R.A.M. has added another sports truck to its off-road lineup, the 2025 Ram 1500 RHO, also called “Rhino”, is definitely more than just 20 cm wider Ram Rebel with a more powerful in-line six-cylinder engine. It is a truck that was specially developed for demanding use in terrain Hikers, and it serves as a replacement for the now dead V8 TRX.
I know you’re thinking, “But Jalopnik, doesn’t Ram’s lineup of high-performance sport trucks already suck?” and you’d be right! But currently, none of them come with the Hurricane High Output 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine that makes 540 horsepower and 521 pound-feet of torque. More of a sibling to the Ram 1500 Classic Warlock and Ram 1500 Rebel, this beefy truck sits at the top of the off-road range with a price tag of $69,995. That’s $129.60 per pony.
Of course, anyone currently in the market for a Rebel knows that it’s nearly impossible to get one anywhere near the starting price of $64,490, and that’s with an inline-six that only makes 420 hp and 469 lb-ft.
The RHO can tow 8,380 pounds, with a maximum payload of 1,520 pounds. With a clearance width of 32 inches, this truck is almost a temporary boat, and with a ground clearance of 11.8 inches, the RHO sits over two inches higher than the rest of the lineup thanks to absolutely hideous 35-inch tires. The RHO accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and from 0 to 100 mph in 11.7 seconds, and you can reach a top speed of 118 mph. Do you need this in an off-road truck? Probably not! But you get it. You’ll also have the usual driving modes available, including a special Baja mode that lets you tear up sand dunes at high speeds.
And there’s this big hood bay that’s all lit up, like you could land a plane on it in thick fog. You can’t miss it. This isn’t just for show; The vent draws in air to aid the combustion process, with a high-performance radial air filter keeping all fresh air fresh. The transparent RAM emblem and the airy radiator grille are also intended to ensure that the engine breathes at maximum performance. It is an easy-to-clean conical filter that owners can use to remove dust and stones during off-road driving. When this air completes its journey through the engine and exits the RHO’s tailpipe, you’ll hear a distinct growl thanks to a low-restriction “Sport Tune” system with true twin pipes.
The truck also features real off-road technology that makes the Rhino much more than just a parking lot queen. High-strength aluminum is used throughout the RHO’s interior, resulting in a lighter, more efficient and stronger vehicle. You can particularly see the use of this material in the independent front suspension system, especially the front upper and lower control arms, which are inspired by desert off-road racing cars. The Bilstein Black Hawk e2 adaptive performance shock absorber ensures a relaxed driving experience, whether on rocks, in the sand or on the daily commute, with plenty of suspension travel. The rear axle has 14 inches of clearance – 40 percent more than any other 1500 – without sacrificing cargo space.
Inside, you’ll find sporty seats designed to hug drivers and passengers alike in a way their fathers never could. The necessary screens are of course there: a 12.3-inch digital instrument in front of the driver, a 14.5-inch display in the middle with Uconnect 5 and another 10.25-inch screen for the front passenger, which is through Passengers can scroll apps and the internet. Ram has the best number of screens in its class. I’m not entirely sure more screens mean a better car, but the RHO also has “redundant” HVAC buttons so you can at least heat and cool without having to navigate menus and touch screens. Additionally, the RHO comes with a full-color heads-up display and also has all the driver assistance features you could want (if you even want them), including features like lane centering and adaptive cruise control.
Orders for the US market opened on Thursday and you can expect the tires to hit the market in the third quarter of this year, but you’ll probably have to get in line to get your hands on one.