The RHO is the 1500 with its shackles off, with the RHO running in full offroad gear. In this Ram 1500 RHO 2026 off-road truck review, we’ll be looking at all the latest and greatest features to come out of the RHO, a competitor to the already iconic Ford Raptor.
Key Takeaways
- A competitor to the Raptor, the RHO pulls out all the stops in its pursuit of offroading excellence. Everything from the top down is geared towards hitting the dunes in the most exciting way possible.
- The RHO is the top of the line iteration of the already impressive 1500, with horsepower being the key phrase of choice in the RHO camp.
- The RHO is capable of towing an absolutely ludicrous 9,920 pounds(!) when put to the test.
Will there be a 2026 Ram Rho?
Oh yes! There is most definitely a 2026 Ram 1500 RHO! The 2026 RHO is engineered to dominate challenging terrain while delivering refinement on the road, blending advanced mechanical systems with cutting-edge performance technology. At the heart of its capability is a world-class suspension setup designed for extreme articulation, giving drivers confidence whether climbing rock-strewn paths or charging across desert sand.
Central to this is the Bilstein Black Hawk e2 Shock System, which stands out as one of the most sophisticated adaptive dampers available. Constantly analyzing inputs from vehicle sensors—including throttle position, steering angle, braking, torque distribution, and speed—the system continuously fine-tunes damping rates to maintain optimal body control. The result is a truck that feels planted and precise on pavement yet flexible and composed off-road, ready to tackle obstacles with ease.
Altogether, the 2026 Ram 1500 RHO isn’t just another off-road truck—it’s a carefully honed machine that combines raw mechanical strength, adaptive intelligence, and customizable performance to meet the demands of both adventure seekers and everyday drivers who want uncompromising capability.
How much horsepower does the 2026 Rho have?
At the core of the 2026 Ram 1500 RHO is the HURRICANE H/O engine, a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six that delivers 540 horsepower and 521 lb-ft of torque. This motor offers a broad, accessible powerband, making it equally adept at powering through desert runs as it is handling heavy-duty towing tasks.
Its output is managed by the ZF-based 8HP75 eight-speed automatic transmission, a proven gearbox praised for its fast, seamless shifts and ability to adapt to both off-road challenges and highway cruising. Together, the engine and transmission deliver a combination of refinement and muscle that ensures the RHO always feels responsive and composed.
Capability is where the RHO clearly pulls ahead. With a maximum towing capacity of 9,920 pounds, it outmuscles the Raptor’s 8,200-pound rating by a wide margin. Payload capacity also tilts in the Ram’s favor, offering 1,520 pounds compared to the Raptor’s 1,400 pounds. These advantages mean the RHO doesn’t just play the part of an off-road performance truck—it’s also a more versatile workhorse. In combining robust power, smart engineering, and greater utility, the 2026 Ram 1500 RHO solidifies its position as a more balanced and capable choice for those who demand strength both on the trail and on the job.
Summary
The RHO is the best offroader you can find in the Fullsize Pickup class. If you need horsepower, it has 540 horses ready to deploy at a moment’s notice. Need to get to towing? With almost 10,000 pounds of towing capacity, you can tow to your heart's content when on, or off, the trail. The RHO is among the best models available to pickup enthusiasts in the 2026 model year, and it's an easy recommendation to make when it hits dealer lots later in 2025. We'll help you find your RHO at Coleman Motors in New Boston.