The 2025 Ram 1500 marks a significant shift under the hood, trading its iconic V8 HEMI engines for a pair of potent Hurricane straight-six powertrains. While some might lament the departure of the V8 rumble, the new engine lineup promises enhanced power and efficiency, positioning the Ram 1500 as a competitive force in the full-size pickup segment. This review dives into the details of the refreshed Ram 1500, exploring its engine options, new luxury Tungsten trim, updated features, and overall driving experience.
Engine Performance and the Hurricane Advantage
The most notable change for the 2025 Ram 1500 is the introduction of the Hurricane engine family. Say goodbye to the V8 HEMI, and hello to two versions of a 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six. The base Hurricane engine delivers robust performance, exceeding the outgoing V8 in horsepower and torque. For those seeking even more muscle, the high-output Hurricane variant significantly boosts power, providing thrilling acceleration and ample capability for demanding tasks. Both Hurricane engines are paired with a smooth and responsive eight-speed automatic transmission, ensuring a refined driving experience whether you’re cruising on the highway or tackling challenging terrain. While the V8’s towing prowess is slightly diminished, the Hurricane engines still offer respectable towing capacities, making the 2025 Ram 1500 a capable workhorse.
Trim Levels and the New Tungsten Luxury Experience
Ram has expanded the 2025 1500 lineup to seven distinct trim levels, catering to a wide range of needs and preferences. From the work-oriented Tradesman to the off-road-ready Rebel, and now culminating in the ultra-luxurious Tungsten trim, there’s a Ram 1500 for nearly every buyer. The Tungsten trim represents a significant step up in luxury for Ram, aiming to compete with the most opulent trucks on the market. It boasts exclusive features like premium Natura Plus leather seats with massage and lumbar support, suede accents throughout the cabin, metal trim with diamond knurling, and a state-of-the-art Klipsch Reference Premiere 23-speaker sound system. Beyond the Tungsten, each trim level offers unique interior and exterior styling cues, ensuring a personalized touch. The popular Big Horn (or Lone Star in Texas) trim is expected to remain a volume seller, offering a balance of features and value.
Interior Refinements and Technology
The 2025 Ram 1500 elevates its already class-leading interior with subtle yet effective updates. High-quality materials and thoughtful design remain hallmarks of the cabin. Technology takes center stage with available 12-inch or 14.5-inch infotainment screens powered by the Uconnect 5 system, which Ram claims is significantly faster and more intuitive than previous iterations. The larger screen offers customizable split-screen functionality for enhanced multitasking. Available tech features include a digital rearview mirror with towing mode, a digital key for smartphone access, a convenient onboard power inverter, and a head-up display. For audiophiles, the Tungsten’s Klipsch sound system delivers an immersive audio experience, though it’s worth noting that satellite radio quality may not fully utilize its capabilities at high volumes.
Driving Dynamics and Ride Comfort
On the road, the 2025 Ram 1500 maintains its reputation for ride comfort. Even with all-terrain tires on the Rebel trim, the truck handles pavement imperfections with composure. While body roll is present in corners, reminding you of its truck DNA, it’s well-controlled and expected for the segment. The steering provides adequate feedback, and the truck tracks reasonably straight on the highway. Off-road, the Rebel trim demonstrates impressive capability, navigating challenging courses with ease. Features like a front-facing camera and hill descent control enhance off-road confidence. The available air suspension further contributes to both on-road comfort and off-road prowess, with adjustable modes for varying terrains.
Advanced Driver Assistance and Safety Features
The 2025 Ram 1500 is equipped with a comprehensive suite of available driver-assistance and safety technologies. Two levels of semi-autonomous driving are offered: Active Driving Assist, a hands-on system, and Hands-Free Driving Assist, which allows for Level 2 autonomy on designated roadways, similar to Ford’s BlueCruise and GM’s Super Cruise. Additional safety features include automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, a 360-degree camera system, and more. These technologies contribute to a safer and more relaxed driving experience, whether commuting daily or embarking on long journeys.
Pricing and Configurations
The 2025 Ram 1500 is offered in various cab and bed configurations to suit different needs. You can choose from a quad cab with a 6’4″ bed, a crew cab with a 5’7″ bed, or a crew cab with a 6’4″ bed. The base Tradesman trim starts at $40,275, while the Big Horn/Lone Star begins at $44,935. Stepping up to the Rebel trim will cost upwards of $64,195, and the Laramie starts at $60,030. Luxury trims like the Limited Longhorn and Limited are priced at $75,605 and $75,155 respectively. The top-of-the-line Tungsten trim commands a premium, starting at $87,155. These prices exclude a destination charge of $1,995. As tested, a Tungsten model can reach over $90,000, while a Rebel configuration can exceed $80,000, highlighting the breadth of the Ram 1500 lineup and its pricing spectrum.
Conclusion: A Refined and Powerful Evolution
The 2025 Ram 1500 represents a significant evolution for the popular pickup truck. While the departure of the V8 HEMI might be bittersweet for some, the new Hurricane engines deliver a compelling combination of power, refinement, and potentially improved fuel efficiency (official figures are still pending). The addition of the Tungsten trim elevates the Ram 1500 into a new realm of luxury, while the core strengths of a comfortable ride, well-appointed interior, and robust capability remain. The 2025 Ram 1500 solidifies its position as a top contender in the full-size truck market, offering a diverse range of trims and configurations to meet the needs of a wide spectrum of buyers seeking a powerful, luxurious, and refined pickup.
