For many years, the Dodge Ram lagged in the full-size pickup truck race. Consequently, what is now known simply as Ram has never shied away from innovation.
Whether it’s adopting big rig styles, unique suspension designs, innovative ram box storage, or delivering luxury car-like interiors, Ram is always on the cutting edge. So, what’s next? Let’s find out.
As you’ve likely heard, the big news for the updated 2025 Ram 1500 is that it no longer features a Hemi V8 engine under the hood. A Ram without a Hemi? What’s the world coming to? Are the Dodge boys turning over in their graves? Am I stuck with a V6 now? Not so fast.
Where you once saw “Hemi,” now get ready to say “Hurricane.” That’s right, Ram has introduced the Hurricane, first seen in Jeep’s Wagoneer.
Stellantis Corporation’s brand-new twin-turbo inline-six is now the premium option for Ram truck buyers. Based on our early drive in the Texas Hill Country, we’re impressed, and you should be too.
Why an inline-six? Generally, i6s are better balanced, run smoother, and deliver more torque at lower RPMs. Just ask any trucker you see on the road hauling more than 20 tons of cargo with their inline sixes.
Ford has already proven that truck buyers will embrace turbo sixes with their EcoBoost V6, and now Ram has surpassed them with a big rig style inline-six.
There are actually two versions of this 3-liter engine available. The standard output remains the same as in the Wagoneer at 420 horsepower, but the high-output version increases from 510 to 540 horsepower in the Ram, with 521 lb-ft of torque.
That’s over 100 lb-ft more than the previous Hemi V8, significant enough for Ram to install a beefier rear axle. The max towing rating is now 11,580 lbs.
Both versions are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, as is the standard 3.6-liter mild-hybrid V6, which remains unchanged at 305 horsepower.
The updated styling is more aerodynamic and smoother. Believe it or not, the grille has grown even larger and bolder, featuring prominently embossed Ram letters. Each trim level now features its own unique grille design.
We spent most of our time in the new top-tier Tungsten, which exudes serious city slicker vibes with bright trim, unique LED lighting, 22-inch wheels, and a power tailgate. It’s available exclusively with a crew cab and a 5’7″ bed.
Quad cabs and long beds are available in most other trims, but the Tungsten truly distinguishes itself with an upscale and more comfortable interior than any previous Ram. It features quilted leather seating, suede upholstery, diamond dural metal trim, a central 14.5-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen, an optional 10-inch screen for the passenger, and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. There’s also a powerful 23-speaker 1228-watt sound system that sounds fantastic.
Thankfully, the bedside Ram Box storage remains, and Rams now offer an onboard power inverter with 2 kW of power for tailgating or using tools.
A power sliding rear window is standard on Laramie and higher models. The Tungsten’s four-corner air suspension system provides an exceptionally smooth ride, even with the 22-inch wheels, making it feel more like a soccer mom on the run than a contractor headed to the job site.
The inline-six is a reliable ally. The twin-turbo setup ensures each turbo is boosting three cylinders, providing plenty of turbo lag-free acceleration from the start and immediate passing power when needed.
Four-wheel drive is standard with the Tungsten, as well as with the Rebel and Limited models. It’s available as a $3,850 option on Tradesman, Big Horn, and Laramie models.
While truck prices continue to rise, you can still purchase a base Ram Tradesman for as little as $42,715. Most will likely sell in the $60,000 range, with the luxurious Tungsten reserved for high rollers at $89,700. Rugged and refined, with a formidable new powerplant under the hood, the 2025 Ram 1500 is set to be a major contender in the full-size truck arena.
This is just the beginning. Later this year, we’ll see two plug-ins join the lineup, including the fully electric Rev and the versatile Ram Charger with a range-extending onboard generator. This may indeed be the year of the Ram.
Features Highlights
- Engine Innovation: The new twin-turbo inline-six Hurricane engine replaces the traditional Hemi V8, offering two versions: a standard 420 horsepower and a high-output version that boosts horsepower from 510 to 540, with 521 lb-ft of torque.
- Advanced Transmission: Both the new engine variants and the carryover 3.6-liter mild-hybrid V6 are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smooth and responsive driving.
- Aerodynamic and Bold Design: The 2025 Ram 1500 features updated, smoother, and more aerodynamic sheet metal. The grille is larger and more prominent with distinctively embossed Ram letters, and each trim level features a unique grille design.
- Luxurious Interiors: The top-tier Tungsten trim offers an upscale interior unmatched in previous models, including quilted leather seating, suede upholstery, diamond dural metal trim, and a large 14.5-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen. Optional features include a 10-inch passenger touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster.
- Enhanced Audio System: A state-of-the-art 23-speaker, 1228-watt sound system provides an immersive audio experience.
- Utility and Storage: The beloved Ram Box storage solution continues, enhanced with an onboard power inverter capable of delivering 2 kW for tailgating or powering tools.
- Improved Ride Quality: The Tungsten trim includes a four-corner air suspension system that offers an exceptionally smooth ride, even with large 22-inch wheels.
- All-Wheel Capability: Four-wheel drive comes standard on higher trims (Tungsten, Rebel, Limited) and is an optional feature on others, enhancing the truck’s versatility and capability in various terrains.
- Expanded Model Options: The lineup will expand later in the year to include two plug-in models—the fully electric Rev and the Ram Charger with a range-extending onboard generator.
