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Motor 1
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
The Ram 1500 RHO Is An Amazing Everyday Supertruck: Review
Quick Specs 2025 Ram 1500 RHO Engine Twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter Inline-Six Transmission Eight-Speed Automatic Output 540 Horsepower / 521 Pound-Feet Efficiency 14 City / 16 Highway / 15 Combined As Tested Price $88,100 Pros: Fast & Smooth, Rugged & Refined, Rides Like Buttered Memory Foam Cons: Turbo Lag, Busy Interior, Poor Exhaust Tuning Ram 1500 RHO: Don't Call It A TRX Lite Photo by: Christopher Smith / Motor1 Let's clear the air. The Ram 1500 RHO is not a TRX. Yes, it looks largely the same, and it has the same bonkers jump-happy suspension, but the high-output, twin-turbocharged inline-six engine fused with the long-travel suspension gives this truck a personality all its own. This is no TRX replacement, either. That truck with its Hemi Hellcat engine wanted to party all day and do keg stands every night. Meanwhile, the RHO is like a rock star out of rehab, trying to build a better life on the straight and narrow. Both trucks enjoy getting wild, but the RHO will take better care of you in the long run, so long as its demons are kept at bay. Engine, Drivetrain, Horsepower: No Hemi? No Problem Photo by: Christopher Smith / Motor1 Everyone knows about the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter Hurricane inline-six engine by now. It makes 540 horsepower and 521 pound-feet of torque in the RHO—identical to other Ram 1500 trims that offer the high-output I-6. It certainly doesn't sound like the Hellcat-powered TRX, and with 162 fewer hp, it doesn't go like one either. But the RHO isn't slow by any means. I managed to rip to 60 miles per hour in 5.1 seconds, according to the RHO's onboard Performance Pages. More importantly, I managed to make my 86-year-old mother nauseous from a hard launch. Though to be fair, she does suffer from vertigo. Sorry, Mom. The eight-speed automatic transmission is a silent partner in the background, executing shifts without undue lag or haste. You can engage manual mode by pulling the shift stalk to the left, activating the steering wheel-mounted paddles, which are supremely easy to use. Moreover, the transmission won't automatically upshift if you get carried away on a dusty back road. It sends all power to all four wheels through an electronically managed four-wheel drive system. Interior, Technology, Infotainment: Everything You Want & More Photo by: Christopher Smith / Motor1 Ram doesn't skimp when it comes to tech in the RHO. You'll find a 12.0-inch portrait-oriented center touchscreen standard, with a 14.4-inch screen optional. No matter which you choose, they're brimming with apps, configurable widgets, and for the speed freaks out there, the RHO gets Performance Pages that track stuff like 60-foot times and quarter-mile speeds. A dedicated passenger display is also optional, but every truck has a 12.3-inch driver display. And yes, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay are included. As you might imagine, the driver and center displays are widely customizable. It's all part of Ram's fifth-generation Uconnect system that manages everything from vehicle settings to navigation, over-the-air updates, and phone connectivity. And while there are all kinds of settings to flip through digitally, Ram still fills the 1500 (RHO included) with buttons and knobs for common-use items. For highway traveling, the RHO is available with Ram's Hands-Free Active Driving Assist. Similar to Ford BlueCruise or GM's SuperCruise, it allows drivers to go hands-free on approved roads. Provided the left lane is clear, manually activating the turn signal will initiate a hands-free pass, and it's pretty intuitive. However, the RHO tended to wander between the lines while driving. And it monitors the driver like a hawk. If my gaze wandered for even a few seconds, the system buzzed and told me to face front. Design: Satisfyingly Bold Photo by: Christopher Smith / Motor1 The RHO could easily pass for a TRX if it didn't have RHO branding on the bed. It has the same wide stance with flared fenders—wide enough to require amber clearance lights mounted in the truck's sizable hood scoop. It bites the ground with 18-inch Goodyear all-terrain tires and a choice of standard aluminum or beadlock-capable wheels. You can only get the RHO as a Crew Cab truck with the short 5-foot 7-inch bed, which fills up surprisingly quickly when you're hauling something as simple as two 54-inch lawn mower decks. All Rams received minor changes for 2025, largely related to revamped lights and slightly resized grilles. The RHO's front and rear fascias are trim-exclusive, and it all combines to exude a properly