Anyone go Raptor to RHO? If so how has it been?

[Boostedtoy]

Yeah it’s not easy.

The only manufacturer who I saw regularly exceed EPA estimates by a ton were GM with their V8 powered cars. Trans Am(what we own) Corvettes etc. blow past em. It’s impressive really.

Turbo vehicles can do the same but like you said you need to stay off the boost. I found too that using cruise control hurts your mileage a great deal as well as it can be all or nothing when it’s going back up to speed.

It’s a fun game imo trying to exceed your last run, but it’s even more fun matting the gas!!

Chris

My 2000 M6 Vette got 35.5mpg hand calculated on a drive from West Virginia to New Orleans. The weather wasn’t the best driving through TN, AL and some of MS, so I was generally floating between 60-70mph for that part of the drive, but was typically in the 70-75mph otherwise.

 

[scottn]

Your question was directed to those that have gone from a Raptor to an RHO. I have gone Platinum, GEN2, GEN2, TRX, GEN3 and now RHO. Going to the TRX was unbelievably tough for me because I had never owned a Ram and all of the negative comments from folks were concerning me, to the point that I brought my own mechanic to the dealership on pickup (since they wouldn't let early buyers test drive). Anyway, that TRX was awesome in every way. As a "Ford guy", I was blown away and never had an issue. That said, the TRX was a heavier vehicle and it showed in its handling. It also had horrible range because of the terrible MPG. So, I went back to a 23' Raptor. It gave me my range and it was more nimble and drove like a sports car. However, it developed a rattle in the first 5k miles (like my other raptors did) and interior was crap (steering wheel center turned chalk white within months). Even in 23', Ford was still deleting options because of chip shortage, which says a lot about Ford's management. And while it did have a loud exhaust, I actually found it embarrassing. You step on the gas and the truck was loud - which let everyone know you were stepping on it - and the truck didn't move. It was loud for the sake of being loud and like a loudmouth at a party, I just couldn't stand it. The RHO still has the heaviness of the TRX, but the ride is smooth and quiet and the interior is miles ahead. Wife really likes the smooth/quiet ride, massage seats and separate screen, which many on here will decry as irrelevant, but having a wife that is ok taking the truck on a road trip rather than her douchey SUV is a huge plus for me. Second row on RHO also reclines for teenage kid, which he prefers. RHO is much faster than Raptor, but is quieter about it, which is just fine with me because I prefer understated (which is why I debadge everything).

As for Ram quality, I just think that confirmation bias reigns supreme on these boards. Fords have plenty of problems as do Rams and Chevies, and if you go to any board or group, you will read and hear about them, but then those same people will not hesitate to be negative about other brands.

At the end of the day, I wouldn't let quality be the deciding factor. Just go drive the two trucks and let that dictate your decision. They drive completely differently, and you will know what is right for you the moment you do.

 

[montanapsn]

Hi all,

I've been lurking on the forum and thinking about becoming a RHO owner yet but really thinking hard about it. I'm a diehard Ford guy and currently driving a 19 Raptor and thinking about replacing it with either a new Raptor or RHO. Still have almost a year warranty so might just wait until 2026's come out.
The RHO has me more interested than the 2024/25 Raptors.

Thanks for any feed back.

I’m at 2500 miles. Really like this truck and my old truck was very nice. Doesn’t lean when turning. Takes off like a car. Beautiful interior and technology is top notch. The suspension is worth the change, yours is good, these are great.

 

[HSrider]

Thanks for the additional responses and good to hear so many positive things on the new RHO. I'm still up in the air on ordering a 25 or just wait until 26's come out and get one then. Nothing really wrong with my Raptor and only has 70K on it and warranty runs out in Dec. So might just wait and order 26 and try a Ram for a change.

 

[MattH89]

Thanks for the additional responses and good to hear so many positive things on the new RHO. I'm still up in the air on ordering a 25 or just wait until 26's come out and get one then. Nothing really wrong with my Raptor and only has 70K on it and warranty runs out in Dec. So might just wait and order 26 and try a Ram for a change.

I think this is sensible. The 25s have had a lot of gremlins. I don't think waiting another MY would be a bad idea at this point if you enjoy what you have now.

