2025 Ram 1500 Ditches HEMI for Hurricane, Adds Ultra-Luxury Model
Big changes are coming for the Ram 1500. Starting with the 2025 model year, as you know, a fully electric Ram 1500 REV will make its debut. Now the company is announcing that it will also offer a range-extending variant called Ram 1500 Ramcharger—the “ultimate electric pickup” as CEO Tim Kuniskis sees it.
Meanwhile, a disruptive force will be taking the lineup and the engine bay by storm, namely the new twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine—dubbed “Hurricane”—that the Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer inaugurated for 2023. In the 2025 Ram 1500, this Mexican-built powerplant will replace the old but still popular 5.7-litre HEMI V8 as an alternative to the standard 3.6-litre Pentastar V6.
- Also: Ram 1500 TRX Roars for One Last Time
- Also: 2025 Ram 1500 REV Officially Debuts With Up to 500 miles (800 km) of Range
Two versions will be available. The standard-output Hurricane engine is rated at 420 horsepower and 469 lb-ft. of torque, while the high-output engine is rated at 540 horsepower and 521 lb-ft. of torque—numbers that trump the V8 in all cases. Capability includes a maximum towing capacity of 11,580 lbs and a maximum payload of 2,300 lbs.
Ram even claims that fuel economy is improved in the process but can’t provide an estimate, let alone official ratings. What we know for sure is that the eight-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission handles shifting once again. Furthermore, Hurricane-powered models will get a new rear axle.
Oh, and performance enthusiasts can start thinking about the Ram 1500 RHO, a successor to the Ram 1500 TRX that will use the high-output Hurricane engine as a replacement for the supercharged 6.2-litre “Hellcat” V8 (702 horsepower). That model will be revealed at a later date.
More Style and Luxury
Ram designers have done their part, too. New premium LED headlamps, including twin bi-functional projector headlamps, are standard on Limited and up. They’re flanking a new, larger, forward-leaning grille, which is available in eight unique interpretations. In the rear, the taillights are redesigned and a power open/close tailgate with obstacle detection makes its appearance. Ram’s multi-function tailgate and class-exclusive RamBox storage system carry over, of course.
A significant addition for 2025 is the new top-line Tungsten ultra-luxury model, possibly only rivaled by the GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate. In addition to premium exterior touches, this fancy Ram 1500 stands out with a two-tone Indigo/Sea Salt interior, new metallic accents, a suede headliner and pillars, as well as heated and ventilated premium quilted Natura Plus leather front seats with 24-way power adjustments, including memory settings and a massage function.
Let’s not forget the Tungsten badge on the centre console, the dual wireless chargers for smartphones and the 23-speaker Klipsch Reference Premiere audio system.
More Digital Real Estate
We need to talk about the centre touchscreen with Uconnect 5 infotainment. The standard 12-inch display is improved with higher resolution while a new 14.5-inch reconfigurable touchscreen is available. Both feature split-screen capability for dual application operation.
In front of the passenger is a new, segment-first 10.25-inch screen with three major functions: co-pilot (navigation, device management), entertainment (via HDMI) and the ability to view the exterior vehicle cameras. Optionally, the rear-view mirror can turn into a screen as it’s connected to a rear-mounted camera. A 10-inch colour head-up display is also part of the mix.
Built in Sterling Heights, Michigan, the 2025 Ram 1500 will go on sale in the first quarter of 2024, with pricing to be announced closer to launch. The Ram 1500 RHO will arrive in the summer.