When the 2025 Ram 1500 ditched its iconic HEMI V8 for the new “Hurricane” turbocharged inline-six engine, there were concerns. As someone who had the chance to review the updated Ram 1500, I boldly declared that it was so good, the V8 wasn’t missed. Now, stepping into the Ram Rho, the successor to the legendary Ram TRX and the new king of the Ram truck lineup, I’ve had a chance to truly test that statement. While a sliver of V8 nostalgia might linger, the Ram RHO proves itself to be an exceptional truck in its own right.
Let’s revisit why Stellantis made the switch from the beloved HEMI to the Hurricane engine. As highlighted in my previous review:
Image: Reasons for Ram’s switch to the Hurricane inline-six engine.
Ram’s move to the straight-six Hurricane engine is driven by several factors. It’s a lighter engine, shedding approximately 90 pounds compared to the V8. The inline-six design also presents cost efficiencies in manufacturing, featuring a single cylinder head, for example. Its inherently balanced configuration and narrow profile provide ample space to accommodate turbochargers within the frame rails. However, the primary motivation, as emphasized by Stellantis during the media launch in Austin, is enhanced efficiency.
The Hurricane engine is far from being a compromise in power. Its superior Brake Specific Fuel Economy translates to more power generated per unit of fuel consumed. This is a significant advantage for both fuel-conscious drivers and those seeking robust performance.
The TRX Legacy: A Shadow Over the Ram RHO?
During my experience with the standard Ram 1500, the Hurricane engine, particularly the High Output variant boasting 540 horsepower and 521 lb-ft of torque, delivered impressive power. The acceleration was more than adequate, and while the exhaust note differed from the Hemi, it was still a respectable sound for a daily driver in the $50,000-$60,000 price range. The long-term success of the Hurricane will depend on real-world fuel economy and reliability, but from a driving perspective in the standard Ram 1500, it performed admirably.
However, the Ram RHO faces a different challenge. It’s not just replacing a standard Hemi; it’s stepping into the shoes of the Hellcat-powered Ram TRX. This is a considerably larger task.
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To illustrate the TRX’s impact, consider this anecdote: On regular dinners with my in-laws in Pasadena, a distinct sound often interrupts our conversations. “That’s just the neighbor starting his truck,” my father-in-law remarks. The first time I heard it, the sheer volume at idle was astonishing. That truck? A Ram TRX.
The TRX embodies American automotive excess. It’s an over-the-top, audacious, and incredibly powerful machine. Loud, flashy, and bold, it’s the vehicular equivalent of a Hollywood action hero.
The TRX commands attention with its imposing presence – massive 35-inch tires, wide fender flares, a dominant grille, and a prominent hood scoop. This visual spectacle is perfectly complemented by the auditory experience: a whistle followed by a roar. The 702 horsepower Hellcat engine unleashes a symphony of sound and fury, translating into raw power and exhilarating forward motion.
The TRX quickly achieved legendary status, captivating enthusiasts worldwide. Despite criticisms regarding environmental impact and pedestrian safety, it cemented itself as an automotive icon in just a few years. It was, for many, the most outrageous and exhilarating truck ever produced, the “apex predator of the truck world,” as Ram itself proclaimed.
Given this legacy, it’s clear that the TRX leaves enormous shoes to fill. This is why Ram positions the RHO not as a direct replacement for the TRX. While visually similar, especially at first glance, the price point reveals a different story and a shift in perspective, as it did for me.
Decoding the Ram RHO: What Exactly Is It?
Simply put, the Ram RHO is essentially a Ram TRX that has traded its supercharged 702-horsepower 6.2-liter Hellcat V8 for a 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six producing 540 horsepower. While this might initially seem like a downgrade, consider the price. The RHO starts around $72,000, comparable to the 2021 Ram TRX. However, factoring in inflation, this makes the RHO roughly $15,000 more affordable. Compared to the 2023 and 2024 TRX models, which exceeded $81,000, the savings are even more significant.
You do lose the Hellcat engine, but you retain the striking aesthetics and, crucially, the advanced suspension system that made the Ram TRX a formidable off-road machine.
The Ram RHO boasts the same “unique, robust, long-travel suspension system with adaptive damping” as the TRX. It features forged aluminum upper and lower control arms engineered for optimal caster and camber angles throughout the suspension travel. These control arms, visible in the images, are longer than those on the standard Ram 1500, adding three inches of track width per side.
