The automotive world was shaken when Ram decided to replace the roaring HEMI V8 in their performance trucks with a turbocharged inline-six “Hurricane” engine. When I first reviewed the 2025 Ram 1500 with this new engine, I boldly declared it was so good, the V8 wasn’t missed. However, after recently experiencing the Ram 1500’s hottest iteration, the Ram RHO – successor to the legendary Ram TRX – I’m rethinking that stance, just a bit. While the V8 nostalgia tugs at my heartstrings, the RHO remains an exceptional truck, especially when you consider the Ford Trx and the competitive landscape.
Let’s revisit why Stellantis opted for the Hurricane over the beloved HEMI. As highlighted in my previous review:
There are lots of reasons why Ram ditched the V8 for a straight-six. The six is 90 pounds lighter, it’s got some cost-saving opportunities over a V-engine (there’s only one cylinder head, for example), it’s an inherently balanced engine layout, and it’s narrow enough to leave room for a set of turbos to fit between the frame rails. But the overarching theme, and the one that Stellantis came right out of the gate with during the media presentation in Austin earlier this week, is that this engine is all about efficiency.
This shift towards the Hurricane engine isn’t about sacrificing power; it’s about smarter power. Improved Brake Specific Fuel Economy translates to more power derived from less fuel, a win-win for both economy-conscious drivers and those craving performance.
The Shadow of the TRX: RHO’s Biggest Challenge
Driving the standard Ram 1500, the Hurricane engine felt genuinely potent. The High Output variant, boasting 540 horsepower and 521 lb-ft of torque, delivered impressive acceleration. While the engine note might not match the iconic Hemi rumble, for a daily driver in the $50-60k range, it felt like a smart compromise. Of course, long-term fuel economy and reliability are still to be determined, but from a pure driving perspective, the Hurricane in a regular Ram 1500 is a solid performer.
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2021 Ram 1500 Trx Under Hood Air Box
Image of the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX under hood air box, showcasing the performance focus.
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A close-up of the Hurricane engine in the Ram RHO, highlighting its modern engineering.
However, the Ram RHO operates in a different league. It’s not replacing a standard Hemi; it’s stepping into the formidable shoes of the Hellcat-powered Ram TRX. And that’s a monumental task. The TRX wasn’t just a truck; it was an event.
Living in Pasadena, my in-laws’ neighbor owns a Ram TRX. Dinner conversations are often punctuated by a ridiculously loud roar – “Ah, that’s just the neighbor starting his truck,” my father-in-law would casually remark. The first time I heard it, I was astounded by the sheer volume at idle. This wasn’t just a truck starting; it was a statement.
The TRX embodies American automotive excess – over-the-top, audacious, overpowered, and undeniably loud. It’s the vehicular equivalent of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson – imposing and attention-grabbing.
Its presence is undeniable: massive 35-inch tires, aggressive fender flares, a dominant grille, and that iconic hood scoop. Visually, it’s a sensory overload, perfectly matched by the auditory explosion of the supercharged V8. A symphony of raw power, the TRX delivered 702 horsepower in a cacophony of sound, heat, and blistering speed.
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The Ram TRX quickly became a global phenomenon, captivating enthusiasts from the US to Europe. Despite criticisms regarding environmental impact and size, it cemented its status as a legend in record time. It was, in many ways, the most outrageous, exhilarating, and excessive truck ever created. Ram themselves dubbed it the “apex predator of the truck world.”
Considering this legacy, it’s clear the TRX’s shoes are nearly impossible to fill. Ram acknowledges this, positioning the RHO not as a direct TRX replacement, but as a different offering. While visually similar, especially at first glance, the price tag tells a different story, and begins to shift your perspective – as it did mine.
Decoding the Ram RHO: TRX DNA, Refined Approach
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The Ram RHO, in essence, is a Ram TRX that underwent a heart transplant. The supercharged 707-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 was replaced with a comparatively smaller 3.0-liter inline-six producing 540 horsepower. While this might initially disappoint die-hard V8 fans, consider the price: starting around $72,000. While that’s similar to the 2021 Ram TRX MSRP, factoring in inflation, it’s effectively $15,000 less expensive. Compared to the 2023 TRX exceeding $81,000 and the even pricier 2024 models, the RHO presents a significant value proposition.
You sacrifice the Hellcat engine, but crucially, you retain the TRX’s formidable styling and, more importantly, the advanced suspension system that defined its off-road prowess. This is where the RHO truly shines, and where comparisons to the Ford TRX become even more relevant. While the Ford TRX also boasted impressive off-road capabilities, the RHO aims to deliver a similar experience at a potentially more accessible price point.