 

[kaos_859]

Your question was directed to those that have gone from a Raptor to an RHO. I have gone Platinum, GEN2, GEN2, TRX, GEN3 and now RHO. Going to the TRX was unbelievably tough for me because I had never owned a Ram and all of the negative comments from folks were concerning me, to the point that I brought my own mechanic to the dealership on pickup (since they wouldn't let early buyers test drive). Anyway, that TRX was awesome in every way. As a "Ford guy", I was blown away and never had an issue. That said, the TRX was a heavier vehicle and it showed in its handling. It also had horrible range because of the terrible MPG. So, I went back to a 23' Raptor. It gave me my range and it was more nimble and drove like a sports car. However, it developed a rattle in the first 5k miles (like my other raptors did) and interior was crap (steering wheel center turned chalk white within months). Even in 23', Ford was still deleting options because of chip shortage, which says a lot about Ford's management. And while it did have a loud exhaust, I actually found it embarrassing. You step on the gas and the truck was loud - which let everyone know you were stepping on it - and the truck didn't move. It was loud for the sake of being loud and like a loudmouth at a party, I just couldn't stand it. The RHO still has the heaviness of the TRX, but the ride is smooth and quiet and the interior is miles ahead. Wife really likes the smooth/quiet ride, massage seats and separate screen, which many on here will decry as irrelevant, but having a wife that is ok taking the truck on a road trip rather than her douchey SUV is a huge plus for me. Second row on RHO also reclines for teenage kid, which he prefers. RHO is much faster than Raptor, but is quieter about it, which is just fine with me because I prefer understated (which is why I debadge everything).

As for Ram quality, I just think that confirmation bias reigns supreme on these boards. Fords have plenty of problems as do Rams and Chevies, and if you go to any board or group, you will read and hear about them, but then those same people will not hesitate to be negative about other brands.

At the end of the day, I wouldn't let quality be the deciding factor. Just go drive the two trucks and let that dictate your decision. They drive completely differently, and you will know what is right for you the moment you do.

Nicely written compare/contrast. Bonus points for the, "douchey SUV," comment.

 

[HSrider]

Well found a dealer about 2 hrs from me with a RHO that wasn't special ordered so going to go check it out today to compare it with my Raptor and just see it in person versus on computer or videos. It has a few options I wouldn't order but they wouldn't be deal breakers if I liked it. I still think I will just wait for 26's though but who knows never say never. HAHAHA

 

[RamFan]

Well found a dealer about 2 hrs from me with a RHO that wasn't special ordered so going to go check it out today to compare it with my Raptor and just see it in person versus on computer or videos. It has a few options I wouldn't order but they wouldn't be deal breakers if I liked it. I still think I will just wait for 26's though but who knows never say never. HAHAHA

You're gonna like it.........!!!

Let us know what mpgs you get on the way home with your new purchase

Chris

 

[tchokaeewe]

Thanks for response and I can see your pros and cons and agree with a lot of them. I'm not too worried about donuts but like you when it's a summer day out I don't see a need to be running in AWD even though the engineer explained it that it kind of is in 2wd as long as the rear wheels don't slip but still like you said you have the drag on the drive line. Funny you say that about a missed opportunity as my wife bought a new Toyota Crown and I was checking out the all new Tundra TRD Pro. Even went and built some but I'm like this was a brand new truck in 2022 and no AWD option like their competitors and no tail gate step of any kind and if you get hybrid model zero storage in the back. I'm like man Toyota missed an opportunity here. I just don't get who these manufactures talk to when designing or updating trucks, but that's just me. Anyhow back on topic I agree for the money the RHO is the best deal going. Who knows I might have to try one just not sure if I will get a current 2025 model or just give them a year and see how they are doing and order a 2026.

Oh man, I felt the exact same thing about the Tundras! I had an order for the TRD Pro in 2023 and when it arrived I ended up passing on that truck and keeping my Rebel. The cost for a TRD Pro is outrageous when you consider what that truck lacks in the off-road department compared to a Raptor, RHO, or even a Rebel. The rear cabin is a major failure with that battery eliminating under seat storage, the hump in the floor and losing more than 4" of legroom compared to Ram/Ford.

Something about the Tundra bed made it seem very small, like the bed was shallower than all other 1500 trucks. Plastic front bumper on an off-road truck with NO recovery points, WTF Toyota.

We all know the problems that motor has had as well and if you do a bit of research, many people with replacement engines have been experiencing the same failure again between 5k-30k mies.

 

[HSrider]

Well the test drive was nice and just seeing an RHO in person was cool as well. All I can say is WOW what a truck as a diehard Ford guy I have to say Ram done a Great job on this RHO. I know my Raptor is a 19 and Raptors have changed also and I might check one out but I don't think it will even come close to the RHO.

