In 2026, there is more choice than ever when purchasing a pickup truck. With a unique choice of petrol, diesel, hybrids, and complete electrification at your disposal, it’s harder than ever to choose the right vehicle. RAM 1500s have historically been a popular option for pure grunt and utility: a heavy-duty truck that focuses more on durability and towing capacity than anything else. In recent years, though, we’ve seen a shift in philosophy.
With an industry changing towards intelligence over traditional V8 muscle, blending comfort and purpose into one all-encompassing package, the 2025 RAM 1500 was an ambitious move that defined these values. The RAM couldn’t set the blueprint of the modern American truck with its capabilities in towing and durability alone anymore, and the company harnessed that potential, reclaiming its crown as the truck to have in the modern era.
- Base Trim Engine
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3.6L V6 Gas
- Base Trim Transmission
-
8-Speed Automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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Rear-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
305 hp
- Base Trim Torque
-
269 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
- Fuel Economy
-
17/24-20/25 MPG
- Make
-
Ram
- Model
-
1500
- Segment
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Full-Size Pickup Truck
What Made The 2025 RAM A Paradigm Shift?
Trucks have traditionally been about a muscular V8 engine strapped into a durable steel frame that can tow anything and last forever. Consumers these days expect more; sports cars can be comfortable, and luxury cars can be fast – so why can’t trucks combine their classic hallmarks with the addition of comfort, refinement, and efficiency? The recent RAM 1500 was one of the vehicles that defined this change in attitude and, in 2025, offers consumers a capable truck with a reinvented interior design and performance.
The 2024 model still relied on that classic HEMI V8 power, a deep-rooted fundamental for many typical truck owners. The 2025 RAM 1500, however, made the leap to an inline-six Hurricane engine, one that had proven its potency in the Jeep Wagoneer just three years prior. This meant that RAM had concluded that the company no longer cared about offering the V8 as a legacy act and was willing to embrace a smaller engine which could provide even more. However, the V8 was brought back in the 2026 RAM 1500, offering consumers a choice between the two excellent powertrains. The Hurricane engine is smooth in the way a six-cylinder should be, perfectly suiting the new focus on comfort and luxury.
The Performance Of The Hurricane I6 RAM
The 2024 model proved that the HEMI was a perfected American V8 – and the second-hand choice is still there for those who crave it. However, there is no doubt that in outright statistics, the Hurricane engine is the clear, technical winner. It blends inherently well with the 2025 RAM 1500s ideology of becoming a more usable vehicle, rather than being seen as a more singular-purpose, work-driven vehicle. For merging onto highways at speed, a more instantaneous feel for city driving, and a higher MPG while achieving this, the Hurricane model certainly outdoes the V8 for most people in most scenarios.
RAM 1500 Performance Showdown
|
2025 RAM 3.0-liter Hurricane SO |
2024 RAM HEMI V8 |
|
|
Powertrain |
3.0-liter Hurricane inline-six |
5.7-liter HEMI V8 |
|
Transmission |
8-speed automatic |
8-speed automatic |
|
Horsepower |
420 |
395 |
|
Torque |
469 Ib-ft |
410 Ib-ft |
|
0-60 mph |
5.2 seconds |
6.4 seconds |
|
Efficiency |
20 MPG (combined) |
19 MPG (combined) |
There is also a secondary Hurricane option for the 2025 RAM, which delivers even more performance at a slight hit in efficiency. This version, named the Hurricane HO, has an astonishing 540 horsepower and 521 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0–60 mph in 4.4 seconds – performance miles ahead of any V8 RAM. Thanks to a lower compression ratio and a 26 psi peak boost, the extra 120 horsepower was achievable. The HO model also features forged pistons and high-flow induction to better handle the stress and heat of the more powerful engine.
Ram Listened, And It’s Good For Enthusiasts
Ram, perhaps unsurprisingly, has elected to put the Hemi V8 back in trucks.
Is The 2025 RAM Reliable?
V8 RAMs were always incredibly reliable vehicles – some of the most dependable in the world. As you may expect, there are some teething issues with the 2025 RAM 1500, which is common with introducing a new powertrain into a platform. While reliability is still considered good, with a J.D. Power and iSeeCars reliability rating of 77/100, it simply cannot match the perfected V8. The 2024 RAM achieves a staggering 89/100 on the J.D. Power quality and reliability rating, which is not only class-leading but also vehicle-leading.
What Made The 2024 V8 RAM Reliable?
