What Our Long-Term Road Test Reveals
After 20,000+ miles of real-world driving, we've uncovered the complete truth about the 2025 Ram 1500. This comprehensive evaluation goes beyond initial impressions to reveal how this full-size pickup performs in daily use, from city commutes to cross-country towing adventures. You'll learn about reliability issues, fuel economy realities, and whether this truck delivers on its promises after the new-car honeymoon ends.
2025 Ram 1500
View ListingsEngine Performance: Hurricane Six vs V8 Expectations
The twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter Hurricane inline-six produces 420 horsepower and 469 lb-ft of torque, delivering performance that feels more European than American. This sophisticated powertrain accelerates smoothly with linear power delivery, reaching 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds. However, the refined character comes with trade-offs that become apparent over thousands of miles.
Performance Specifications
| Metric | Result |
|---|---|
| 0-60 mph | 4.8 seconds |
| Quarter Mile | 13.6 sec @ 100 mph |
| Top Speed | 106 mph (governed) |
| Braking 70-0 | 196 feet |
| Skidpad | 0.72 g |
Fuel Economy Reality Check
Real-world fuel consumption tells a different story than EPA estimates. Over 20,000 miles, our test truck averaged just 16 mpg combined - significantly below the EPA's 19 mpg rating. Highway driving improved to 18 mpg, but city driving fell short of expectations. The 33-gallon fuel tank provides approximately 520 miles of range, though this varies considerably based on driving conditions and load.
Fuel Economy Comparison
| Category | EPA Rating | Real-World Result |
|---|---|---|
| Combined | 19 mpg | 16 mpg |
| Highway | 24 mpg | 18 mpg |
| City | 17 mpg | 15 mpg |
| Range | 627 miles | 520 miles |
Towing Capabilities and Mirror Controversy
When equipped with the Trailer Tow Group, the Ram 1500 transforms into an exceptional towing machine. The telescoping tow mirrors extend nearly a foot on each side, creating an 8.5-foot span that provides excellent visibility when hauling large trailers. However, these mirrors become problematic during non-towing situations, creating massive blind spots and requiring careful navigation through drive-throughs and parking structures.
Pros
- Exceptional towing visibility with extended mirrors
- Advanced trailer reverse steering control system
- Impressive highway cruising comfort with air suspension
- Strong acceleration from turbocharged six-cylinder engine
Cons
- Massive blind spots when not towing due to mirror size
- Manual mirror folding on a $68,000+ truck
- Unrefined transmission shifting in city driving
- Below-average fuel economy versus EPA ratings
Interior Comfort and Technology Assessment
The Ram 1500's cabin excels in long-distance comfort, featuring supportive heated cloth seats that reach impressively warm temperatures. The front bench seat accommodates three passengers, while analog gauges provide a refreshing alternative to all-digital displays. However, technology integration falls short of premium expectations, requiring manual key fob operation instead of proximity sensing at this price point.
Reliability and Service Experience
Our long-term test revealed several concerning issues. The forward-collision system required warranty repair due to a faulty long-range radar module. The eight-speed automatic transmission displayed rough 1-2 upshifts and sluggish downshift responses, particularly noticeable in city driving. Additionally, the digital instrument cluster occasionally displays outdated graphics from the previous-generation Ram 1500.
Service and Maintenance Costs
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Oil Changes (2) | $350 |
| Warranty Repairs | $0 |
| Normal Wear | $0 |
| Damage | $0 |
| Total Cost | $350 |
Air Suspension Benefits
The optional air suspension system transforms ride quality, absorbing road imperfections with remarkable composure. This feature particularly benefits long-distance travel, maintaining comfort levels that rival luxury sedans. The system adjusts automatically for different driving conditions and loads, though it adds nearly $2,000 to the purchase price.
Value Proposition at $68,320
Our well-equipped Big Horn 4X4 test truck carried an as-tested price of $68,320, including numerous options that many buyers consider essential. The twin-turbo engine alone adds $2,695, while the Trailer Tow Group costs $1,345. Air suspension adds another $1,995. These options quickly elevate the price from the $53,530 base MSRP to luxury truck territory.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2025 Ram 1500 reliable for long-term ownership?
Based on our 20,000-mile test, the Ram 1500 shows mixed reliability results. While the truck performed well overall, we encountered issues with the forward-collision system requiring warranty repair and transmission shifting problems in city driving. The Hurricane engine proved dependable, but some electronic systems displayed glitches. Potential buyers should consider extended warranty coverage for peace of mind.
How does real-world fuel economy compare to EPA ratings?
Real-world fuel economy falls significantly short of EPA estimates. Our test truck averaged 16 mpg combined versus the EPA's 19 mpg rating. Highway driving reached 18 mpg (EPA: 24 mpg), while city driving averaged around 15 mpg (EPA: 17 mpg). The 33-gallon fuel tank provides approximately 520 miles of range under normal driving conditions.
Are the tow mirrors worth the visibility issues?
The telescoping tow mirrors create a challenging trade-off. When towing large trailers, they provide excellent visibility and are genuinely useful. However, during non-towing situations (which represents most driving), they create significant blind spots and require careful navigation in tight spaces. Consider whether your towing frequency justifies this daily inconvenience.
How does the Hurricane engine compare to traditional V8s?
The twin-turbo Hurricane six-cylinder delivers impressive performance with 420 horsepower and smooth power delivery. It accelerates faster than many V8 trucks and feels more refined. However, fuel economy benefits are minimal compared to previous V8 models, and some buyers miss the traditional V8 sound and character. The engine requires 0W-40 synthetic oil, which costs more than standard 0W-20.
What's the best trim level for value?
The Big Horn represents solid value with essential features, but options quickly inflate the price. Key upgrades like the Hurricane engine ($2,695), air suspension ($1,995), and Trailer Tow Group ($1,345) can push the price toward $70,000. Consider prioritizing the air suspension for ride quality and the Hurricane engine for performance, while evaluating whether you truly need the towing package.
How comfortable is the Ram 1500 for daily driving?
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