Ram 1500 RHO to replace TRX
RAM TRUCK has released details of its 1500 RHO this week, the model superseding the 1500 TRX as the brand’s performance flagship and promising the most horsepower-per-dollar ratio of any off-road offering.
Powered by Ram’s new Hurricane 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged six-cylinder petrol engine, the 1500 RHO develops 540hp (403kW) and 521lb-ft (706Nm) promising more power and torque than its V8 predecessor, as well as lower fuel consumption and emissions.
With a payload of 1520lb (689kg), braked towing capacity of 8380lb (3800kg) and up to 32 inches (813mm) of water fording capability, the Ram 1500 RHO is as much about work as it is play.
US dealers can expect the 1500 RHO to arrive shortly with orders now open. Pricing is listed at $US69,995 ($A105,537) excluding destination fees and on-road charges.
Ram says the HO SST tune makes the 1500 RHO the most powerful six-cylinder ‘truck’ in the segment, the unit coupled as standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission promising “quick, crisp gear changes”.
The offering is also said to be 150lb (68kg) lighter than the outgoing Hemi V8, and benefits from “faster reflexes” aided by a high-flow air induction system, high-capacity radial air filter, and low-restriction exhaust system.
Power is channelled via a Borg Warner full-time active transfer case with upgraded internals for improved strength and durability. Further, the Ram 1500 RHO features a low range of 2.64:1 for rock crawling and can be flat-towed while in neutral.
The 1500 RHO is suspended by an independent front arrangement with active Bilstein Black Hawk e2 dampers. The upper and lower control arms are constructed of forged aluminium with “special attention paid to the caster and camber angles during suspension cycling”.
At the rear we find a Dana 60 axle with full floating axle shafts, locking rear differential, five-link coil sprung suspension, and modified hard points allowing up to 14 inches (356mm) of travel – 40 per cent more than the rest of the Ram 1500 line-up.
The Ram 1500 RHO offers 11.8 inches (300mm) of ground clearance thanks in part to a two-inch (51mm) lift, and rides on 35-inch tyres on 18-inch bead-locked wheels enabling the vehicles to “clear surface obstacles easily and at high speeds”.
With an aggressive hourglass body design and widened composite flares the RHO is six inches (152mm) wider in track than derivative 1500 models.
The variant is further characterised by unique badging, front grille, bonnet, skid plates and steel bumpers, blackened LED lighting (with specific animation on approach and start-up), the choice of rock rails or aluminium running boards, oversized tow hooks, and integrated five-inch (127mm) dual exhaust outlets.
Moving inside, and RAM says the 1500 RHO combines “new features, technology and authentic premium materials with performance, class-leading quality, comfort and durability”.
Highlights include an available hand-wrapped instrument panel, VIN-specific centre console plaque, 12-way powered leather heated and ventilated front seats with memory function, carbon-fibre garnishing, performance floor shifter, aluminium shift paddles, and “over 50 inches (1270mm) of display screens”.
A Drive Mode selector offers quick access to Auto, Tow, Mud/Sand, Rock, Snow, Sport, Baja, Custom, and Valet modes, as well as Launch Control. Trailer Reverse Steer control is also fitted as standard.
Infotainment duties are handled by Ram’s fifth-generation Uconnect system that is said to offer five times faster processing than that of the previous system and with all expected features and connectivity options.
Audiophiles are certain to appreciate the 1500 RHO’s class-exclusive 900-watt premium harman/kardon audio system with 19 speakers and a 10-inch subwoofer.
There are also “nearly two dozen different instrumentation menus” available, including those for adaptive cruise control, active driving assist, digital tachometer, drowsy driver detection and speed limit traffic signs display – and personalisable head-up display options.
“The 2025 Ram 1500 RHO is the latest result of a relentless pursuit to engineer, design and deliver a truck that charges into the segment head down and horn up,” said Ram Truck CEO Tim Kuniskis.
“All that we’ve learned from developing every truck in Ram’s legendary lineup has led us to the most capable light-duty pick-up truck, offering the best value with more horsepower per dollar than any other off-road truck.”
While the 2025 Ram 1500 range is shaping up as a certainty for the Australian market, it is not yet known whether the RHO will make its way Down Under. Visit GoAuto for more information soon.
