2025 Ram 1500 RHO Spotted Down Under

CarExpert, Australia’s leading car magazine, recently caught a glimpse of the 2025 Ram 1500 RHO undergoing testing in the Melbourne suburb of Clayton. This sighting, near the Walkinshaw Automotive Headquarters, where Ram Trucks Australia operates, has fueled speculation about the high-performance pickup’s imminent arrival in the Australian market.

The RHO—nicknamed “Rhino” by the Ram Product Design Studio (PDO)—is not a direct replacement for the TRX. However, it competes head-on with the Ford F-150 Raptor. Powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter HURRICANE H/O I6 engine, it delivers an impressive 540 horsepower and 521 lb-ft of torque, solidifying its position as a strong contender in the performance truck segment.

This particular sighting is unique compared to the RHO in the U.S. because this truck has been converted to right-hand drive (RHD) and features clear turn signal lenses with amber bulbs on the front doors. This treatment is a standard part of the RHD conversions performed by Walkinshaw on all Ram pickups sold in the Australian market.

The RHO isn’t just targeting the Australian market, though. Reports indicate that Ram also plans to introduce this model in Europe, significantly expanding the brand’s global footprint.

Ram Trucks Australia General Manager Jeff Barber commented on the sighting, stating, “The Ram 1500 RHO is under evaluation for Australia.” This carefully worded response neither confirms nor denies the RHO’s future availability but certainly leaves the door open for excitement among Australian truck enthusiasts.

The RHO boasts impressive off-road credentials, including 35-inch tires, Bilstein BlackHawk e2 shocks, and nearly 12 inches of ground clearance. It also features a sophisticated nine-mode drive system, allowing drivers to tackle various terrains easily.

While the RHO may not match the raw power of its V8 predecessor, it compensates with improved handling, thanks to better weight distribution. Additionally, the Ram RHO is more affordable than the outgoing 2024 Ram 1500 TRX, which saw steady increases in its starting price over the years. Interestingly, the 2025 Ram 1500 RHO now matches the starting price of the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX.

As Australia’s appetite for full-size American pickups continues to grow, the potential arrival of the Ram 1500 RHO could shake up the market. With its blend of performance, technology, and off-road capability, this turbocharged beast might just be the next big thing in the land down under.

Source: CarExpert.com.au