The 2025 Ram 1500 RHO Boasts a Hurricane of an Engine

Photo Source: Ram

With Ram’s parent company Stellantis retiring its line of Hemi V-8 engines, the automaker introduced a boosted six-cylinder substitute for its high-performance TRX for the 2025 model year. Known as the RHO, the latest hot-rod Ram is down on overall power but retains much of the TRX truck’s hardware, making for a highly capable pickup on and off the road. Details about Ram’s latest performance rig were recently announced.

OVERVIEW OF THE 2025 RAM 1500 RHO

• Best-in-class ride
• Stupendous handling
• Silky-smooth and silent inline-six option

The TRX Steps Down for the RHO to Step Up

Readers must keep in mind that the RHO is not a direct replacement for the TRX full-size pickup truck. That said, the RHO bears a striking resemblance to its departing counterpart. For example, the two automobiles are equipped with bulging bodywork, including a front hood scoop, oversized Ram badging, skid plates, pronounced front and rear fender flares, and tow hooks. Surprisingly, one thing the manufacturer has not specified is what the RHO acronym stands for. Sources indicate that it is safe to assume the phrase “High Output” is involved. 

More than merely depicting a rugged appearance, the stout bodywork of the RHO is required to accommodate the truck’s wider track, increased by approximately six inches compared to the standard Ram 1500. The RHO rides on a suspension raised two inches compared to other Ram 1500 trim levels, allowing the brand to fit 35-inch tires as standard.

The Utility of the Hurricane Engine

Photo Source: Stellantis

The most noticeable modification in the transition from TRX to RHO occurs under the hood, where the previous supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V-8 engine has given way to a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six. The inline-six is part of Stellantis’ new Hurricane line of engines. 

It is worth noting that a sea of change is underway at Stellantis as the Ram, Jeep, and Dodge brands’ parent company moves away from Hemi V-8 engines. Even though some heavy-duty pickup trucks, such as the Ram 2500, will retain eight-cylinder options, vaunted muscle machines such as the Dodge Charger sedan and the Dodge Challenger coupe were retired in 2023 in favor of non-V-8 replacements.

Instead of pouring more money into older technology, Stellantis opted for a clean-sheet engine design: an inline six-cylinder configuration marketed as the Hurricane Twin Turbo I6. Compared to the Hemi V-8, the new engine is more efficient and produces fewer emissions. It is also a better fit for the company’s next-generation vehicle platforms, including those that feature electrification. 

Borrowing its name from a classic Jeep motor, the contemporary edition of the six-cylinder Hurricane engine comes in several tunes intended to pull duty in a wide range of Ram and Jeep models. Indeed, it will even be seen in the Dodge Charger. These are all very different types of vehicles, but that showcases the versatility of this particular engine.

The Effects of an All-New Engine for the RHO

For reference, the RHO accelerates up to 540 horsepower and generates 521 pound-feet of torque courtesy of the Hurricane engine. Although the RHO is down on power compared to the 702-horsepower TRX, it is a swift performer. Ram claims the RHO sprints from zero to 60 miles per hour in 4.6 seconds, just a tenth of a second off the pace of last year’s (2023) TRX. Additionally, Ram notes that the six-cylinder mill housed in the RHO is 150 pounds lighter than the V-8 in the TRX, resulting in better weight distribution. 

Experience the Practicality of a Ram at Miami Lakes Automall!

While acknowledging that the RHO is the performance variant, the 1500 is also a truck built to handle off-road driving. It is a maneuverable pickup truck assembled for tasks that require brawn and finesse. Are you excited about getting a new car? So are we. At Miami Lakes Automall, we are more than excited to help our customers; we are thrilled. If you are considering a used vehicle, we have a varied host for you to choose from.