Ram 1500 RHO Looks To Take On The Ford F-150 Raptor Head On

In the adrenaline-fueled world of high-performance off-road trucks, two formidable contenders have long reigned supreme: the Ram 1500 TRX and the Ford F-150 Raptor R. With the discontinuation of the beloved HEMI® HELLCAT V8, Ram has taken the best attributes of its TRX and incorporated them into a new package with the new twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter HURRICANE High-Output (H/O) I-6 engine to compete directly with the entry-level twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6-powered Ford F-150 Raptor.

So, let’s explore these two high-performance off-roaders more and see how the new RHO compares to an updated Raptor that just made its debut.

Exterior Design –

The Ram 1500 RHO makes a bold statement with its rugged and aggressive design. Sporting an hourglass body design and composite flares stretched over 35-inch tires, the RHO exudes a commanding presence on and off the road. Premium LED taillamps and an oversized R-A-M badge add to its distinctive appearance, leaving a lasting impression. The front grille, hood, skid plates, and steel bumpers are meticulously crafted to meet the demands of high-performance off-roading, blending form and function seamlessly.

Meanwhile, the Ford F-150 Raptor is an adventure icon in off-road supremacy. Renowned for its unmistakable presence, the Raptor boasts rugged exterior features and a commanding silhouette. With an updated grille, headlights, and available hood graphics, the Raptor exudes a menacing look that hints at its untamed power. The modular front bumper allows for easy accessory attachment, while wider forged tow hooks and bumper end caps enhance functionality and aesthetics. With its aggressive lines and wide stance, the Ford F-150 Raptor is a true standout on any terrain, radiating confidence and capability.

Interior Design and Space –

Step inside the Ram RHO, and you’re immediately enveloped in an atmosphere of luxury and refinement. The interior is adorned with premium materials and meticulous attention to detail, exuding a sense of sophistication that elevates the driving experience to new heights. Plush leather seats featuring embroidered logos and available memory settings provide comfort and support for long journeys and exhilarating off-road adventures. The center console boasts a console-mounted performance floor shifter wrapped in semi-perforated leather, offering intuitive access to gear selection while maximizing storage space. Advanced technology takes center stage, with over 50 inches of combined available digital display screens, including a class-exclusive 10.25-inch passenger screen for dynamic touchscreen control. Whether navigating rough terrain or cruising down the highway, the Ram 1500 RHO offers a sanctuary of luxury and convenience, ensuring every journey is met with unparalleled comfort and sophistication.

Inside the Raptor, the spirit of adventure comes alive in a cabin designed for excitement and practicality. The interior strikes a balance between rugged durability and modern comforts, boasting a spacious layout and intuitive controls for seamless operation. Dominating the cabin are two 12.0-inch screens, serving as the instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen, delivering essential information and entertainment at your fingertips. The seats offer ample support and adjustability, ensuring comfort even during the most demanding off-road excursions. The Drive Mode selector, seamlessly integrated into the dashboard, provides various modes of operation for different driving conditions, while aluminum paddle shifters add a touch of sportiness to the driving experience.

Powertrains –

Beneath the Ram 1500 RHO’s hood resides a powerhouse of performance, ready to conquer any terrain with unyielding force. Its twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter HURRICANE High-Output (H/O) I-6 engine, derived from Stellantis’s esteemed lineup, delivers an impressive 540 horsepower and 521 lb.-ft. of torque. This formidable powerplant ensures relentless acceleration and formidable off-road prowess, perfectly complemented by an eight-speed automatic transmission that provides smooth and responsive power delivery. While the RHO’s full-time four-wheel-drive system lacks the versatility of the Raptor’s transfer case, its raw power and uncompromising performance make it a force to be reckoned with on any terrain.

With its formidable powertrain, the Ford F-150 Raptor upholds its reputation for raw power and uncompromising performance. At its core lies a potent twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6, generating 450 horsepower and 510 lb.-ft. of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, this high-output engine delivers lightning-fast shifts and seamless power delivery across the rev range. Its versatile transfer case sets the Raptor apart, offering rear-wheel drive, auto four-wheel drive, and high and low-range four-wheel drive modes. This flexibility allows the Raptor to adapt to various driving conditions with unparalleled precision and control, from high-speed desert runs to technical rock crawling.