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The rear suspension utilizes a five-link setup with coil springs connected to a Dana 60 full-floating solid axle with a locking differential. Notably, the axle incorporates an “axle hop damper” designed to maintain control at high speeds on rough terrain, enhancing grip. The Bilstein 4600-series damper is visible atop the axle center section.
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Extensive skid plates provide underbody protection, extending from the front steel bumper and engine/cooling system skidplate…
…to the midsection, where the transmission and transfer case are shielded by ribbed steel…
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…and further back to the fuel tank, which sits above a ribbed steel sheet:
The shocks themselves are oil and nitrogen-filled remote reservoir Bilstein units. The rear reservoirs are positioned outboard of the frame, just behind the Dana 60 axle, visible in the top right of this image:
Ram provides clearer visuals of the TRX’s system, which is virtually identical to the RHO:
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In the front, the remote reservoir is tucked beneath the front skid plate. The braided steel line from the shock leading into this area is visible in the photo below:
Clearer images, again from the TRX, further illustrate the setup:
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Ram offers detailed information on these “Bilstein Black Hawk e2” shocks:
Bilstein Black Hawk e2 adaptive performance shocks are constructed from precision-machined, single-piece aluminum to minimize and dissipate heat. They continuously adjust damping forces for optimal body control across diverse terrains. These shocks feature robust corrosion protection, a durable finish, and directional cooling fins aligned with airflow for enhanced cooling efficiency.
Dual Electronic Proportional Valves enable precise, independent control of compression and rebound damping. A nitrogen-charged remote reservoir uses a hot-formed, zero-leak tube closure for maximum durability during demanding on- and off-road conditions.
A pressure-activated Triple Rod seal is field-tested for long-lasting protection against contamination and leaks. Ram 1500 RHO utilizes stainless-steel braided high-pressure hoses, resisting corrosion, abrasion, and pressures up to 5,800 PSI. A high-strength, lightweight rock shield protects the piston rod from debris with a custom-molded escape path.
The Bilstein Black Hawk e2 adaptive performance shocks are tuned to achieve an ideal balance between on-road handling and class-leading off-road capability. Ride comfort, body roll control, and handling are significantly enhanced by the Ram Active Terrain Dynamics suspension management system, refined shock tuning, hard points, and body mount strategy.
In addition to an upgraded urethane jounce bumper, the Bilstein adaptive performance shock internals feature a three-stage progressive hydraulic Jounce Control (Jounce Cut-off) to manage bottom-out during extreme compression events. All drive modes can access peak compression damping for the most challenging situations.
The hood remains functional, incorporating outboard vents and a central intake that feeds air to the engine. Baffles at the rear of the hood are designed to drain any water that enters the intake.
In essence, the Ram RHO, like the TRX, starts with a standard Ram frame, strengthens it, and adds a remarkable suspension system. This not only provides significant wheel travel (a 40% increase in rear travel compared to a standard Ram 1500, according to Ram) but also enhanced durability. The key difference is the RHO forgoes the power increase of the TRX, focusing instead on refined performance and value.
Behind the Wheel: Driving the Ram RHO
The media event for the Ram RHO took place in the desert near Joshua Tree National Park, southeast of Los Angeles. Ram provided luxurious Airstream trailers for accommodations, a unique and enjoyable experience. The following morning, a fleet of Ram RHOs awaited us.
Stepping into the cabin, the massive screens immediately grab attention. A 14.5-inch infotainment screen dominates the center of the dash, complemented by a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and even a 10.25-inch passenger screen. A head-up display further enhances the tech-forward feel. The interior is spacious and well-appointed with high-quality materials and a thoughtful balance of physical buttons for essential controls like volume, HVAC, and four-wheel drive modes, preventing digital interface overload.
The second row is exceptionally roomy, easily accommodating three adults. The Ram RHO offers a truly expansive and comfortable cabin experience.
Once familiarized with the truck, we journalists ventured onto the open highway leading to the desert. The on-road ride quality was surprisingly refined, especially considering the 35-inch all-terrain tires and off-road-tuned suspension. The RHO effectively absorbed road imperfections, expansion joints, and potholes, delivering a quiet and comfortable highway cruising experience. But what about acceleration?
Initially, the transient response felt slightly delayed.
Indeed, there was a momentary pause as the transmission downshifted, the engine climbed above 4,000 RPM, and the twin turbos spooled up. However, once the turbos kicked in, the engine revved eagerly to its 6,400 RPM redline. The eight-speed automatic transmission executed rapid gear changes, snapping back to 4,000 RPM and propelling the 6,000+ pound truck forward with surprising force.
