2025 Ram 1500 revealed: V8s out, twin-turbo sixes in

Ram is saying farewell Hemi and hello Hurricane.

The 2025 Ram 1500 ditches the venerable 5.7-litre Hemi V8, with the engine bay now playing host to new 3.0-litre Hurricane and Hurricane High Output Straight Six Turbo (H/O SST) engines.

The regular Hurricane produces 313kW of power and 636Nm of torque, while the H/O produces 402kW and 706Nm.

For reference, the current Hemi V8 pumps out 291kW and 556Nm, while the rival Ford F-150 – the first of the American pickups to adopt a twin-turbo six – produces 298kW and 678Nm from its EcoBoost 3.5-litre V6.

Both Hurricane sixes are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the H/O – available with both rear- and four-wheel drive – comes with a limited-slip differential and a new high-torque rear axle “to further enhance ride quality”.

An electronic locking rear diff is also available, while the 2025 1500 will offer 3.21, 3.55 and 3.92 axle ratios and optional four-corner active-level air suspension.

The more powerful Hurricane tune will be used in a new, sporty variant Ram calls the RHO. Also joining the line is an ‘ultra-premium’ Tungsten variant, slotting in above the existing Tradesman, Big Horn/Lone Star, Laramie, Rebel, Limited Longhorn and Limited.

Ram says maximum towing capacity is 5252kg, payload is 1043kg, and the 1500 has a maximum wading depth of 609mm.

The Pentastar 3.6-litre V6 will continue as the base engine, and will also feature in the new Ramcharger where it’ll serve as a range extender.

There’s a sleeker, more aerodynamic look up front with a new grille – technically eight new grilles, as it varies in appearance from model to model – plus new ‘premium’ projector LED headlights standard on the Limited and new flagship Tungsten.

Down back, there are new ‘jeweled’ tail lights across the range, as well as an available power open/close tailgate with obstacle detection.

The lockable, drainable, illuminated RamBox storage compartments remain available, and feature a 115V outlet. There’s also a tub divider and cargo rail system with four sliding, adjustable cleats, as well as an onboard power inverter that offers up to 1.8kW via two covered outlets inside the tub.

The new flagship Tungsten trim features an Indigo/Sea Salt interior colourway, platinum patina/semi-bright dual-textured metal accents, diamond knurling, suede-wrapped headliner and pillars, a crystal-effect shifter, and quilted Natura Plus leather upholstery.

The front seats have 24-way power adjustability, heating, ventilation, and memory and massage functions, as well as power lumbar support and four-way power headrests.

A centre console badge also displays the truck’s VIN, while there’s also a 23-speaker 1228W Klipsch Reference Premiere sound system and dual wireless phone chargers.

Carryover variants get revised interior trims, including new colourways and appliques.

The Limited, for example, now offers an available black/ebony red interior colourway, while the Laramie can be specified with a Bison Brown/Sea Salt Gray two-tone interior.

There’s a choice of an improved 12-inch infotainment touchscreen or a new 14.5-inch unit, along with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

The Uconnect 5 infotainment system features dedicated buttons on the bottom of the screen, which work in conjunction with conventional physical controls directly off screen.

A segment-first 10.25-inch passenger display allows those along for the ride to view navigation, camera and entertainment functions, and they can use an HDMI plug to connect their phone or tablet and turn it into a mirrored extension of their device.

There’s also an available digital rear-view mirror and 10-inch head-up display.

Available active safety and driver assist features include Level 2 active driving assist and Level 2+ hands-free driving assist, autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, semi-automatic park assist, and a surround-view camera.

While Ram has confirmed the updated, petrol-powered 1500 will reach US showrooms in the first quarter of 2024, the company’s local subsidiary Ram Trucks Australia hasn’t confirmed when we’ll see it here.

The sporty RHO will reach US showrooms in the third quarter of 2024, the electric REV in the fourth quarter, and the range-extender Ramcharger will follow at an unspecified point.

MORE: Everything Ram 1500
MORE: Ram 1500 review