The things that impressed me was the comfort and the interior was next level. I didn't even try the massaging seats, the sales guy was super knowledgeable and the dealer wasn't push at all. The RHO felt like a bigger truck to me than my Raptor and I think it was only the fact that it sits a little higher. It reminded me of my 2011 F250 on 4.5 Carli Suspension system and 35's but drove and rode better. The RHO was so quiet in the cab compared to my 19 Raptor as well.

This one had options on it that I wouldn't order on a truck I would build but at the same time they wouldn't be a deal breaker. They do come up to $4880. though so not sure it would be worth it to order and wait or just buy or wait and order a 26 but who knows what prices will do with all the political stuff going on now.

@RamFan it looked like your truck My one question would be how hard are those beadlock wheels to keep looking good? Especially in areas that use salt and that road brine crap in winter.

The ball is in my court and I told dealer I needed to discuss with the Boss and let them know.

 

[eruss]

FWIW, my last 4 trucks have been GM products, last 3 Sierra Denalis. I pulled the trigger on a 2024 Raptor 801A in September of this year. The suspension is second to none but as many have mentioned the interior is lacking especially for an $85k truck. Only had 1000 miles on it and rattles everywhere, center of steering wheel turning white with crappy plastic materials, not to mention the moon roof leak. I got an offer for what I paid for it so wound up selling it and going to order an RHO. Debating level 0 or level one right now. Can deal without a moonroof but being in FL, the ventilated seats are going to be hard to live without.

Looking forward to joining the club here eventually and thanks for all of the great insight on this thread to help me make and informed decision on not being apprehensive to make the switch.

 

[RamFan]

The level 1 is worth it. There is a thread on it and early welcome to the club!!

Chris

 

[HSrider]

Does anyone know if I'm allowed to start a thread about the RHO I test drove but not buying in case there are other forum members that might be interested? I just don't want that admins giving me crap.

 

[MattH89]

Does anyone know if I'm allowed to start a thread about the RHO I test drove but not buying in case there are other forum members that might be interested? I just don't want that admins giving me crap.

I am confident in saying that post would be allowable

 

[RHOMAN]

Hi all,

I've been lurking on the forum and thinking about becoming a RHO owner yet but really thinking hard about it. I'm a diehard Ford guy and currently driving a 19 Raptor and thinking about replacing it with either a new Raptor or RHO. Still have almost a year warranty so might just wait until 2026's come out.
The RHO has me more interested than the 2024/25 Raptors.

Thanks for any feed back.

Warning: Thesis below. Hopefully this highlights a few things to look for as you search for your favorite truck.

I have a 2017 Raptor and recently picked up a 2025 RHO. I still drive both, and have been able to identify features that I like better about each. To be fair, I have a loaded 2017 Raptor and I did not get the level 1 RHO.

The RHO is full time 4wd; I get slightly better mileage in the Raptor in 2H.

The RHO likes to operate at higher RPM even at low light throttle applications. In town going easy on both, the RHO likes to be 1800-3000 rpm and the Raptor is probably 1400-2500 rpm. The Raptor feels better in terms of low-end torque for low throttle applications.

The statement above will likely stir controversy. As a reminder, we are comparing the 3.5 V6 in the raptor to the 3.0 inline six in the RHO. It seems like a little more rpm is a good thing on a small engine in a big truck. For an additional sidebar, I have an explorer ST with a 3.0 V6--it has high power and torque for the application, but does not have the same low rpm torque feel as the Raptor with the 3.5 V6.

The RHO engine is very smooth, but I wouldn't say the Raptor is rough running by any means.

Cold start on the RHO is a little annoying. It is loud for a few seconds (and sounds cool once you get used to it not being a V8 truck). I just don't like hearing it every time.

The RHO engine has impressive performance numbers. I am still in the early stages of ownership (break in) and I have not seen what it can do. For daily driving, the power has been more than adequate for all situations. The Raptor's 10 speed transmission has more options to give you the power or economy you need in a given scenario compared to the RHO's 8 speed. With 8-10 speeds, there is really not a notable difference in gearing advantage in the real world (note: Ford's 10 speed is not sequential shift, so you don't use every gear every time).

I had some clunking into gear (Reverse to Drive) and then some weird shifting mannerisms out of the Ford. I was concerned with the number of transmission issues ford has encountered. I reset the adaptive shifting, and it has been perfect since.

This brings up a very important differentiation. You can get into the Ford computers and tuning pretty easy and inexpensively. RHO's are still pretty well locked down. If you are going to upgrade and modify things, Ford has a pretty distinct advantage.

