Sunday Drive: 2025 Ram 1500 – New motor, great truck
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- Craig was able to use the Ram to pull trailers on Saturday as he prepared for a concert that night by hauling all the gear that was needed to the Spring Acres Arts Park in Springville.
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- Even with one of the heaviest trailers that Craig uses, the Ram performed flawlessly in getting gear to the concert. He loved the added air suspension in the truck.
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- Inside the 2025 Ram 1500.
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- Inside the 2025 Ram 1500.
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- The 2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger range-extended electric truck.
Our first outing in a 2025 Ram model turned out to be a 1500 in the Texas-driven Lone Star Edition. This made our week very unique as we currently own a 2023 Ram 1500 in the Laramie trim level. We were excited to see and experience the differences between the two trucks, especially since Ram has discontinued the iconic Hemi engine from the line.
Outside design and features
In our week out with the new Ram, we found that it remained true to its roots with the same bold and commanding presence on the road that we have grown used to. The truck’s exterior featured a signature chrome grille and bumpers, which were complemented by sleek LED headlamps that gave it a contemporary yet tough look. The Lone Star badging proudly adorned the exterior, making it clear that this truck was designed with Texas in mind.
Inside comfort and technology
Getting inside the 2025 Ram 1500 Lone Star, or Big Horn Edition as we would know it here in Utah, we were greeted with a cabin that we have become accustomed to — one that, in our opinion, expertly balanced comfort with practicality.
The interior of the Ram was spacious, with seating for up to five passengers, making it an ideal choice for both work and family outings, as we have found after over a year with our own. High-quality materials, such as premium cloth upholstery and a leather-trimmed steering wheel and dashboard, contributed to a refined yet durable environment.
The centerpiece of the interior was the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was accessible through a stunning 12-inch touch screen display. The large screen display has become our favorite part of the truck over the past few years!
This system offered seamless connectivity with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and integrated navigation. The Lone Star Edition also came equipped with a six-speaker audio system — with the option to upgrade to a 10-speaker Alpine premium sound system — that provided an immersive audio experience. The Alpine upgrade is well worth it, as we have found in our own truck.
For those who prioritize convenience, the Ram offered a host of features designed to make life easier. Keyless entry, push-button start and dual-zone automatic climate control were all standard, ensuring that every drive is comfortable and hassle-free. We would have only added to this package the option of just touching the door handle to get in instead of using the key fob to open the door.
Additionally, the truck offered plenty of storage solutions, including under-seat storage and a spacious center console, perfect for keeping our belongings organized.
A new engine in the Ram
Under the hood, the new 2025 Ram 1500 offers a couple of different engine options designed to meet the needs of a diverse group of drivers. The standard engine is a twin turbocharged I-6 inline six-cylinder with a mild 48-volt hybrid system or eTorque, producing 420 horsepower or the same amped up to 540 ponies. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering smooth and responsive performance both on and off the road.
The Lone Star Edition also featured an available 4×4 drivetrain, making it a capable performer in off-road conditions. The truck’s included Active-Level Four Corner Air Suspension automatically adjusted the ride height for optimal performance. We will bear witness that this suspension system not only improved ride quality but also made trailering much easier.
Craig put on a 9,000-pound trailer that with the trailer stand all the way up and was still resting on the block of wood supporting the trailer. The air suspension kicked in and lifted the back of the truck to level it out and the trailer was ready to move. We would definitely include this option in our next purchase as it helped every time he had to move a trailer.
Safety and driver assistance
Safety is always a top priority for Ram, and the truck came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance features. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, electronic stability control and trailer sway control, all of which helped ensure a safe and stable driving experience when trailering and beyond.
For an even further layer of protection, the Lone Star Edition offered several advanced driver assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist. These features made highway driving and towing more manageable for us and are things we aways want in our own vehicles.
Fuel efficiency with a new engine
Fuel efficiency is always a consideration when it comes to full-size trucks, and the 2025 Ram managed to deliver respectable numbers, thanks in part to the eTorque mild hybrid system in the new engine configuration.
After a week with the new truck that included around 450 miles of driving both around town, on the highway and pulling trailers all day on Saturday, we managed a very respectable 18.8 miles per gallon. This is up from our average in our Ram with a Hemi by almost 4 mpg!
At the end of the week
The 2025 Ram 1500 Lone Star Edition, again named Big Horn in Utah, is a truck that offered a little bit of everything — style, comfort, power and modern technology. Whether we were using it for work, family outings or off-road adventures, the truck delivered on all fronts. Its combination of powerful engine options, advanced features and thoughtful design made it a standout choice in the full-size pickup segment.
Base price: Preproduction model
