FIRST LOOK: The Updated 2025 Ram 1500 Lineup

With fiercer competition, Ram has updated its fifth-generation half-ton for the 2025 model year. While not a complete overhaul, the 2025 Ram 1500 takes some of the best elements that customers have come to love since January 2018 and has added new technology and revised its powertrains away from the legendary HEMI® V8, in favor of a duo of new twin-turbocharged inline-six engines.

Exterior – 

To current owners, the updated 2025 Ram 1500 won’t seem like a drastic change. Most of the sheet metal, which includes the hoods, doors, roofs, beds, and tailgates, is carried over. Upfront, there is a new larger grille design that offers more cooling for the twin-turbocharged engines. LED headlights are now standard across the board, with reflector units on Tradesman, Big Horn (Lone Star in Texas), Sport (Canada-exclusive), Rebel, and Laramie units, and bi-functional projector units on Limited, Limited Longhorn, and Tungsten models.

We were disappointed to find out that the new reflective LED headlights do not include a daytime running light (DRL) LED signature feature. While standard LED headlights are nice, the new headlamps seem cheap in design compared to the outgoing models, especially considering they have incandescent bulbs for turn signals. We miss the LED switchbacks on the outgoing LED headlamps on Big Horn, Sport, and Laramie models. The new narrower headlamps do make the truck look visually wider from the front.

The upper Ram “horns” crossbar on the top of the grille remains. Grille textures vary depending on the model, but we found it interesting the Laramie ended up adopting the Longhorn’s grille design for 2025, with Longhorn models sharing the same grille texture as the Limited. The R-A-M text sits higher on the grille, and with the bigger grille, the 2025 Ram 1500 looks more like a Heavy Duty model than a conventional half-ton, which isn’t a bad thing.

From the side and rear profiles of the truck, it’s hard to tell it apart from the 2024 model if you are a novice enthusiast. There are new wheel designs like the 18-inch units of the Rebel, 20-inch units on the Laramie, and both 20-inch and 22-inch units on Limited and Longhorn models.

From the rear, the truck is much of the same. The obvious difference is the new taillight design. While the new taillights offer a handsome look, we were once again disappointed to find that while the headlamps are LED across the lineup, that isn’t the same for the taillights. Instead, incandescent bulbs are standard on Tradesman through Laramie models. With the major jump in price across the lineup over the past three years, it’s small things like the lights that make it seem like Ram is just being cheap in certain areas.

Other changes to the rear include a new camera hook-up to the left of the license plate, allowing those to connect their trailer cameras to the truck. There is also the addition of the R-A-M text to the middle of the tailgate on most models. Where we’ve seen the text before on Rebel models and export models, the text is now standard across the lineup except on those models equipped with the multifunction tailgate. Those models carry over the traditional Ram head logo.

Interior – 

Stepping inside, current owners will find their surroundings very familiar. The dash layout, seats, overhead console, steering wheel design, and center console are all the same. Materials look to be on par with the outgoing trucks if not better, and there have been some tweaks to the interior materials depending on the model you step into.

For example, Big Horn models get new Gridiron laser etching decorative trim accents on the dashboard, doors, and console, and new gear embossed seat insert accent material in Diesel Gray or Black. Rebel models get a new Red/Black ombre mesh insert material on the standard cloth/vinyl seats. Laramie models get new Chevron decorative trim accents and introduce a new optional Bison Brown/Sea Salt Gray two-tone interior in addition to the standard Black interior. Limited models get new Black Ebony open-pore real wood veneer decorative trim accents. In addition to the standard Black monochromatic interior, Limited also now features a new optional Black/Red interior color package for a dramatic two-tone effect. Longhorn models feature a new Barn Wood 45 open-pore real wood veneer with an improved saw-cut effect. Longhorn models also get a new exclusive Bison Brown monochromatic interior, as an option.

The big news is the addition of the new ultra-premium Tungsten model, which aims to go squarely at GMC Sierra Denali. The Tungsten includes an Indigo/Sea Salt interior with new platinum patina/semi-bright dual-textured metal accents, featuring diamond knurling, suede-wrapped headliner, A- and B-pillars and visors, and heated and ventilated premium quilted Natura Plus leather driver and front passenger seats with 24-way power, including memory settings and a massage function, power lumbar support, and four-way powered headrests. Other features include a Tungsten badge on the center console featuring inlaid metal lettering and diamond knurling, which also proudly displays the vehicle identification number or VIN, brushed platinum patina aluminum litho bezels, a unique crystal-effect shifter center cap, an ultra-premium Klipsch Reference Premiere audio system with 23 speakers, dual wireless chargers, and a metal pedal kit.