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Upon reaching the off-road trails, the Ram’s suspension truly shone. It effortlessly absorbed the washboard desert surface, encouraging deeper throttle inputs and higher speeds. Before long, I found myself confidently driving at highway speeds off-road.
Arriving at our designated meeting point in the vast expanse of the desert, the trucks were coated in dust. It was then that the Ram RHO’s imposing and aggressive aesthetics truly stood out.
The first off-road challenge was a rock-crawling course.
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Truthfully, the Ram RHO, like the TRX before it, isn’t primarily designed for hardcore rock crawling. Its size, nearly 20 feet long and over seven feet wide, with a 12-foot wheelbase, presents inherent limitations. However, the Ram RHO maximizes its capabilities with a locking rear differential, comprehensive underbody protection, and large tires that contribute to an impressive 11.8 inches of ground clearance. Approach, departure, and breakover angles of 31, 25.2, and 21.8 degrees, respectively, are commendable for a truck of this size. Combined with clear front and rear-facing cameras, the RHO proved surprisingly maneuverable on the desert boulders.
The real thrill, however, unfolded on the dunes.
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The Ram RHO’s suspension allows you to aggressively attack steep sand dunes, pushing the accelerator pedal to its limit. The turbos whine, the engine roars, and the four 35-inch tires churn, propelling the Ram uphill and sending plumes of sand into the air.
My initial dune runs were somewhat hesitant, partly because releasing the throttle resulted in a noticeable lag in power delivery when reapplying it, slowing momentum more than desired. This meant I wasn’t carrying enough speed up the dunes.
However, committing to maintaining momentum – pedal firmly planted – unleashed the full potential of the 540 horsepower. The Hurricane engine proved more than capable, and surprisingly, the sound was far from disappointing. As the video demonstrates, the Hurricane engine produces a respectable sound, even a pleasant burble at idle. While it lacks the thunderous roar of the TRX, this is a common characteristic among many performance vehicles today.
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From the dunes, we moved to flat open areas to conduct 0-100 mph acceleration runs using launch mode. My driving partner and I couldn’t initially activate launch mode, but even without it, the RHO accelerated impressively. Zero to 60 mph is achieved in a claimed 4.6 seconds, only a tenth of a second slower than the TRX, according to Ram. (A drag race between the RHO and TRX by TFL can be viewed here).
This concluded the press event. We spent the afternoon pushing the Ram RHO to its limits in the desert, launching these 6,000-pound trucks powered by 540-horsepower inline-six engines until reaching triple-digit speeds.
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The Value Proposition of the Ram RHO
While I haven’t personally driven the Ram TRX, my experience with numerous Hellcat-powered vehicles gives me a solid understanding of what the RHO might be missing. The primary differences are in sound and immediate throttle response. The TRX undoubtedly offers quicker overall acceleration, but when the RHO is in boost, spinning at 5,000 RPM, and launching, the deficit in raw speed is less noticeable than the absence of instant power delivery and the associated drama. The 3.0-liter Hurricane engine, by nature, requires boost and revs to generate peak power. Sometimes, especially in dune driving, immediate, explosive power is desired.
However, in this aspect, the Ram RHO feels comparable to the Ford F-150 Raptor. Neither truck boasts a truly captivating engine note, and both rely on smaller displacement, turbocharged engines to produce power. The key advantage of the RHO is its price. The 540-horsepower Ram RHO starts at approximately $72,000 (including destination fees), while the 450-horsepower Ford F-150 Raptor begins around $80,000.
Without delving into a detailed feature-by-feature comparison, the core point is that the Ram RHO delivers a formidable desert-capable truck at a significantly lower price point than most competitors in the full-size segment. It offers a comfortable on-road ride, a well-appointed interior, striking and aggressive styling, surprising rock-crawling ability, and exceptional performance in open desert environments.
While it might initially appear to be a TRX with a less potent engine, the 540 horsepower is far from inadequate. Combined with the outstanding suspension and a price that undercuts not only the TRX but also key rivals like the Raptor, the Ram RHO emerges as a truly compelling truck.
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Of course, a part of me would still be tempted to spend the extra $15,000 for the full-blown TRX experience. But for many, the Ram RHO strikes an ideal balance of performance, capability, and value, making it a standout choice in the high-performance off-road truck market.
