In the heart of Texas, Eagle’s Canyon Raceway played host to the Texas Truck Rodeo, where the all-new 2025 Ram 1500 Tungsten proved it could master both the road and the rugged trails. The Tungsten, Ram’s newest luxury trim, elevates the brand’s half-ton truck lineup to new heights. But can it truly deliver on the promise of power, luxury, and capability? Let’s dive in to see how the Tungsten sets itself apart.
A Twin-Turbo Powerhouse: The New Heart of the Ram
One of the biggest changes for 2025 is under the hood. The Ram 1500 Tungsten replaces the familiar 5.7L Hemi V8 with the all-new 3.0L twin-turbocharged Hurricane inline-six. This engine isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a revolution. The high-output version in the Tungsten cranks out a whopping 540 horsepower and 521 lb-ft of torque, setting a new benchmark for power in the half-ton segment.
The acceleration is immediate and thrilling, with a 0-60 mph time of just 4.7 seconds, making it one of the fastest trucks on the market. Paired with an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission, the power delivery is smooth and consistent, whether on the highway or off-road terrain.
Towing and Payload
Though official numbers aren’t yet released, Ram is targeting a towing capacity of over 12,000 lbs and a payload limit of around 2,300 lbs, putting the Tungsten in line with its competitors. And while fuel economy figures are still under wraps, the twin-turbo Hurricane promises better efficiency than the outgoing V8.
Off-Road Ready and Refined
Air Suspension and Handling
Despite the luxury focus of the Tungsten, it doesn’t shy away from serious off-road action. The Tungsten trim comes standard with Ram’s class-exclusive four-corner air suspension, which adjusts up to 4 inches to handle varying terrains. This means that whether you’re navigating rocky trails or simply aiming for a smoother ride on the highway, the Tungsten can adapt to your needs with ease. Its ride quality is plush yet controlled, and the suspension system allows the truck to tackle off-road challenges without losing its refined composure.
Tire and Wheel Setup
The Tungsten rides on massive 22-inch wheels wrapped in 285/45R22 tires, offering both a stylish stance and functional grip. Though the large wheels lean toward a more on-road focus, they proved capable in handling the off-road trails at Eagle’s Canyon Raceway, providing stability and surefooted traction.
Subtle Yet Striking: Exterior Design Enhancements
The 2025 Tungsten boasts a refined, subtle refresh that maintains the Ram’s bold aesthetic while adding a touch of sophistication. The front grille has grown in size, featuring a more pronounced chrome-accented design that pairs well with the truck’s elegant bright white paint job. Full LED lighting is standard across all trims, with the Tungsten receiving upgraded projector-style adaptive LEDs that swivel with the steering for enhanced visibility.
Smart Design Details
One standout design feature is the animated lighting sequence, which greets or bids farewell to the driver with a captivating light dance. Chrome accents on the mirrors, door handles, and window trims, along with functional elements like the Ram Box storage compartments, enhance both the style and practicality of the truck.
Inside the Ram 1500 Tungsten: Luxury, Comfort, and Tech Galore
Step inside the 2025 Ram 1500 Tungsten, and it’s clear that luxury and technology are at the forefront. The cabin’s indigo and sea salt leather upholstery with copper stitching not only looks upscale but feels incredibly soft to the touch. The seats adjust in 24 ways, offering heating, ventilation, and massage functions—features that bring luxury sedan comfort to the truck world.
Cutting-Edge Technology
At the center of the dashboard sits a 14.5-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen, providing quick access to navigation, media, and truck settings. This is paired with a fully customizable 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 10.25-inch passenger screen. From wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to an impressive 23-speaker Klipsch sound system with nearly 1,400 watts of power, the Tungsten is packed with tech that makes every journey enjoyable and connected.
Driver Convenience and Storage
Practical touches abound, including the twin wireless phone charging pads, ample storage compartments, and a flat floor in the rear seat area. All materials used, from the real leather trim to carbon fiber accents and metal-finished controls, give the interior a sense of craftsmanship that matches the truck’s high price tag.
Back Seat Comfort: More Room and More Features
Unmatched Space
The crew cab configuration offers just under 45 inches of rear legroom, providing limo-like space for passengers. The rear seats also offer heating, ventilation, and a reclining feature that enhances comfort on long drives or when traversing rugged terrain.
Innovative Storage Solutions
Ram’s innovative use of space continues in the rear, with storage compartments under the rear seats, in-floor bins, and, of course, the Ram Box side storage for additional gear. The flat floor and flexible storage options make the Tungsten a versatile choice for both work and play.
Driving Experience & Advanced Technology
Highway Driving Assist and On-Road Comfort
The Tungsten trim also introduces Ram’s advanced Highway Driving Assist, a hands-free driving system designed to enhance comfort on long highway journeys. On supported roads, the system actively steers, maintains lane positioning, and even changes lanes automatically when clear.
Even when not using hands-free mode, the Tungsten offers a smooth and quiet ride, making the most of its adaptive suspension and sound-deadened cabin. Whether you’re cruising on the highway or handling backcountry trails, the Tungsten’s advanced tech and refined driving dynamics make every journey feel effortless.
Performance Breakdown: Acceleration and Braking
During our testing at the Texas Truck Rodeo, the Tungsten proved it could match its luxury with performance, sprinting from 0-60 mph in under 5 seconds with the high-output engine. The 8-speed automatic transmission delivers power smoothly, and the truck’s brakes provide strong and confident stopping power, even when towing or off-roading.
Positioning the Tungsten: A Luxury Off-Road Champion
The 2025 Ram 1500 Tungsten offers a unique combination of luxury, power, and off-road readiness. It outshines its competitors, such as the Ford F-150, Toyota Tundra, and GMC Sierra, with more horsepower, refined design touches, and a more technologically advanced interior.
Who is the Tungsten For?
This truck is built for those who demand the best of both worlds—a plush and tech-savvy interior for daily comfort, and rugged, capable performance for off-road adventures or towing. It’s the ideal choice for someone looking to replace their luxury SUV or sedan without sacrificing power, style, or off-road capability.
Pricing and Final Thoughts
The Ram 1500 Tungsten sits at the top of the brand’s half-ton lineup, with a starting price around $87,000, fully equipped models potentially reaching the $90,000 mark. Compared to rivals like the GMC Sierra Denali Ultimate (around $85,000), the Tungsten offers a well-rounded package of luxury, performance, and innovation.
For truck enthusiasts seeking the ultimate combination of power, tech, and comfort, the 2025 Ram 1500 Tungsten should be at the top of your list. Whether it’s dominating off-road trails or making a statement on the city streets, the Tungsten proves that Ram continues to lead the pack.
- Legend/Footnote: The Texas Truck Rodeo is an exclusive annual media event organized by the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA). This event brings together automotive journalists, manufacturers, and experts to evaluate and test the latest trucks and SUVs on challenging terrains, providing in-depth insights into vehicle performance and features in real-world conditions.
