Overview
Combining capability and comfort is the Ram 1500’s specialty, and this full-size pickup truck is getting a host of upgrades for 2025 that are intended to keep it dominant in its segment. It packs a choice of six-cylinder engines: a base V-6 or a twin-turbo inline-six. The latter replaces the old Hemi V-8 but makes up to 540 horsepower. A Rebel model provides more off-road prowess, but the half-ton Ram is best when configured for luxury. High-end trims such as the Limited and new Tungsten do their best impression of class-above vehicles while still delivering workhorse skills. The Ram can’t tow as much as rivals such as the Ford F-150 and the Chevy Silverado, but its maximum capacity is still high enough that most buyers won’t complain. The updated 2025 Ram 1500 is expected in dealers in early 2024.
What’s New for 2025?
For 2025, Ram gives its full-size truck a facelift and other upgrades. The Hemi V-8 has been dropped in favor of a new twin-turbocharged inline-six with either 420 or 540 horses. The truck’s exterior styling tweaks are minor, but they make it look more modern and as handsome as ever. New lighting elements, wheel designs, and a freshened color palette are all part of the refresh. Inside, the standard 8.4-inch touchscreen is replaced by a larger 12.0-inch one, and an even larger 14.5-inch display is now available. A 10.3-inch passenger-side screen is also now an option. The Ram 1500 has been the fanciest truck on the road over the past few years, but a new range-topping Tungsten model promises to up the ante, with quilted-leather upholstery, massaging seats, and upscale features such as a 23-speaker Klipsch stereo. This year also marks the launch of the Ramcharger plug-in hybrid and the Ram 1500 REV EV, but we review those trucks separately.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Ram hasn’t announced pricing for the 2025 1500 yet, but we do know that it’ll come in a fancier top-end Tungsten trim with quilted-leather upholstery, 24-way adjustable seats with massage, and a suede headliner. The best-buy of the lineup will likely continue to be the Laramie or Rebel trims, the latter of which will offer off-road add-ons to help you take the 1500 beyond the beaten path. When we find out more about each model’s pricing and standard features, we’ll update this story with those details and make an official recommendation.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Ram 1500 offers V-6 and twin-turbo inline-six gasoline powertrains that pair with a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. The base V-6 is assisted by a 48-volt hybrid system and makes 305 horsepower. The twin-turbo inline-six—which Ram calls Hurricane—makes either 420 or 540 horsepower. We haven’t tested this engine in the Ram yet, but it delivered a snappy performance in the Jeep Grand Wagoneer L, pushing that beast of an SUV to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds at our test track. For adventurous folk, the rugged Rebel model provides beefier looks and legitimate off-road capability. Every Ram 1500 has an impressive ride thanks to a rear suspension that uses standard coil springs versus the traditional leaf-spring setups found on domestic rivals. Models with the optional air suspension have an adjustable ride height, which aids fuel efficiency and off-road performance.
Towing and Payload Capacity
The Ram 1500 can tow up to 11,580 pounds and carry a payload of up to 2300 pounds. That’s less than rival pickups from Ford and Chevrolet, which both currently top 13,000 pounds. If you want a Ram that can tow more, consider the new Ramcharger plug-in hybrid which can tow 14,000 pounds. There’s also the heavy-duty Ram HD lineup that boasts a maximum towing capacity of 37,090 pounds.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA hasn’t released fuel economy estimates for the Ram with the inline-six yet, but the ratings for the base V-6 should be like last year’s model. With the V-6, the 1500 was rated as high as 20 mpg city and 25 highway. When we get a chance, we’ll take the updated truck on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test route and update this story with its real-world results. For more information about the 1500’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Inside, the Ram 1500 has supremely functional cubby stowage and cavernous passenger space. Higher trims add upscale materials and creature comforts, making the Ram feel more like a luxury vehicle than a pickup truck. Most models are available with upscale features such as heated and ventilated seats and a panoramic sunroof, while the fanciest versions have premium leather surfaces and genuine wood accents. As with most full-size pickup trucks, the Ram 1500’s crew cab is supremely spacious. It also has vast amounts of interior storage and a unique split-folding tailgate. Both the five-foot-seven-inch and six-foot-four-inch cargo beds are available, but the extended cab body style only pairs with the latter.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Ram trucks have had one of the best infotainment systems and connectivity features in the class for a while. That continues in the latest trucks, which have either a responsive 12.0-inch or an optional 14.5-inch touchscreen. Both systems are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible, and even the larger touchscreen includes a handful of redundant knobs and buttons. A 10.3-inch passenger display is also available and provides access to entertainment and navigation functions.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The Ram 1500 has a host of available driver-assistance technology that range from automated emergency braking to lane-keeping assist. For more information about the Ram 1500’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
- Available automatic high-beams headlights
- Available adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Ram has a competitive limited and powertrain warranty that is on par with the rest of the full-size pickup truck class. Unlike the Sierra and Silverado as well as the Toyota Tundra, the Ram offers no complimentary scheduled maintenance.
- Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers five years or 50,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
Source: www.caranddriver.com