What’s New for the 2025 Ram 1500?

For more than 40 years, the Ram 1500 has been what truck drivers in North Carolina turn to when they need a vehicle for getting things done or exploring the backroads and back hills. As the leading Ram dealer near Concord, Lake Norman Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is where people go when they need an award-winning truck that blends work and play in one tough package.

Soon, the Ram 1500 will have even more for truck enthusiasts. This year, Ram will officially launch the redesigned 2025 Ram 1500. While still part of the fifth-generation Ram 1500 lineup, this truck is getting a complete makeover. With updates to the powerplant, interior, driver technology, and more, it’s aiming to be the truck that North Carolina drivers can count on for everything from equipment hauling to weekend off-roading.

Ram has already set the bar high for full-size pickup trucks. The Ram 1500 is on a six-year streak of being named one of Car and Driver’s 10Best vehicles—and in 2019, the inaugural fifth-generation Ram 1500 was named the MotorTrend Truck of the Year. Can the 2025 edition possibly surpass such a lofty standard? Let’s find out what’s new about the 2025 Ram 1500 and why it should be on your radar.

A Storm Brewing Under the Hood

When Ram announced the 2025 Ram 1500, one detail of the new model quickly stole the headlines. As part of the model refresh, Ram will no longer offer the HEMI V8 engine. This was devastating news to many, as the hemispherical combustion chamber engine has long been part of automotive lore. But after gracing Ram 1500 models for 22 years, the HEMI is now being eliminated from new models as the truck manufacturer works to meet customer demands for more fuel-efficient vehicles. That means the 5.7L V8 and the supercharged 6.2L V8 are headed to the great junkyard in the sky.

So, what’s replacing the HEMI for Concord truck drivers? The answer is a storm—a Hurricane, to be exact. The 2025 Ram 1500 will have a choice of two turbocharged 3.0L Hurricane engines that pack some serious punch. The regular 3.0L I-6 Hurricane has 420 hp and 469 lb-ft of torque. That doesn’t just blow the doors off the old Pentastar V6 (which will remain as the base engine)—it’s even more beastly than the 5.7L HEMI V8, which clocked in at 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque in the 2024 model.

If you need even more power, whether for hitting the park or towing a race car to The Dirt Track, the 3.0L Hurricane High-Output in the 2025 Ram 1500 RHO will oblige. This engine has an incredible 540 hp and 521 lb-ft of torque—more than enough to satisfy anyone’s thirst for speed. Although official EPA estimates are not yet available, Ram says the 2025 Ram 1500 will use less fuel and have lower emissions.

All that engine power means plenty of pulling power. When equipped with the standard 3.0L Hurricane, the 2025 Ram 1500 will have a max towing capacity of 11,560 lbs and a max payload of 1,910 lbs. For the 2025 Ram 1500 RHO, you’re looking at a 10,740 lb towing capacity and a 1,370 lb payload. The base Pentastar V6 engine has the lowest towing capabilities but the highest payload—2,300 lbs, so you can carry everything the day requires.

Better Handling on Any Terrain

The engine may be the big story, but there are plenty of other new chapters for the 2025 Ram 1500. A revamped suspension means better ride quality and more customizability. Designers have paired the Hurricane High-Output engine with a high-torque rear axle that can handle all the pull. And if you can’t decide between the open rear differential for everyday driving or the limited-slip differential for rough and slippery surfaces, you’re in luck. Just add the electronic locking differential, and you can switch between them based on what the road demands.

This is in addition to the coil spring rear suspension, choice of three axle ratios, and optional four-corner air suspension that have made the Ram 1500 the best in class. The air suspension has five modes, including two different off-road settings for when you want to get away from Interstate 85 and try a path less traveled.

Updated Style Outside and Inside

When you’re driving your 2025 Ram 1500 in downtown Concord or taking it for a cruise along Route 29, everyone will know it. This truck has received an exterior facelift that makes it bolder and more contemporary while still having that signature Ram 1500 style. The front grille is larger, has a new “RAM” badge, and leans forward to let others know you’re always charging ahead. It also has character lines going from bumper to bumper, helping unify the overall appearance.

The changes are more than just for looks, too. The new Ram 1500 has jeweled LED taillights to make you more visible and twin bi-functional projector headlamps so you can see what’s up ahead. A sub-flush cab and bed help the truck move more smoothly through the air, which contributes to its improved efficiency. There is also a new power tailgate with obstacle detection to keep it from getting banged up, and you get a lowering button on the key fob for even more functionality.

You and your passengers can always use some interior style, and Ram delivers with premium materials and accents. The exact appearance depends on the trim. For example, the 2025 Ram 1500 Rebel now has eye-catching red-and-black mesh inserts on its seats, while the premium Ram 1500 Tungsten uses leather and suede upholstery with carbon fiber accents. Whichever truck you choose, the cabin will wrap you in luxury.

Advanced Technology for Advanced Adventuring

Having the right tech is a necessity for modern truck owners. If you want to get where you’re going safely and have a great time along the way, the 2025 Ram 1500 delivers the best technology features ever seen on a Ram truck. Unlike the 2024 Ram 1500, where the 12-inch infotainment touchscreen was an optional upgrade, it is standard on the 2025 model—and you can splurge for a 14.5-inch screen if you want even more. The Uconnect 5 software has also been updated for seamless management.

Not only that, but the 2025 Ram 1500 is the first full-size pickup truck with a front passenger touchscreen that gives them the controls. They can run navigation and entertainment from this 10.25-inch screen, view the exterior cameras, or connect tablets using an HDMI cable for screen mirroring. Want the best possible sound? The Tungsten trim has an all-new Klipsch Reference Premiere 23-speaker premium audio system. And we haven’t even mentioned the onboard 1.8 kW inverter that lets you plug into two covered outlets in the bed.

Driver safety technology is paramount as well. The 2025 Ram 1500 has the most available safety and security options ever—more than 100 in all. With features such as a digital rearview mirror with tow mode, Hands-free Driving Assist, Parksense automated parking, Evasive Steer Assist, electronic stability control, and drowsy driver detection, Ram is always looking out for its truck owners.

The Latest Ram 1500

With so much to talk about, the 2025 Ram 1500 is ready to make an impact. The overall redesign makes it an even better truck for tackling the streets of Concord or heading to the Great Smoky Mountains. You’ll have the power, handling, tools, and creature comforts for all-day driving. Visit Lake Norman Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram if you’re shopping for a 2025 Ram 1500 near Concord. We will let you know when the trucks arrive at the showroom, arrange a test drive, and let you know about financing and special options to get you the best deal.