Desert Dominator Delivers

Posted on by Derek Price
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.

Posted in Ram

Regal Road Commander

Posted on by Derek Price
Cargazing
By Derek Price

Stepping into the 2025 Range Rover Sport Autobiography feels like receiving a royal appointment.

This is not merely transportation. It’s a rolling palace, a 5,000-pound statement that you’ve arrived in both the literal and figurative sense.

After a week behind the wheel of this $130,110 specimen, I found myself sitting straighter, speaking more precisely, and jokingly referring to myself as “The Duke of Hunt County.”

The Sport represents the athletic younger sibling in the Range Rover hierarchy, slotting beneath the flagship Range Rover but maintaining nearly all of its presence and prestige. For 2025, this third-generation model continues to perfect its formula of combining imposing luxury with surprising agility.

From the moment you approach the vehicle, the Range Rover Sport announces itself as something special.

The clean, minimalist exterior design strikes a perfect balance between timeless Range Rover DNA and contemporary sleekness.

The flush door handles extend to greet you, and the vehicle even lowers itself slightly on its air suspension to ease entry, a subtle but distinctly aristocratic touch.

Once inside, the substantial doors close with the deliberate weight of a bank vault, immediately isolating you from the commoners outside.

The 2025 Range Rover Sport Autobiography presents a masterclass in minimalist luxury design with its clean lines, flush door handles and commanding presence on optional 23-inch wheels.

The cabin exudes old-world craftsmanship married to cutting-edge technology. Thick, supple leather wraps nearly every surface, contrasted beautifully by Moonlight Chrome trim and tactile controls. The 22-way adjustable front seats offer massage functions and winged headrests that cocoon occupants in supreme comfort.

The technological centerpiece is the 13.1-inch floating touchscreen running the latest Pivi Pro infotainment system.

The 13.7-inch digital instrument cluster complements it perfectly, delivering crucial information without unnecessary flash or distraction.

On the road, the Sport’s character depends significantly on which of its six available powertrains you select. Our Autobiography tester featured the 4.4-liter V8, generating 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque.

The powertrain delivers effortless acceleration. The eight-speed automatic transmission operates with such refinement that gear changes register more as suggestions than mechanical events.

Where the Sport truly distinguishes itself from the standard Range Rover is in the handling department. The combination of air suspension, active anti-roll bars and rear-wheel steering transforms what should be an unwieldy luxury box into something approaching nimble.

Body roll is remarkably controlled when cornering, and the steering offers precision that belies the vehicle’s substantial size and weight.

One of the most impressive aspects of the driving experience is the near-complete isolation from outside noise. At highway speeds, the cabin remains whisper-quiet thanks to active noise cancellation technology and exceptional sound insulation.

The cabin combines old-world craftsmanship with modern technology, featuring Moonlight Chrome accents, a floating 13.1-inch curved touchscreen and 22-way adjustable seats that offer exceptional comfort during long drives.

The second row offers generous space for adult passengers, with thoughtful touches like dedicated climate controls, USB-C ports, and available seat heating and ventilation. Cargo capacity is reasonable at 32.1 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 70.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded — adequate but not exceptional for a vehicle of this size and price point.

Advanced driver assistance systems come standard, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist and an excellent 3D surround camera system that provides multiple viewing angles for tight spaces.

The ClearSight Ground View technology is particularly useful, effectively making the hood transparent to show obstacles directly beneath the front of the vehicle.

All this luxury and capability comes at a significant cost. Starting at $83,700 and climbing rapidly with options, our loaded Autobiography model required a $130,110 investment. While that places it below the full-size Range Rover, it’s substantially more than many competitors in the midsize luxury SUV segment.

There’s also the psychological phenomenon that affects many “junior” luxury models — the nagging question of whether you should have stretched for the full-size Range Rover. The Sport delivers 90 percent of the flagship’s experience at roughly 80 percent of the cost, but for some buyers, only the pinnacle will suffice.

Despite these considerations, the 2025 Range Rover Sport remains an exceptionally compelling package for those seeking an SUV that combines genuine off-road capability with on-road dynamics and uncompromising luxury.

It delivers exactly what its name promises: sporting capability wrapped in Range Rover refinement, all while making its driver feel like automotive royalty.

At A Glance

WHAT WAS TESTED?

2025 Range Rover Sport Autobiography ($123,400). Options: Tow pack ($1,200), 23-inch wheels ($1,100), premium interior protection and storage pack ($740), premium paint ($710), cold climate pack ($450), convenience pack ($385), wi-fi enabled ($360), emergency pack ($75), handover pack ($65). Price as tested (including $1,625 destination charge): $130,110

BY THE NUMBERS

Wheelbase: 118 in.
Length: 194.7 in.
Width: 80.6 in.
Height: 74.2 in.
Engine: Twin turbo 4.4-liter V8 (523 hp, 553 lbs. ft.)
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel Economy: 16 city, 23 highway

RATINGS

Style: 10
Performance: 9
Price: 2
Handling: 4
Ride: 9
Comfort: 9
Quality: 7
Overall: 8

WHY BUY IT?

