- Ram has introduced the new 1500 RHO, aimed at the Ford F-150 Raptor.
- The truck features a 2-inch lift, 35-inch tires and a twin-turbo inline-six producing 540 horsepower.
- Pricing starts at $69,995, meaning it undercuts the Raptor by $8,335.
The Ram 1500 TRX was a modern dinosaur as it combined great performance with incredible capabilities. It was glorious overkill and consumers fell in love.
Unfortunately, times are changing and the era of Hemi models is coming to an end. However, the spirit of the TRX lives on in the all-new Ram 1500 RHO.
More: Priced at $120,000, the 2024 Ram 1500 TRX Final Edition marks the end of an era
The RHO is considered the most capable light-duty pickup truck on the market, and its performance is demonstrated by the fact that the model is 203mm wider than the standard truck. To accommodate the additional 152 mm (6 inches) of track width, the fenders are wider and the fender flares are made of composite material.
There is also a revised radiator grille with a larger, flowing Ram emblem. The most striking detail, however, is the unique hood, which features a scoop with integrated LED clearance lights. Designers also gave the truck steel bumpers, heavy-duty skid plates and oversized tow hooks.
The design changes continue to the rear as marker lights are integrated between the tailgate and bumper. Buyers will also find a unique dual exhaust system with 5-inch (127 mm) tips, as well as a “Sport Tune low-restriction system with true dual pipes running from the front to the back of the truck.”
To tackle the most difficult trails, the truck rides on 18-inch wheels wrapped in 35-inch tires. The model also benefits from a 2-inch (51 mm) lift kit, providing 11.8 inches (300 mm) of ground clearance.
We’ll talk about the suspension a little later, but the RHO offers a handful of exterior improvements. This includes bead-lock wheels, rock rails and hood and body side graphics.
The interior is largely carried over from the standard truck, but the RHO features a console-mounted shifter and a multi-function switch bank for accessories. The model also features aluminum paddle shifters, an “RHO” emblem on the passenger side dashboard and a customized emblem in the center console with the vehicle identification number.
In addition to the special details, the model is well equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12-inch infotainment system and a ten-speaker audio system. Other highlights include 12-way power-adjustable front seats with leather and embroidered RHO logos.
Despite the focus on performance, comfort and safety have not been overlooked as the truck is equipped with adaptive cruise control and a blind spot monitoring system with rear cross path detection. There are also Forward Collision Mitigation and ParkSense.
Customers looking for something more luxurious can choose RHO Equipment Group. It also has rain-sensing wipers and a larger 14.5-inch infotainment system. Buyers will also find heated, ventilated and massaging front seats as well as heated and ventilated rear seats.
Other highlights include carbon fiber trim and a digital rearview mirror. There are also two wireless smartphone chargers and a premium audio system with 19 speakers.
The package also includes a number of other extras, including a head-up display and hands-free Active Drive Assist. Buyers will also find traffic sign recognition technology, evasive steering assist and intersection collision assist.
Under the hood is a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder with two turbochargers that produces 540 hp (403 kW / 548 hp) and 706 Nm of torque. Although it’s a far cry from the supercharged 6.2-liter V8 that made 702 hp (523 kW / 712 hp) and 650 lb-ft (880 Nm) of torque, the RHO is significantly cheaper.
However, the engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The latter features a permanently active transfer case with upgraded internals for improved strength and durability. The model also features a low range of 2.64:1 for rock crawling.
Thanks to this configuration, the Ram 1500 RHO can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 4.6 seconds and from 0 to 100 mph (0-161 km/h) in 11.7 seconds. Shortly thereafter, the model covers the quarter mile in 13.1 seconds at 105 mph (169 km/h). If there is enough space, the truck will eventually reach a top speed of 190 km/h.
Despite its impressive performance, the RHO hasn’t forgotten that it’s a truck. Quite the opposite, as it has a maximum payload of 1,520 lbs (689 kg) and a maximum towing capacity of 8,380 lbs (3,801 kg).
Staying true to the performance theme, the truck features an off-road-focused suspension with unique forged aluminum upper and lower control arms. They are longer than typical components, allowing for additional bike travel.
That’s not the only change, as the truck features retuned springs and a revised rear suspension with unique hardpoints that allow for 14 inches (356 mm) of axle travel. Speaking of the rear axle: It is a Dana 60 with an electronic differential lock and axle spring damper, which enables “improved traction and axle control on uneven surfaces”.
The highlights are rounded off by the Bilstein Black Hawk e2 adaptive performance shock absorbers, which promise an “optimal balance between on-road handling and first-class off-road capability”. The model also features launch control and a drive mode selector with Auto, Tow, Mud/Sand, Rock, Snow, Sport, Baja, Custom and Valet settings.
The 2025 Ram 1500 RHO will arrive in dealers in the third quarter and pricing starts at $69,995, plus a $1,995 destination charge. That’s significantly less than the old TRX, which started at $96,340.
The model also tops the Ford F-150 Raptor, which starts at $78,330, plus a $1,995 destination charge. This makes the reduced production more palatable and interested customers can place their orders from today.
