RAM TRX vs RHO: HEMI or Hurricane?
In 2024 we say goodbye to what is arguably the best turnkey off-road pickup Ram has ever produced, the TRX. For 2025, the TRX loses the Hellcat V8 and gains the high output version of the Hurricane inline-six engine. Now called the RHO, this evolution of the TRX still looks to be an attractive alternative to those cross shopping its biggest competitor, the Ford Raptor. In this article, we’ll dive into the all-new RHO, examine how it compares to the TRX, and look into which stands to be the better investment.
RIP Hellcat
A Hellcat-powered pickup making 702 horsepower is something we will definitely miss. The furious crackle of the V8 and the supercharger whine is a symphony of awesome that won’t be replaced by the whirl of the Hurricane engine. That being said, the V8 is heavy, has terrible fuel economy, and is something that most manufacturers seem to be phasing out, sadly.
Rock You Like A Hurricane?
In place of the V8, the RHO receives the High-Output 3.0L Hurricane engine. The inline-six twin-turbo engine pumps out 540 horsepower and 521 lb-ft of torque. This engine is approximately 150 pounds lighter than the Hellcat and has an EPA rating of 14 MPG city and 16 MPG highway. This bests the Hellcat’s 10 MPG city and 14 MPG highway by a good bit, but is it worth losing 162hp and 129 lb-ft of torque?
Same Case
Both trucks have the 8HP95 eight-speed automatic transmission with the BW 48-13 transfer case. This means just like the TRX, the RHO will not have a two-wheel drive mode from the factory. We suspect that the aftermarket may find a way to “unlock” a two-wheel drive mode as they have done with the TRX. This could potentially help the RHO in the fuel economy department even more.
Interior Updates
Stepping into the RHO, you will notice that much of the interior layout is the same as the TRX, with two main exceptions. For 2025, Ram now offers a massive 14.5-inch center-mounted touchscreen and class-exclusive 10.25-inch front passenger touchscreen.
Long Travel
With a lighter engine, Ram did go back to work with Bilstein to improve the e2 Blackhawk shocks even more from the TRX. The suspension travel figures remain the same 13-inch front and 14-inch rear as it was from the TRX, which is still shy of the Ford Raptor’s 14-inch front and 15-inch rear travel figures.
New Sticker, Same Flare
If you pulled the stickers from an RHO and TRX, you’d be hard-pressed to tell them apart, which is a good thing. The massive fenders, steel bumpers, and overall aggressive styling are part of the allure of this truck. Could Ram have done more to set the RHO apart from the TRX, of course. Are we upset that they didn’t? Not one bit.
Treads
A 35-inch-tall tire remains standard on the RHO as it was the TRX. However, unlike the 2024 TRX Final Edition that came standard with 18x9 beadlock capable wheels, if you want those for your RHO, you’ll have to pay extra. The stock wheels are on the heavy side and factory tires a bit underwhelming in the looks department. This is why we changed ours on our 2024 TRX with these 35x12.50R18 Nitto Trail Grapplers mounted on 18x9 Method 323 Gloss Bronze wheels. Just be mindful of offset if you are looking for aftermarket wheels as the stock wheels come with a positive 19mm offset. The Method’s here have a positive 12mm offset, which pushes them out about a quarter of an inch more than the factory wheel.
Better Value?
As of writing this, there are still brand new 2024 Ram TRX Final Edition trucks sitting on dealer lots. However, with only 4,000 units made, they cost a premium with a standard MSRP of $124,000. The 2025 Ram RHO on the other hand starts at $69,995 but can easily be optioned out to over $90,000.
By The Numbers
Both the TRX and RHO put down impressive performance figures. In fact, Ram claims a 4.5 0-60 with the TRX and 4.6 with the RHO. In the real world, multiple outlets have claimed to record even faster times with the TRX, but it remains to be seen if the RHO can top those manufacturer numbers in the real world. On paper, the RHO is only slightly slower than the TRX but does best the Max payload and towing figures of the TRX by a few hundred pounds.
Practical?
It’s important to note that there are other improvements on the RHO that do make it more than just a TRX with a different engine. However, for most enthusiast minded people, the decision to purchase one or the other will likely come down to how badly do you want a V8. The used TRX market has cooled down some, but we’ve yet to see them dip below the $60,000 mark online. Given that they were only offered from 2021 to 2024, we don’t see the market softening significantly any time soon. By the numbers, the RHO is a more well-rounded, dare we say, practical truck.
History Is Telling
It’s worth noting that we partly have the TRX to thank for Ford finally bringing back the V8 in the Raptor platform, which we now know will stick around at least through 2025. When Ford moved from the first generation V8 Raptor to the second-generation twin-turbo EcoBoost V6, the reception wasn’t great. The fact they Ford even brought back a V8 option is someone telling as well. We’ve known for years that Ram was moving away from its Hemi V8 line up. So, this is your reminder that if you want one of these V8-powered desert trucks, your time may be running out. Could Ram pull a fast one like Jeep did with the 392 and make one more final, final edition with the V8? You never know, but I wouldn't wait around to find out.
More From Driving Line
- Want to see the Ram TRX in action? Watch our full video review.
