By Kimatni D. Rawlins
The evolution of the 5th generation Ram 1500 continues with the emergence of the 2025 squadron including the new Tungsten supreme trim, Big Horn / Lone Star, Laramie, Limited, Tradesman, and the wilderness-savvy Rebel. Since 1917 Ram has built trucks to serve both the workforce and commuters, and they do so with dazzling interiors and exterior design statements.
In Austin, TX the Ram brand made most of its models available to automotive media including a display of the all-electric Ram REV that will go into production later this year. Ram stated that by 2030, 50% of the lineup will be electrified. But the big news is that you will no longer find a HEMI V8 under the bulged hood of a Ram pickup truck. Instead, owners can choose either the all-new 3.0-liter Hurricane or the 3.0-liter Hurricane High Output (H/O) Straight-Six Turbo (SST) engine. They are more powerful and efficient than the outgoing V8 while maintaining the same or greater levels of capability from towing to acceleration. The Rebel specifically features the twin-turbo 3.0-liter Hurricane, pumping out 420-horsepower and 469 lb.-ft. of torque while the ultra-premium Tungsten model puts out 540-horsepower and 521 lb.-ft. of torque from its H/O twin-turbo 3.0-liter Hurricane. Various models will come with either or, in addition to the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 eTorque (third engine option). All three pair with a TorqueFlite 8-speed automatic transmission.
“The new 2025 Ram 1500 brings our customers more power, more performance, and more fuel efficiency with our all-new 3.0-liter Hurricane engines,” said Tim Kuniskis, Ram brand CEO – Stellantis. “Our new powertrain offerings add to the unique combination of bold styling, leading-edge innovation and technology, durability, and the capability Ram customers have come to know and love.”
Some of the implementations across the technologically advanced Ram 1500 line include an exquisite 14.5” vertical touchscreen and a 10.25” passenger screen located over the glovebox, LED headlights, smartphone as a digital key, 4-Corner Air Suspension with five modes (entry/exit, aero, normal, off-road 1, and off-road 2), power running boards, hands-free active driving using sensors, cameras, and radars if that’s your thing (not mine), a cavernous rear with reclining seats, and front massaging seats. Yet, I would like to see more tailgate amenities like the Colorado’s StowFlex Tailgate or Chevy’s Multi-Flex Tailgate. Yes, Ram has a power up and down tailgate and the barn doors, but I’m not a fan of either. A power tailgate leaves more electronics to go wrong. However, the exclusive and lockable RamBox cargo management system with a 115-volt outlet is still available. The storage bins are additionally illuminated and drainable.
Your 2025 Ram 1500 color choices are Diamond Black, Bright White, Ivory White Tri-coat, Delmonico Red, Flame Red, Hydro Blue, River Rock, Baltic Grey, and Billet Silver. The new Ram can tow up to 11,580 pounds, swim in 24” of water, and hold up to 2,300 pounds in the bed. A 3.21, 3.55, or 3.92 axle ratio is available for the flexibility of improving fuel economy and the truck’s competence. If your Ram has the Hurricane H/O engine, expect the new high-torque rear axle to enhance ride quality.
Before I get into the sporty and aggressive Rebel, I want to highlight some of the opulence of the Luxurious Tungsten model. The name is derived from the precious metal in the periodic table and is used to strengthen steel. With a price tag of $87,155, the Tungsten is bestowed with everything Ram offers, from unique 22×9” aluminum rims and new taillamps to a chrome grille trim and the power tailgate. Other notable features are the High Output engine — which is smoother and quieter than the HEMI — metal pedals, a RamBox, a dual-pane sunroof, and an Indigo/Sea Salt and quilted Natura Plus leather interior. Lastly, Ram installed the Tungsten with a phenomenal Klipsch Reference Premiere 23-speaker audio system with speakers embedded in the seatbacks of the front seats and operable through either the 14.5” vertical screen or the 10.25” passenger touchscreen. The audio power in the Klipsch is unbelievable and can only be found in this model.
The mighty Rebel is back with a vengeance, as evidenced during some hardcore off-roading in the countryside of Austin. The sinister pickup inherits a similar black-on-black TRX grille and honeycomb mesh and shows out with a steel bumper, 18” black wheels wrapped in sturdy 33” Goodyear Wrangler A/T tires, and optional rear Rebel graphics. The truck is even more attractive if you select Hydro Blue Pearl Coat. Climb inside the digital cockpit to discover a world of confidence. The fancy cabin commingles a digital tachometer, voice control for channel search, omnipresent USB-c and HDMI outlets, dual smartphone charging pads, Ram’s Uconnect 5 multimedia system, touchscreens, 360-degree Surround View Camera, and Trailer Hitch Assist that uses the backup camera and bumper sensors to align the hitch with the trailer coupler while controlling the Ram’s braking, speed, and steering.
For sportier styling and performance, opt for the GT package to enhance your Rebel or Lamarie with the TRX’s traditional gearshift lever and steering wheel paddle shifters. The GT package also emboldens your pickup with a cold air intake and Cat Back exhaust system by Mopar, power-adjustable metal pedals, and interior and exterior badging. While 4×4-ing, we drove up and down steep hills with ease, rode over rocks, and crossed streams in 4L mode with the air suspension set at the highest level (off-road mode 2) and sped through dirt trails in 4High. The Rebel is an absolute beast.
Offered in 4×2 and 4×4 models as usual, the 2025 Ram 1500 starts at $40,275 for the Tradesman and goes up to $87,155 for the Tungsten. Also, expect a delivery fee of $1,995. The Night Edition is a fan favorite that turns chrome elements black and gives you the Rebel’s bulged hood. The contrast looked great on a Delmonico Red Limited model we toured in.
With Ram 1500s riding around town with the tech-savvy interiors of EVs, the pure, controlled ride quality of luxury SUVs, and the standard capabilities of hardcore pickups, the 2025 models will not disappoint.