muscular vibe. Moreover, Ram pulls it off without looking silly or overdone. The truck's proportions are very satisfying, and you can even have the bold RHO branding on the bed removed if you so choose. The tough exterior actually blends well with the RHO's upscale greenhouse. You'll find plenty of leather and soft-touch surfaces amid the digital screens. Alcantara and chrome are scattered about, but the interior is a very busy place. Between the litany of physical control and the pages of settings on the center screen, it can get pretty overwhelming. I still wasn't familiar with everything after a week and hundreds of miles behind the wheel. Managing Editor Jeff Perez felt the same way after his stint in the truck , and I couldn't agree more. Driving Impressions: Awesome Everywhere All At Once Photo by: Christopher Smith / Motor1 With all this in mind, I now present my thesis: The Ram 1500 RHO could be the best half-ton truck on the market right now. The big suspension (13.0 inches of travel in front, 14.0 inches at the rear) absorbs ruts, potholes, bumps, massive potholes, and miles of miserable patchwork on Michigan highways. Everything that works in the dirt makes this an even better daily driver. And I didn't just goof around on some local two-lane roads near my house. The RHO's first mission in my care was a 400-mile round-trip to pick up a new 54-inch mower deck, all done at highway speeds. I wasn't the least bit fatigued after six hours of driving; the RHO's seats were supportive and cozy without being too stiff, and those knobby Goodyear tires weren't nearly as noisy as I expected. Make no mistake, there is some tire noise at speed. But it's not remotely intrusive in the quiet cabin, even hustling along at Michigan's maximum 75-mph speed limit. And if it does become bothersome, it's easily masked by some low-volume music. Just don't play any Guns & Roses. This is a recovering rockstar, after all. Photo by: Christopher Smith / Motor1 Photo by: Christopher Smith / Motor1 The suspension just sucks up everything. I used the Auto drive mode for the journey, which automatically adjusts settings depending on road and driving conditions. It kept the big truck remarkably poised through the sharp 45-mph corners on I-196 leaving Grand Rapids, and an hour later, it conquered broken stretches us US-31 with nary a shudder. As for the engine, the Hurricane is pure butter. It doesn't shake the truck—not at start-up, or idle, or under throttle getting on the highway. It doesn't vibrate or reverberate through the cabin at speed. You don't feel it in the wheel or the floor. It just goes, and if you lay into the throttle, it really goes. I would prefer a bit more low-end power. There's a bit of turbo lag, and it could benefit from better exhaust tuning. It's not bad, but Ram engineers try to make it sound like a deep V-8. The dual exhaust outlets are comically large for a 3.0-liter engine, even one with two turbochargers. When cold, this engine bellows with a noisy rattle that reminds me of a clapped-out 1990s Pontiac Grand Prix with a straight-piped 3800. At least the RHO settles into a decent six-pot rasp when it's warm, but it could be so much better if engineers stop trying to make it sound like a Hemi. Fuel Economy: Don't Ask Photo by: Christopher Smith / Motor1 Losing two cylinders over the TRX doesn't help at the pump. The RHO's official mileage rating is just 15 combined mpg, and after approximately 650 miles (most on the highway) I'm confident in saying that's accurate. I averaged right around 16 mpg during my week with the truck, including just a handful of full-throttle launches. And when it's time to tank up, the high-output engine needs expensive premium fuel. Payload & Towing: An Acceptable Compromise Photo by: Christopher Smith / Motor1 Having a longer bed option would make the RHO a bit more practical for a truck, but you can still do all kinds of truck stuff here. The bed is rated for 1,520 pounds—less than other Ram 1500 trims, but that's the price you pay for a truck that can safely land after jumping three feet in the air. Towing capacity is also a bit less at 8,380 pounds, but that's still plenty for towing a modest boat or a 30-foot camper trailer. Pricing & Verdict: Worth Selling A Kidney For 21 Source: Christopher Smith / Motor1 The Ram 1500 RHO pulls off something I never thought possible. I'm not a truck guy, but I absolutely want this one. It's comfortable to drive anywhere, and with the onboard cameras, it's easy to maneuver. The interior is spacious, more than enough for five adults. It can haul big stuff in the bed and tow bigger stuff with ease. Even the standard version is packed with tech. And when you want to listen to Guns & Roses, the RHO doesn't think twice about ditching rehab for an epic