The Ram 1500 may not be the top selling pickup in the country, but it sure is a leader. Back in 1994, when it was known as the Dodge Ram, it changed the whole pickup truck industry by appearing with its big-rig looks and bold styling. Soon after, others (coincidentally the number 1 and number 2 pickup truck sales leaders) followed. Then in the mid-2000’s Ram was offered in a luxurious trim, and guess-who were there following? Time and time again, the Ram has proven that you don’t have to be the top seller to be a leader.
Out since 2019, the current 5th generation continues with its bold, in-your-face styling. This is not the truck you want to see coming up fast in your rear-view mirror. Despite its larger-than-life looks, today’s Ram is both lighter and stronger than ever before. 2025 marks a big year for the Ram 1500. While it does get some minor styling changes and a new trim level, the bigger news for the Ram is what is no longer available.
First and foremost, the 5.7-liter Hemi engine is no more. In fact, no V8 engine is available for the Ram 1500, meaning all the 2025 Ram 1500’s engine options max out at six cylinders. As a result, the supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine is also gone, meaning the off-road focused Ram TRX has been discontinued. Ram is showing that a V8 engine is no longer needed in the lineup to compete.
While some diehard V8 lovers may miss the Hemi, it is not the power that they will miss. Its replacement, a new engine called the Hurricane, is a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six cylinder that is available in two outputs, a standard version producing 420 horsepower and 469 lb-ft of torque and a High Output version making 540 horsepower and 521 lb-ft of torque. Considering that the old Hemi V8 made 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, the Hurricane, even in standard form, outpowers the V8. The base engine continues to be a 3.6-liter V6 with a mild hybrid system (305 horsepower, 271 lb-ft). An eight-speed automatic transmission is used on all Ram 1500s.
On the outside, the truck’s exterior styling has been tweaked to include a more modern look. This includes new lighting and new wheel designs, all of which continue to make the Ram look as handsome and tough as ever. And while some may debate between the Ram, the F-150 and the Silverado, over which has the best interior, the Ram’s new range-topping Tungsten model ups the ante with a quilted-leather interior, massaging seats, and a 23-speaker Klipsch stereo.
Typically, when I review a vehicle, the manufacturer usually sends the newest, or highest trim level in an attempt to ooh and aah us. This time around though, Ram did the opposite – as they sent me a Ram 1500 Crewcab in the base Tradesman trim level. Pricing for the Ram 1500 Tradesman starts just above $43,000, but this one was fitted with four-wheel drive and the 3.0-liter Hurricane engine (in standard output). Other options include a trailer tow package, an interior package and a tonneau cover. The MSRP was $57,530.
While the Tradesman is the base trim level, it does come with the essentials like power windows, door locks and air conditioning, but it also comes with remote keyless entry, cruise control, tilt and telescoping steering wheel and a 5-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Floors and seats are vinyl, however, this does get upgraded if you opt for the interior package. With the package, the Tradesman is fitted with a 40/20/40 front cloth bench seat and a 60/40 cloth rear seat along with a rear power sliding window. Nothing fancy, and, as the name implies, it is meant to be a work truck.
Driving the Ram 1500 with the new Hurricane engine will easily make one forget the old V8. The new engine gives the Ram a big boost in power and performance. Tests show that the Ram 1500 with the standard Hurricane engine can reach 60 mph in just 5.2 seconds, while the high-output version needs just 4.7 seconds to achieve that same feat. One area where the Hurricane equipped Ram does fall short is in towing. With the Hemi, the Ram could tow up to 12,750 pounds. A Ram with the Hurricane can tow a maximum of 11,570 pounds.
The ride quality of the Ram continues to be one of the best around thanks to its coiled spring rear suspension. You can still tell you’re driving a big truck as there is some body roll, but road imperfections are easily swallowed up and the occupants remain comfortable, even when not equipped with the fancy air-suspension that is offered on the higher up models.
Obviously, the Ram 1500 Tradesman is not for everyone. It’s a work truck, so if you prefer leather interior with heated seats and a fancy infotainment screen, a higher trim level is better suited. But for those that need a truck for work, the Tradesman, especially one equipped with the new Hurricane engine would be a wise choice. And as the Ram becomes another major full-size truck to do away with a V8 engine (the Toyota Tundra also does not offer a V8) we are seeing things shift in the full-size truck industry – where at one time a V8 was practically a requirement to compete, it is now becoming a thing of the past.
– Christopher A. Randazzo
By The Numbers:
2025 Ram 1500 Crew Cab Tradesman 4×4
Base Price: $50,015.00
Price as Tested: $57,530.00
Layout: front-engine / four-wheel drive
Engine: 3.0 liter turbocharged straight-six cylinder
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Horsepower: 420 horsepower
Torque: 469 ft/lbs
EPA Fuel Economy: N/A
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