2025 Ram 1500 RHO Review: Big Power, Big Attitude and a Few Surprises

The 2025 Ram 1500 RHO is here, and it’s got one job…to keep the spirit of the TRX alive while adjusting to the new world order of twin-turbo power. Ram has officially retired the supercharged 6.2L Hellcat-powered TRX, but before you shed a tear for that 702-horsepower beast, let’s talk about its successor.

The RHO is no weak replacement. While it trades in the Hellcat’s V8 thunder for a twin-turbo six-cylinder, it’s still an off-road brute with serious Baja-running chops. This isn’t some mild-mannered, desert-themed trim package. It’s a purpose-built machine with massive shocks, an aggressive stance, and a clear mission: to eat sand dunes for breakfast.

Does it stack up against the Ford Raptor and Chevy Silverado ZR2? Should TRX fans welcome the arrival of the Ram RHO?

Under the Hood: Less Cylinders, Still Plenty of Punch

Ram made a bold move ditching the supercharged V8, but the new twin-turbo 3.0L Hurricane engine is no slouch.

Engine & Performance Specs:

• 3.0L Hurricane High-Output (H/O) Twin-Turbo I6
• 540 hp / 521 lb-ft of torque
• 8-speed automatic transmission
• 0-60 mph: Around 4.6 seconds
• Top Speed: Likely in the 115-120 mph range
• Full-time 4WD with locking rear differential

This engine might not have the glorious supercharger whine, but it’s still got serious boost and enough torque to keep your back planted against the seat. It’s stronger than the standard Raptor’s V6 (450 hp) and comes close to the Raptor R’s V8 (700 hp), but without the same thirst for premium fuel.

The Hurricane engine is lighter than the old V8, which should make the RHO feel a little more agile. It also has a broader torque curve, meaning power is more usable across the rev range. For real-world off-roading, that’s a win.

What Makes the RHO Special?

The RHO isn’t just a regular Ram with beefier tires. It has serious upgrades that make it a true off-road weapon.

RHO Off-Road Features:

• Bilstein Blackhawk e2 Shocks (same as the TRX)
• 35-inch all-terrain tires
• 11.8 inches of ground clearance
• Massive underbody skid plates
• 1-inch wider track than standard Rams
• Electronic rear-locking differential
• Five-link coil suspension for serious wheel travel
• Off-road drive modes: Baja, Rock, Sand, Snow, Mud

Ram clearly wanted to keep the TRX’s off-road pedigree intact, even with a different powertrain. The Blackhawk shocks are a huge deal, giving the RHO serious high-speed desert-running ability. Whether you’re hitting dunes or rocky trails, this truck is built to take a beating and keep going.

2025 Ram 1500 Trims: What Else Is Available?

If the RHO is a bit too extreme for your tastes, then fret not, Ram has plenty of other 1500 trims to choose from. Other pickup truck models in the 2025 lineup include:

Ram 1500 Tradesman

• • The bare-bones work truck version.
  • Standard V6 with optional Hurricane I6.
  • No frills, just function.

Ram 1500 Big Horn (Lone Star in Texas)

• • Adds more comfort without breaking the bank.
  • Optional 12-inch or 14.5-inch touchscreen.
  • Great balance of affordability and tech.

Ram 1500 Laramie

• • Luxury meets capability.
  • Leather, ventilated seats, and a 14.5-inch screen.
  • Optional Hurricane I6 for more power.

Ram 1500 Rebel

• • The “light” off-road model.
  • 33-inch tires, skid plates, and Bilstein shocks.
  • A great compromise between a daily driver and a trail beast.

Ram 1500 Limited

• • Top-tier luxury truck.
  • Wood trim, massive touchscreen, and air suspension.
  • Built for comfort, not rock crawling.

Ram 1500 Tungsten

• • Ultra-premium, borderline overkill.
  • Diamond-knurled trim, 24-way massaging seats.
  • Targeting buyers who cross-shop with GMC Denali and Ford Platinum models.

RHO vs. The Competition

The RHO isn’t alone in the off-road truck fight. Here’s how it stacks up against its rivals:

Ford F-150 Raptor

• • 3.5L twin-turbo V6, 450 hp.
  • 37-inch tire option (RHO sticks with 35s).
  • Better interior tech, but less power.

Ford F-150 Raptor R

• • 5.2L supercharged V8, 700 hp.
  • Basically the TRX’s old arch-nemesis.
  • Way more expensive than the RHO.

Chevy Silverado ZR2

• • 6.2L V8, 420 hp.
  • Not as extreme as the RHO.
  • Better for rock crawling, not high-speed desert runs.

Toyota Tundra TRD Pro

• • Twin-turbo V6 hybrid, 437 hp.
  • Good mix of power and efficiency.
  • Lacks the hardcore off-road focus of the RHO.

The RHO has more power than the standard Raptor, but it falls short of the Raptor R’s V8 insanity. It sits in a sweet spot—more powerful than the regular off-road trucks, but not quite a full Raptor R replacement.

What Could Be Better?

The RHO is an absolute blast, but it’s not faultless. Here are some things that could have been better:

• No 37-inch tire option – The Raptor offers 37s, and they make a big difference. Ram should have given buyers the choice.
• No V8 option – Even if the Hurricane is great, some people will always miss the supercharged V8 madness of the TRX.
• Price creep – The RHO starts around $70K, which isn’t cheap.

Is the 2025 Ram 1500 RHO Worth It?

Overall, the RHO is a worthy successor to the TRX even without the fire breathing Hellcat powerplant. It’s fast, tough, and built for serious off-road action. Ram did a great job keeping the wild, desert-racing personality alive, and it delivers more power than a standard Raptor.

Would it be even better with a V8 option and 37-inch tires? Well, sure it would. Still, for those who want a high-speed off-road truck without Raptor R pricing, the RHO is a fantastic choice.

Do you think the RHO a worthy TRX successor, or did Ram F up by ditching the Hellcat? Drop a comment below and let’s hear it!