2025 RAM RHO Review

What is the RAM RHO?

The RAM RHO picks up where the previous-generation RAM TRX left off. This off-road focused trophy truck for the road delivers one of the most capable full-sized off-road truck packages in the world. A wide body, massive off-road tires, chassis reinforcements, and an active Bilstein suspension are only part of the comprehensive RHO formula. Any TRX owner would feel right at home in the RHO’s cabin since both trucks look virtually the same both inside and out. It's not until you press the starter button and hear the inline-six hum to life that you’ll find anything different between the trucks. Smash the gas peddle and you’ll hear the sounds of a BMW M3 while you launch your 6,000lb truck from 0-60 in just over 4 seconds.

New Engine

Any engine that followed the 700 horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter Hellcat V8 was going to have a hard time and you have to feel a little for the Hurricane inline-six. In a vacuum, this twin-turbo inline-six has a lot going for it. 

The 3.0-liter Hurricane inline-6 produces 540 horsepower and 521 lb-ft of torque, which is 37 more horsepower than the BMW M3 Competition does with the same engine configuration. Most RAM customers are most likely not cross-shopping the RHO with the M3 but it’s important to understand just how power-dense the new Hurricane Inline-6 really is. Its more natural rival is the twin-turbo Ecoboost V6 found in the Ford Raptor that can only muster 450 horsepower from its 3.5-liter falling 90 horses down from the RHO. 

The "R" in RHO should stand for refinement. Besides raw power, the Hurricane engine introduces a new level of refinement to RAM’s off-road-focused truck offerings. The Hellcat engine in the TRX will go down as one of the all-time great American engines, but it had its faults. A loud timing chain rattle was always present at low RPMs, and the truck had a hard time keeping quiet. Along with the inherent noise, controlling 700 horsepower with your right foot is an exercise in self-control that most will fail. 

The RHO’s inline-six is smooth and adds a level of luxury to the RHO experience. Then, when you’re ready to unleash its power, the turbos spool to life, and you get a monstrous torque shove. In sport mode, upshifts are accompanied by a loud exhaust bark, delivering the theater and fun of a truly special performance product. The soundtrack reminds us of our best times behind the wheel of a BMW, which is high praise for a first-generation engine. Although we miss the supercharged Hemi V8, the new Hurricane straight-six is a fantastic replacement worth experiencing.

Keeping The Best From The TRX

Although the Hemi is gone, the RAM RHO still keeps all of the best parts of its TRX predecessor. The most important of which is the fantastic Bilstein adaptive suspension system. The RHO is one of only a handful of vehicles that ride competently during normal driving while giving customers the ability to get airborne during off-road driving. This unique combination makes the RHO an incredibly interesting package for the performance truck customer. 

The Bilstein Blackhawk e2 shock absorbers are the stars of the show on the RHO. These adaptive dampers feature remote reservoirs and use nitrogen gas to deliver the best possible performance in high-stress off-road situations. According to RAM, the system monitors vehicle sensors and continuously adapts to speed, throttle position, braking, torque, steering angle, and more to obtain optimal body control on the road and off. This flow of data ensures that the shocks are doing their best to control this 8,000lb Baja truck for the road. These advanced dampers are paired with some of the largest springs ever put on to a non-commercial vehicle demonstrating just how robust the entire setup really is. 

In practice, the RHO offers incredible ride quality and comfort. During daily driving the RHO may ride a little too soft for some depending on your driving style, but luckily a quick change into sport mode firms up things nicely. The RHO always feels controlled and composed delivering a far nicer driving experience than a truck with a more conventional suspension setup. In addition to the comfort, this suspension setup delivers 13 inches of front suspension travel and 14 inches of rear suspension travel. 

Beautiful Interior Packed With Tech

It’s clear from the moment you open the door that the RHO’s cabin is a special place. The perfect combination of unique interior touches, quality materials, and impressive tech is sure to impress customers. The massive center screen on the RHO is responsive and does a great job displaying crucial information alongside your choice of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. 

There’s still a decent array of buttons to control the climate systems which is always a plus, however, heated seat controls have been relegated to the screen. Opt for the technology package and your passenger get their own screen they can use to see critical truck data and control systems to their liking. This unique screen option is dimmer and uses a unique screen setup so it doesn’t distract the driver. It’s a neat touch that continues to push the boundaries of technology available for to-tier trucks like the RHO. 

In practice, the spacious leather-trimmed cabin of the RHO is a fantastic place to spend a lot of time. Its comfortable layout and the addition of exciting new technology deliver an already impressive driving experience. 

Conclusion

The RAM RHO continues to deliver impressive performance for RAM customers. Despite the loss of the mega Hellcat Hemi V8, the RHO’s refined inline-6 is an engine to be reckoned with. This more refined Baja truck for the road further elevates RAM's offering in this highly competitive market segment. Although it may sound like a BMW M3, the RAM RHO is an all-American engineering marvel further elevating the performance pickup truck to new heights.  

RAM RHO Image Gallery