Ram 1500 RHO vs Ram TRX: Dyno & Weight Benchmark
Comparing the Ram RHO and Ram TRX reveals a major engineering shift: while the discontinued TRX utilized a 702 hp 6.2L supercharged HEMI V8 weighing 6,396 lbs, the lighter RHO features a 540 hp twin-turbo Hurricane I6, achieving nearly identical 0-60 acceleration (3.5s vs 4.5s real-world) and superior handling.
RPM Band Horsepower & Torque Curves
| Comparative Parameter | 2025 Ram 1500 RHO | 2024 Ram 1500 TRX | Ford Raptor 3.5L | Ford Raptor R 5.2L |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Configuration | 3.0L Twin-Turbo I6 | 6.2L Supercharged V8 | 3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 | 5.2L Supercharged V8 |
| Peak Power Output | 540 hp @ 5,200 RPM | 702 hp @ 6,100 RPM | 450 hp @ 5,850 RPM | 720 hp @ 6,650 RPM |
| Peak Torque | 521 lb-ft @ 3,500 RPM | 650 lb-ft @ 4,800 RPM | 510 lb-ft @ 3,000 RPM | 640 lb-ft @ 4,250 RPM |
| Curb Weight (Base) | 6,396 lbs (-150 lbs front axle) | 6,546 lbs | 5,740 lbs | 6,000 lbs |
| Power-to-Weight Ratio | 11.84 lbs/hp | 9.32 lbs/hp | 12.75 lbs/hp | 8.33 lbs/hp |
| Starting Base MSRP | $69,995 | $96,585 | $78,330 | $110,255 |
| Price-to-Power Ratio (USD/hp) | 129.62 | 137.58 | 174.06 | 153.13 |
| 0-60 mph (Factory Claim) | 3.5 seconds (1-ft rollout) | 4.5 seconds | 5.2 seconds | 3.6 seconds |
| 0-60 mph (Real-World Dragy) | 4.15 seconds | 3.80 seconds | 5.40 seconds | 3.70 seconds |
| Quarter-Mile Elapsed Time | 12.8s @ 107 mph | 12.3s @ 110 mph | 13.9s @ 98 mph | 12.1s @ 114 mph |
| EPA Combined Fuel Economy | 17 MPG (15 city / 21 hwy) | 12 MPG (10 city / 14 hwy) | 16 MPG (15 city / 18 hwy) | 12 MPG (10 city / 15 hwy) |
| Range (33-Gal Fuel Tank) | ~495 miles | ~330 miles | ~480 miles | ~330 miles |
| Maximum Certified Towing | 8,380 lbs | 8,100 lbs | 8,200 lbs | 8,700 lbs |
| Maximum Certified Payload | 1,520 lbs | 1,310 lbs | 1,400 lbs | 1,400 lbs |
Hurricane 3.0L H.O. vs Hellcat 6.2L
The Hurricane twin-turbo shaves 150 lbs directly off the front axle, transforming turn-in transient response and high-speed dune stability while delivering 540 hp at 26 PSI boost.
Weight Savings & Front-End Agility: 150 lbs Removed From Front Axle
The most transformative dynamic advancement in the 2025 Ram 1500 RHO is not merely forced induction calibration, but front-to-rear mass balance. By replacing the iron-block 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V8 with the aluminum-block 3.0-liter Hurricane inline-six, Stellantis engineers removed approximately 150 pounds (68 kg) directly off the front axle assembly.
Turn-In Response & Reduced Polar Moment
In desert racing and high-speed trail transitions, front-end inertia dictates directional agility. With less static weight bearing over the front MacPherson-style upper and lower control arms, the RHO enters corners with drastically reduced understeer. Steering rack feedback through the electric power steering (EPS) is significantly more communicative across loose gravel and corrugated washboard surfaces.
Desert Damping Stability & Rebound Control
The Bilstein Black Hawk e2 adaptive dampers benefit directly from the reduced unsprung and sprung mass. Because the front suspension does not have to fight the heavy oscillation of an 875 lb supercharged engine block, the compression valving can be tuned more compliant for washouts while retaining total resistance to hydraulic bottoming out over massive jump landings.
Drag Strip & 0-60 Benchmarks: V8 Supercharger vs Inline-6 Twin-Turbo
On paper, the discontinued Ram TRX holds a 162-horsepower advantage (702 hp vs 540 hp). However, real-world Dragy satellite telemetry and instrumented quarter-mile testing reveal a surprisingly narrow performance gap between the two off-road supertrucks.
