The Ram 1500 RHO Isn’t Just a Great Performance Truck: First Drive Review

After barely 30 seconds within the driver’s seat of a 2025 Ram 1500 RHO, my co-driver is already egging me on for extra velocity: “Go sooner! Full throttle! You possibly can go sooner via this part!”

It’s true. The 2025 Ram 1500 RHO is extremely able to zipping over tough terrain at silly speeds. It doesn’t even really feel very dramatic throughout the course of. However like each seasoned autocross (or rallycross) veteran will inform you, the primary lap of a course ought to at all times be taken slowly, so you’ll be able to be taught the format. That’s what I used to be doing on the Holly Oaks ORV Park, a transformed gravel pit north of Detroit with hills, moguls, sweeping turns, and jumps linked collectively via a 10-minute lap. Additionally, I didn’t wish to roll down a 50-foot financial institution from a path barely wider than the RHO’s 88.0-inch stance.

This truck’s capabilities are huge. I doubt nearly all of RHO consumers will really discover its impressively excessive limits off-road, at velocity. Frankly, they haven’t any purpose to. However that off-road functionality pays dividends on-road; This half-ton pickup is at its finest on the absolutely paved (and oftentimes cratered) highways of America. Hell, it could possibly be the most effective half-ton truck for day by day commuting in the marketplace proper now.

Photograph by: Stellantis

Let me reply the plain query first. Sure, the RHO jumps each bit in addition to the previous TRX does (or, did). Higher the truth is, as a result of the RHO’s powertrain is 150 kilos lighter than the outgoing Hemi. Suspension journey continues to be the identical—13.0 inches up entrance, 14.0 on the rear—and also you’ll nonetheless discover Bilstein e2 Blackhawk shocks amid a sea of RHO-specific {hardware}. However the firm’s Lively Terrain Dynamics suspension administration system has been retuned for higher use on the lighter RHO, and its milliseconds-fast response time is faster than ever.

Ought to the truck get airborne, the system detects full extension of the suspension, simply because it did on TRX. New for RHO, although, is one thing known as Air Perspective, wherein the truck considers car angle and presets the adaptive dampers for the very best touchdown. Engine energy can be minimize whereas airborne, thus eliminating potential powertrain injury or sudden thrust should you panic and inadvertently flooring it. So long as you aren’t auditioning for a spot on Nitro Circus, the 6,200-pound RHO ought to safely contact all the way down to terra firma even when the truck will get a bit off form throughout liftoff.

And that’s precisely what occurred on one in every of my six jumps within the RHO. I got here in a bit too sizzling and barely crooked as I hit the crest of a hill. This prompted the truck to nostril over and lean left, touchdown first on the driver-side entrance wheel. Not solely did the RHO land with out incident, it didn’t really feel harsh from the motive force’s seat. In actual fact, nothing felt harsh within the gravel bit, even going 60-plus mph throughout a rock-strewn floor right into a collection of small whoops. For the file, that was when Ram’s co-driver requested me to decelerate, however solely as a result of I used to be quick approaching a tough left I’d forgotten from my first run.

Photograph by: Stellantis

Execs: Rides Like A Dream, Clean Energy, Secure And Assured In Most Conditions

I used to be wholly engaged within the absurdity of blitzing the countryside at velocity, reveling within the RHO’s poise and management. At these speeds, in different vans, this is able to usually be a combat for survival. In Baja mode—which eases traction and stability settings whereas sending 75 % energy to the rear axle—the truck really turned a bit extra comfy at larger speeds. It nonetheless instructions your full consideration, make no mistake. However comparatively easy steering corrections had been all it took to maintain the RHO pointed in the proper path. The suspension (and subdued stability management) did the remaining.

I share this expertise not as a result of consumers will go full Baja in a $71,990 pickup truck. Even Ram admits most RHO prospects received’t do something like I did within the off-road park. Nevertheless, in designing a suspension able to such issues, Ram additionally created a supremely comfy truck for on a regular basis use. Venturing outdoors the gravel pit for a 30-minute tour of Southeast Michigan, the RHO was as docile and relaxed as a luxurious sedan. It was quiet, too, even with aggressive 35-inch Goodyear Wranglers. The identical adaptive suspension that softens landings additionally tames wayward motions on the pavement. Dive below braking and physique roll had been minimal.

Photograph by: Stellantis

Photograph by: Stellantis

Inside-wise, the RHO isn’t notably completely different from every other 2025 Ram save for trim selections and two notable gadgets: “Efficiency” pages within the infotainment system, and a snazzy RHO plaque on the middle console. The VIN can be etched onto the plaque, making every one particular to the truck. As a refresher, the 2025 Ram 1500 has a 12.3-inch driver show, a 14.5-inch portrait heart show, and for RHO, a ten.3-inch passenger show. It’s a busy inside, however the presentation is each good-looking and purposeful.

In order for you some thrust, the RHO has it. The high-output, twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter Hurricane inline-six is the one alternative, and truly, it’s the least costly solution to get this smooth-running engine. It makes 540 horsepower and 521 pound-feet of torque simply because it does for pricier Restricted and Tungsten trims, however Ram subtly suggests there could be extra energy at velocity because of the RHO’s large hood scoop feeding it chilly air. The exhaust system is particularly tuned for the RHO, too, however apart from a pledge that energy supply is completely different, Ram wouldn’t decide to something past the revealed 540 hp.

Photograph by: Stellantis

Cons: Tiny Bit Of Turbo Lag, Begins At $70,000

That mentioned, having pushed a Ram 1500 Restricted with the high-output six earlier this yr, I didn’t discover any clear variations in energy supply. Nevertheless, that is one space the place the shortage of a low-torque V-8 could possibly be a difficulty. The supercharged Hellcat engine within the TRX produces rapid energy on throttle tip-in, however careening via the gravel pit within the RHO, I used to be pissed off on a couple of events by turbo lag that derailed some superb powerslide alternatives. However once more, what number of RHO homeowners will probably be reserving down a path looking for the proper drift?

They received’t. RHO consumers will have a look at the imply stance, the horsepower, the comfortable massaging seats, the hands-free driving functionality, and determine they need a luxurious truck with perspective that may additionally go off-road. What they’ll get is a pickup truck with a blissfully smooth experience, sports activities automobile acceleration, a spacious inside, sharp appears to be like, a towing capability of 8,380 kilos, and gas mileage that is not nice at 15 miles per gallon mixed, however is notably higher than the TRX.

Briefly, they’re going to get what could possibly be the most effective day by day driver for a pickup truck in any full-size section.

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