Suspension –

The suspension systems of the Ram 1500 RHO and the Ford F-150 Raptor stand out as key components that contribute to their formidable capabilities. The Ram 1500 RHO’s suspension is engineered to conquer the most challenging terrain with confidence and control. Drawing inspiration from its TRX predecessor, the RHO features Bilstein BlackHawk e2 adaptive shocks, meticulously tuned to accommodate its lower weight and deliver optimal performance on rough surfaces. These dampers provide exceptional shock absorption and stability, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride even in the most demanding conditions. Moreover, boasting an impressive rear axle travel of up to 14 inches, the RHO offers enhanced articulation and maneuverability, enabling drivers to tackle obstacles easily and precisely.

In contrast, the Ford F-150 Raptor has earned its reputation for legendary off-road prowess, largely due to its advanced suspension system. Equipped with Fox 3.1-inch adaptive live-valve dampers, the Raptor delivers exceptional handling and control on rough terrain, with the ability to adjust damping forces in real time for optimal performance. The Raptor offers the option for dual-valve shocks with the 37-inch tire package for added off-road capability. With up to 15 inches of maximum suspension travel on the rear axle, the Raptor provides unmatched stability and comfort, allowing drivers to conquer challenging trails confidently. Whether navigating rocky terrain or blasting through dunes, the Ford F-150 Raptor’s suspension system ensures a smooth and controlled ride.

Towing and Payload –

In terms of towing and payload capacities, the Ram 1500 RHO and the Ford F-150 Raptor showcase their versatility and practicality.

The Ram 1500 RHO emerges as a powerhouse, excelling both on and off the beaten path, boasting impressive towing and payload capabilities that cater to various tasks. With a maximum towing capacity of 8,380 lbs. and a maximum payload capacity of 1,520 lbs., the RHO proves adept at handling demanding workloads. Whether it’s towing trailers laden with off-road vehicles or hauling equipment for outdoor adventures, the RHO offers ample capacity to tackle any challenge, making it a reliable companion for work and play.

The Raptor impresses with its towing and payload capabilities, showcasing its versatility in various tasks. With a maximum towing capacity of 8,000 lbs. and a maximum payload capacity of 1,400 lbs., the Raptor demonstrates its capability as a workhorse that excels both on and off the road. Whether transporting equipment to remote job sites or towing recreational vehicles for weekend getaways, the Raptor offers the reliability and versatility needed for various tasks.

Pricing –

The Ram 1500 RHO emerges as a compelling contender, offering enthusiasts an enticing blend of adrenaline-pumping performance and exceptional value. With a starting MSRP of $69,995 (excluding destination), the RHO delivers a potent combination of power, capability, and technology without sacrificing affordability. Despite its competitive price point, the RHO doesn’t compromise on performance or quality, making it an appealing option for drivers looking to elevate their off-road adventures without breaking the bank. With accessible pricing and impressive features, the Ram 1500 RHO challenges the notion that top-tier performance comes with a hefty price tag.

In contrast, the Ford F-150 Raptor reigns supreme as the undisputed king of the sand dunes, commanding attention with its formidable performance and iconic presence. With a starting MSRP of $78,330 (excluding destination), the Raptor offers a premium off-road experience at a premium price. While it may come with a higher cost than some competitors, the Raptor justifies its price tag with a wealth of advanced features, potent performance, and legendary capability.

RHO Pros and Cons – 

Pros – 

✅ Powerful Engine: Delivers more power than Raptor

✅ More Screens: RHO’s interior has more advanced technology features like the available passenger screen and a larger main touchscreen. 

✅ More Towing and Payload: RHO has 380 lbs. more towing capacity and 120 lbs. more payload capacity.

✅ Starting Price: RHO is approximately $8,335 cheaper than the Ford F-150 Raptor at their respective starting prices.

Cons – 

🚫 Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive: The RHO’s full-time four-wheel-drive system lacks the versatility of a transfer case, which may limit its adaptability in certain off-road scenarios.

🚫 No 37-Inch Tire Option: Raptor has a 37-inch tire option from the factory, RHO does not.

🚫 Hurricane H/O Engine: While it may not be a HEMI®, the Hurricane engine is still proving itself when in comparison to the EcoBoost.

🚫 Make It Even Cheaper: Forget the fancy stuff, give us a no thrills model and minimal equipment. We will take one with vinyl floors, cloth seats, and an 8.4-inch Uconnect 5 system to get the price under $65,000.