MotorTrend's 2025 Truck of the Year, powered by the new 3.0-litre Hurricane twin-turbo straight-six.
Background
For 2025 Ram revamped the 1500 and replaced the base V-8 with the new 3.0-litre Hurricane twin-turbo straight-six.
Engine
The Hurricane comes in Standard Output (420 hp, 469 lb-ft) and High Output (540 hp, 521 lb-ft) versions. A 3.6 L Pentastar V6 with eTorque is also offered.
Capability
It tows up to 11,550 lb with the 3.0 L Hurricane SO and carries up to 2,370 lb with the 3.6 L eTorque.
Recognition
MotorTrend named the Ram 1500 its 2025 Truck of the Year by a near-unanimous vote, and Car and Driver put it in its 10Best Trucks for 2025.
Why it won
The Hurricane six gives more power than the old base V-8 while improving fuel economy.
America's full-size truck battle
Full-size pickups are among the best-selling vehicles in the US, and the Ram 1500 competes directly with the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado. For the 2025 model year Ram gave the 1500 a major revamp.
Goodbye V-8, hello Hurricane
The headline change was the new 3.0-litre Hurricane twin-turbo straight-six, which replaced the base V-8. The Standard Output version makes 420 hp and 469 lb-ft. The High Output version makes 540 hp and 521 lb-ft. Both produce more power than the V-8 they replace while improving fuel economy, according to Stellantis.
Other engines
A 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 with eTorque mild-hybrid assistance is also available for buyers who value payload and economy over outright power.
Capability
The 3.0-litre Hurricane SO tows up to 11,550 lb. The 3.6-litre eTorque carries up to 2,370 lb of payload.
The critics agree
MotorTrend named the revamped Ram 1500 its 2025 Truck of the Year by a near-unanimous vote, and Car and Driver put it in its 10Best Trucks for 2025. Few trucks win both in the same year.
Why it won
Strong reviews, a new powertrain that adds both power and economy, and top-class capability made the Ram 1500 our 2025 Best Ute Petrol.
The rivals
The Ram 1500's direct competitors are the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, Toyota Tundra and Nissan Titan. Each offers several engine choices.
Who it suits
It suits buyers who need full-size towing and payload, value a comfortable ride and want a modern straight-six instead of a V-8.
A note on the photo
The photo on this page is from Ram's official current model gallery and shows the 1500 as currently sold.
Our judging notes
The panel gave most weight to independent recognition and the new Hurricane engine. Winning both MotorTrend Truck of the Year and Car and Driver 10Best Trucks in 2025 made the Ram 1500 our 2025 Best Ute Petrol.
From Dodge Ram to Ram
The Ram pickup was originally sold as the Dodge Ram, and Ram became a separate truck brand in 2010. The current generation of the 1500 launched for the 2019 model year and was heavily revamped for 2025 with new engines, styling and technology.
Reading the numbers
The Hurricane straight-six's two outputs give buyers a clear choice. The 420 hp Standard Output version leads on towing at up to 11,550 lb. The 540 hp High Output version gives more performance, with 521 lb-ft of torque. The 3.6-litre eTorque V6 suits buyers who prioritise payload, with up to 2,370 lb.
Why a six beat the V-8
Twin turbocharging lets a smaller six-cylinder engine make more torque at lower revs than the naturally aspirated V-8 it replaced, which helps when towing and accelerating. A smaller engine can also use less fuel when cruising, which is why Stellantis says the Hurricane brings better fuel economy.
Cabin
Ram's interior has long been a selling point. Higher trims offer a 14.5-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen, an optional passenger display and premium materials that put the truck in competition with luxury SUVs. Alongside the workhorse versions, the range includes the high-performance RHO off-road model, powered by the 540 hp High Output Hurricane.
Who it suits
The Ram suits buyers who want a smooth, comfortable full-size truck that can also tow up to 11,550 lb.
Verdict
The Ram 1500 earns the award with a strong new engine, a comfortable ride and an interior that sets the class standard.
Specification breakdown
- Engine: 3.0 L Hurricane twin-turbo straight-six (Standard / High Output); 3.6 L Pentastar V6 eTorque also offered.
- Power: 420 hp (SO) / 540 hp (HO).
- Torque: 469 lb-ft (SO) / 521 lb-ft (HO).
- Towing: Up to 11,550 lb (3.0 L Hurricane SO).
- Payload: Up to 2,370 lb (3.6 L eTorque).
- Price: See Ram for current pricing.
Why it won
MotorTrend named the revamped Ram 1500 its 2025 Truck of the Year by a near-unanimous vote, and Car and Driver put it in its 10Best Trucks for 2025. The new Hurricane straight-six replaces the base V-8 with more power and better fuel economy.
Watch
Video: The Ram 1500 is MotorTrend's 2025 Truck of the Year! – MotorTrend