn’t need a V8 to deliver staggering performance.
This spiritual successor to the discontinued Hellcat-powered TRX proves that “only” six cylinders can still create an adrenaline rush worthy of desert domination.
Ram’s new off-road champion replaces displacement with engineering prowess, packing the Hurricane High Output straight-six turbo engine that produces 540 horsepower and 521 pound-feet of torque.
The numbers tell an impressive story: 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds, quarter-mile in 13.1 seconds at 105 mph. This is a truck that moves with authority, regardless of cylinder count.
The RHO’s aggressive stance sets it apart from other trucks. Eight inches wider than standard Ram 1500s, its composite fender flares accommodate the six-inch increase in track width and the massive 35-inch tires.
The “head down, horn up” design philosophy manifests in an enlarged R-A-M badge, unique hood with functional scoop, and distinctive lighting signatures that announce its arrival.
The 2025 Ram 1500 RHO stands eight inches wider than standard Ram trucks, with composite fender flares housing 35-inch tires on optional 18-inch bead-lock capable wheels.
Underneath the muscular bodywork lies a sophisticated suspension system developed specifically for high-speed off-road running. The Bilstein Black Hawk e2 adaptive performance shocks continuously adjust damping forces for optimal control, while forged aluminum control arms provide the necessary strength for absorbing brutal terrain impacts.
Ground clearance stands at 11.8 inches – 2 inches higher than standard Ram 1500s – enabling the RHO to clear obstacles that would cripple other vehicles.
What’s surprising about the RHO isn’t just its capability but its comfort. Despite being engineered for extreme off-road duty, it delivers a surprisingly plush ride on pavement. The adaptive damping system and five-link coil rear suspension create what can only be described as a “marshmallowy” feel over rough roads, making it a reasonable daily driver despite its extreme capabilities.
Perhaps the most satisfying aspect of the RHO is its soundtrack. The sport-tuned dual exhaust system produces a delicious growl that, while different from the TRX’s supercharged V8 rumble, creates its own distinct character that adds to the appeal.
The RHO’s capability doesn’t come at the expense of utility. It can tow up to 8,380 pounds, carry a payload of 1,520 pounds, and ford 32 inches of water.
At $69,995 to start, the RHO represents what Ram calls “best value with more horsepower per dollar” among off-road trucks at $129.60 per horsepower.
The cabin features more than 50 inches of combined digital display space, including the massive 14.5-inch center touchscreen and available massage seats that make long drives surprisingly comfortable.
My heavily optioned test vehicle — with premium paint, bed utility group, Level 1 equipment package, tonneau cover, panoramic sunroof, graphics packages, running boards, and 18-inch wheels — totaled $89,995 including destination.
While not inexpensive, it undercuts comparable high-performance off-road trucks by a significant margin.
No, the RHO isn’t the TRX. The absence of that supercharged Hellcat V8 means it lacks the outrageous, over-the-top character that made the TRX legendary. But it’s also $10,000 less expensive to start than Ford’s Raptor and delivers similar — and in some cases superior — performance metrics while consuming less fuel.
For buyers seeking high-performance off-road capability without stretching into six-figure territory, the 2025 Ram 1500 RHO makes a compelling argument that sometimes less can indeed be more.
It balances ferocious performance with daily drivability in a package that, while expensive in absolute terms, delivers exceptional value in its rarified segment.
At A Glance
WHAT WAS TESTED?
2025 Ram 1500 RHO Crew Cab 4×4 ($69,995). Options: Premium paint ($295), bed utility group ($945), RHO Level 1 equipment group $9,995), tonneau cover ($695), panoramic sunroof ($1,595), exterior graphics ($495), hood graphics ($895), running boards ($1,195), 18-inch wheels ($1,895). Price as tested (including $1,995 destination charge): $89,995
BY THE NUMBERS
Wheelbase: 145.1 in.
Length: 233.7 in.
Width: 88 in.
Height: 81.9 in.
Engine: 3.0-liter turbo six cylinder (540 hp, 521 lbs. ft.)
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel Economy: 14 city, 16 highway
RATINGS
Style: 9
Performance: 8
Price: 6
Handling: 6
Ride: 7
Comfort: 8
Quality: 7
Overall: 8
WHY BUY IT?
The Ram 1500 RHO delivers class-leading horsepower per dollar in a surprisingly comfortable package that combines sports-car acceleration with go-anywhere capability.