Why This Well-Respected TV Show Calls the 2025 Ram 1500 the Best Fullsize Truck

MotorWeek is honoring the 2025 Ram 1500 with its Best Fullsize Truck Driver’s Choice Award. The Ram 1500 is featuring two new engine options this year and has received a number of top honors, including MotorTrend Truck of the Year. The MotorWeek Driver’s Choice Awards are in their 44th year.

John Davis, the host of MotorWeek, said this about the 2025 Ram 1500:

“Our Best Fullsize Truck award goes to the redesigned Ram 1500. Ram has been on a mission to redefine all expectations of what a fullsize truck should be for decades. First came big-rig styling, but that was quickly followed with unexpected and highly innovative features like RamBox cargo storage and, of course, ditching rough riding leaf springs for coils. Not to mention raising expectations as to what a user-friendly truck cab should be with all the latest tech. Now, the new Ram takes innovation to the next level starting with ditching the fabled HEMI V-8 for another big-rig stalwart, an inline-six, here in turbocharged form and known as the Hurricane. Beyond that, this Ram can be outfitted for every role from work buddy to city slicker, with available features like 22-inch wheels, four-corner air suspension, 23-speaker sound system and even quilted leather seats. Yet, it can still tow nearly six tons. Equal parts rugged and refined, the new Ram 1500 is also a new force to be reckoned with in full-size pickups.”

2025 Ram 1500

Innovation, both inside and out, has been the key to the Ram’s success. Ram has led the way with infotainment and luxury upgrades in previous models.

The reason that the 2025 Ram 1500 is drawing so much attention now is its all-new 3.0-liter Hurricane inline six engine. The SST 3.0-liter Hurricane engine is rated at 420 horsepower and 469 lb.-ft. of torque, while the High Output engine is rated at 540 horsepower and 521 lb.-ft. of torque. The RHO will do 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds. It will also do 0-100 mph in 11.7 seconds. It has a top speed of 118 mph. The RHO starts at $69,995, plus a $1,995 destination charge.  Capability includes a maximum towing capacity of 11,580 pounds and a maximum payload of 2,300 pounds. According to Ram, the new engines, members of the Stellantis Hurricane Twin-turbo family are the most powerful six cylinders in the segment. The inline six turbo-charged engines deliver better fuel economy and fewer emissions while generating more horsepower and torque than other naturally aspirated V-8 and boosted six-cylinder engines in the light-duty segment.

MotorWeek Also Honored the 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona EV

The 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona EV takes the Driver’s Choice Award for Best Sport Coupe.

“The Dodge Charger Daytona is our choice as Best Sport Coupe of the year, the first time an all-electric model has risen to that honor,” said John Davis, creator and host, MotorWeek. “From the outset, Dodge promised that buyers would not have to accept any compromises just because their hallmark muscle car traded in its classic HEMI® V-8 for electric propulsion. Indeed, from its exterior styling and interior layout, to its amazingly fitting virtual sounds audibly underscoring its rocket-like acceleration, you would be hard pressed not to think there was a chorus of pushrods still pulsating under the Charger’s long, wide, flat, '60s era hood. When all is said and done, the Dodge Charger Daytona is an all-wheel-drive muscle car first and an EV second.

All-new 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona

The Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack, the world’s quickest and most powerful muscle car, delivers HEMI levels of performance from an EV powertrain. It does 0-60 mph in 3.3 seconds, with a total output of 670 horsepower and 627 lb.-ft. of torque, while the Charger Daytona R/T delivers a total output of 496 horsepower and 404 lb.-ft. of torque. The all-electric two-door Charger Daytona models are the first of the Charger’s multi-energy lineup. Eventually, Dodge plans to produce all-electric four-door Charger Daytona models, as well as gas-powered Dodge Charger SIXPACK H.O. and Charger SIXPACK S.O. vehicles. The all-new Dodge Charger Daytona EV is available now at dealerships.

MotorWeek Judging

For the last 44 years, MotorWeek has reviewed and rated the best new cars and trucks of the year. Judging includes driving, researching and performing testing of more than 150 new cars and trucks every year. MotorWeek Drivers’ Choice Awards winners are selected by their standout nature across multiple distinct categories. Winners reflect their respective segments and current consumer trends. An episode of MotorWeek featuring all award winners is airing now on PBS.

Ram Photo

Mary Conway is a professional automotive journalist and has decades of experience specializing in automotive news analysis. She covered the Detroit Three for more than twenty years for the ABC affiliate, in Detroit. Her affection for the Motor City comes naturally. Her father ran a gas station while Mary was growing up, in Wisconsin.

Follow Mary Conway at @MaryConwayMedia and send her car news tips for future stories.