The 2026 Ram 1500 RHO combines a 540-horsepower Hurricane engine with a five-seat Crew Cab, 35-inch tires and specialized suspension hardware. Its specification differs substantially from a regular Ram 1500, and its cabin equipment changes when the optional Level 1 group is selected. Here is a closer look at the engine, towing, fuel economy, interior, safety technology and CAD pricing.
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Models and configuration
The RHO is a distinct model within the 2026 Ram 1500 range. Other choices include Tradesman, Express, Black Express, Big Horn, Warlock, Sport, Rebel, Backcountry, Laramie, Limited, Longhorn and Tungsten. Dealer-specific packages can add further versions to the configurator. Equipment and engine availability vary across this lineup.
For the RHO, Ram lists a Crew Cab with a 5-foot-7-inch bed and seating for five. Front bucket seats and a full-length console separate the driver and passenger. It is therefore important to use RHO specifications when comparing seating, suspension and towing with another Ram trim.
Engine and drivetrain

The standard engine is a 3.0-litre Hurricane High-Output twin-turbo inline-six. It produces 540 horsepower and 521 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. The RHO configurator lists a 3.92 rear axle ratio and a 3,538-kg gross vehicle weight rating.
This is the high-output Hurricane version. Specifications for the standard-output engine used in other Ram 1500 models do not describe this truck. Premium gasoline is recommended for the high-output powertrain, and the official fuel-consumption listing uses premium fuel.
Suspension, tires and exterior equipment

RHO hardware includes Bilstein Black Hawk e2 adaptive shocks and an electronically locking rear differential. Ram publishes 11.8 inches of ground clearance, with suspension travel of 13 inches at the front and 14 inches at the rear. These are equipment measurements; they should be considered alongside the truck’s overall dimensions when planning garage access or storage.
Standard wheels are 18-inch black-painted aluminum units with LT325/65R18D all-terrain tires, described by Ram as 35-inch tires. Beadlock-capable 18-inch wheels are optional. Wheel flares, tow hooks, premium LED headlights and black exhaust outlets distinguish the RHO exterior.
Additional choices in the configurator include trailer tow mirrors, a soft tri-fold tonneau cover, hood graphics and body graphics. These items add cost and should be checked on the individual vehicle’s equipment list.
Towing and payload
Ram’s dedicated 2026 RHO capability page lists maximum towing of up to 8,360 lb, or 3,792 kg, when properly equipped. This model-specific figure is the useful starting point for an RHO comparison. A higher advertised maximum for the wider Ram 1500 range does not apply automatically.
The Ram model comparison also lists a 685-kg payload figure for its RHO configuration. The actual vehicle’s door-jamb label determines its available payload after factory options. Passengers, cargo and trailer tongue weight all count against that limit.
Trailer Tow and Towing Technology groups are available separately in the configurator. Check their contents against the intended trailer, including mirrors, electrical connections and assistance features. Confirm the selected truck’s towing rating, hitch limits and payload before calculating a trailer combination.
Fuel economy
Natural Resources Canada’s 2026 guide lists the Ram 1500 4X4 RHO at 16.7 L/100 km in the city, 14.9 L/100 km on the highway and 15.9 L/100 km combined. Those are the RHO-specific ratings. The guide lists a different rating for a regular Ram 1500 with the high-output Hurricane engine.
At the combined rating, 20,000 km would use approximately 3,180 litres of fuel. Multiply that amount by the local premium-gasoline price to estimate an annual fuel budget. This is a calculation using the official rating, rather than a measured result from the review vehicle.
Interior and seating

The standard RHO cabin has premium leather bucket seats with suede inserts, heated front seats and power adjustment for both front occupants. Dual-zone automatic climate control and a folding rear seat support everyday passenger and storage needs. The model comparison lists seating for five.
The optional RHO Level 1 Equipment Group makes several important changes. Its listed features include ventilated front seats, front-seat massage, driver-seat memory, heated and ventilated second-row seats, upgraded console trim and carbon-fibre interior accents. These features should be described as optional rather than assumed to be on every RHO.
Level 1 also adds memory settings for mirrors and adjustable pedals, a reclining split rear seat, rain-sensing wipers and a power tailgate. Check the window sticker to establish which of these features is fitted to a particular truck.

Infotainment and displays

The checked base configuration lists Uconnect 5 NAV with a 12-inch touchscreen as standard, along with a 10-speaker amplified audio system. The RHO Level 1 group lists an upgraded 14.4-inch touchscreen, a front passenger interactive display, a head-up display and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
Ram’s marketing pages use inconsistent screen-size wording, so the selected configuration and its equipment list are the better guides when evaluating a vehicle. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are included in the listed Uconnect equipment. Level 1 also lists dual wireless charging pads and smartphone-as-key capability. Connected services can require activation or an ongoing subscription.
Safety features and assistance systems
The RHO model comparison lists forward collision warning with active braking, Active Lane Management, blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control with Stop and Go as standard. Front and rear ParkSense parking sensors are also listed, together with stability control, anti-lock brakes, tire-pressure monitoring and front, side and curtain airbags.
The optional Level 1 group adds a surround-view camera system, intersection collision assistance, evasive steering assistance, drowsy-driver detection and traffic-sign recognition. Its equipment list also includes Hands-Free Active Driving Assist. That system has connection and subscription requirements, and the driver must remain attentive.
A safety feature appearing on a product page does not establish that it is standard. Use the actual equipment list to distinguish the base truck from one with the optional group.
2026 Ram 1500 RHO pricing
The Ontario cash-price configurator showed a base-price total of $125,408 CAD before discounts and sales tax. Its base-price definition includes freight, the federal air-conditioning surcharge and applicable levy or luxury-tax surcharges. This is a configured starting total, rather than a bare vehicle MSRP.
An $11,500 consumer cash discount reduced the displayed estimated amount to $113,908 CAD. That offer can change and should be separated from the regular price in a comparison. Dealer administration, registration, insurance and other applicable charges may be additional.
Listed options included the RHO Level 1 Equipment Group at $7,295, beadlock-capable wheels at $1,895, Trailer Tow Group at $1,295, Towing Technology Group at $1,095 and Bed Utility Group at $695. Option combinations can affect taxes and the final total; adding these prices to an advertised cash figure may not reproduce a dealer quote.
Competition and shopping considerations
The Ford F-150 Raptor is a natural comparison for buyers considering a full-size truck with specialized suspension and large tires. The Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 and GMC Sierra AT4X are also relevant alternatives, each with its own engine choices and chassis equipment. Compare the same model year and equipment level before weighing price.
Within Ram’s own lineup, the Rebel provides another off-road-oriented option, while Tungsten emphasizes upscale cabin equipment. The RHO’s defining combination is the high-output Hurricane engine and dedicated suspension hardware. Its higher fuel consumption and optional cabin upgrades deserve as much attention as the headline horsepower.
Explore our other truck reviews to compare equipment and specifications.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Ram RHO have a V8?
No. It uses the 3.0-litre twin-turbo high-output Hurricane inline-six, rated at 540 horsepower and 521 lb-ft of torque.
What is the RHO towing maximum?
Ram’s model-specific capability page lists up to 8,360 lb when properly equipped. A higher maximum advertised for the wider Ram 1500 range should not be applied to RHO.
Are ventilated seats and massage standard on every RHO?
They are included in the optional RHO Level 1 Equipment Group described here. Check the selected package rather than assuming these upgrades are fitted to every truck.