New Trims, Updated Engine Spell Success for 2025 Ram 1500

February 23, 2024 · 8 min read

A red 2025 Ram 1500 Tungsten parked in the woods.

There are some big changes coming to one of America’s favorite full-size pickups for the 2025 model year. Visit your local Ram dealer, and you’ll notice a new contender in the spot once occupied by the luxurious Limited trim in the 2025 Ram 1500 Tungsten. The full-size pickup has been treated to a luxury makeover in the form of the new Tungsten trim, which jumps the Longhorn and Limited to become Ram’s new range-topping option.

The Tungsten's brother trim, the RHO—a careful mix of muscle and refinement—puts the Ram 1500 into immediate contention as one of the segment's best luxury pickups. Eagle-eyed drivers will notice that the off-road-ready Ram 1500 TRX is nowhere to be found for 2025, but don’t fret, Four-Wheel Fans, because Ram drivers looking for a little backwoods fun will welcome the addition of the new RHO trim. Intended as a larger, more heavy-duty version of the already-capable Ram 1500, the RHO is sure to delight those who have a passion for the off-road lifestyle.

But the Tungsten and the RHO aren't the only additions to the Ram 1500 lineup for 2025. Ram is also looking towards the future with two alternative fuel options for 2025 as it brings the Ramcharger hybrid and the all-electric Ram 1500 REV to market. The Ramcharger offers the best of both worlds with a 663 hp engine that boasts an estimated 145 miles of all-electric range, but the Ram 1500 REV is the real showstopper. With a 14,000-pound towing capacity and estimated range of 500 miles, the Ram 1500 REV manages to not only match but surpass many of its gas-powered rivals while saving drivers large sums of money at the pump.

New Hurricane Engine

It’s time to say goodbye to the pickup’s Hemi V8 engine, which will now be replaced by a 3.0L Hurricane twin-turbocharged inline-six engine. Those fearing a downgrade in power will be happy to learn that the Hurricane inline-six actually bests the Hemi in a few important categories, all while delivering improved efficiency and reducing the pickup’s carbon footprint.

While V8 purists might balk at the decision to drop the Hemi V8, most drivers will agree that the switch marks a notable upgrade in a few important ways. First, and most importantly, there’s the power. The 3.0L twin-turbo Hurricane inline-six might lose two cylinders compared to its predecessor, but a little forced induction goes a long way, with the 2025 model’s beefiest engine besting the Hemi by 25 ponies for a total output of 420 hp. In fact, the Hurricane engine is the most powerful six-cylinder setup in the full-size class, giving the Ram 1500 an immediate edge over its longtime Ford and Chevy rivals.

Those seeking an even more powerful Ram 1500 have the option of upgrading to a High Output version of the Hurricane inline-six, which offers a whopping 540 hp along with 521 lb-ft of torque. That’s enough power to give the 2025 Ram 1500 11,560 lbs of towing capacity and a max payload of 2,300 lbs. The Hurricane lineup has brought an overhaul for Ram powertrains across the board, with new technologies, a deep-skirt cast-aluminum block with structural alloy oil pan, and cross-bolted steel main bearing caps that allow the brand to produce one of the most well-rounded power plants to date.

The Hurricane inline-six should also improve on the Hemi’s fuel efficiency, though Ram has yet to release specific figures. With the relatively thirsty Hemi drawing an EPA-estimated 18 MPG city/22 highway for a combined fuel economy rating of 19 MPG, the turbocharged Hurricane could go a long way toward reducing the Ram 1500’s overall ownership cost. This economical upgrade is thanks in part to the engine’s honed deck plate, which improves fuel economy with a precisely shaped cylinder bore.

The grey front seats of a 2025 Ram 1500 Rebel at a Ram dealer.

Tungsten

Ram certainly has a way with names when it comes to trims for its flagship pickup. The prehistorically-inspired TRX is probably the most notable in recent memory, but the new, ultra-luxe Tungsten trim gives it a run for its money. Last seen in 2018 as the Ram Limited Tungsten Edition, the trim is named after the metallic element that’s both stronger and rarer than steel, reflecting the trim level's mindful synthesis of power and opulence.

Exterior upgrades are limited to trim-specific front styling with a unique front fascia, a body-colored bumper, and 22-inch wheels with a machined finish, but the interior is where the Tungsten really shines. Ram has deployed all of the premium materials it could muster to design the Tungsten’s interior, giving the pickup a sumptuous makeover that includes 24-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage, new surface textures, materials, and a noticeable upgrade in craftsmanship.
The truck’s Nappa Plus leather is based on an Indigo/Sea Salt color scheme that’s offset by the Tungsten-inspired stitching, while artificial suede and diamond-stitched surfaces set the trim apart from the rest of the Ram 1500 lineup. The Ram remains appropriately sporty thanks to the inclusion of knurled metal, chrome trim, carbon fiber, and etched stainless steel, but it’s the small details that make all the difference. The Tungsten’s VIN badge set within the armrest and crystal-effect shifter center cap are two such details, marking the Tungsten as a one-of-a-kind trim level.