There is a new 10.25-inch passenger screen available on Sport, Laramie, and Rebel and standard on Limited, Longhorn, and Tungsten models. The new passenger screen allows for three major functions: Co-Pilot (Navigation, Device Management) Entertainment via HDMI, and the ability to view the exterior cameras on the truck.

The 8.4-inch Uconnect 5 infotainment system is now standard on Tradesman and Big Horn. The popular 12-inch Uconnect 5 system is available on Big Horn models and standard on Sport, Laramie, Rebel, Limited, and Longhorn models. An all-new 14.5-inch Uconnect 5 system is available on Sport, Laramie, Rebel, Limited, and Longhorn models and comes standard on Tungsten. One thing we did notice with this new screen is that the physical buttons for the trailer brake control are eliminated to make way for the bigger screen. Instead, the gain features from the trailer brake controller take up the bottom of the 14.5 display. So is it really 14.5 inches? We can’t wait to get more time with it to see for sure.

Stereo systems are all carry-over from 2024, except for the Tungsten. The Tradesman and Big Horn continue to have 6 speakers standard. The 9-speaker Alpine system returns as an option on Big Horn and standard on Sport, Laramie, and Rebel. The awesome 19-Speaker Harman Kardon® is optional on Sport, Laramie, and Rebel, but standard on Limited and Longhorn models.

Powertrains – 

First, the legendary 5.7-liter (345 cubic-inch) HEMI® V8 is gone for 2025. After 22 years under the hood of the Ram 1500, Ram has moved forward with introducing the state-of-the-art twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter Hurricane I6 engine. The new engine will give owners two new options for 2025: a standard output (S/O) and a high output (H/O) variant.

For those who opt for the S/O version, the Hurricane will produce 420 horsepower and 469 lb.-ft. of torque. That’s an improvement over the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with eTorque from last year, which made 395 horsepower and 410 lb.-ft. of torque. The S/O model will offer a maximum towing capability of 11,560 lbs. and a maximum payload of 1,910 lbs. on specific models. The Hurricane S/O model can run on regular unleaded fuel, but midgrade is recommended for optimum performance.

The S/O is available as an option on Tradesman and Big Horn models and standard on Sport, Laramie, and Rebel.

For those who want even more performance, the Hurricane H/O engine provides the Ram 1500 with 540 horsepower and 521 lb.-ft. of torque on premium unleaded fuel. That is a significant improvement in power over the outgoing HEMI, but one disadvantage exists in towing. The outgoing HEMI had a maximum towing rating of 12,750 lbs. on specific configurations; the H/O only has a maximum tow rating of 10,740 lbs. and a maximum payload of 1,370 lbs. So, for those looking for more towing capability, we suggest the S/O variant.

The H/O is standard on Limited, Longhorn, and Tungsten models.

If you aren’t impressed with the Hurricane engine’s performance and are just looking for an all-around performer, the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 with eTorque returns for 2025 as the base powerplant. The Pentastar continues to deliver 305 horsepower and 269 lb.-ft. of torque while providing a maximum towing capacity of 8,100 lbs. and a maximum payload of 2,300 lbs. depending on the configuration.

The Pentastar is standard on the Tradesman and Big Horn models.

All three engines will continue to be mated to smooth-shifting ZF-sourced 8-speed automatic transmissions.

In order to complement the formidable power of the Hurricane H/O engine, the 2025 Ram 1500 is equipped with a high-torque rear axle. This critical component significantly elevates ride quality and traction, ensuring that the truck effortlessly navigates through a diverse range of driving conditions.

The 2025 Ram 1500 boasts a newly integrated high-torque rear axle, specifically tailored to enhance ride quality for vehicles outfitted with the potent Hurricane H/O engine. Available in both 2WD and 4WD configurations, drivers have the option of a traditional open or limited-slip differential. These differentials work dynamically to distribute torque among the rear wheels efficiently, maximizing traction at each wheel. For added control, an electronic locking rear differential allows drivers to engage or disengage the differential as needed, providing an extra boost of traction when the situation calls for it.

The Ram 1500 offers a selection of axle ratios, including 3.21, 3.55, or 3.92, granting customers the flexibility to fine-tune their vehicle for a balance between fuel efficiency and capability.

Drivers can expect an exceptional ride and handling experience, thanks to the double wishbone front suspension and five-link solid rear axle. For an extra level of customization, an available segment-exclusive feature is the active-level four-corner air suspension. This innovative system offers up to five distinct modes, including Entry/Exit, Aero, Normal, Off-Road 1, and Off-Road 2, catering to various driving preferences and terrain conditions.

