Can there ever be too much luxury in a truck?
2025 RAM 1500 ditches iconic HEMI V8 for new turbo, inline six-cylinder engine
I am cruising along a two-lane arterial highway west of Austin and am not thinking about the big change at all. Not even for a moment. Not a bit.
I engage in intermittent conversation with my drive partner, as I soak in the pastoral, and beautifully desolate Texas countryside. The big vehicle I’m piloting hums along confidently, and quietly, as I advance down the smooth road on a bright sunny morning.
Local speed limits are keeping me in the 45-55 mph (72-89 km/h) range, which suits the vehicle just fine. The engine is turning over at less than 2,000 rpm. Wind and tire noise can be faintly heard but not to the point where I need to raise my voice.
The cabin I'm in is engaging: The gorgeous, and gigantic, centre touchscreen display. The colourful and pin-sharp digital instrument cluster. The luxurious materials used for the seats, door panels, armrests. This is a very plush ride.
But the big change? The one that fans, including current owners, may grumble about? Nope. Didn’t cross my mind.
Yes, I am speaking about the 2025 RAM 1500 full-size truck, and the big change I’m referring to is the ditching of the iconic HEMI V8. It’s true. The engine that helped RAM sell millions of trucks in recent decades is dead.
When the 2025s begin arriving at dealers in March, none will have HEMI V8s. However, customers will have two new turbo, inline sixcylinder engines to choose from, and, based on my experience, they are nothing to sneeze at. But I’ll get to that.
So why has the HEMI been retired? According to RAM, it’s a part of parent company Stellantis’ longterm strategy to halve its carbon footprint by 2030. By that date, it also aims for EVs to account for all its sales in Europe, and half of them in North America.
For 2025, Canada will receive eight RAM 1500 models, the same number as the departing 2024. They are Tradesman, Big Horn, Sport, Rebel, Laramie, Limited Longhorn, Limited and Tungsten. If that last one is unfamiliar, it should be. It’s new.
There are three six-cylinder engines available. One is the carryover, 3.6-litre Pentastar, V6, eTorque, which produces 315 horsepower and 269 pounds feet of motive torque. The eTorque name refers to a 48-volt mild hybrid system, which works with the engine to help with cold weather starts, acceleration from rest, and overall fuel efficiency. It’s standard for Tradesman and Big Horn models.
Then there are the new engines, which RAM calls Hurricanes. Available in both standard and high output, the Hurricanes are three-litre, twin-turbocharged, inline, six-cylinder engines. Standard, which is offered with Sport, Rebel, and Laramie grades, produces 420 horsepower and 469 lbs.-ft. of torque. This engine is available as an option for Tradesman and Big Horn. The High Output Hurricane, which is standard issue for Limited Longhorn, Limited and Tungsten, produces 540 horsepower and 521 lbs.-ft. of torque. The power gains RAM engineers have made with the Hurricanes are striking when compared with the 5.7-litre HEMI V8, which produces 395 horsepower and 410 lbs.-ft. of torque.
All engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and Canadian models are available in 4x4 only.
All models receive new grade-specific front fascias and grilles, new LED headlights, new LED tail lights and new wheel designs. LED headlights are standard on all models.
The ‘25s also receive a new electrical system, which the company says will allow for more advanced tech features, including autonomous driving. On that note, the truck is already available with a hands-free driving aid that can perform lane changes once the turn signal is tapped. This tech works on divided highways, such Interstates and 400 series highways.
New utility items include a power up-down tailgate that can be operated from the key fob, along with a new panel in the bed which comes with two 110-volt outlets and a twokilowatt (kW) inverter. The maximum tow rating is down by more than a 1,000 pounds (454 kg) to 11,560 (5,244 kg) with the standard Hurricane. RAM officials say it’s not a big concern. We’ll see what buyers think.
Inside the cabin, there are three touchscreen sizes, that vary depending on model: base 8.4-inch, 12-inch, and 14.5-inch, which is standard on the Tungsten.
RAM is loading features into the Tungsten in ways that would make high-end German sedans blush. Among its many standard features are a new 23-speaker Klipsch audio system, 24-way powered and massaging front seats, and a wireless charge pad that can power up two phones at once.
It also has quilted leather seats, a suede-trimmed headliner, knurled metal knobs and switches, and large digital screens: 14.5-inch centre, a 12-inch instrument cluster, and 10.25-inch passenger-only panel.
There's a centre console plate that includes the truck’s VIN, and fourway power adjustable headrests. In a truck!
Now, you may be thinking this is a bit excessive. There’s too much luxury here. The RAM 1500 is a truck after all, and aren’t trucks supposed to be, you know, more utilitarian? Should the Tungsten really cost more than a BMW M3?
The answer depends on where the buyer sees value and how much they’re willing to spend.
While driving along rolling Texas roads, I enjoy the rush of the high output Hurricane twin-turbo six which responds powerfully to my inputs, as I guide this big Tungsten over undulating tarmac. Meanwhile, the pin-sharp screens feed precise information, as I rest my elbows on padded leather armrests.
I think its time for a massage. And some music.