2025 Ram 1500 RHO Review: The Raptor's New Rival

Ram's Long-Awaited Answer to the Raptor

For years, off-road enthusiasts questioned when Ram would deliver a true competitor to the legendary Ford F-150 Raptor. While the ferocious TRX with its Hellcat V8 made waves, its premium price positioned it against the Raptor R rather than the mainstream performance off-roader segment. The 2025 Ram 1500 RHO changes everything - bringing TRX-level capability with accessible pricing and a cutting-edge powertrain.

--FIRST CAR LIST HERE--

Ditching the "T-Rex" moniker for the more appropriate "Rhino," the RHO combines the TRX's formidable off-road hardware with Ram's new Hurricane engine technology. The result? A truck that not only challenges the Raptor but surpasses it in several key areas while maintaining Ram's reputation for premium interiors and everyday drivability.

Unmatched Off-Road Prowess

The RHO's desert-running capability represents a quantum leap for Ram's off-road engineering. During rigorous testing at Holly Oaks ORV Park, the truck demonstrated why it deserves consideration as the new benchmark in high-speed off-road performance.

Intelligent Suspension That Thinks Ahead

What sets the RHO apart is its remarkably sophisticated Bilstein Black Hawk e2 suspension system. Unlike the Raptor's setup (which requires an upgrade for full rebound control), the Ram comes standard with both compression and rebound adjustment. This becomes particularly impressive during airborne moments:

--TOP ADVERTISEMENT HERE--

• Jump Detection: Sensors identify when all four wheels leave the ground
• Attitude Adjustment: Calculates landing angle mid-air
• Smart Damping: Automatically stiffens rear shocks for optimal landing
• Throttle Management: Reduces power at touchdown to prevent wheelspin

The system works so seamlessly that drivers can confidently tackle repeated jumps without the typical harsh bottoming-out experienced in lesser trucks. Combined with the 35-inch all-terrain tires and generous wheel travel, the RHO maintains composure over terrain that would leave most vehicles - and passengers - battered.

Baja Mode: Where the RHO Shines

Selecting Baja mode transforms the RHO into a desert-running beast with optimized settings:

• 25/75 front/rear torque split for controlled oversteer
• Reduced traction control intervention
• Aggressive gear holding keeps the Hurricane engine in its power band
• Firmer damping for high-speed stability
• --SECOND CAR LIST HERE--
  

The result is a truck that feels nearly telepathic in its ability to anticipate terrain changes and adjust accordingly. While the Raptor remains formidable off-road, the RHO's more advanced suspension technology gives it a distinct advantage in extreme conditions.

Surprising On-Road Refinement

Where the RHO truly distances itself from the competition is in its uncanny ability to transition from desert runner to daily driver without compromise. The same qualities that make it exceptional off-road translate to remarkable on-road manners.

A Cabin That Belies Its Off-Road Intent

Even base RHO models ($72,000 including destination) offer premium appointments, but the $9,995 Level 1 Equipment Group elevates the experience with:

• 14.4-inch vertical touchscreen with Uconnect 5
• Premium Harman Kardon audio system
• Hands-free active driving assistance
• Soft-touch dashboard with contrast stitching
• --FIRST CONTENT ADVERTISEMENT HERE--
  

The interior quality surpasses the Raptor's in nearly every measurable way, from material selection to ergonomic design. Optional red accent stitching ($1,495) adds a sporty touch that complements the RHO's performance character.

Steering Feel That Defies Expectations

Ram's engineers prioritized steering feedback in a way that's unusual for the segment. The electrically assisted system provides:

• Deliberately heavy effort (especially in Sport mode)
• Uncommon transparency about front tire grip
• Linear response that builds predictably with cornering forces
• Minimal off-center vagueness

This communicative setup, combined with excellent body control from the active dampers, allows the RHO to tackle twisty roads with confidence. While no full-size truck can defy physics entirely, the RHO comes closer than any competitor to delivering sports sedan-like dynamics.

Hurricane Power: More Than Just Numbers

The high-output version of Ram's new 3.0-liter twin-turbo Hurricane six-cylinder delivers performance that makes the transition from Hemi V8 surprisingly painless.

--THIRD CAR LIST HERE--

Real-World Performance That Impresses

While the 540 horsepower and 521 lb-ft of torque match other Hurricane applications, Ram optimized the RHO's version with:

• High-flow cold air intake system
• True dual exhaust with less restrictive piping
• Revised turbocharger mapping for quicker spooling

The result is throttle response that feels immediate in any driving mode, with virtually no detectable turbo lag. The 8-speed automatic transmission complements the engine perfectly, with quick, decisive shifts that maintain momentum whether climbing rocky trails or passing on highways.

Unexpected Serenity at Speed

Perhaps most surprising is how quietly the RHO conducts itself during normal driving:

• Excellent noise isolation from the cabin
• Minimal tire roar from the aggressive all-terrain tires
• Well-suppressed wind noise despite the tall stance
• Smooth engine note under cruising conditions
• --SECOND CONTENT ADVERTISEMENT HERE--
  

The Hurricane engine lacks the visceral soundtrack of the departed Hemi, but its cultured demeanor and abundant power more than compensate. Fuel economy improvements over the V8 (though still not class-leading) represent another advantage.

Verdict: A New Benchmark in Performance Trucks

After extensive on- and off-road evaluation, the 2025 Ram 1500 RHO emerges as more than just a Raptor alternative - it establishes new standards in several key areas.

Where the RHO Excels

• Suspension Technology: The active damping system outperforms anything in its class
• Interior Execution: Materials and design surpass competitors at every price point
• Steering Feel: Unmatched feedback and precision for a full-size truck
• Value Proposition: More capability for less money than the base Raptor

Considerations for Buyers

• The Level 1 Equipment Group nearly essential for luxury buyers
• Fuel economy remains a weak point despite turbo-six efficiency
• Some may miss the character of the V8 engine
• Aftermarket support still developing compared to Raptor
• --FOURTH CAR LIST HERE--
  

For buyers seeking the ultimate combination of desert-running capability and everyday usability, the RHO represents the new gold standard. It retains all the practicality of a Ram 1500 while adding suspension technology that would be impressive on a dedicated off-road vehicle. The result isn't just a great truck - it's one of the most compelling performance vehicles of any type currently available.