- Ram has introduced the new 1500 RHO, which takes aim at the Ford F-150 Raptor.
- The truck features a 2-inch lift, 35-inch tires, and a twin-turbo inline-six with 540 hp.
- Pricing starts at $69,995 which means it undercuts the Raptor by $8,335.
The Ram 1500 TRX was a modern-day dinosaur as it combined big power with awesome capability. It was glorious overkill and consumers fell in love.
Unfortunately, times are changing and the era of Hemi-powered models is coming to a close. However, the TRX’s spirit lives on in the all-new Ram 1500 RHO.
More: 2024 Ram 1500 TRX Final Edition Is $120k Sendoff That Makes The End Of An Era
Billed as the most capable light-duty pickup on the market, the RHO makes its performance known as the model is eight inches (203 mm) wider than the standard truck. To help accommodate the additional 6 inches (152 mm) of track, it wears wider fenders and composite fender flares.
They’re joined by a revised grille that features a larger, flow-through Ram badge. However, the most eye-catching detail 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 styling changes continue out back as there are marker lights integrated between the tailgate and bumper. Buyers will also find a unique dual exhaust system that features 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 help tackle the toughest trails, the truck rides on 18-inch wheels that are wrapped in 35-inch tires. The model also benefits from a 2-inch (51 mm) lift, which provides 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 upgrades. These include bead lock wheels, rock rails, and graphics for the hood and body side.
The interior largely carries over from the standard truck, but the RHO has a console-mounted shifter and a multifunction switch bank for accessories. The model also sports aluminum paddle shifters, a “RHO” badge on the passenger side dashboard, and a custom center console badge featuring the vehicle identification number.
Besides the special touches, the model comes nicely 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 front seats with leather and embroidered RHO logos.
Despite the focus on performance, comfort and safety hasn’t been forgotten as the truck comes equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control and a Blind-Spot Monitoring System with Rear Cross Path Detection. They’re joined by Forward Collision Mitigation and ParkSense.
Customers looking for something more luxurious can opt for the RHO Equipment Group. It adds rain-sensing wipers as well as 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. They’re joined by dual wireless smartphone chargers and a premium audio system with 19-speakers.
The package also includes an assortment of other goodies including a head-up display and hands-free Active Drive Assist. Buyers will also find traffic sign recognition technology, Evasive Steer Assist, and Intersection Collision Assist.
A twin-turbo 3.0-liter straight-six resides under the hood, where it produces 540 hp (403 kW / 548 PS) and 521 lb-ft (706 Nm) of torque. While it’s a far cry from the supercharged 6.2-liter V8 that developed 702 hp (523 kW / 712 PS) and 650 lb-ft (880 Nm) of torque, the RHO is significantly cheaper.
That being said, the engine is connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard four-wheel drive system. The latter has a full-time active transfer case with upgraded internals for improved strength and durability. The model also has a 2.64:1 low range for rock crawling.
Thanks to this setup, the Ram 1500 RHO can accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 4.6 seconds and 0-100 mph (0-161 km/h) in 11.7 seconds. Shortly thereafter, the model will run the quarter mile in 13.1 seconds at 105 mph (169 km/h). Given enough room, the truck will eventually top out at 118 mph (190 km/h).
Despite the impressive performance, the RHO hasn’t forgotten about being a truck. Quite the opposite as it has a maximum payload capacity of 1,520 lbs (689 kg) and a maximum towing capacity of 8,380 lbs (3,801 kg).
Sticking with the performance theme, the truck has an off-road focused suspension with unique upper and lower control arms made out of forged aluminum. They’re longer than the typical components and this allows for additional wheel travel.
That isn’t the only change as the truck has retuned springs and a revised rear suspension that features unique hard points to allow for 14 inches (356 mm) of axle travel. Speaking of the rear axle, it’s a Dana 60 with an electronic locking differential and an axle hop damper, which allows for “improved traction and axle control on rough surfaces.”
Rounding out the highlights are Bilstein Black Hawk e2 adaptive performance shocks that promise to deliver the “optimum balance between on-road handling and class-leading off-road capability.” The model also has 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 at dealerships in the third quarter and pricing starts at $69,995 before a $1,995 destination fee. That’s significantly less than the old TRX, which began at $96,340.
The model also undercuts the Ford F-150 Raptor, which begins at $78,330 before a $1,995 destination fee. That makes the reduced output more palatable and interested customers can submit their orders beginning today.