weekend romp. It's also the cheapest way to get the high-output Hurricane in a Ram, with a starting price of $72,090. That's still a truckload of cash, but it's almost $10,000 less than the F-150 Raptor—a truck that has almost 100 fewer hp. And if you peruse dealerships right now, Ram's employee pricing initiative and other incentives have these starting temptingly close to $60,000. Not that I've been checking RHO prices. Well, maybe a little. Competitors: Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 Ford F-150 Raptor Toyota Tundra TRD Pro 2025 Ram 1500 RHO FAQs Is the Ram 1500 RHO the same as the TRX? The Ram 1500 RHO is nearly the same as the TRX, but there are some notable differences. The biggest is the engine, which is a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six instead of the Hellcat V-8 in the TRX. Both trucks have a wide stance with muscular styling and long-travel suspension, but the RHO is a bit lighter and the suspension has a bit more travel. How much horsepower does the Ram 1500 RHO have? The Ram 1500 RHO uses the high-output version of the twin-turbocharged Hurricane inline-six engine, making 540 horsepower. How fast is the Ram 1500 RHO, 0-60 and in the quarter-mile? According to Ram, the 1500 RHO can go from zero to 60 miles per hour in 4.6 seconds and turn a quarter-mile in 13.6 seconds. Does the Ram 1500 RHO have a Hemi V-8? No, the only engine offered in the Ram 1500 RHO is the twin-turbocharged, high-output 3.0-liter Hurricane inline-six. How Much Does The Ram 1500 RHO Cost? The 2025 Ram 1500 RHO starts at $69,995, not including a $2,095 destination charge. That raises the starting price to $72,090. 2025 Ram 1500 RHO Engine Twin-Turbocharged 3.0-liter Inline-Six Output 540 Horsepower / 521 Pound-Feet Transmission Eight-Speed Automatic Drive Type Four-Wheel Drive Seating Capacity 5 Speed 0-60 MPH 4.6 Seconds Efficiency 14 City / 16 Highway / 15 Combined Weight 6,200 Pounds (est.) Ground clearance Ground Clearance Towing 8,380 Pounds Base Price $72,090 As-Tested Price $88,100 Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? 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Auto Car
17-05-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Car
What if your V6 sports car was… a truck? We drive the Ford Ranger MS-RT
At first, it's hard to see a purpose for the new £52k Ford Ranger MS-RT, given that there are already seven models in the Ford Ranger line-up. This starts with the no-frills, four-pot XL at £29k and extends upwards to the Baja-influenced Ranger Raptor at £51k, complete with 288bhp 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6, locking differentials, racing shocks and four-wheel drive. Scan the specifications, though, and light dawns. For all the racy body bits and the claim of 'a motorsport aesthetic' for this pick-up truck's styling, the components that matter are the ultra-torquey 3.0-litre turbo diesel V6, the standard four-wheel drive, the 21in alloy wheels wearing 275/45 Continental performance rubber, the 3.5-tonne towing capacity and the butch-looking tow hook protruding from the girder-like rear chassis crossbeam. The MS-RT seems destined to become the handsome prime mover in a rig that might include a large trailer, caravan or horsebox. Or maybe it will be found on the nation's boat ramps, helping yachts reach their natural habitat. Verdict Good Distinctive looks Strong diesel V6 Bad Poor ride quality, but it's still a pick-up truck in the corners Unintuitive gear selector Pros Looks unlike any other pick-up truck Diesel V6 means there's go to match the show Retains 1000kg load capacity Cons Some of the spoilers and diffusers are over the top The MS-RT also has a load capacity of a full 1000kg, rather than the 600kg of the even racier Raptor, below which it sits on the price ladder. Although it claims the same 'ultimate street truck' vibe as the Raptor, the MS-RT is different in many important ways. First, the visuals. It has a uniquely sporty frontal treatment with different grille details and low-level air scoops that emphasise its 40mm-lower-riding suspension. There's a roof spoiler at the end of the cab, another on top of the tailgate and the rear underbody affects a diffuser – more show than go. While it uses the same 10-speed automatic gearbox as other Ranger variants, the MS-RT has a diesel rather than a petrol V6, which means its fuel consumption is always 30% better than the petrol Raptor and it will cruise at least 150 miles farther on a tank. Even so, it produces 20% more torque (443lb ft at 1750-2250rpm), although its power of 237bhp at a relaxed 3250rpm does give ground to the higher-revving Raptor's 288bhp at 5500rpm. But performance isn't far behind: the 0-62mph sprint takes 8.7sec, about a second slower. Pros Well-equipped Good UI, with