Ram 1500 RHO

Ram Trucks has trotted out yet another eye-opening, off-road-focused pickup. It’s the 2025 Ram 1500 RHO. The truck’s list of attention-grabbing bits include a potent 540 hp powerplant, high-flow air induction system, and locker-equipped Dana 60 rear axle. Also, a desert racing-inspired long-travel suspension, 35-inch tires, and beadlock wheels.

40 Percent More Rear Wheel Travel Than The Rest Of The Ram 1500 Lineup

Let’s start with the long-travel suspension. The independent front suspension system (IFS) incorporates unique forged aluminum upper and lower control arms. Careful consideration was given to caster and camber angles during suspension cycling. The control arms, which are longer and larger than standard Ram 1500 arms, prioritize additional wheel travel and axle track width. Moreover, the suspension system has retuned spring rates, jounce bumper, and damping control. The RHO’s rear suspension system generates greater wheel travel without compromising the cargo area in the bed. It utilizes adaptive damping and a five-link coil system. The frame’s hard points differ from those of a standard-issue Ram 1500. This enables rear axle travel of up to 14 inches, which is over 40 percent more than the rest of the Ram 1500 model lineup. Also, the suspension contributes to a 2-inch taller ride height than standard Ram 1500 trucks.

Bilstein Black Hawk e2 Adaptive Performance Shocks

A key element of the RHO’s suspension is the Bilstein Black Hawk e2 adaptive performance shocks. They utilize precision-machined, single-piece construction made of rigid aluminum. This reduces and dissipates heat while continuously adjusting damping forces. The Black Hawk e2s also have directional-machined cooling fins aligned with airflow for enhanced cooling efficiency.

Dual Electronic Proportional Valves continuously adjust damping forces. This results in precise, independent control of compression and rebound damping. Furthermore, with the proprietary Ram Active Terrain Dynamics suspension management system, new shock tuning, hard points, and body mount strategy, ride comfort, body roll control, and handling are notably improved.

Hurricane I6 Powerplant

Powering the RHO is the all-new 3.0-liter Hurricane H/O SST I-6 engine. Ram says it’s 150 pounds lighter than the previous performance model and helps to provide a more balanced weight distribution. The 3.0-liter engine kicks out 540 horsepower and 521 lb-ft of torque. The engine’s performance is enhanced by a high-flow air induction system that features a hood duct. The duct is designed to drain water and filter out debris, so the engine only breathes clean, cool air. It includes a high-capacity radial air filter that’s housed in an open-top box. This allows for easy access for a quick clean in the field. Also helping to improve engine performance is an RHO-specific low-restriction dual exhaust system. Also notable: Ram says the truck has up to 32 inches of water fording capability.

Engine power is routed through an eight-speed automatic transmission. It’s split to the axles via a BorgWarner 48-13 full-time active transfer case with 2.64:1 low range. Ram says the T-case is modified with upgraded internals to improve strength and durability. The Ram 1500 RHO has a full-float Dana 60 rear axle. It’s fitted with an electronic locking differential and an axle hop damper. The truck has a max towing capacity of 8,380 pounds and a maximum payload of 1,520 pounds. Performance is said to be 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds and 13.1 seconds at 105 mph in the quarter-mile.

Wider Width And Track

Ram ensured that the RHO stands out visually and functionally from the rest of the light-duty lineup with significant exterior tweaks. There are composite flares, 35-inch tires, and 18-inch beadlock wheels. The Ram 1500 RHO boasts a width that is 8 inches wider than the trucks in the Ram light-duty segment. Additionally, it has a track width that is 6 inches wider. Moreover, the RHO’s box outers, which are constructed from steel, are wider than traditional Ram 1500 models.

Other RHO exterior features include a distinctive front grille, hood, skidplates, and steel bumpers. There’s also a prominent R-A-M badge that’s designed with a flow-through configuration. This aids in optimizing airflow. Standard equipment includes all-black premium LED headlamps with twin bi-functional projector units, accompanied by integrated LED clearance marker lights along the front bumper and hood scoop. Furthermore, the RHO has center identification marker lights nestled between the tailgate and rear bumper above the integrated 5-inch dual exhaust ports. Finally, oversized towhooks reside at both ends of the truck.