Premium audio systems have become par for the course on the upper end of the trim ladder, but the Ram 1500 Tungsten still manages to impress with a best-in-class Klipsch Reference Premiere Audio System powered by a 24-channel, 1,228-watt amplifier. The Klipsch system sees 23 speakers set throughout the cabin, including some inventive new placements that go a long way in improving the mobile listening experience.

Four full-range speakers mounted in the headliner leverage Panasonic’s DJX 3D Surround algorithm to deliver unparalleled fidelity while a 12-inch DualPower high-excursion subwoofer allows you to feel the bass on every track, but it’s the Tungsten’s Coaxial Centerback speakers that mark the most novel addition. Sized at 3.5 in, these two speakers are mounted on the rear of the driver and front passenger seats, allowing rear-seat passengers to enjoy a level of audio quality that’s usually reserved for the front of the cabin. Panasonic’s active noise canceling (ANC) technology filters out intrusive sounds while the system’s diamond-shaped metal speaker grilles blend in with the interior’s prevailing aesthetic.

A white 2025 Ram 1500 Rebel parked on an empty road in the prairie.

Ram 1500 RHO

Ram’s new full-size off-road pickup might lack the TRX’s 702 hp, supercharged Hemi V8, but it has the High Output version of the new Hurricane engine, which delivers an ample 540 hp to play with. That makes the RHO the most powerful trim in the 2025 Ram 1500 lineup, which can bring all sorts of advantages both on-road and off.

Besides, horsepower isn’t always the most crucial factor when choosing an off-road pickup. Sure, there’s something to be said for the sort of high-speed antics enabled by the TRX’s Hemi V8, but experienced drivers know that the off-road formula is a little more nuanced. The RHO still packs plenty of off-road tricks up its sleeve and, refreshingly, should cost less than the $96,000 TRX we saw in 2024. We’re not saying Ram’s previous off-road warrior didn’t live up to its price tag, but with an estimated cost of around $85,000, the RHO will be more within reach for the average driver. That $10,000 in savings can be put towards outfitting the pickup with any aftermarket equipment you might need for your own off-road niche, whether it be a new winch, snorkel, light bar, or rooftop tent.

The RHO isn’t set to hit the market until the latter half of the year, so details are still a little hard to come by, but we do know one thing: this isn't going to be one of those pared-down “soft-roaders” that look the part without packing the necessary components. If the price and specs of the outgoing TRX are any indication, the RHO will likely be outfitted with the same wide body and heavy-duty frame as the Ram 1500’s previous off-road iteration. The 2024 TRX also sported a long-travel suspension that could compress by as much as 13 in, along with Bilstein remote-reservoir dampers, an electronic-locking rear differential, and 15-inch front brakes. Only time will tell if the RHO will manage to replicate that setup, but in an era where off-road trucks are all the rage, we’re counting on a versatile off-roader that does the Ram name proud.

If you’re the type of driver who won’t settle for anything less than the TRX, you could be waiting a while. RAM is putting the nameplate out to pasture for the time being, though we have a hard time believing that the dino-inspired off-roader is going extinct for good. In all likelihood, Ram will revive the TRX when it finds a powertrain worthy of the name, with the march towards electrification holding all sorts of promise for the storied trim.

It’s a Good Year to Get Behind the Wheel of a Ram 1500

With the 2025 Ram 1500, the automaker once again proves that the full-size segment is no two-horse race. Ram has doubled down on everything there is to love about the iconic pickup, giving drivers some enticing new options when it comes to luxury, efficiency, and off-road performance. The RHO is a welcome addition to the lineup, enhancing the Ram 1500’s go-anywhere reputation and improving on the base trim without breaking the bank. The Tungsten trim holds the potential to elevate your daily driving experience, turning those long commutes and road trips into something you might actually look forward to with its convenient, stylish, and well-appointed cabin. Sure, no one likes being stuck in a traffic jam, but it’ll be a little easier to deal with when you're enjoying a heated massage and listening to your favorite album on a sound system that would make most audiophiles jealous. The Hurricane twin-turbocharged V6 might be the Ram 1500’s most notable upgrade for 2025, allowing drivers to enjoy one of the most powerful Ram 1500s to date without paying the price at the pump. No matter what you’re looking for, one thing is for sure: it’s a good year to get behind the wheel of a Ram 1500.

