Dodge finally pulled the wraps off the 2025 RAM 1500 yesterday in Detroit, and let me tell you this truck is a game-changer. I got to walk around it before anyone else, and it’s clear RAM didn’t just refresh the old model. They rebuilt it from the ground up.
A Meaner Face and Better Lights
The grille is bigger, bolder, and split into two parts depending on the trim. The top-of-the-line Tungsten model gets this slick animated LED light bar that runs across the whole nose. Turn the truck on and the lights “wake up” with a quick sweep super cool at night. Lower trims still get full LED headlights, but without the fancy show.
Inside Feels Like a Luxury SUV
Open the door and you’re hit with soft leather everywhere. The Tungsten trim I sat in had real wood and massaging seats. Yeah, massaging seats in a pickup. The dashboard is dominated by a 14.5-inch touchscreen tilted toward the driver. There’s still a volume knob and real buttons for climate thank you, Dodge, for not going full Tesla.
A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster comes standard now. You can change the look from classic needles to modern bars with a swipe. And if you want more screens, there’s an optional 10.3-inch passenger display so your co-pilot can run navigation or pick music without bugging you.
Powertrain Choices Got Interesting
The old HEMI V8 is gone (RIP), but don’t panic. The new twin-turbo 3.0-liter Hurricane inline-six makes 540 horsepower in high-output form. That’s more than the old 6.4-liter V8! A standard-output version puts out 420 hp. Both hook up to an 8-speed automatic and come with rear or four-wheel drive.
Towing and Payload Stay Strong
Even with the new engines, numbers didn’t drop. Max towing is still 11,580 pounds, and payload tops out at 2,300 pounds on the right configuration. The air suspension is smoother than ever and still lifts or lowers the truck with a button.
Safety Tech You’ll Actually Use
Every 2025 RAM 1500 gets automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims add hands-free highway driving that works up to 70 mph. I tested it on a closed course it steers, brakes, and accelerates by itself.
Price
Here’s the sticker everyone wants:
- Tradesman: $42,370
- Big Horn: $47,890
- Laramie: $59,050
- Rebel: $63,120
- Limited: $71,660
- Tungsten: $89,150
First Drive Impressions
I drove a Rebel with the high-output Hurricane. Punch it and the truck launches. Zero turbo lag, just instant power. Ride quality is quieter than my buddy’s 2023 model wind and tire noise are way down.
Bottom Line
2025 RAM 1500 looks better, drives smoother, and packs more tech than ever. Losing the V8 hurts a little, but the new Hurricane six is seriously quick. If you’re in the market for a full-size truck, put this one on your test-drive list. It’s that good.