Six-Peat: A 2025 Ram 1500 Big Horn Joins the Long-Term Flock
Speaking of sixes, the biggest change for this test is Ram's new six-cylinder engine. The flagship Hemi V-8? Gone from the Ram lineup entirely (for now). In its place sits the optional "Hurricane" twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six cylinder ($2695) that makes 420 horsepower and 469 pound-feet of torque. (The base engine remains a 305-hp 3.6-liter V-6.) We opted for a Big Horn trim with six seats because we liked that symmetry.
Between hauling race cars to track days, towing snowmobiles to Michigan's frigid Upper Peninsula, schlepping the family to weekend sports, and the endless parade of big-screen TVs from big box stores,. This Ram won't be living easy. And our team's appetite for truck utility shows no signs of waning
We opted for the 33.0-gallon fuel tank ($445), which should give us plenty of range for long hauls. We're eager to see if dropping two cylinders delivers better fuel economy than the 14 mpg we observed with the 395-hp 5.7-liter V-8–powered Ram 1500 we tested in 2019. So far, it.
That truck was rated by the EPA at 19 mpg combined and so is this new Big Horn. What's the benefit of the six-cylinder then? So far, power. In our performance testing, this Big Horn reached 60 mph in 4.8 seconds and ran the quarter-mile in 13.6 at 100 mph, eclipsing that 2019 Ram by 1.3 seconds and 1.0 second.
We equipped this Ram for hauling with the Towing Technology Group ($595) and Trailer-Tow Group ($1345), which include everything from trailer-tire-pressure monitoring to side mirrors that are the size of elephant ears and boast power-adjusting convex glass. Throw in the 3.92 rear axle ($195), and we're cleared to tow 10,980 pounds and carry a 1350-pound payload.
The Big Horn Level 2 Equipment Group ($2770) brings the expected modern conveniences: a 12.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, heated front seats and steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, and so on. But in a head-scratching omission that would make a Porsche product specialist proud, passive keyless entry isn't included. Yes, our $68,320 truck requires manually hitting the unlock button on the key fob like it's 1995.
Excellent ride quality has been a longstanding attribute of the Ram 1500 thanks to its coil-spring rear suspension, which we upgraded with four-corner air springs ($1995). We can now also lower the truck to ease bed access while standing outside with the fob, which almost makes up for having to fish that fob out every time. Almost.
The Ram's interior has long set the standard for pickup luxury, though it was typically leather-lined higher-end trims earning that praise. We'll see if the excellence continues in our cloth-seat Big Horn. And we can have up to six critics weigh in on every mile.
Months in Fleet: 1 month Current Mileage: 3737 milesAverage Fuel Economy: 14 mpg Fuel Tank Size: 33.0 gal Observed Fuel Range: 460 milesService: $0 Normal Wear: $0 Repair: $0 Damage and Destruction: $0
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