Based on available information and early feedback from automotive enthusiasts, our fellow journalists, and social media chatter, people’s initial reactions to the 2025 Ram 1500 RHO are a mix of excitement, cautious optimism, and some disappointment, largely shaped by its comparison to the outgoing Ram 1500 TRX.
Here’s a breakdown of the sentiment:
Off-Road Capability: Early reviews from first-drive events highlight the RHO’s off-road prowess. Journalists note its agility, refined suspension (with Bilstein Black Hawk e2 adaptive dampers), and ability to handle jumps and drifts, often describing it as a worthy successor to the TRX in terms of capability, if not raw power.
Design and Features: The aggressive styling—wider stance, unique grille, and 35-inch tires—has drawn praise for maintaining the TRX’s intimidating look. The luxurious interior, packed with tech like the 14.5-inch touchscreen and optional massaging seats, has also surprised some, elevating it beyond a pure off-road machine.
Refinement Over Excess: Some appreciate the shift from the TRX’s over-the-top 702-hp supercharged V8 to the more efficient, yet still potent, twin-turbo 3.0L Hurricane inline-six. The RHO’s lighter weight (150 lbs less than the TRX) and better weight distribution have been lauded for improving handling and making it “more nimble” (Popular Science).
Power Perception: Despite its 540 hp and 4.6-second 0-60 time (only 0.1 seconds slower than the TRX), some fans of the TRX’s 702 hp see the RHO as a step down, even if real-world performance differences are minimal. The shift to a six-cylinder engine has sparked debate about whether it can truly fill the TRX’s shoes.
Expectations vs. Reality: Some anticipated a closer TRX successor, and the RHO’s positioning as a “high-output” alternative rather than a fire-breathing monster left them underwhelmed. The name “RHO” (likely “Ram High Output”) doesn’t carry the same Dino-inspired swagger as “TRX.”
Our our team at autodrift.ae emphasize that while the RHO may lack the TRX’s “Jurassic Park on IMAX” vibe, it’s a refined, capable truck that could appeal to a wider audience.
In summary, initial reactions to the 2025 Ram 1500 RHO are largely positive, with praise for its performance, value, and off-road chops, tempered by nostalgia for the TRX’s V8 drama. As more people experience it firsthand, opinions may solidify, but for now, it’s a truck that impresses many while leaving some diehards wanting that extra roar.
If I sum it up, the new RHO is great but less theatrical than the TRX.
Here’s a breakdown of the sentiment:
2025 RAM RHO: Positive Reactions
Value and Performance: Many are impressed by the RHO’s starting price which undercuts the Ford F-150 Raptor while delivering more horsepower (540 hp vs. the Raptor’s 450 hp). The horsepower has been a talking point, positioning the RHO as a strong value proposition in the off-road performance truck segment.Off-Road Capability: Early reviews from first-drive events highlight the RHO’s off-road prowess. Journalists note its agility, refined suspension (with Bilstein Black Hawk e2 adaptive dampers), and ability to handle jumps and drifts, often describing it as a worthy successor to the TRX in terms of capability, if not raw power.
Design and Features: The aggressive styling—wider stance, unique grille, and 35-inch tires—has drawn praise for maintaining the TRX’s intimidating look. The luxurious interior, packed with tech like the 14.5-inch touchscreen and optional massaging seats, has also surprised some, elevating it beyond a pure off-road machine.
Refinement Over Excess: Some appreciate the shift from the TRX’s over-the-top 702-hp supercharged V8 to the more efficient, yet still potent, twin-turbo 3.0L Hurricane inline-six. The RHO’s lighter weight (150 lbs less than the TRX) and better weight distribution have been lauded for improving handling and making it “more nimble” (Popular Science).
Mixed Reactions
Comparison to TRX: The RHO inevitably gets compared to the TRX, and while it’s not marketed as a direct replacement, some feel it lacks the same visceral thrill. The TRX’s Hellcat V8 had a roaring exhaust note and sheer excess that the RHO’s quieter, raspy inline-six doesn’t replicate.Power Perception: Despite its 540 hp and 4.6-second 0-60 time (only 0.1 seconds slower than the TRX), some fans of the TRX’s 702 hp see the RHO as a step down, even if real-world performance differences are minimal. The shift to a six-cylinder engine has sparked debate about whether it can truly fill the TRX’s shoes.
2025 RAM RHO: Negative Reactions
Loss of V8 Identity: A vocal minority mourns the loss of the Hemi V8, a staple of Ram’s performance heritage. The inline-six’s “European sports car” exhaust note (MotorTrend) feels out of place to those expecting a traditional American truck growl.Expectations vs. Reality: Some anticipated a closer TRX successor, and the RHO’s positioning as a “high-output” alternative rather than a fire-breathing monster left them underwhelmed. The name “RHO” (likely “Ram High Output”) doesn’t carry the same Dino-inspired swagger as “TRX.”
Broader Context
Social media posts and forum discussions show a split between those who see the RHO as a smart evolution—balancing performance, price, and efficiency—and those who miss the TRX’s unapologetic excess.Our our team at autodrift.ae emphasize that while the RHO may lack the TRX’s “Jurassic Park on IMAX” vibe, it’s a refined, capable truck that could appeal to a wider audience.
In summary, initial reactions to the 2025 Ram 1500 RHO are largely positive, with praise for its performance, value, and off-road chops, tempered by nostalgia for the TRX’s V8 drama. As more people experience it firsthand, opinions may solidify, but for now, it’s a truck that impresses many while leaving some diehards wanting that extra roar.
If I sum it up, the new RHO is great but less theatrical than the TRX.
