Ram has given the 1500 an overhaul for 2025The list of changes made to the 1500 for 2025 is long. Among the most notable additions are the two new engines under the hood, both of which are covered in further detail below. A new top-spec Tungsten trim also arrives for the latest model year. This trim offers an upscale interior featuring heated and ventilated leather seats, a 23-speaker Klipsch audio system, and a pair of wireless charging pads. In certain trims, a new power inverter is available alongside two power outlets for running tools or small appliances.The 1500's infotainment system has also been upgraded, with dual screens for the driver and passenger plus a separate digital instrument cluster. The driver's infotainment screen measures 14.5 inches across, while passengers receive a 10.25-inch panel. The tech upgrades don't stop there, as drivers can now unlock their trucks through their smartphones, thanks to the 1500's new digital key. They can even temporarily send smartphone keys to other drivers, but crucially, those extra keys can be revoked at any time. Any buyers who opt for the digital key will also receive a separate smart card that can be used in place of a smartphone.The 1500 is no longer available with a V8 engineOne of the more controversial changes for 2025 is that the 1500 is no longer available with a V8 engine under the hood. Previous top-spec variants of the 1500 featured either a 5.7L or 6.2L Hemi V8, but the latest iteration replaces those powertrains with a choice of two Hurricane turbocharged 3.0L inline-six engines. The more potent of the pair is referred to as the Hurricane High Output, and it can be found powering trims like the RHO and Limited. The only powertrain that's carried over from the outgoing 1500 is the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine, which is offered as standard in lower 1500 trims. Despite losing two cylinders, the new Hurricane engines promise both high power outputs and better efficiency compared to the V8. The standard Hurricane six-cylinder makes 420 horsepower and 469 lb-ft of torque, while the High Output variant delivers 540 horsepower and 521 lb-ft of torque. The 2024 model's 5.7L HEMI V8, in comparison, churned out 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque.In addition to offering power gains, the six-cylinder Hurricane engines achieve marginally better efficiency figures than the old V8. The most frugal version of the standard Hurricane engine achieves an EPA-estimated 21 mpg combined, while the V8 available in 2024 models was rated at 20 mpg combined in its most fuel-efficient form.Heavy-duty Ram trucks offer more hauling powerThe towing capacity for the 1500 varies considerably by trim, but pick the right one, and it's a highly capable truck. Multiple trims offer maximum towing capacities in excess of 11,000 lb, with the rear-wheel drive, quad-cab Tradesman offering the highest of the range, at 11,600 lb. To enable that capacity, buyers will have to option the truck with the 3.0L Hurricane six-cylinder engine, an eight-speed 8HP75 transmission, and a 3.92 rear axle ratio. However, if that's still not enough, buyers might want to consider Ram's heavy-duty lineup.The 2025 Ram 2500 can tow up to 20,000 lb, while the 3500 can tow up to 36,610 lb. Both of those figures require the Heavy Duty range's 6.7L six-cylinder Cummins High Output turbodiesel engine. Unlike the 1500, both the 2500 and 3500 also offer a 6.4L Hemi V8 engine alongside the turbodiesel.Prices for the 2500 start from $45,565, excluding fees for 2025, with a range of trims available. The base-spec Tradesman is best suited for those looking for a work truck, while on the other end of the range, the luxurious Limited trim costs at least $73,460. The 3500 is only a little costlier, with the base Tradesman trim available from $46,570 and the Limited starting at $75,020.The 2014 model year is the most troublesomeBuying a used Ram 1500 can save a significant amount of cash compared to buying new, but not all previous Ram model years are equal. Some have recorded significantly more complaints with owners than others, with the most complained-about model on the NHTSA's database being the 2014 model year. Owners report a variety of issues with the truck, with one of the most common being the premature failure of the power steering. Issues with the truck's electrical systems are also reported, including persistent warning lights. Owners frequently attribute these warning lights to a fault with the fuel sensor.Several other model years, including the 2014 model year, sport notably higher levels of complaints on the NHTSA's database. The 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 is the second most complained-about model year, with the most common complaint being its plastic dashboard, which is prone to disintegration over time. The 2016 Ram 1500 is another poor performer, with owners reporting a similar range of issues to the 2014 model year, including failing power steering and issues with the engine and fuel system.
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