The Ram 1500 RHO is a truck that can seemingly take just about anything earth can throw at it
Like Porsche, Ram is not afraid to let the media track-test its vehicles in an effort to demonstrate a vehicle’s true capabilities. Where the outer edge of that capability lies would not be found on this day, but it did give a sampling of what the RHO can do when given the chance. Set to Baja mode (one of nine modes), which relaxes the stability and traction control while creating a rear-wheel bias, the RHO’s suspension takes a few pages from the TRX handbook (as well as its ethos) to create a truck that can seemingly take just about anything earth can throw at it, and do so with relative ease.
Forged aluminum upper and lower front control arms with increased wheel travel easily soak up ugly terrain. Rear-axle travel of 14 inches makes it tough to bottom out. Ground clearance of 11.2 inches makes getting in and out difficult without running boards, but the height is appreciated when the RHO faces 32 inches of water, which it can ford that depth without getting the carpet damp.
Stock, 35-inch tires on optional beadlock wheels carry the RHO over rocks with a high degree of ease and a decent amount of comfort. That’s helped, of course, by Bilstein Black Hawk e2 shocks with electronic proportional valves and remote reservoirs that work with the truck’s electronics to signal what is happening with the truck and the selected drive mode. For example, when the shocks are fully extended (such as during a jump) they prepare for a hard landing, and firm up the fronts for impact. It also helps that they are made from aluminum to shed heat and use stainless steel hoses and a rock shield to help prevent leaks and damage. A Dana 60 electronically-locking rear axle with full floating axle shafts is standard equipment.
In the sand and dirt, a BorgWarner full-time active transfer case comes alive with a 4Auto setting, leaving the driver to focus on all the challenges coming out front instead of fretting about torque split, which can vary from 40/60 front/rear in Auto but as much as 25/75 in Baja mode. On-screen settings can adjust Baja mode even further, i.e. to lock out the paddle shifters to prevent accidental shifting while bouncing around or adjust the feel of the steering etc.
What powers the Ram 1500 RHO?
And while all this suspension muscle is impressive, the star of the RHO show is undoubtedly the high-output straight-six Hurricane under the sculpted hood (that also gets LED lights in the scoop to match those in the fender liners, aka Raptor style). The RHO ups the power over the standard Hurricane engine in the Sport, Rebel, and Laramie trims with an output of 540 horsepower and 521 lb-ft of torque. Sensationally smooth, sounding absolutely terrific at high rpm, this 3.0L engine is genuinely impressive. Yes, there is a hint of lag when hurtling around a gravel corner and the throttle gets mashed, but when both turbos have spooled up, the engine delivers a strong and powerful statement, absent of noise, vibration or harshness. No wonder Ram is using it across several vehicles in its fleet.
Sure, premium fuel is required, but through all eight gears of the TorqueFlite automatic, the straight-six marries so much creamy smoothness with power it could be the epitome of grace under pressure. Under heavy throttle, there is more than enough power, paired with a striking amount of speed, the RHO able to reach 96 km/h in 4.6 seconds and 160 km/h in 11.7 — that, from a half-ton truck. Launch control is standard. Out on the highway, there is some noise from the 325/65R18 Goodyear Wrangler Territory AT tires, as would be expected, but it’s not horrible and they feel comfortable enough on this suspension. Steering and braking felt very good. Some wind noise was detected at higher speed.
Outside, the RHO certainly wears its off-road chops well. At 203 mm (8 inches) wider than a regular Ram with a 152-mm (6-inch) wider track, sporting a larger Ram grille, unique LED headlamps and exhaust tips along with powder coated steel bumpers, the RHO might be a bit too “bro” for some, but it carries an unmistakable, easily identifiable presence. The RHO is short-box only, however, with crew-cab doors and seating. Maximum towing capacity is 3,801 kilograms (8,380 pounds) and maximum payload is 689 kilograms (1,519 pounds).
Inside, the RHO sets another high-water mark for truck interiors as it joins all Ram interiors in getting a refresh, the RHO getting most of the new features as standard or optional. The 12-way power leather front seats are quite comfortable. Thankfully, the RHO resists the rush to all-digital touch screens and continues to rely on a combination of rich and colourful graphics with plenty of hard buttons and switches. This can include a 14.5-inch centre touchscreen, 10-inch, full colour HUD, heated and cool massaging seats, along with a 10.25-inch touchscreen for the passenger that can help with co-piloting duties. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster shows nearly two dozen different menus. Of all the trucks on the market today, the RHO’s interior is easily the most sophisticated. “Hands-Free Driving Assist,” similar to GM’s Super Cruise, is also available.
How much is the 2025 Ram 1500 RHO in Canada?
Pricing for the Michigan-built RHO starts at $112,945 and is available for order now, just in time for a proper Sunday drive — wherever that may be.
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