MSRP may change without notice. See dealer for complete details.

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A red 2024 Ram 2500 Power Wagon parked in a grassy field.

Feb 23, 2024 in Ram Dealer

Unlocking Professional Power With the 2024 Ram 2500 and 3500

The pickup segment has exploded in popularity in recent years, with more and more drivers gravitating towards compact, midsize, and full-size trucks. The numbers speak for themselves. In 2016, pickup sales accounted for just over 16 percent of all new vehicle sales, but by 2022, that number rose to almost 21 percent. Pickups are certainly having their moment, but an influx of customers has seen the segment shift from its working-class roots towards a new model that prioritizes comfort and convenience over raw power and size. So where does this leave drivers looking for a no-nonsense, industrious truck that isn't afraid to put in a little work? That's where heavy-duty pickups like the 2024 Ram 2500 and 3500 come in. Built to a higher standard than your average full-size pickup, these stout pickups are designed to handle whatever you can throw at them. more While most full-size trucks have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) that tops out at 8,500 lbs, heavy-duty pickups are designed with towing and hauling in mind. Take the Ram 2500, for example. With a GVWR of 10,000 lbs, the Ram 2500 is a versatile pickup that can accommodate even the heaviest load while maintaining an impressive level of comfort. If that's still not enough, take a lap in the Ram 3500, which can heft some 10,700 lbs without breaking a sweat. Of course, GVWR isn't the only factor to consider when browsing your local Ram dealer for a new heavy-duty model. From power and towing capacity to next-generation tech features and one of the most robust suspension setups on the market, let's take a closer look and see why the Ram 2500 and 3500 are the pickups of choice for discerning drivers. Powerful Engine Options Ram's heavy-duty offerings also come with some of the most powerful standard engines in their class. With 410 hp under the hood, the Ram 2500 bests Chevy and Ford's heavy-duty pickups, which come in at 401 and 405 hp respectively. The 6.4-liter HEMI V8 also boasts 429 lb-ft of torque, giving the pickup all the power it needs for even the most demanding applications. The V8 is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that's won plenty of praise for its smooth shifting and power distribution, rounding out the pickups' powertrains and making for a smooth, responsive ride. The Ram 2500 and 3500's brawny gas-powered engine might be a standout when compared to the F-250 and Silverado 2500 HD, but it's not the only power plant on offer for 2024. The truck can also be had with a 6.7-liter Cummins diesel inline-six in either a rear or four-wheel drive setup, giving drivers the opportunity to move mountains with a considerable upgrade in torque. The standard Cummins design—offered on both the 2500 and 3500—gives the Ram pickups 370 hp along with 850 lb-ft of torque. While that should be more than enough for all but the most demanding towing projects, those opting for the Ram 3500 have the chance to upgrade to a high-output version of the diesel that ups the torque to some 1,075 lb-ft. The Cummins is a little weighty at more than 1,000 lbs, but the advantages of the diesel design more than make up for the added heft. Diesel isn't just more efficient than gas; it also provides considerably more torque, emits fewer hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and lead pollution, and brings some real advantages when it comes to longevity. According to some experts, a diesel engine will routinely last two to four times longer than a comparable gas model, making it a no-brainer for those looking to reduce lifetime ownership and maintenance costs. Towing Capacity Towing and payload capacity are usually the go-to metrics when it comes to the heavy-duty end of the pickup segment, and the Ram 2500 and 3500 certainly don't disappoint in either category. We'll start with the 6.4-liter V8 on the Ram 2500, which offers 17,730 lbs of towing capacity along with a maximum payload rating of 4,000 lbs. Those might be some impressive numbers, but they're nothing compared to the heavy-duty Ram's diesel engines. When optioned in its burliest guise, the Ram 3500 with the high-output Cummins diesel sets a high bar with a max towing capacity that tops 37,000 lbs. Throw in a max payload of 7,680 lbs, and it's easy to see why the Ram 3500 has become the go-to choice for contractors, trade pros, and other drivers who know the importance of raw power. Those numbers see a decrease when opting for the 4x4 Ram 2500 but still hold their own with a total towing capacity of 19,990 lbs and a payload capacity of 3,150 lbs. Ram Trucks Offer an Array of Towing Tech Those numbers might put the Ram 2500 and 3500 towards the top of their respective classes, and while towing and payload capacity are important, they're not the only factors to consider when shopping for your next heavy-duty pickup. Towing technology has come a long way in the last decade, and Ram has been at the forefront of the push to build a better, smarter truck. Take the Ram's Trailer Reverse Steering Control, for example. Any driver who has ever struggled to back up a trailer into a tight spot knows how frustrating this common towing task can be. Between glancing at your rearview mirror and figuring out which way to turn the