- 20 years of the HEMI V8 being perfected
- Naturally aspirated simplicity
- A cast iron block, which is now aluminum with the Hurricane
- More parts are available across the USA
The Thermostat fault is one of the most prevalent on the 2025 RAM. With the issue causing inconsistent coolant temperature, it’s possible for the engine to shut itself into a protection mode which limits power. Overall, while not as steady as the HEMI V8, the 2025 RAM 1500 has a fairly strong powertrain. It’s electrical issues which are most likely. With a fairly widespread complaint of battery drain, initially laggy infotainment screens which required software updates to fix and dashboard lights appearing as a result of glitches or sensor faults, the 2025 RAM certainly isn’t without its issues.
Maintenance And Servicing
If you’re switching from a 5.7-liter V8 to the Hurricane inline-six, be prepared to pay closer attention to crucial maintenance and servicing. The simple nature of the V8 means that its lenience on oil changes and precision is much less stringent than the inline-six. Using 5W-30 fully synthetic oil is critical for the smooth operation of the 2025 RAM 1500, as it is sensitive to oil type and quality. Changing this every 10,000 miles or 12 months is essential, with the HO model requiring even more attention, with those oil changes being only 6,000 miles or 6 months.
The two turbochargers introduce another area for more intense monitoring. With these high-boost turbos generating serious heat, it’s important to keep an eye on coolant levels, especially given the potential temperature fluctuation issues known in this model. A simple level check is plenty, but completing a coolant flush every 5–10 years and 100,000 miles should prevent scale buildup or clogged turbo cooling. Another thing which benefits the turbos is an air-filter change every 30,000 miles, allowing the engine to run efficiently. Finally, it’s worth changing the spark plugs every 50,000 miles, as they are handling high-pressure combustion.
10 Pickups That Make The Most Out Of Turbocharged Engines
Turbocharged engines aren’t only for cars anymore. Here are several pickup trucks that provide excellent horsepower from turbocharged engines.
It Still Has A Heavy-Duty Spirit
First things first, the 2025 RAM 1500 is still a body-on-frame vehicle with 98% high-strength steel, meaning that the ultra-durable body and platform are still completely intact. Being identical to the 2024 RAM in construction means it is still inherently robust, designed to handle abuse both on the road and off. The powertrain is the main differentiating factor in terms of these vehicles’ heavy-duty capabilities. The inline-six is admittedly an aluminum block, but it is one designed with immense pressure in mind. The issue comes down to the more sensitive nature of the inline-six. The HEMI V8 was so strong because of its simplicity and resilience, whereas the Hurricane engine suffers with more typical issues found in modern cars: sensor problems, software glitches and issues which sometimes only a specialist can deal with.
Heavy-Duty Statistics
|
2025 RAM 1500 |
2024 RAM 1500 |
|
|
Weight |
5,083 to 5,825 lbs |
5,012 lbs to 5,642 lbs |
|
Maximum payload |
2,370 lbs |
2,320 lbs |
|
Maximum towing |
11,580 lbs |
12,750 lbs |
The Ram 1500 May Be Getting the Hemi V8 Back, Leak Says
The Hemi is reportedly coming back. And it may help Ram deal with potential tariffs.
Most Notable Trim Levels And Which To Buy
There are 10 different trim levels available for the 2025 RAM 1500, which means getting the right one for your budget and personal needs is tricky. The most notable ones, however, include firstly the Laramie. This trim-level is the most popular, as it exemplifies what the RAM has on offer in the modern era for the cheapest price. With a 12-inch touchscreen, an Alpine 9-speaker system and higher leather quality, this sweet spot in the range occupies a similar place in luxury as the top-spec 2024 RAM. Not bad for $60,000. The RHO model costs another $9,000, but it’s an excellent way of stepping foot into a 540 horsepower truck which combines performance, comfort and reliability.
More Notable Trim Level options
- For $40,275, you can have the base vehicle. This includes a V6 engine and an 8.4-inch screen
- For $54,505, you can have the Warlock. It’s a value-focused truck with an off-road package
- For $64,440, you can have the Rebel. This is a more refined, sport-focused version.
- For $87,320, you can have the Tungsten. This is the ultimate RAM 1500.
Because the 2025 RAM 1500 signifies a shift in the truck’s life history, it’s an excellent consideration. Performance and comfort suddenly were brought up several notches so it could feel more in line with the driving experience of a premium car, not just a pickup truck. That being said, before investing in a vehicle which resembles a pivotal move for the company, you must take into account the first-year electrical teething issues which come with a huge powertrain overhaul. Overall, it’s an extremely well-rounded truck surrounding its still legendary, heavy-duty heart.
Sources: J.D. Power, iSeeCars