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You don’t usually hear the words “fuel-efficient” and “540-horsepower Ram” in the same context, but that’s exactly what makes this story so compelling. For years, high-output pickup trucks have carried the reputation of brute power, massive presence, and sadly, abysmal fuel economy. But it looks like the all-new 2025 Ram 1500 RHO could be rewriting that narrative, which was something I realized firsthand after coming across a post by TRD JON on Facebook.
Jon had just taken his brand-new RHO on a 500-mile round trip from Destin to Birmingham and was blown away by the fuel economy. Despite a top-speed run, over an hour of idling for his dogs, and riding on factory 35-inch tires with a Load Range D rating, the truck still averaged an impressive 20.2 MPG for the trip. On top of all that, it has maintained a lifetime average of 18.9 MPG since the day he bought it. In his words:
“RHO MPG Update…I know this truck isn’t meant to get amazing MPG, but I’m beyond happy with what I’m seeing. We just did a 500 mile road trip from Destin to Birmingham and back yesterday and averaged 20.2 MPG. This includes about 1hr+ of idle time for the doggos too. Along with a pull to 105 mph when we detoured through Mexico. The 18.9 you see is my lifetime average for this truck. I have NOT reset that since the day I bought this. Not bad for being on factory 35-inch tires with a Load Range D rating from the factory. Also, the pups had SO MUCH ROOM thanks to the flat rear floor.”
A New Kind of Powerhouse
The 2025 Ram 1500 RHO is Ram’s answer to what comes after the TRX. Instead of sticking with a thirsty V8, Ram went for something smarter: the 3.0L twin-turbo Hurricane inline-six. It makes 540 horsepower and 521 lb-ft of torque, and while those numbers are staggering, what’s even more impressive is how livable the truck is in the real world.
Despite the muscle under the hood, Jon’s 20.2 MPG figure over a 500-mile stretch suggests that Ram’s engineers have pulled off a bit of a miracle. These aren’t test-lab numbers either. This is with idling, a high-speed burst, and large factory all-terrain tires that usually knock efficiency down by several notches.
In fact, we’ve seen this story play out before but rarely with this level of balance. Powerful trucks that also deliver decent MPG on road trips? That’s a combination that’s almost unheard of these days.
What Other Owners Are Saying
Jon’s post quickly sparked conversation among fellow truck owners, and the responses added some extra texture to the discussion. Jeremy Putman chimed in with a short but striking comment: “Better than all my Toyotas.”
It might sound like an exaggeration, but Toyota’s recent reputation for fuel economy in the full-size truck space hasn’t exactly been bulletproof. Since the release of the twin-turbo V6-powered Tundra, many owners have voiced concerns about fuel consumption, reliability, and build quality. Daniel Martz built on that sentiment, writing:
“Toyota really needs to step up their game with the Tundra. Reliability and built quality used to be a good reason to look past poor fuel economy, but that can’t be said for the 2022+ Tundra. I’m hoping Toyota drops the V35A in favor of an inline-6 in the next Tundra.”
That line about the V35A is no throwaway remark either. It reflects a growing wave of frustration among owners dealing with major engine issues including full replacements, sometimes even shortly after routine service. In fact, I’ve reported on several stories regarding those engine replacements throughout this year.
Jack Carlson joined the thread with a bit of humor that also carried an undertone of skepticism: “Keep updating us on the Check Engine Light per miles…”
Ram has had its fair share of reliability concerns, and Jack’s jab echoes a common fear among potential buyers. But it’s worth noting that many Ram owners still find their trucks impressively capable and well-rounded, even when towing serious loads. Just ask the owner featured in this real-world towing story involving a Ram 2500.
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Brian Finn added a thoughtful perspective from the opposite end of the truck spectrum: “I hope it improves for you. I have a 2.7 Eco and average 21.5 and can get 24 if I can find ethanol-free. Hope the truck works out.”
Brian’s comment speaks to what most truck buyers actually want: real world consistency. And the fact that the RHO is already getting close to those numbers despite being heavier, more powerful, and equipped with larger tires is what makes Jon’s and Brian’s report stand out.
Why This Fuel Economy Matters
As some of the commenters mentioned, this isn’t what we’re seeing from most other manufacturers right now. Some of the biggest names in this segment are still falling short of expectations when it comes to real-world efficiency, especially when you factor in power, tire size, and load. While brands like Toyota and Ford are making strides, Ram seems to have hit a sweet spot with the Hurricane engine and the RHO’s broader setup for right now.
It says something not just about the engine, but also about Ram’s recalibrated approach with the 2025 refresh. It looks like they’re not just chasing peak performance but are going after daily-drivable power that doesn’t punish you at the pump. There’s more of that kind of technical analysis in this breakdown of all the steps Ram is taking to reinvigorate the Ram 1500 lineup.
The Future Looks Bright
I think Jon’s experience is a perfect example of where the pickup truck world is headed. The days of tolerating single-digit MPG for the sake of raw muscle could slowly be replaced by something far more refined. Trucks like the Ram RHO show that you can still get serious performance and utility without needing to sigh every time you find yourself at a gas station.
What I especially appreciate is how authentic Jon’s numbers are. There was no attempt to baby the throttle or skew results with an ideal scenario. This was a normal road trip done the way truck owners actually drive. And that’s exactly what makes this feedback so valuable.
As more and more manufacturers pivot toward hybrid or turbocharged solutions, Ram’s use of the Hurricane inline-six seems like a smart middle ground. You’re not sacrificing character or grunt, but you’re gaining efficiency and balance. For a lot of people, that just might be exactly what seals the deal.
Key Takeaways for Truck Buyers
- The 2025 Ram 1500 RHO with its 3.0L Hurricane I6 is proving to be more fuel-efficient than expected, even under real-world road trip conditions.
- A 500-mile journey with idling and spirited driving still returned 20.2 MPG, while lifetime average sits at 18.9 MPG.
- Factory 35-inch Load Range D tires didn’t hold the truck back from achieving solid efficiency.
- Ram’s flat rear floor continues to be a standout feature for those traveling with pets or passengers.
- While Ram’s reliability reputation is still mixed, owners continue to report strong real-world performance.
- The RHO is part of Ram’s larger push to modernize its trucks without abandoning core values, as seen in updates to its 2026 heavy-duty lineup.
Let’s Talk About It
Have you taken a long trip in a high-output truck like the RHO? What kind of MPG did you get? Did it meet your expectations?
And if you’re not convinced by Ram’s new lineup, what concerns matter most to you?
Your real-world experiences and honest feedback are what drive everything we do here at Torque News, so don’t hesitate to share your thoughts in our comments below.
Aram Krajekian is a young automotive journalist bringing a fresh perspective to his coverage of the evolving automotive landscape. Follow Aram on X and LinkedIn for daily news coverage about cars.
Image Sources: TRD JON’s Facebook post.
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Source: torquenews.com
