For years, the off-road performance pickup battle was a slugfest between the Ford Raptor and the Ram TRX. But with the TRX roaring into retirement after the 2024 model year, Ram needed a worthy successor. Enter the 2025 Ram 1500 RHO — a lighter, more efficient alternative designed to keep Ram in the fight.
But how does the RHO stack up against Ford’s desert-running legend? Let’s break it down.
Powertrain: Twin Turbos vs. Twin Turbos
Ram 1500 RHO
- Engine: 3.0L twin-turbo inline-six “Hurricane” High Output
- Power: 540 horsepower / 521 lb-ft torque
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- 0–60 mph: Around 4.6 seconds (est.)
Ford Raptor
- Standard Raptor: 3.5L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 — 450 hp / 510 lb-ft
- Raptor R: 5.2L supercharged V8 — 720+ hp / 640 lb-ft
- Transmission: 10-speed automatic
- 0–60 mph: 5.5 seconds (V6) / ~3.8 seconds (R)
Verdict: The RHO offers more power than a standard Raptor but can’t match the sheer brute force of the Raptor R. Ford’s lineup gives buyers two engine personalities, while Ram currently offers just the Hurricane.
Suspension and Off-Road Capability
| Feature | Ram 1500 RHO | Ford Raptor |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | Bilstein Black Hawk e2 adaptive shocks | Fox Live Valve 3.1 internal bypass shocks |
| Wheel Travel | 13″ front, 14″ rear | ~14″ front, ~15″ rear |
| Drive Modes | Multiple off-road & terrain modes | Multiple terrain modes, including Baja |
| Tires | 35-inch all-terrains standard (37-inch not offered yet) | 35-inch or optional 37-inch all-terrains |
Verdict: Both trucks are desert runners first and rock crawlers second, but Ford still holds the edge in suspension travel and big-tire options. Ram’s Bilsteins are excellent for high-speed off-road stability, though.
Interior and Tech
Ram RHO
- Massive 14.5-inch center screen running Uconnect 5
- Wireless Apple CarPlay / Android Auto (but user reports of connection glitches)
- Premium materials in higher trims
- Available 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster
Ford Raptor
- 12-inch Sync 4 infotainment system
- Wireless Apple CarPlay / Android Auto with generally better stability than Ram’s system
- Optional Recaro sport seats on the Raptor R
- Fully digital gauge cluster with customizable off-road readouts
Verdict: Ram wins on screen size and upscale design, but Ford’s infotainment is more reliable — especially for wireless CarPlay users.
Towing and Payload
- RHO: Towing up to 8,380 lbs, payload around 1,520 lbs
- Raptor: Towing up to 8,200 lbs, payload around 1,400 lbs
Verdict: Essentially a tie — both are capable enough to tow toys while still focusing on off-road performance.
Price and Value
| Model | Starting Price (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Ram 1500 RHO | ~$71,000 |
| Ford Raptor (V6) | ~$78,000 |
| Ford Raptor R | ~$111,000 |
Verdict: The RHO undercuts the base Raptor by a few thousand and offers more power than the V6, but Ford has the ultimate bragging rights with the Raptor R’s supercharged V8.
Bottom Line
- Choose the Ram 1500 RHO if you want TRX-inspired capability in a lighter, more fuel-efficient package that still packs serious horsepower — and you like Ram’s interior design.
- Choose the Ford Raptor if you want proven suspension tech, rock-solid infotainment, and the option to go all-out with the Raptor R’s supercharged V8.
Both trucks are desert weapons, daily drivers, and status symbols in their own right — but your choice comes down to whether you want Ram’s fresh Hurricane power or Ford’s twin-tier approach with the V6 and V8.