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The RHO inherits the “unique, robust, long-travel suspension system with adaptive damping” from the TRX. Forged aluminum upper and lower control arms, meticulously engineered for caster and camber angles during suspension travel, are present. These control arms, longer than those on standard Ram 1500 models, widen the track by three inches per side.
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The rear suspension features a five-link setup with coils and a Dana 60 full-floating solid axle with a locking differential. Intriguingly, an “axle hop damper” is incorporated to manage axle movement at high speeds on rough terrain, enhancing grip. The Bilstein 4600-series damper is visible atop the axle center-section.
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Underneath, extensive skid plates provide robust protection, starting at the front bumper with steel engine and cooling system shields…
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…extending to the mid-section with ribbed steel protection for the transmission and transfer case…
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…and concluding at the rear with a ribbed steel sheet safeguarding the fuel tank.
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The shocks themselves are high-performance Bilstein units with oil and nitrogen-filled remote reservoirs. Rear reservoirs are positioned outboard of the frame, just behind the Dana 60 axle.
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Ram provides clearer visuals of the TRX’s suspension setup, which is mirrored in the RHO.
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2021 Ram 1500 Trx Rear Suspension On Frame
Image showcasing the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX rear suspension on the frame, illustrating the robust design.
Up front, the remote reservoir is tucked behind the front skid plate.
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Clearer views of the front suspension, again from the TRX, highlight the components.
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2021 Ram 1500 Trx Front Suspension On Frame
Detail of the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX front suspension on the frame, emphasizing its advanced engineering.
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Ram’s illustration of the suspension technology.
Ram provides extensive details on these “Black Hawk e2” shocks:
Bilstein Black Hawk e2 adaptive performance shocks use precision-machined, single-piece construction comprised of rigid aluminum to reduce and dissipate heat and continuously adjust damping forces for optimal body control and terrain isolation. The adaptive performance shocks feature robust corrosion protection, with a durable finish and directional-machined cooling fins aligned with airflow for more effective cooling.
Dual Electronic Proportional Valves continuously adjust damping forces for precise, independent control of compression and rebound damping. A nitrogen-charged remote reservoir uses a hot-formed, zero-leak tube closure to ensure maximum durability during extreme on- and off-road events.
A pressure-activated Triple Rod seal has been field-tested for long-lasting durability against contamination and leaks. Ram 1500 RHO uses stainless-steel braided high-pressure hose to combat corrosion and abrasion while being able to resist up to 5,800 PSI. A high-strength, lightweight rock shield defends the piston rod against incoming rubble with a custom molded escape path for debris.
The Bilstein Black Hawk e2 adaptive performance shocks have been tuned to demonstrate optimum balance between on-road handling and class-leading off-road capability. Ride comfort, body roll control and handling are significantly improved with the proprietary Ram Active Terrain Dynamics suspension management system, new shock tuning, hard points and body mount strategy.
In addition to an enhanced urethane jounce bumper, the internals of the Bilstein adaptive performance shock feature an internal three-stage progressive hydraulic Jounce Control (Jounce Cut-off) to provide bottom-out control during the most extreme compression events. All drive modes can reach peak compression damping for the most extreme events.
The hood remains functional, featuring outboard vents and a central intake feeding air to the engine. Baffles at the rear of the hood manage water ingress into the intake.
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In essence, similar to the TRX, the RHO utilizes a reinforced standard Ram frame and adds a remarkably capable suspension system. This not only provides significant wheel travel – rear travel is increased by 40% over a standard Ram 1500 – but also enhanced structural rigidity. The key difference from the TRX lies in the engine – less raw power, but a potentially more refined and efficient driving experience.
Behind the Wheel: RHO Driving Dynamics
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The Ram RHO media event was hosted in the desert near Joshua Tree National Park, offering an ideal off-road testing ground. Luxury Airstream trailers served as accommodation, a fittingly upscale basecamp for experiencing this premium truck.
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Stepping into the RHO’s cabin, you’re immediately greeted by a tech-forward environment dominated by large screens: a 14.5-inch infotainment display, a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, and even a 10.25-inch passenger screen, complemented by a head-up display. The interior is spacious and well-appointed with quality materials, retaining just enough physical controls for essential functions like volume, HVAC, and four-wheel drive modes.
The rear passenger space is vast, easily accommodating three adults comfortably – it’s a truly large and luxurious truck.
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Once familiarized with the RHO, journalists embarked on a drive towards the open desert. On highways, the truck’s ride quality was surprisingly refined for a vehicle equipped with 35-inch all-terrain tires. Despite its off-road focus, it absorbed road imperfections and expansion joints with ease, offering a quiet and comfortable cruising experience. But what about acceleration?
