The 2025 Ram 1500 represents a bold step forward for Ram’s flagship pickup, ditching the V-8 dominance in favor of a new era powered by twin-turbo inline-six engines. But does this shift deliver on expectations?
In this review, we’ll dive deep into its engine lineups, performance, interior comfort, capabilities, pricing, and real-world considerations.
Powertrain & Engine Options
One of the biggest changes for 2025 is the full transition away from the classic V-8 in favor of new “Hurricane” twin-turbo 3.0L straight-six engines. (Note: the base V-6 is also retained on entry trims.)
- Base V-6 + eTorque mild hybrid: The entry engine is a 3.6L Pentastar V-6 boosted with a 48V mild hybrid (eTorque) system. It delivers around 305 horsepower and is intended for buyers wanting more familiar, simpler architecture.
- Hurricane Twin-Turbo 3.0L (Standard Output): This I-6 turbocharger setup produces 420 hp and 469 lb-ft of torque. It aims to deliver strong low-end punch while boosting efficiency.
- Hurricane Twin-Turbo 3.0L (High Output): The performance variant cranks things up to 540 hp and 521 lb-ft, making this version quite aggressive for a full-size truck.
Every engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, and you can choose RWD (rear-wheel drive) or 4WD (four-wheel drive) depending on the trim.
Because of this new engine strategy, Ram has retired its 5.7L Hemi V-8 for the 2025 lineup.
Performance & Capability
Acceleration & Driving Feel
In testing, a Ram 1500 Limited 4×4 equipped with the 540 hp Hurricane achieved 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds — an impressively quick figure for a full-size truck. The version with the 420 hp output reached 0–60 in about 4.9 seconds.
Handling and ride quality remain strong points — Ram uses coil springs at the rear instead of traditional leaf springs, which helps with ride smoothness. Air suspension is also an option on higher trims, allowing variable ride height.
Towing & Payload
According to Ram, the maximum towing capacity for the 2025 model reaches 11,580 pounds, while payload tops out around 2,300 pounds in ideal configurations. Some trims, particularly those geared toward off-road or “RHO” spec versions, may have lower ratings due to their setup.
Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption is competitive for its class. The non–high output variants manage roughly 17–20 mpg city and 24–26 mpg highway. The 540 hp version tends to dip: approximately 14–15 mpg city / 16–21 highway.
Design, Interior & Features
Exterior & Configuration
The 2025 Ram 1500 keeps the familiar family proportions — offered in Quad Cab or Crew Cab with different bed lengths. Suspension architecture and overall design cues evolve subtly to accommodate the new powertrain.
Cabin & Comfort
Inside, Ram continues to deliver one of the most refined cabins in the pickup class. Soft-touch materials, large infotainment screens, and thoughtful ergonomics give it the feel of a premium vehicle. Higher trims include features like adjustable air suspension, multifunction tailgate, advanced driver assists, and more.
Noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels are well controlled — even with the turbo engines, Ram engineers have done a commendable job tuning for comfort.
Pricing & Trim Options
Base Price Range
The 2025 Ram 1500 trades in territory starting around $40,275 for a base Tradesman Quad Cab with RWD. This includes basic features and safety tech like adaptive cruise, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assistance.
Mid and High Trims
As you move up (Big Horn, Rebel, Laramie, Limited, Tungsten, etc.), options and pricing escalate. The shift in powertrains means some trims mandate the twin-turbo engines.
Cost Increase
Some trims witnessed noticeable jumps: the Rebel’s price jumped ~$4,845 over the 2024 version, the Laramie ~$3,990, and the Limited Longhorn by ~$14,255.
Pros & Cons of Ram 1500
Strengths
- Outstanding power delivery, especially in the High Output version
- Smooth ride, refined cabin experience
- Strong feature list, good tech and comfort
- Still competitive in towing / payload for its class
- Moves away from V-8 without compromising performance
Weaknesses
- Premium trims get expensive quickly
- Fuel economy in the 540 hp version is relatively thirsty
- Loss of the V-8 may disappoint purists (especially for exhaust note or engine character)
- Some off-road trims may sacrifice towing/payload for capability
- Electric / hybrid presence is limited — Ram’s full EV “REV” has been delayed or canceled in certain reports.
Should You Consider the 2025 Ram 1500?
If you’re in the market for a full-size pickup in 2025, the Ram 1500 stands as a compelling option — especially if you’re drawn to strong performance, comfort, and modern engineering. The transition to sophisticated turbocharged inline-six engines shows Ram’s confidence in evolving design direction.
However, if you’re someone who values classic V-8 character, fuel frugality, or full EV powertrains, you’ll want to weigh those priorities carefully against what the 1500 offers in this generation.
