If you’re in the market for the best full-size pickup truck available, visiting your nearest Ram dealership is a must.
The 2025 Ram 1500 features a redesign that brings back the top-tier Tungsten trim. It didn’t take long—just under two weeks and about 1,700 miles—to confirm that this truck truly stands out above the rest.
Boasting a cabin outfitted with luxurious leather and advanced sound systems, state-of-the-art technology, and an incredibly agile turbo-6 engine, the Tungsten raises the bar for quality against competitors like Ford, GM, and Toyota.
Ram 1500 phases out Hemi V-8, introduces Hurricane turbo-6
The V-8 engine option for the Ram 1500 has reached its conclusion. Rest in peace.
For 2025, all Ram 1500 models are equipped with a six-cylinder engine, paired with a smooth 8-speed automatic transmission. The base model continues with the reliable 3.6-liter V-6 engine delivering 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque, but most variants will feature the new Hurricane turbo-6. This 3.0-liter turbocharged engine generates an impressive 420 horsepower and 469 lb-ft of torque in its standard configuration. That’s quite a performance boost.
My test vehicle, the high-end Tungsten edition, came with the high-output variant of this engine, increasing the boost to 28 psi, yielding a remarkable 540 horsepower and 521 lb-ft of torque. This translates to 145 horsepower and 110 lb-ft of torque more than the previous 5.7-liter V-8. It ranks as the highest output engine available in a light-duty pickup, aside from the Raptor R’s supercharged 5.2-liter V-8, but that’s a different beast entirely. In comparison, the Toyota Tundra’s hybrid turbo-6 offers more torque at 583 lb-ft but falls short with only 437 horsepower.
On a cold start, the turbo-6 may not impress with its sound, lacking the deep rumble of the 3.5-liter turbo-6 found in upper-tier Ford F-150s, which boast dual exhausts. It’s certainly quieter than a V-8. However, while I missed the richer sound of the V-8 during hard acceleration, the turbo-6’s performance is thrilling and almost too much at times. The power is abundant, and the throttle response can be quite sensitive, requiring a measured approach to maintain smooth acceleration. Starting from a standstill, the rear tires could easily break traction if all traction aids are disabled. A heavy foot while cornering can also lead to tire spin. Ready for a bit of drifting in a luxury truck?
While the engine offers heightened power, it also demands more fuel. The EPA rates fuel efficiency at 15 mpg in the city, 21 mpg on the highway, and 17 mpg combined. This is lower than the previous V-8’s efficiency of 18 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, and 19 mpg combined with four-wheel drive. During various road trips, my observed fuel economy ranged from 16.0 to 20.1 mpg, depending on conditions, which isn’t stellar. Turbo engines tend to consume fuel more aggressively.
Ram 1500 offers a luxurious interior experience
Stepping inside the Ram 1500 Tungsten, it’s hard to comprehend that it’s a pickup truck. The majority of the interior is adorned with rich leather or plush materials. The upper door panels, seats, dashboard, steering wheel, and even the grab handles are finished with elegant accent stitching. Competitors like GM, Ford, and Toyota could certainly take some lessons here.
The stunning interior features a blue and white color scheme, referred to as Indigo and Sea Salt by Ram. It’s absolutely beautiful. However, having white upholstery in a truck is a questionable choice, as I realized when I returned to the vehicle with greasy hands after loading a hitch into the truck. “What do I do now?” was my immediate thought.
The 24-way power adjustable front seats, which offer massaging, cooling, and heating features, are ample like those in the F-150, yet they feel firmer. The controls for the radio’s volume and tuning operate smoothly, almost as though they were lubricated, and I appreciated the presence of physical buttons for the climate control placed conveniently next to the 14.4-inch touchscreen. Notably, the 12.3-inch digital gauge display lacks a boost gauge that’s standard in Ford F-150 and Toyota Tundra models. This absence is a significant oversight for a pickup truck. The head-up display, like many others, loses clarity when using polarized sunglasses; however, without them, it can be quite sharp. Additionally, there’s a new 10.3-inch screen for front passengers that left my father and wife puzzled, exclaiming, “What are we supposed to do with this?” I guess Netflix can fill the time? The truck’s 23-speaker Klipsch audio system delivers a powerful 1,375 watts and 24 channels, making it one of the finest sound systems available in a pickup truck.
I’ve encountered some impressive audio systems in trucks, but this one even includes speakers embedded in the front seatbacks.
Ram 1500 aims for understated elegance
In contrast to the commanding front profile of the GMC Sierra Denali, the Ram 1500 Tungsten has a more inviting appearance. Its grille and headlights emphasize width rather than height. At 5-foot-10, I noticed that the front end doesn’t rise to my chest like the Sierra’s does. The Ram presents itself as a truck rather than a menacing force, and its subtle chrome accents avoid the ostentatious impression of excessive expenditure.
The Tungsten’s 22-inch wheels look attractive, but they can compromise ride quality. In comparison, the 20-inch wheels on the Limited model are not only visually appealing but also provide a better ride thanks to the increased tire sidewall.
Much like a luxury automobile, the Tungsten comes equipped with standard four-corner air suspension that lowers the vehicle when put into park, facilitating easier entry and exit, even with the automatic side steps. This air suspension also allows the truck to self-level, unlike the F-150, which tends to be oversprung in the rear for heavy loads. As a result, the Ram maintains a balanced stance without a noticeable rake (where the front is lower than the rear like the F-150), resulting in improved ride quality from its coil rear springs, as opposed to leaf springs.
Ram 1500 introduces hands-free driving
The Ram 1500 becomes the second vehicle from Stellantis, after the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L, to offer the company’s Hands-Free Active Driver Assist system.
This Level 2 driver-assist technology enables drivers to remove their hands from the steering wheel and allow the truck to manage steering, braking, and acceleration on mapped divided highways. Generally, it performs well. However, it still lags behind GM’s Super Cruise in terms of sophistication and efficiency, despite being introduced seven years after GM’s technology.
Ram 1500 comes with a premium price point
The Ram 1500 Tungsten positions itself as a luxury pickup with a corresponding price tag. The base price for the 2025 Ram 1500 Tungsten starts at $89,070, which includes a substantial $1,995 destination charge.
My test model was more expensive. Options like the Billet Silver paint, Bed Utility Group, and Trailer-Tow Group added $1,435, bringing the total to $90,505. For comparison, a similarly outfitted Ford F-150 Platinum would exceed $89,000, while a GMC Sierra 1500 Ultimate Denali would start at just over $85,000.
Somehow, Ram has transitioned from being known as a value leader in luxury trucks to now being at the top of the price hierarchy. When you chase excellence, it comes at a cost. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class may not be affordable, but it has set the standard for others. Similarly, the Ram 1500 Tungsten embodies the essence of the Mercedes S-Class among trucks.
Image Source: Ram.com
