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2025 Ram 1500 Review: New SST Engine is Sumptuous but Lacks Audible Presence

The 2025 Ram 1500 is once again the premium full-size truck.

  • Luxurious interior rivals high-end sedans, complete with leather, wood, and massaging seats.

  • New 3.0L twin-turbo inline-six engine delivers up to 540 horsepower and silky-smooth performance.

  • Air suspension provides exceptional ride comfort and off-road capability with 10.7 inches of clearance.


Ram’s full-size trucks have enjoyed a remarkable run over the past few decades, and the 2025 Ram 1500 shows no signs of negatively impacting the truck’s momentum. While the Ford F-150 may continue to lead sales, the Ram 1500 has carved out a loyal following thanks to its sharp styling, plush interiors, and competitive capabilities. With the discontinuation of the 5.7-litre HEMI V8, some might think that interest in the truck may slow…

2025 Ram 1500 | Photo: Matt St-Pierre

The 2025 Ram 1500 introduces a 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline-six engine, dubbed the Hurricane, replacing the outgoing V8 engine. Available in standard and high-output versions, this engine provides impressive power, all the while heightening the truck’s luxurious persona.

Power and Performance

This is the big news for 2025, and it’s a twister, or more precisely, a Hurricane. The standard-output version delivers 420 horsepower and 469 lb-ft of torque, while the high-output variant cranks out 540 horsepower and 521 lb-ft. Both are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

2025 Ram 1500 | Photo: Matt St-Pierre

Inline-6-cylinder engines are known for their smooth operation, and despite its stormy name, the Hurricane is seamless. The power is delivered with faultless efficiency. The thrust is instantaneous and sustained but with little more than a low even hum even under wide-open-throttle. And this is a shame but very far from being a deal-breaker. In fact, so quiet is the Hurricane that some passengers asked if the Ram 1500 was electric.

Driving the Ram 1500 feels like nothing short of piloting a luxury SUV with a touch of brute force.

Fuel economy, however, remains a weak spot. After a week of mixed driving, I averaged around 17.5 L/100 km—no better than the outgoing HEMI. But with all that power, it’s hard to complain too much. If only it rumbled more…

2025 Ram 1500 | Photo: Matt St-Pierre

One of the must-have features is the optional air suspension. Up to 10.7 inches of ground clearance is ideal for off-road adventures and traversing treacherous mall parking lots. At its lowest setting, it’s equally helpful for loading cargo or hooking up a trailer. Thanks to it, the ride is buttery even over rough roads, and the truck maintains excellent composure at all speeds.

Bold Looks with Premium Touches

A quick glance at the 2025 Ram 1500, and it’s clear this truck isn’t just about doing truck stuff—it’s about style, too. Whether you opt for the entry-level Tradesman or the top-of-the-line Tungsten trim, Ram’s design gives it a premium aura unmatched in the segment. Chrome accents, massive 20-inch wheels, and sleek LED lighting make it one of the sharpest trucks on the market.

Inside, the Tungsten trim rivals luxury SUVs. Real wood trim, quilted leather seats, and massaging functions make this cabin feel more like a first-class lounge than a work truck. With a 12-inch touchscreen (optional 14-inch), a 10.25-inch passenger display, and a massive centre console for storage, there’s no shortage of tech, convenience, or comfort.

2025 Ram 1500 | Photo: Matt St-Pierre

Rear passengers aren’t left out either—there’s plenty of legroom, heated seats, and multiple USB ports. The optional Ram Boxes provide additional storage built into the bed’s sides, but they do eat into cargo space slightly.

Features and Pricing

Base Tradesman models start at $58,740 in Canada, offering an 8.4-inch touchscreen, 18-inch wheels, and the standard 3.6-litre V6 with eTorque. At the other end of the spectrum, the new Tungsten trim tops out at $107,488 before options, loaded with premium features like leather upholstery, Ram Boxes, and a 12-speaker audio system. My tester, a near-loaded Limited trim, came in at $97,500. Options included the multi-function tailgate and a trifold tonneau cover. Never imagine that a typical pickup is “lesser.” The tester’s price will get you a 2025 BMW X5 xDriver50e…

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Ram 1500 combines serious capability (tow up to 11,500 lb and haul up to 2,300 lb) with luxury, making it an impressively versatile truck. The new Hurricane engine is powerful and refined, and the air suspension delivers a ride that’s second to none in this class. Sure, fuel economy isn’t its strong suit, but if you’re shopping for a full-size truck, efficiency probably isn’t your top priority.

For buyers who value comfort and tech as much as towing and hauling, the Ram 1500 remains a standout choice. It’s not just a workhorse—it’s a premium truck.

2025 Ram 1500 | Photo: Matt St-Pierre
2025 Ram 1500 | Photo: Matt St-Pierre

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Matt St-Pierre
Matt St-Pierre
Trained as an Automotive Technician, Matt has two decades of automotive journalism under his belt. He’s done TV, radio, print and this thing called the internet. He’s an avid collector of many 4-wheeled things, all of them under 1,500 kg, holds a recently expired racing license and is a father of two. Life is beautiful. Send Matt an emai

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