0-60 mph Launch Dynamics & Boost Spool
Using the factory Launch Control system with the 8HP75 torque converter stalled to 2,400 RPM, the twin low-inertia turbochargers pre-spool boost pressure in the intake manifold. The Ram RHO launches with zero turbo lag, achieving 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds with 1-foot rollout, or 4.15 seconds on raw unprepared asphalt. The heavier TRX hits 60 mph in 3.80 seconds on the street, representing an imperceptible 0.35-second delta.
Quarter-Mile Elapsed Time & Trap Speed
Through the 1,320-foot drag strip trap, the Ram TRX completes the quarter-mile in 12.3 seconds at 110 mph, while the Ram RHO posts 12.8 seconds at 107 mph. Beyond 90 mph, the raw displacement and positive-displacement supercharger of the HEMI pull ahead, but through legal highway passing speeds (30 to 70 mph), the Hurricane I6's flat 521 lb-ft torque plateau matches the V8 stride for stride.
Fuel Economy & Range Comparison: 15 MPG vs 10 MPG Real-World
Operational range is one of the most critical factors for remote overland expeditions. The supercharged HEMI TRX was notorious for single-digit fuel efficiency, averaging 10 MPG in city driving and rarely exceeding 13 MPG on long highway grades.
In contrast, the EPA rates the 2025 Ram 1500 RHO at 15 MPG city, 21 MPG highway, and 17 MPG combined. When coupled with the standard 33-gallon fuel tank, the RHO offers a maximum highway cruising range of approximately 495 miles—yielding over 160 additional miles of range per tank compared to the TRX’s ~330-mile ceiling. Over an average 15,000-mile annual driving schedule with premium fuel averaging 4.20 USD per gallon, the RHO saves its owner over 1,850 USD annually in operational expenditure alone.
MSRP & Value Analysis: Why the RHO Saves 26,000 USD Over the Final TRX
When Stellantis concluded Ram TRX production with the 2024 Final Edition, the sticker price reached 96,585 USD before widespread dealer market adjustments pushed transaction prices beyond 115,000 USD.
The 2025 Ram 1500 RHO arrives with a base MSRP of 69,995 USD (71,990 USD including destination fee). This delivers an unprecedented price-to-power quotient of 129.62 USD per horsepower—substantially lower than the Ford F-150 Raptor 3.5L (174.06 USD/hp) and the Raptor R (153.13 USD/hp). Buyers gain identical widebody presence, superior Bilstein Black Hawk e2 suspension tuning, and modern 14.5-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen architecture while retaining 26,590 USD in capital for aftermarket upgrades or fuel reserves.
Frequently Asked Questions: RHO vs TRX
Direct engineering answers regarding engine longevity, fuel economy, handling balance, and pricing.
01 Is the Ram RHO faster than the Ram TRX?
In straight-line acceleration above 80 mph, the 702 hp TRX retains a slight top-end horsepower advantage, completing the quarter-mile in 12.3 seconds versus the RHO's 12.8 seconds. However, from 0 to 60 mph on the street, the 540 hp RHO matches the TRX closely (3.5s launch control vs 3.8s real-world) due to 150 lbs less front-axle weight and instantaneous twin-turbo low-RPM boost spool.
02 Why did Stellantis discontinue the Ram TRX?
Stellantis retired the 6.2L supercharged HEMI V8 due to tightening corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards, emissions mandates, and the shift toward the more thermally efficient 3.0L twin-turbo Hurricane inline-six platform. The Hurricane H.O. delivers 17 MPG combined compared to the TRX's 12 MPG combined rating.
03 How much lighter is the Ram RHO than the TRX?
The 2025 Ram 1500 RHO has a base curb weight of 6,396 pounds, which is 150 pounds lighter than the Ram TRX (6,546 lbs). Crucially, virtually all of this weight reduction occurs directly over the front axle, drastically reducing steering understeer and improving desert damping balance.
04 What is the price difference between Ram RHO and Ram TRX?
The 2025 Ram RHO starts at 69,995 USD MSRP (71,990 USD with destination), whereas the final 2024 Ram TRX had a base sticker of 96,585 USD (117,000+ USD for the Final Edition). The RHO saves prospective buyers over 26,590 USD while providing upgraded Bilstein Black Hawk e2 suspension hardware and a 280-lb higher towing capacity.