Ram 1500 gets version to fight with F-150 Raptor

With the end of the V8 Hemi engine, the Ram 1500 was left without the TRX version with more than 700 hp. The automaker has now presented a successor, the RHO, which maintains the suspension set but adopts a less powerful engine.

The Ram 1500 RHO adopts a stronger version of the twin-turbo Hurricane inline six-cylinder, with 548 hp and 72 kgfm. Its target is the Ford F-150 Raptor, which uses a 456 hp twin-turbo V6.

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This means that the truck accelerates from zero to 96 km/h in just 4.6 seconds and takes 11.7 seconds to reach 161 km/h. The maximum speed is limited to 190 km/h, as the tire and suspension set are focused on off-road use.

Despite all the engine’s power, the highlight of this type of off-road sports truck is the chassis. The Ram 1500 RHO brings an evolution of the package used by the TRX, even though it has to deal with less power.

The track is 20.3 cm larger than that of a common Ram 1500, the 18-inch wheels use tires with a diameter of 35 inches and the raised suspension results in a clearance of 30 cm. The Bilstein Black Hawk e2 shock absorbers are adaptive and the rear axle is a Dana 60 with electronic locking.

In terms of being a pickup truck, the Ram 1500 RHO still maintains good capabilities for its segment: the load capacity is 689 kg and the towing capacity is 3,801 kg. Remembering that the focus of the suspension is off-road, so it takes less load than a single-cab Fiat Strada that is focused on work.

Ram presents other off-road versions of the 1500

The 2025 Ram 1500 lineup launches in late 2023 with a focus on higher-volume versions. Now, with the arrival of RHO, the automaker has presented two more versions with off-road appeal and more affordable than the F-150 Raptor competitor.

The 1500 Warlock is the new, cheapest option for those looking for a Ram 1500 and intend to use it off-road. This name was already used on the 1500 Classic with the same proposal, now it comes to the new generation.

Its suspension is lighter than the Rebel version: the shock absorbers are Bilstein and the suspension is raised by 2.5 cm compared to the basic model. The package includes electronic rear differential lock and underbody protections.

The Rebel X model came to celebrate 10 years of this off-road version. It comes with the Rebel’s most complete equipment package and a 2.5 cm higher suspension, complemented by 33-inch tires.

The Ram 1500 Rebel X also features off-road cruise control, which reads the terrain 100 times per second to adjust the truck’s suspension, steering and acceleration.

The 2025 Ram 1500 line has not yet arrived in Brazil, in dealerships they still have the model prior to the face-lift and with a V8 engine. The automaker is expected to update the local range as the year progresses.