When it comes to pickup trucks, the 2025 Ram 1500 has set a new benchmark, earning the prestigious Golden Calipers as Truck of the Year. Despite entering the competition as a dark horse against flashier contenders, Ram’s latest lineup stood out for its innovative engineering, luxurious design, and exceptional performance.
From rugged off-road capabilities to luxurious trims that redefine comfort, here’s why the 2025 Ram 1500 deserves its top spot.
Read more: The Redesigned 2025 Nissan Murano: What’s New and How Much It Costs
Powerful New Engine: The SST Hurricane
One of the biggest highlights of the 2025 Ram 1500 is the introduction of the SST Hurricane engine, a revolutionary straight-six turbo replacing the traditional HEMI V-8.
JUST IN: The Ram 1500 has just taken home the award for 2025 @MotorTrend Truck of the Year®. Offering exceptional capability and power, the Ram 1500 RHO stands out as the pinnacle of performance for our award-winning off-road truck lineup.#Ram1500 #RamRHO #MotorTrend #TOTY2025 pic.twitter.com/TBa17bcwnJ
— Ram Trucks (@RamTrucks) December 11, 2024
- Standard-Output SST: Delivers 420 horsepower and 469 lb-ft of torque, offering faster acceleration and better efficiency than its predecessor.
- High-Output SST: Packs 540 horsepower and 521 lb-ft of torque, delivering sports car-like acceleration while being more manageable for daily driving.
Compared to the outgoing engines, the SST Hurricane is lighter, more fuel-efficient, and technologically advanced, offering superior handling and responsiveness.
Engineering That Excels
The 2025 Ram 1500 goes beyond power with thoughtful engineering:
- Weight Reduction: Thanks to its aluminum construction, the SST engine reduces front-end weight, improving balance and handling.
- Advanced Suspension: The air suspension system ensures smooth rides, even with heavy loads or on uneven terrain.
- Hands-Free Active Driving Assist: This feature competes with GM’s Super Cruise and Ford’s BlueCruise, offering hands-free driving on 125,000 miles of well-marked highways.
Luxury and Tech Redefined
Ram has consistently raised the bar for interior comfort, and the 2025 lineup is no exception.
Tech Innovations
- Expanded Screens: Includes a 10.3-inch passenger screen, a 14.5-inch vertical infotainment display, a 12.3-inch digital cluster, and a 10-inch head-up display.
- Phone-as-Key: Say goodbye to traditional keys with Ram’s advanced phone-as-key functionality.
- Klipsch Audio System: The Tungsten trim introduces a 1,228-watt, 23-speaker system offering unparalleled sound quality.
Premium Comfort
- The Tungsten trim is a game-changer for luxury trucks, featuring:
- 24-way adjustable seats with massage options.
- Carbon-fiber accents and intricate stitching for a high-end feel.
- Opulent touches like a bespoke center console badge.
Deputy editor Alexander Stoklosa summed it up perfectly:
“The 2025 Ram 1500 drives like a luxury car, not a truck. It’s smoother than many SUVs and quieter than any competitor.”
Off-Road and Towing Capabilities
Whether you’re hauling a trailer, conquering rugged terrain, or simply commuting, the 2025 Ram 1500 is built to handle it all.
Off-Road Excellence
- Warlock Model: Priced at $56,255, this rugged model features:
- 1-inch suspension lift with Bilstein shocks.
- Skid plates and snow-rated Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tires.
- Rear locking differential for enhanced traction.
Best-in-Class Towing
- Trailer-Tow Package: Includes reverse steering assist, trailer blind-spot monitoring, and automated trailer length calibration for easy towing.
- Air Suspension: Simplifies hitching and ensures a level load.
With a max towing capacity of 11,600 pounds, the Ram 1500 effortlessly handled a 6,870-pound wake boat during testing, showcasing its remarkable capability.
Efficiency and Safety
Improved Fuel Economy
Switching to the SST engine delivers modest efficiency gains for mainstream models, with a 9% highway improvement compared to V-8 engines.
- The RHO trim improves fuel economy by 25% combined compared to the TRX, making it a practical powerhouse.
Safety Features
While safety is an area for improvement, the 2025 Ram 1500 still delivers solid results:
- NHTSA Ratings:
- 5-star overall rating for crew cabs.
- Advanced trailer safety systems, including tire pressure monitoring and digital mirrors.
Incredible Value
The 2025 Ram 1500 lineup offers a truck for every need and budget:
- Warlock: The best value at $56,255, combining off-road prowess with affordability.
- Tungsten: A luxury flagship priced at $89,070, offering unmatched refinement and features.
Each trim delivers excellent value, ensuring you get your money’s worth, whether you’re buying for work, play, or everyday use.
Read more: Over 315,000 Ram Trucks Recalled for Critical Brake System Flaw: Full List Inside
Why the 2025 Ram 1500 is the Best Truck You Can Buy
After weeks of rigorous testing, the 2025 Ram 1500 emerged as the clear winner in performance, design, and value. It not only outshines competitors like Ford and Chevrolet but also redefines what a pickup truck can be.
From its revolutionary engine to its luxurious interiors, the 2025 Ram 1500 is a truck built for those who demand excellence.
Ready to experience the 2025 Ram 1500? Visit your local dealership today to test drive Truck of the Year!
