2025 Ram 1500 Review: Turbo Power & Luxury Redefined
content:
If you're worried Ram ruined its flagship truck by dropping the V8, prepare for a revelation. After testing the 2025 Ram 1500 across Texas highways, rocky trails, and towing scenarios, the new twin-turbo straight-six engines deliver more power and refinement than the outgoing V8. Combined with a stunning new Tungsten luxury trim and advanced hands-free driving, this refresh elevates America's plushest pickup.
Hurricane Engine Performance: Beyond the V8
Ram replaces the V8 with two turbocharged 3.0L straight-six engines: the standard Hurricane (420 hp/469 lb-ft) and Hurricane High Output (540 hp/521 lb-ft). Critically, both outperform the previous V8's 395 hp and 410 lb-ft. During highway testing, the High Output variant in the Tungsten trim demonstrated negligible turbo lag, with immediate passing power and effortless freeway merging.
Off-road in the Rebel trim (equipped with the base Hurricane), the engine provided precise throttle control in 4-low mode. The twin-turbo design—using smaller turbos for quicker spooling—ensured smooth power delivery over technical terrain without the surging common in boosted engines.
Towing tests with a 7,300-pound Airstream revealed the base Hurricane’s capability. Despite Ram not reserving the High Output for towing duties, the standard engine maintained confident acceleration on inclines, though official fuel economy remains undisclosed. The sole compromise? The characteristic V8 rumble is replaced by a higher-pitched exhaust note.
Tungsten Trim: Luxury Reimagined
Positioned above the Longhorn, the Tungsten trim establishes a new luxury benchmark with its exclusive Sea Salt and Indigo interior. Every surface features premium leather, including 24-way power-adjustable front seats with massage functions—even headrests offer four-way adjustability. Heated/ventilated rear seats and Klipsch® 23-speaker audio further cement its first-class cabin experience.
Unique design elements include knurled metal controls, tungsten badging, and dual wireless charging pads (dubbed "Ram Charger"). However, the 14.5-inch Uconnect system shows lag when accessing features like seat massage, and Android Auto displays in a confined portion of the screen. These tech frustrations contrast sharply with an otherwise impeccable cabin.
Hands-Free Driving: Game-Changing Tech
Ram’s new Hands-Free Driving Assist (HFDA) operates similarly to GM’s Super Cruise or Ford’s BlueCruise. Available on Laramie Longhorn and above (standard on Tungsten), it allows genuine hands-off operation on mapped highways from 0-90 mph. During testing, the system executed smooth lane changes initiated by tapping the turn signal, with clear visual cues indicating safe execution windows.
A driver-facing camera monitors attention, while a capacitive steering wheel detects touch without requiring steering input. HFDA includes three years of complimentary service before subscription fees apply, making it one of the segment’s most accessible advanced driver systems.
Final Verdict
The 2025 Ram 1500 successfully replaces its V8 with more powerful, refined turbo-six engines while introducing a luxury trim that outclasses rivals. Though the $90,000 Tungsten targets premium buyers, its hands-free tech and base Hurricane’s competence democratize innovation. Pending fuel economy tests, this refresh solidifies Ram’s standing as the full-size truck segment’s refinement leader.
Tool Checklist for Test Drivers
- Use inclines to assess turbo lag during towing
- Test Uconnect responsiveness with seat/massage controls
- Verify Android Auto display limitations
- Measure cabin noise at 70 mph
- Evaluate HFDA in stop-and-go traffic
When comparing trucks, which feature matters most to you: raw capability, cabin luxury, or advanced tech? Share your priorities below!
