The Ram 1500 and the 5.7L HEMI V8 engine go together like ice cream and apple pie, with the two being inseparable since the big V8 was introduced in 2003. However, the winds of change are blowing, and the redesigned 2025 Ram 1500 brings an all-new powertrain in the form of the mighty turbocharged Hurricane engine. This new engine may be down two cylinders, but it’s up on power, bringing a new level of capability to Ram’s half-ton model. To round things out, Ram has also added plenty of new tech features to its flagship truck, as well as two new trims: the Tungsten and the RHO. This redesign might just have what it takes to give the Ram 1500 a leg up in the intensely competitive half-ton market.
Get Ready for a Category 5
With the recent redesigns of the Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado 1500, and Toyota Tundra, the Ram 1500 has been falling behind when it comes to power and capability. While the 395 hp of the 5.7L HEMI was remarkable when it hit the scene years ago, these days, it can’t hold a candle to the 450 hp of Ford’s twin-turbo 3.5L EcoBoost V6 or the 469 hp of Toyota’s hybrid boosted i-FORCE MAX 3.4L V6. Something new was needed, and Ram went back to the drawing board to develop a clean-slate engine: the twin-turbo 3.0L Hurricane I-6. The new engine was first unveiled on the 2022 Grand Wagoneer, offering more power and better efficiency than the 6.4L HEMI V8 that previously powered the full-size luxury SUV.
After over a year of rumors, the Hurricane has now made its way to the 2025 Ram 1500, replacing the old 5.7L HEMI. This will be the first time the Ram 1500 has offered an I-6 engine since the old 2.7 Slant-6 was discontinued back in 1987, but Ram truck fans are more than familiar with the advantages of this engine layout, thanks to the iconic Cummins I-6 turbo-diesel in the brand’s heavy-duty trucks. The new Hurricane may run on gasoline, but it lives up to the expectations set by the Cummins, delivering up to 540 hp and 521 lb-ft of torque in its available High-Output variant. The standard tune for this engine provides a more than respectable 420 hp and 469 lb-ft of torque, putting it squarely in line with normal turbo V6 options from Ford and Toyota.
Goodbye TRX, Hello RHO
It’s no surprise that the Ram 1500 TRX, with its incredible supercharged Hellcat V8 engine, was going away after 2024––Ram even offered a Final Edition package. However, the good news for off-road fans is that Ram has stuck that High-Output Hurricane engine into the body of the TRX to create the Ram 1500 RHO. While it may be down 260 hp compared to the old king of the trail, that may just be a blessing in disguise for Ram fans who couldn’t justify the nearly six-figure price tag of the TRX. The new RHO should be significantly more affordable without losing any of the off-road capability, making it a close competitor to the Ford F-150 Raptor.
However, for Ram fans who feel like opening up their wallets, there is a new trim for you as well. The all-new Ram 1500 Tungsten is positioned above the already exclusive Limited trim and exhibits all of the high-end features that were added as part of the 2025 redesign. The updated infotainment system includes a 14.5-inch touchscreen display (a 12-inch display is now standard on the lower trims) and a segment-first 10.25-inch passenger display, all running the new Atlantis architecture for five times faster processing speeds. Smart Phone as Key and dual wireless charging pads make for an even more convenient and connected experience, while a best-in-class 23-speaker Klipsch Reference Premiere sound system can pump 1,228 watts through the cabin.
Retaking the Lead
When the fifth-generation Ram 1500 debuted in 2019, it was widely hailed as the most luxurious truck on the market, but the past five years have seen other brands slowly surpass Ram. Now, the redesigned 2025 Ram 1500 is ready to retake its crown. Even if you don’t opt for the top-of-the-line Tungsten trim, the new truck has plenty of goodies in store to improve your time behind the wheel. Ram wasn’t shy about copying the best features from other brands, including a 2 kW inverter to power your tools inspired by Ford’s ProPower Onboard and Hands-Free Driving Assist based on Chevy’s Super Cruise. There will even be a fully-electric Ram 1500 REV and a plug-in hybrid Ram 1500 Ramcharger to compete in the rapidly growing EV market. However, Ram put its own unique twist on those features and more to give drivers a luxurious and hard-working truck that is ready for anything.
