2025 Ram 1500 RHO First Drive: Farewell, Hellcat – Meet the Musclebound Maverick!

The Drive’s test team recently found themselves perched at the top of a hill, eyeing three jumps ahead. With instructions to hit each one at precisely 37 mph, 55 mph, and then 45 mph, it was clear the 2025 Ram 1500 RHO was about to be tested in a major way. While they have tackled airborne trucks before—this was their time to farewell, Hellcat – meet the musclebound Maverick! 

The team excitedly prepared to launch the 2025 Ram 1500 RHO into action. Every second was fully-charged with anticipation as the instructor in the passenger seat called out. He was urging them to push harder, and then quickly ease off to conquer the terrain. 

Farewell, Hellcat – Meet the Musclebound Maverick!

Hitting the final jump at roughly 50 mph, the RHO soared effortlessly, landing with a smoothness that defied the truck’s robust power. The effortless takeoff and composed touchdown underscored the RHO’s prowess, built to handle anything thrown its way. The off-road course crafted by Ram at Holly Oaks ORV Park was engineered to test every bit of the 2025 Ram 1500 RHO’s capability.  

From Rebelle to the Race Track: RHO Tackles Every Terrain

This location featured tight turns and high-speed straightaways peppered with rocks, rumble strips, and sand. The crew had just wrapped up ten days with the RHO in the grueling terrain of the Rebelle Rally, where they’d navigated through sand, rocks, and mud with ease. They were even able to get airborne—though at a more conservative 35 mph. 

After the experience at Rebelle, the RHO had already proven its comfort and capability. The Holly Oaks course revealed an even greater capacity for rugged performance, leaving The Drive’s team with one thought: the RHO could have been pushed even harder. The 2025 Ram 1500 RHO steps confidently into the lineup as the brand’s new flagship sport truck. 

No Compromises Here: RHO’s Turbocharged Performance Steals the Show

Although some enthusiasts may miss the supercharged Hellcat V8, the RHO more than delivers with its 3.0-liter high-output twin-turbo inline-six. Packing 540 horsepower and 521 pound-feet of torque, this powerhouse engine is fully equipped to handle every sport-truck demand. During The Drive’s rigorous testing, the RHO showcased impressive strength and control. 

At no point did the group crave more power—the RHO brings plenty of muscle right from the start. The 2025 Ram 1500 RHO strikes a balanced presence with its substantial 88-inch width, offering rugged capability without going overboard on aggressive styling. Subtle design cues add to its distinctive appeal, while the hood’s refined lines give it a sleeker look than the Rebel. 

Luxury Meets Durability: Inside the RHO’s High-Quality Cabin

The only major clue of its off-road prowess comes from the 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler tires—a signal of this truck’s rugged nature and purpose. The trio of amber lights on the hood scoop adds a functional, understated highlight that nods to the RHO’s width and presence. The interior impressed greatly with its high-quality appointments right from the base level.

Leather seats and a 12-inch infotainment screen set a refined tone, while meticulous stitching on both the seats and steering wheel add a touch of craftsmanship. Every interaction with the cabin—whether closing the armrest lid or glove box—has a satisfying, solid feel. 

Smart Storage and Style: Inside the RHO’s Thoughtfully Organized Cabin 

Thoughtful storage options for essentials like phones and paperwork create an organized, upscale, and well-considered interior. It’s clear Ram designed the 2025 RHO with top-tier off-road capability in mind. The RHO’s long-travel suspension, paired with Bilstein Black Hawk e2 adaptive shocks, takes rugged terrain in stride. 

Ram also equipped it with a unique, low-restriction “Sport Tune” exhaust system, featuring true dual pipes and a refined sound. The RHO’s BorgWarner 43-13 full-time active transfer case and Dana 60 rear axle further enhance its off-road prowess. Together, these features provide a smoother, stable ride over rough trails and give it the agility to handle obstacles at speed. 

Mapping the Miles: RHO’s Resilience Shines Through the Desert’s Demands

The 2025 Ram 1500 RHO showed impressive resilience and comfort over a grueling 2,000-mile course through Death Valley, the Mojave Desert, Glamis Sand Dunes, and Johnson Valley. Despite enduring eight 10-hour days of driving and navigating rugged landscapes, the RHO’s ride quality held up remarkably well. 

During rough sections such as Johnson Valley, The driver pushed through rocky trails while the navigator tracked routes on a map board, magnifying glass in hand. More than once, the driver remarked on how the RHO handled tough terrain with unexpected ease and comfort.

Challenging Courses Made Easy: RHO’s Smooth Ride Through Holly Oaks

The Ram 1500 RHO’s focus on hidden features proved crucial for performance. The RHO delivered a stable and smooth ride, surprisingly resembling a smaller truck in its handling. Comparatively, the recent experience with the 2025 Toyota Tacoma highlighted how much more agile the RHO feels, making the midsize Tacoma seem bulkier and less nimble. 

Visibility from the RHO’s windows is exceptional. This enhances the driving experience, and the adjustable pedals offer personalized comfort, allowing drivers to easily find their ideal driving position. During the test drive at Holly Oaks, the course was packed with slaloms, hairpin turns, sweeping curves, and steep declines. 

Second Pass, No Fear: Tackling Rocky Terrain at High Speeds

Opting for Baja mode added to the excitement, with the instructor in the passenger seat continuously encouraging faster speeds. As the team navigated sandy curves, the rear end would drift, while rocky sections prompted a moment of caution. Despite the urge to protect the truck, it became clear that the RHO was built to handle such demands. 

After an intense session populated with numerous obstacles, the RHO emerged intact, showing just a few signs of adventure, including minor desert scratches and a single punctured tire. The team took a second pass over the rocky terrain, confidently hitting speeds of 40 to 45 mph. 

Joyride in the Ram 1500 RHO: Passengers Can’t Help but Smile

The impressive suspension and shock setup effectively absorbed the bumps, making the ride sensational and smooth. The passenger held onto the handgrip and braced himself against the door, and couldn’t hide his glowing approval. The RHO is engineered to handle daunting challenges while maintaining speed.

After spending ample time with the RHO, the team sought any drawbacks but found none. Typically, there’s always something to critique—whether it’s power, seat comfort, or features like wireless chargers. However, the RHO left a lasting impression, standing out as a vehicle that delivers on all fronts without any notable shortcomings.

Price Point Perspective: RHO’s Competitive Edge Over the TRX and Raptor

The starting price for the 2025 Ram 1500 RHO is set at $71,990, which includes destination fees.  Additionally, it comes in about $10,000 less than its main rival, the Ford F-150 Raptor, which starts at $81,595. The 2025 Ram 1500 RHO truly impresses with its performance and features. 

While it may signify the end of the Hemi legacy, the RHO only lags behind the 2024 TRX by  0.1 seconds in a zero-to-60-mph dash. With the Level 1 Equipment Group, it offers nearly every luxury expected in a premium truck—perhaps just shy of including the kitchen sink.

Following the Rebelle and media drive, it’s clear that the RHO stands out as one of the mightiest trucks available on the market today. What do you think of this beastly and competent truck? Even if you’re after something a bit more midsized, it’s tough to not envy its sheer bravado! Let us know in the comments below, or check out another article about the coolest trucks on the “Yellowstone” TV show.