The Sterling Heights, Michigan-built Ram 1500 sees many changes for the 2025 model year. The front grille is new, and comes in eight different incarnations, with each model looking a little different. The grille is mated to new LED headlights that are twin bi-functional and are standard on Limited models and above, for a new looking front fascia.
“The new 2025 Ram 1500 brings our customers more: more power, more performance and more fuel efficiency with our all-new 3.0-liter Hurricane engines,” says Chris Feuell, CEO, Ram Brand. “With a choice of new and proven gas engines or our upcoming electric truck offerings, Ram is built to serve truck buyers everywhere. Our new powertrain offerings add to the unique combination of bold styling, leading-edge innovation and technology, durability and capability Ram customers have come to know and love.”
A new 3.0-liter Hurricane and 3.0L Hurricane High Output (H/O) straight-six turbo (SST) engines are added to the line-up. The H/O engine is the highlight of the new RHO model, which offers performance and offroad capability. A new Tungsten trim is added that is now at the top of the model lineup. As more vehicles are offering autonomous features, Ram 1500 offers available Level 2+ automated driving capability. Stellantis has also worked an on-board power inverter into the Ram 1500, which can produce up to two kilowatts and includes two outlets in the truck’s bed.
ENGINE OPTIONS
For 2025, the V8 HEMI has been dropped, in favor of six-cylinder options. A 3.6L V6 engine with Etorque hybrid system is the base engine offered with 305 horsepower and 271 pounds/feet of torque, has fuel economy of 20/25/22 mpg (city/highway/combined) on 2WD and 19/24/21 mpg (4WD), and is available on Tradesman, Big Horn/Lone Star models.
Next, the first of the turbocharged engines is the 3.0L straight-six (inline-six) cylinder with twin turbochargers and 420hp with 469 lbs/ft of torque, has fuel economy of 18/25/21 mpg (2WD) and 17/24/19 mpg (4WD), and is available on Tradesman, Warlock, Big Horn/Lone Star, Laramie, and Rebel. The second turbocharged engine is a high output version of the 3.0L twin turbocharged I6, with 540hp and 521 lbs/ft of torque, with fuel economy of 15/21/17 mpg, and is available on Longhorn, Limited, RHO, and Tungsten models. All engines are mated to eight-speed automatic transmissions.
“We engineered our Hurricane twin turbo engines to be powerful, efficient, robust and versatile, delivering performance that enhances the driving experience both on- and off-road, and while towing,” says Micky Bly, head of global propulsion systems, Stellantis. “The 3.0-liter Hurricane High Output engine, standard in the 2025 Ram 1500 Tungsten, exemplifies our ability to satisfy a range of truck customer needs, offering power, performance, capability and class-leading NHV in one package.”
CUSTOMIZE YOUR MODEL
Models available are Tradesman, Big Horn, Warlock, Laramie, Rebel, RHO, Limited, and Tungsten. Two cab types are available, quad cab and crew cab; with 4×2 and 4×4 available, and with two box sizes available, a five ft seven-inch short box (available on crew cab), and a six ft four in long box (available on crew cab and quad cab). Speaking of the box, for 2025, the tailgate is available with power open/close (through the button on the tailgate, or the key fob). A multifunction tailgate is also still available.
[Being the No.1 Industry Brand in J.D. Power Initial Quality Study] “is particularly uplifting because our customers are extremely demanding,” says Chris Feuell. “Satisfying them to the point where we rise above every other brand in the industry is testament to the boundless creativity of our designers and engineers, and the unwavering dedication of our assemblers and dealers.”
TOWING AND PAYLOAD
With many ways to set up your Ram 1500, the towing and payload rating can vary greatly. Factoring in cab size, box size, axle radio, model type, engine chosen, all affected the amount you can tow or haul. Payload can range from 1,170 lbs (on 4×4 Crew Tungsten short box models with 3.0L I6 HO) to 2,360 lbs (on 4×2 Quad Tradesman with long box and 3.6L V6), while towing can range from 6,370 lbs (on 4×4 Crew Big Horn with short box and 3.6L V6) to 11,600 lbs (on 4×2 Quad Tradesman with long box and 3.0L I6).
TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
New for 2025, a 14.5” touchscreen is available, with the 12” screen having a higher resolution, also available is a 10.25” passenger screen that allows for configuring navigation, device management, entertainment, and looking at exterior cameras; by way of using the Uconnect 5 system. A digital 12.3” digital gauge cluster is part of the new 1500.
Active Driving Assist and Hand-free Driving Assist is Ram’s Level 2+ autonomous driving technology and uses sensors, cameras, and radars to allow for lane centering and adaptive cruise control to offer hands-free driving.
Other features include a digital rearview camera with tow mode, a color head-up display, dual wireless phone charging, and an available air suspension.
“High-end versions of the Ram 1500 were already the most luxurious full-size pickup trucks you could buy, and Ram has upped the ante again with the new 2025 Ram 1500 Tungsten, which includes a mix of rich materials and trim detailing rarely seen in this class,” says Mike Hanley, senior road test editor, cars.com.
SAFETY
Ram says it has included over 100 available active and passive safety and security features on the 2025 Ram 1500. Of those, the standard features include a rear backup camera, electronic stability control with electronic roll mitigation, and six standard air bags.
Available (optional) features include blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, emergency Braking and forward collision warning, parking assist and an active drive assist system. Also available are a 360-degree camera, drowsiness detection, traffic sign reader, front parking sensors, auto high-beams, and cornering fog lights, and finally rain-sensing wipers.
“Stellantis brands have enjoyed top IQS rankings for several years,” says Bill Kendell, senior vice president – North America customer experience, Stellantis. “But to achieve what Ram has achieved in this year’s study, with its broader scope, is a clear demonstration that our team can and will deliver on the mission statement of our organization: every customer counts, every journey matters.”
About the Author
Mario Cywinski is the editor of Modern WorkTruck Solutions and has worked in the automotive industry for 20 years, both as an automotive journalist and working for a local dealership. He is a member of the Automobile Journalist Association of Canada and has been a judge for the Canadian Truck King Challenge. He can be reached at mario@mwsmag.com.