The Range Rover Sport delivers aristocratic luxury with athletic handling, combining impressive off-road capability with the brand’s unmistakable prestige in a slightly more manageable package.

Posted in Land Rover

Trail-Ready Titan

Posted on by Derek Price
Cargazing
By Derek Price

The 2025 Jeep Gladiator stands as a fascinating anomaly in today’s truck market, a vehicle that refuses to compromise its off-road heritage while offering genuine pickup utility.

After spending a week with the top-tier Rubicon X model, it’s clear this isn’t just a Wrangler with a cargo bed bolted on. It’s a purpose-built adventure machine with capabilities few competitors can match.

For 2025, the Gladiator lineup sees subtle but meaningful refinements, most notably the standardization of the eight-speed automatic transmission across all models. Power lock windows, a new military-inspired ’41 exterior paint color and available cabin pre-conditioning through the Jeep Connect mobile app round out the year’s enhancements.

The Gladiator’s 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 remains unchanged, delivering 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque — adequate but not overwhelming figures for a vehicle of this size and mission. The power delivery is smooth and predictable, though you’ll want to plan your highway passing maneuvers carefully.

On pavement, the Gladiator exhibits the expected compromises of a vehicle optimized for off-road performance.

The steering feels disconnected and requires constant small corrections at highway speeds, a common trait among solid-axle 4x4s.

The ride quality, particularly in Rubicon trim with its specialized suspension and chunky 33-inch all-terrain tires, can be jarring over broken pavement. This isn’t the vehicle for drivers seeking crossover-like comfort.

The 2025 Gladiator Rubicon X showcases Jeep’s off-road heritage with standard 33-inch all-terrain tires, high-clearance fender flares and signature seven-slot grille.

But criticizing the Gladiator’s on-road manners misses the point entirely. Take this truck to a rutted forest service road, a rocky trail or a sandy wash, and it transforms from awkward to exceptional.

The Rubicon X’s electronic sway bar disconnect, locking front and rear differentials, and 4:1 low-range Rock-Trac transfer case make short work of obstacles that would stop lesser trucks in their tracks. The 11.1 inches of ground clearance and impressive approach, breakover and departure angles — 43.4, 20.3 and 26 degrees respectively — provide genuine go-anywhere capability that isn’t just marketing hyperbole.

Inside, the Gladiator offers a surprisingly refined cabin for a vehicle with such rugged pretensions. The 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen now comes standard across the lineup, bringing crisp graphics and responsive controls.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration work seamlessly, and the available 12-way power adjustable seats in our tester provided all-day comfort despite the truck’s sometimes unsettled ride.

The Gladiator’s cabin blends rugged utility with modern tech, featuring a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen and controls designed to be operated even with gloved hands.

The Gladiator’s 5-foot cargo bed may not match full-size trucks for capacity, but its 1,725-pound maximum payload rating leads the midsize 4×4 segment. Likewise, the 7,700-pound maximum towing capacity outmuscles most competitors.

The bed includes thoughtful touches like under-rail lighting and an available 115-volt power outlet, though the optional Trail Rail system is essential for securing gear on bumpy trails.

The Gladiator’s unique selling proposition — being the only pickup truck offering true open-air freedom with a folding windshield, removable doors and three different removable roof configurations — remains unchallenged in the market. This feature alone will sway many buyers who crave the wind-in-your-hair experience typically reserved for convertibles, combined with truck utility.

At $67,335 as tested, our fully loaded Rubicon X model represents a significant investment, but the Gladiator lineup starts at a more accessible price point under $39,000. The sweet spot may be the standard Rubicon at around $52,000, which delivers the core off-road capabilities without some of the luxury add-ons.

The 2025 Jeep Gladiator isn’t trying to be all things to all people. It’s a purpose-built tool for outdoor enthusiasts who need genuine capability matched with pickup practicality.

At A Glance

WHAT WAS TESTED?

2025 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon X 4×4 ($51,100). Options: Customer preferred package 24Y ($10,000), Cargo Group with Trail Rail system ($2,095), 17-inch machined wheels ($1,095), spray-in bedliner ($555). Price as tested (including $1,895 destination charge): $67,335

BY THE NUMBERS

Wheelbase: 137.3 in.
Length: 218 in.
Width: 73.8 in.
Height: 75 in.
Engine: 3.6-liter V6 (285 hp, 260 lbs. ft.)
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel Economy: 17 city, 22 highway

RATINGS

Style: 9
Performance: 9
Price: 4
Handling: 4
Ride: 7
Comfort: 4
Quality: 7
Overall: 7

WHY BUY IT?

The Gladiator offers an unmatched combination of open-air freedom, pickup utility and go-anywhere capability in one distinctive package.

Posted in Jeep

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