steering wheel for the proper result, it never seems to go as smoothly as you'd like. Ram has engineered around this issue with its innovative Trailer Reverse Steering Control system, which allows drivers to use a simple dash-mounted knob to guide the trailer into place. When in use, the system actually takes control of the steering wheel itself, giving drivers one less thing to worry about. But the Trailer Reverse Steering Control system is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the Ram 2500 and 3500's towing tech. With the 360-Degree Surround View Camera, drivers are treated to a handy bird's-eye POV that displays your surroundings in one convenient feed. The system stitches together multiple camera angles from around the truck, creating a convenient view that makes it easy to spot any obstacles before they can do damage. This feature is also handy when it comes to attaching or backing up a trailer, making it the perfect complement for these hard-working Ram trucks. We should also mention the available Digital Rearview Mirror, which improves on the old-fashioned rearview mirror by turning it into a real-time LCD monitor. Want a better view of whatever's behind you? Activate the Digital Rearview Mirror, and you'll be met with a live stream of the Ram's rear-facing camera. The system can also be set to display the space to the left or right of any trailer you might be towing, improving safety and ensuring no unfortunate run-ins with unseen obstacles. If your trailer is outfitted with a rear-facing camera, that feed can also be displayed on the Digital Rearview Mirror as part of the wired tow mode system. There's no underestimating the importance of horsepower and torque when it comes to a successful towing venture, but this sort of cutting-edge towing tech can make all the difference when it comes to getting the job done on time and on budget. A Look at the Ram’s Bilstein Gas-Charged Monotube Shocks When dealing with a truck that's as weighty as the Ram 2500 and 3500, a good suspension can make all the difference. So how does Ram keep these 6,000 to 7,300-pound behemoths in check? By teaming up with one of the most trusted names in the world of shock absorption technology. Bilstein's products can be found on many of the industry's most successful full-size models, allowing drivers to unlock the full potential of their ride without sacrificing comfort. On the Ram 2500 and 3500, the Bilstein name can be found stamped onto the trucks' gas-charged monotube shocks. These gas-charged shocks have a number of advantages over the typical hydraulic design, offering a sportier, more responsive ride that should mesh well with the Rams' hard-working reputation. Hydraulic shocks might offer an impressive level of comfort, but they often come at the cost of performance. Gas-charged shocks are quicker to compress than their fluid-filled cousins because, unlike oil, the air can compress when put under pressure. This compression allows the shocks to act more quickly than hydraulic designs, which have to wait for the oil to pass through small valves within the shocks themselves. Gas-charged shocks might not offer as cushy of a ride as hydraulic shocks, but if you're looking to improve off-road cornering and braking, they're hard to beat. The Ram 2500 and 3500's gas-charged Bilstein monotube shocks have also been shown to drastically reduce overall vibrations, which can go a long way when it comes to reducing tire wear and improving a truck's longevity. Of course, you also can't discount the advantages of the Bilstein shocks' monotube design. While twin-tube shocks use an inner tube to house a piston and an outer tube to serve as the shock body, monotube shocks are built with a single tube that pulls double duty. This approach offers some real benefits in terms of performance, especially when it comes to dissipating heat. Monotube shocks can also accommodate larger pistons than twin-tube products—up to 288 percent larger, according to Bilstein—and are less likely to experience foaming or loss of viscosity as the shock's oil and gas are relegated to separate chambers. All told, monotube shocks are hard to beat when it comes to responsiveness and control and are less likely to experience shock fade than your garden-variety offering. These qualities make the Bilstein gas-charged monotube shocks the perfect pairing for the Ram 2500 and 3500, giving drivers the ability to navigate even the toughest terrain with confidence. The Ram 2500 and 3500 Have the Heavy-Duty Power You’re Looking For A powerful lineup of engines, a full suite of advanced towing tech, and advanced Bilstein gas-charged monotube shocks aren't the only tricks the Ram 2500 and 3500 have up their sleeves. The pickups are also available with Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension, a class-exclusive feature that can make all the difference when it comes to leveling out a load or traversing tough terrain. It's just one more feature that makes the Ram 2500 and 3500 stand out in their class, giving drivers access to unparalleled performance. If you're in the market for a new heavy-duty truck, make McHugh Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram FIAT your first top; with a wide selection of both new and pre-owned Ram 2500 and 3500 models, the team at McHugh is here to help you find the perfect pickup for your unique driving needs. We look forward to working with you and helping you discover which Ram truck best fits your heavy-duty needs.