Initially, the transient response felt slightly delayed.
Indeed, there was a brief pause as the transmission downshifted, the engine revved above 4,000 RPM, and the twin turbos spooled up. However, once the turbos engaged, the engine eagerly revved to its 6,400 RPM redline, followed by rapid gear changes from the eight-speed automatic. The 6,000+ pound truck surged forward with more force than anticipated.
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Off-road, the RHO’s suspension truly came alive, effortlessly absorbing washboard surfaces at increasing speeds. Pushing the accelerator further revealed the truck’s capability to handle high-speed off-road driving with remarkable composure.
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Arriving at a designated meeting point in the desert, dust-covered but impressed, the RHO’s visual appeal became even more apparent.
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The first off-road challenge was a rock-crawling course.
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Truthfully, the Ram RHO, like the TRX before it, isn’t primarily designed for extreme rock crawling. Its sheer size – nearly 20 feet long, over seven feet wide, and a 12-foot wheelbase – presents inherent limitations. However, the Ram maximizes its dimensions with a locking rear differential, substantial underbody protection, and large tires contributing to 11.8 inches of ground clearance, a 31-degree approach angle, a 25.2-degree departure angle, and a 21.8-degree breakover angle. These figures are respectable for a truck of this scale, and with clear front and rear-facing cameras, the RHO proved surprisingly maneuverable on the desert boulders.
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The real excitement, however, unfolded on the dunes.
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The RAM TRX’s suspension, and by extension the RHO’s, allows for aggressive dune climbs, pushing the accelerator to the floor. The turbos whine, the engine roars, and all four 35-inch tires churn, propelling the Ram uphill in a cloud of sand.
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Initial dune runs were hesitant, partly due to the slight delay in power delivery when reapplying throttle, causing momentum loss. However, maintaining consistent throttle input unleashed the 540 horsepower effectively. While not a V8 soundtrack, the Hurricane engine delivered a respectable sound, even exhibiting a pleasant burble at idle. Compared to the TRX’s auditory drama, it’s subdued, but still engaging for a performance machine.
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From the dunes, the test moved to flat desert stretches for 0-100 mph runs using launch mode. Launch mode activation proved elusive, but even without it, the RHO accelerated rapidly. Zero to 60 mph is achieved in 4.6 seconds, only a tenth of a second slower than the TRX, according to Ram. (Independent tests, like the TFL drag race available on YouTube, offer further comparison).
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The press event concluded with high-speed desert runs, pushing the 540-horsepower inline-six trucks to their limits in triple-digit speeds.
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The Value Proposition: Ram RHO’s Strong Hand
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Having experienced numerous Hellcat-powered vehicles, I understand what’s missing in the RHO compared to the TRX: primarily sound and immediate throttle response. While the TRX offers greater overall acceleration, the RHO, when in boost and revving high, still delivers exhilarating performance. However, the immediacy and drama of the V8 are undeniably absent. The 3.0-liter Hurricane requires boost and revs, and in certain situations, especially dune driving, that instant power delivery is missed.
Yet, the RHO’s performance feels comparable to the Ford F-150 Raptor in this aspect. Both rely on smaller displacement, turbocharged engines, and neither boasts a truly captivating engine note. The RHO’s advantage lies in its price: starting approximately $9,000 less than the Raptor. The 540-horsepower RHO starts around $72,000 (including delivery), while the 450-horsepower Ford F-150 Raptor begins around $80,000. This price difference becomes even more compelling when considering the features and capabilities offered.
While a detailed feature comparison between the RHO and Raptor is beyond this scope, the core point is the RHO provides a formidable, desert-ready truck at a significantly lower price point than comparable full-size off-road trucks, including the Ford TRX (when considering current market prices for used TRX models and original MSRP inflation). It offers a comfortable on-road ride, a premium interior, a striking exterior, surprising rock-crawling ability, and exceptional desert performance.
Despite lacking the Hellcat V8’s visceral experience, the 540-horsepower RHO with its advanced suspension is a compelling package, especially considering its more accessible price. It’s not just cheaper than the TRX; it’s also more affordable than its direct competitor from Ford, the Raptor. This combination of performance, capability, and value makes the Ram RHO a truly outstanding truck.
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Of course, for those seeking the ultimate in off-road truck excess and the unmatched roar of a supercharged V8, the allure of the TRX remains. But for a significant number of buyers, the Ram RHO presents a smarter, more value-driven path to high-performance off-road trucking.