Technology – 

Ram 1500 gets some new improved tech for the 2025 model year. These additional innovative features include:

• Active Driving Assist: This Level 2 (L2) automated driving capability reinforces Ram’s commitment to autonomous driving. It enables hands-on-wheel and eyes-on-road automated driving using lane centering combined with adaptive cruise control, utilizing a range of sensors, including radars and cameras.
• Hands-free Driving Assist: Operating at Level 2+ (L2+), this feature allows hands-off driving at 0 mph to 90 mph, with lane centering on approved roadways for even greater convenience. It also includes predictive speed adjustments in tight curves and verifies driver attentiveness.
• On-board Power Inverter: When equipped with the new 3.0-liter Hurricane engine, the Ram 1500 offers up to 1.8 kilowatts of power through two covered outlets in the bed. This feature enhances versatility and utility for various applications.
• Digital Rearview Mirror with Tow Mode: Providing an unobstructed rear view, this mirror displays real-time video from a rear-facing camera. It offers enhanced safety and visibility, especially when D-pillars or rear seats may obstruct the view. The mirror can be toggled between digital and reflective modes.
• Dual Wireless Phone Charging (Class-Exclusive): Front passengers benefit from class-exclusive dual wireless phone charging, providing added convenience and functionality.
• Digital Key: Ram owners can now use their smartphone or watch as a digital key to access and start their vehicle. This feature, available through Ram Connect and the Ram app, allows for secure and convenient vehicle access without needing a physical key fob. A backup NFC-based smart card is also provided for additional security and accessibility.

Configurations – 

Going into 2025, Ram continues to produce the fifth-generation half-ton without a Regular Cab model. The no-nonsense Tradesman and popular Big Horn models are the only models available with a standard Quad Cab configuration with a 6-foot, 4-inch box. The Crew Cab configuration with a 5-foot, 7-inch box is available across the entire lineup and is the only configuration available on Rebel and Tungsten. A Crew Cab configuration with a 6-foot, 4-inch box is available on Tradesman, Big Horn, Sport, Laramie, Longhorn, and Limited models.

Four-wheel-drive (4×4) does come standard on Sport, Rebel, Limited, Longhorn, and Tungsten models.

Pricing – 

Over the past few years, mainly since the pandemic, prices on Ram 1500s have been climbing steadily. Considering that a majority of the fifth-generation has been the same since 2018, it’s become overwhelming for those looking to purchase an affordable new full-size half-ton, especially with high interest rates and inflation at the moment.

The 2025 Ram 1500 Tradesman has a U.S. MSRP of $40,275, which won’t break the bank. However, it is easy to start clicking options, and you can quickly rise deep into the $50,000 range. And while Big Horn models have a bunch of new standard features, the mainstream and most popular model now starts at $44,935. But again, beware of the options button as the Big Horn can quickly be optioned over the $60,000 mark. For that money ($60,030), you can get yourself into the more luxurious Laramie model. While the Laramie might be in the middle of the pack, a fully loaded Laramie can come in at over $80,000.

For those who love the Ram 1500 Rebel, the off-roader now starts at $64,195. If that is out of your price range, Ramwill still offer the Tradesman-based Warlock for about $10,000 less.

The 2025 Limited and Longhorn models are now on par with each other, with one more or less being the more urban model and the other being the more country choice. Limited models will start at $75,155, while the Longhorn is just a tad more at $75,650.

For those looking for the ultimate luxury truck, the Tungsten comes with a luxury price tag with a starting price of $87,155.

None of those prices include the hefty $1,995 for destination.

Conclusion – 

Ram continues to deliver the best overall half-ton pickup on the market. While the new Hurricane engines don’t have that HEMI® grunt, the S/O model looks to be a worthy replacement for the legendary HEMI V8. And while the H/O model does impress with its numbers, we wish it was available in an affordable sport truck model like the Rumble Bee or HEMI Express models of the past.

With its premium massaging seats, amazing sound system, and premium materials, the Tungsten aims to impress, and it does. It gives Ram a worthy player to take on the GMC Sierra Denali and Ford F-150 Limited. However, for how much Ram seems to be focusing on this new model, it will only make up for a small amount of sales.

While technology continues to push forward in these trucks, much of it becomes useless for most. With these trucks getting more and more expensive, we would like to see more of a focus on the mainstream area of the segment by offering more affordable packages to the blue-collar guy who uses his truck like a truck.

When I purchased my 2019 Ram 1500 Laramie Sport Crew Cab 4×4 off the lot in May 2019, that truck was almost a fully-loaded pickup with nearly every option box checked off for roughly $64,000, before taxes and fees. A similarly equipped 2025 model is now over $75,000. That’s a huge markup for just about five years.

Overall, the new truck is a great execution of taking everything that Ram owners love in the outgoing model and pushing it forward.

2025 Ram 1500 Rebel Crew Cab 4×4 Image Gallery:

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