Why the 2025 Ram 1500 is the Top Truck According to a Major Auto Publication

Sales of the Ram 1500 have been off during the first half of this year as many potential buyers appear to be waiting for the new more fuel-efficient SST engines. One of the most respected automotive publications, Car and Driver, is out with its rankings of large trucks and the 2025 Ram 1500 is rated as the top truck, landing a perfect ten out of ten. Interestingly, the 2024 Ram 1500 TRX also received a ten out of ten. The Ford F150 received a nine out of ten.

Why the 2025 Ram 1500 Was Ranked the Best

In its review, Car and Driver quickly points out that the 2025 Ram 1500 doesn’t tow as much as its Detroit Three rivals but the Ram gives the biggest bang for the buck. Starting at $42,270, the Ram can be loaded with luxury at a lower price tag than most. The most luxurious trim is called the Tungsten, and it starts at $89,070.

In its overview, Car and Driver says:

“Combining capability and comfort is the Ram 1500’s specialty, and this full-size pickup truck is getting a host of upgrades for 2025 to keep it dominant in its segment. It packs a choice of six-cylinder engines: a base V-6 or a twin-turbo inline-six. The latter replaces the old Hemi V-8 but makes up to 540 horsepower. A Rebel model provides more off-road prowess, but the half-ton Ram is best when configured for luxury. High-end trims such as the Limited and new Tungsten do their best impression of class-above vehicles while still delivering workhorse skills. The Ram can’t tow as much as rivals such as the Ford F-150 and the Chevy Silverado, but its maximum capacity is still high enough that most buyers won’t complain.”

Ram’s Class-Leading Value Continues in 2025

As I have already reported, the Ram 1500 will be freshened in 2025. Ram debuted its new 2025 Ram 1500 RHO truck with an emphasis on value. The new pickup truck posts lots of impressive numbers, but the most striking number of them all is the sticker. The new 2025 Ram RHO offers the all-new, more powerful and more efficient 3.0-liter Hurricane High Output (H/O) Straight-Six Turbo (SST) engine. The truck is rated at 540 horsepower and 521 lb.-ft. of torque. It will do 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds. It will also do 0-100 mph in 11.7 seconds. It has a top speed of 118 mph. The RHO starts at $69,995, plus a $1,995 destination charge. The new twin-turbocharged inline-six SST will be the standard engine with 420 horsepower.

Car and Driver says this about the 2025 Ram 1500:

“The truck’s exterior styling tweaks are minor, but they make it look more modern and as handsome as ever. New lighting elements, wheel designs, and a freshened color palette are all part of the refresh. Inside, the standard 8.4-inch touchscreen is replaced by a larger 12.0-inch one, and an even larger 14.5-inch display is now available. A 10.3-inch passenger-side screen is also now an option. The Ram 1500 has been the fanciest truck on the road over the past few years, but a new range-topping Tungsten model promises to up the ante, with quilted-leather upholstery, massaging seats, and upscale features such as a 23-speaker Klipsch stereo.”

Car and Driver is Especially Complimentary About the Ram’s Interior Luxury

“Inside, the Ram 1500 has supremely functional cubby stowage and cavernous passenger space. Higher trims add upscale materials and creature comforts, making the Ram feel more like a luxury vehicle than a pickup truck, especially the new Tungsten flagship trim. Most models are available with upscale features such as heated and ventilated seats and a panoramic sunroof, while the fanciest versions have premium leather surfaces and genuine wood accents. The Tungsten model boasts 24-way adjustable front seats with massage as well as a 23-speaker Klipsch stereo system and many other luxuries. As with most full-size pickup trucks, the Ram 1500's crew cab is supremely spacious. It also has vast amounts of interior storage and a unique split-folding tailgate.”

The Ram routinely performs well in every review that considers overall value and performance. It appears that will continue through 2025.

Ram Photo

Mary Conway is a professional automotive journalist and has decades of experience specializing in automotive news analysis. She covered the Detroit Three for more than twenty years for the ABC affiliate, in Detroit. Her affection for the Motor City comes naturally. Her father ran a gas station while Mary was growing up, in Wisconsin.

Follow Mary Conway at @MaryConwayMedia and send her car news tips for future stories.