a mix of physical controls and a responsive touchscreen Cons Inside, the MS-RT uses the same pleasantly car-like collection of materials that give an aura of quality with long-life durability. The sporty front seats, similar but different in design from the Raptor's, have exaggerated side bolsters and are faced with a combination of suede and 'non-animal leather', which works fine. The central touchscreen is reminiscent of the Raptor's but the display directly ahead of the driver is simpler and less configurable. Lots of Raptor toys – a variety of settings for steering effort, damper stiffness, angry exhaust note – are missing but you still get an excellent rear-view camera, speed limit sign recognition, keyless entry, active park assist, rain-sensing wipers and a variety of dash-selectable drive modes (Normal, Eco, Tow Haul, Slippery, Mud/Ruts and Sand). There's also a familiar rotary selector for the various transmission modes (2WD, 4WD Auto, 4WD Locked), plus hill descent control. Pros Cons Needs paddles for gearbox control The engine is quiet, smooth, strong and nearly always unobtrusive, especially since its low-end shove means there's no point in revving it hard. The auto 'box works well most of the time but doesn't have the control offered by the Raptor's column-mounted shift paddles. Instead there are three close-packed and near-invisible switches on one side of the central gearknob, meant to allow the driver to control the gearbox manually. You feel for them in moments of need and invariably get it wrong, not least because it's difficult to remember which anonymous button does what. It's the Ranger's poorest control feature. Pros Improved handling compared to standard Ranger Cons Upgrades don't suddenly turn it into a sports car... ...but do make the ride very poor If you're used to the quality damping and relatively soft ride of the Raptor, you won't much enjoy the ride quality of the MS-RT. It takes a different direction, riding lower with less suspension travel and running deliberately stiffer dampers. This controls body roll well, takes advantage of the big, sporty tyres and sharpens the steering, but there's a limit to just how much a fundamentally cumbersome, 5.4m-long vehicle weighing 2.3 tonnes can benefit from agility tweaks. The unladen ride is poor, especially at low speeds. The MS-RT crashes into potholes and picks up surface irregularities more than both its siblings and its rivals. Things do improve if you go faster, but authentic comfort, even average comfort, is not this Ranger's strong suit. Verdict Good Distinctive looks Strong diesel V6 Bad Poor ride quality, but it's still a pick-up truck in the corners Unintuitive gear selector It's easy to imagine plenty of buyers being attracted by the MS-RT's image, durability and good looks. No argument, it draws admiring glances, but we would advise any serious customer to take a good, long road test over typical UK roads before they commit. Model tested: Ford Ranger MS-RT Price: £52,141 (excluding VAT) Engine: V6, 2993cc, turbocharged, diesel Transmission: 10-spd automatic Driveline layout: Front engine, longitudinal, 4WD with low-range Model tested Ford Ranger MS-RT Price £52,141 (excluding VAT) Engine V6, 2993cc, turbocharged, diesel View all specs and rivals Transmission 10-spd automatic Driveline layout Front engine, longitudinal, 4WD with low-range Torque 443lb ft at 1750-2250rpm Rivals Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster Toyota Hilux
CTV News
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- CTV News
Minor injuries reported after multi-vehicle crash in Ottawa's south end
Ottawa Fire Services says crews responded to a call for a crash involving a pickup truck and a cube van on Bank Street Thursday afternoon. (Ottawa Fire Services/X)
CBS News
13-05-2025
- CBS News
Pedestrian killed in crash with pickup truck in Sylmar
A pedestrian was killed in a crash with a pickup truck in Sylmar on Monday night. It happened in the 12200 block of San Fernando Road, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. The pedestrian, who has not been identified, died at the scene. It's unclear if they were in the road or on the sidewalk when the crash happened. Investigators say that the crash is not being investigated as a hit-and-run, as the driver of the pickup truck pulled over afterwards to try and help the victim. Their vehicle appeared to have sustained considerable damage to the front end in the collision. Circumstances leading up to the crash remain under investigation.
CTV News
08-05-2025
- Automotive
- CTV News
Valley Line Southeast service disrupted because of crash on tracks
Caution tape hangs from a pickup truck at the scene of a crash on the Valley Line Southeast tracks at 76 Avenue on May 8, 2025. (CTV News Edmonton)
