Road Test: 2025 Ram 1500 RHO Crew Cab

A pickup truck with attitude. That’s a fitting way to describe the 2025 Ram 1500 RHO Crew Cab 4×4.

All-new for 2025, the RHO takes the already excellent Ram 1500 and elevates it with increased performance, serious off-road capability, and a more aggressive overall look. Not to mention a stump-pulling 540 horsepower and 521 pound-feet of torque.

All that power and attitude comes with a price, of course. In the case of our tester, the base price was $113,945, with options pushing the final cost to $132,423.

Those additions included the Trailer Tow Group and a Truck Bed Utility Package featuring a spray-in bedliner. Our truck was also equipped with the TRX Level 1 Equipment Group ($7,095), which adds features such as a massage function for the front seats, heated and ventilated front and rear seating, a power tailgate, a front passenger interactive display, a head-up display, and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system.

Standalone options included a tri-fold soft tonneau cover ($795), Mopar rock rails ($1,695) that double as a step, Mopar TRX exterior graphics ($695), and a set of 18-inch beadlock-capable aluminum wheels ($1,895).

This is more than just a pickup truck, it’s a statement on wheels.

Powertrain: The Ram 1500 RHO is powered by an all-new version of the 3.0-litre Hurricane High Output twin-turbocharged inline-six engine.

While you may miss the growl of a larger-displacement engine, this V6 delivers plenty of power in a smooth and refined manner. It comes standard with four-wheel drive and is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Fuel capacity is a massive 125 litres, and premium gasoline is required. Ram estimates combined fuel consumption at 13.8 L/100 km. In my real-world testing, consumption was notably higher at 19.6 L/100 km.

Exterior: As mentioned, the Ram 1500 RHO is not your typical Ram pickup. The off-road-ready RHO is significantly wider than other trucks in the lineup, by a full eight inches.

Design elements unique to the RHO also serve functional purposes. The distinctive RAM badge sits within a flow-through grille designed to allow more air into the engine bay. The grille, hood, steel bumpers, and skid plates all support the enhanced performance demands of the RHO.

Up front, the truck features standard all-black headlights, along with an animated lighting sequence that activates when approaching or leaving the vehicle. It’s a subtle but welcome touch. At the rear, the RAM logo is embossed boldly across the tailgate.

Finishing off the exterior are oversized tow hooks front and rear, along with large five-inch dual exhaust outlets.

Interior: Ram boasts that the 1500 RHO offers a combined 50 inches of digital display screens, and one feature proved to be a particular hit with my son, the 10.25-inch front passenger screen.

Cleverly integrated, it appears as black trim from the driver’s seat and is only visible to the front passenger. The cabin itself is decidedly upscale, featuring hand-wrapped instrument panels, a custom centre console badge with the vehicle’s VIN, leather and suede seating surfaces, and carbon fibre accents.

One particularly impressive trait during the week-long test was how quiet the cabin remained, staying well insulated from outside noise despite the truck’s off-road focus.

Infotainment: The Ram 1500 RHO uses Stellantis’ familiar Uconnect 5 infotainment system with navigation, displayed on a massive 14.4-inch touchscreen.

It includes all the modern essentials, such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with dual wireless charging pads. Upgrading from the standard 10-speaker audio system to the 19-speaker Harman Kardon setup effectively turns the cabin into a rolling concert hall.

Drive: While I didn’t subject the RHO to extreme off-roading, it’s immediately clear that this truck means business.

The Bilstein Black Hawk e2 adaptive shock absorbers are clearly visible, underscoring the RHO’s serious off-road pedigree. Paired with an air spring suspension and a ride height of 11.8 inches, the tallest of any Ram 1500, confidence comes naturally.

In addition to the short-bed capacity in Crew Cab form, the RHO can tow up to 8,380 pounds and supports a payload rating of 1,520 pounds.

Conclusion: Big, bold, and unapologetically aggressive, the Ram 1500 RHO commands attention. The black-on-black appearance of our tester only amplified its intimidating presence.

Step inside, however, and you’re greeted by a cabin that feels luxurious, spacious, and supremely comfortable, assuming you’re tall enough to climb aboard given its towering ride height.

2025 Ram 1500 RHO Crew Cab 4×4
Price as tested: $132,423
Freight: $2,895
Configuration: Front engine/4X4
Engine/transmission: 3.0-litre inline 6-cylinder Hurricane Twin Turbo/ 8-speed automatic
Power/torque: 540 horsepower/ 521 lb-ft of torque
Fuel (capacity): Premium (125 L)
Combined fuel economy ratings (L/100 km): 13.8 L/100 km
Observed fuel economy (L/100 km): 19.6 L/100 km
Warranties: 5-years/100,000 km (basic)
Competitors: Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, Ford F-150 Raptor, Toyota Tundra TRD Off Road
Website: Ram Canada