Ford has been building on this platform for some time, and they probably lead in experience for this application. I would count on engineers studying each other's work, successes, and failures--which brings me to fuel injection. In the early ecoboost engines, ford ran direct injection. In the later revisions, they ran dual injection, presumably to provide the advantages of direct injection in performance scenarios and port injection at idle, light throttle, and low rpm to keep carbon deposits off of the intake valves. Stellantis is ONLY running direct injection on the Hurricane HO engines. I don't know if this presents a long-term maintenance risk for RHO owners (more homework needed).

I like the RHO suspension better for street driving. My Raptor is older now and it's tough to say how my shocks compare to brand new ones. The Raptor has often been regarded as a "bouncy" truck, but it handles speed bumps, potholes, curbs, and anything you throw at it like a champ. The RHO has successfully navigated high speed speedbumps, but no aggressive terrain yet. The RHO tracks flatter through corners and feels better composed for the street. The Raptor shocks could be valved for this, and the latest gen Raptor has some extra suspension goodies that probably close this gap.

Interior, RHO wins hands down; it has better gauges and data and is very customizable. I don't have any complaints on my 2017 and the newer Raptors offer a little improvement over it. My RHO does not have ventilated seats, sunroof, or birds eye view cameras. I like the ventilated seats (I have had them on my past three cars--they are a necessity in the southwest or southeast, but I am in a climate that I can get away without them now...I think). The cameras are nice for a quick check to make sure you parked in the lines of your parking space. I have had a sunroof in two of the last three cars I have owned and use them very infrequently.

The infotainment interface and speed seems better in the Ram. While it's not apples to apples, my 2017 ram also had better infotainment than my 2017 Raptor, or 2021 Explorer. The RHO is beating all of them, but I cannot offer opinions on the latest gen Raptor.

My Raptor has factory running boards and they make a notable difference. They were not included on my RHO and are between $1000 and $2000--starts to close the price gap.

The Raptor has the Ford keypad on the door, allowing access without an app or key fob. This is huge for times when you might not want to carry your keys. The Ford has an unquestionable advantage here.

Ford's app is slightly better in design, data, and use. Ram charges a subscription for the app after the trial period. This likely also closes the gap in initial price over time (I don't recall paying for that with Ford, but maybe it's in my Sirius subscription or something).

Both of these trucks are on "35's" though they are both metric tires smaller than 35." The RHO's tire is slightly taller and slightly wider. The bottom of the RHO door is farther off the ground than the Raptor's. The windowsill it higher on the RHO hiving it a pretty substantial feel, but the windows are smaller on the RHO. The Raptor feels more open when you drive it, and generally has the feel of a smaller truck (though they are practically the same size).

RHO has a little bed step below the bumper and the Raptor has a deployable ladder and grab bar, which seems significantly better so far.

 

[Viper7two]

I had a 24 TRX that I absolutely love. Problem was, it was in the shop more that in my driveway. I ended up selling it after a few months because I was tired of all the issues. Jumped into a 25 Raptor 802 package. Truck felt much more nimble to drive compared to the TRX but it severely lacked power. After a few weeks of owning it, the transmission started to act up. Everyone said it was normal for Raptors. I accepted it for a bit but it began to get worse. When it got to the point of going limp it the middle of intersections multiple times I took it to the dealer. Dealer did a software update and "fixed" everything. Truck went limp again as I pulled out of the lot. Time to go. Two days later I traded it in for an RHO and hands down the best decision I've made. Yes, I've had a couple of hiccups with the truck, but I love it. Night and day difference from the Raptor. Only thing I miss on the Raptor are the seats and suspension. Now, just to do something about that exhaust...

 

[NM_Life_Defender]

I currently drive a 2019 Raptor with just over 60k miles on it. At 50k I had the cam phasers done along with replacement of a cracked valve cover and replacement of rear shocks.

The truck is Goosetuned stage 1 and has been night and day in performance compared to stock, both the power delivery and transmission behavior. I also have a mid-pipe (x-pipe) from AFE that replaced the mid muffler. It makes the exhaust a little obnoxious, and it drones some, but it's been fun. I went with R1 Concepts brakes to deal with the extra power, and they have been great.

All that said, I have a 2026 FBM Level 1 RHO on order with Anthony from Mark Dodge. As I said in another post, I'm looking forward to a stock truck that is quieter, smoother, faster, and has a much nicer interior.

 

[RAM-Ranch-MT]

Warning: Thesis below. Hopefully this highlights a few things to look for as you search for your favorite truck.

I have a 2017 Raptor and recently picked up a 2025 RHO. I still drive both, and have been able to identify features that I like better about each. To be fair, I have a loaded 2017 Raptor and I did not get the level 1 RHO.

The RHO is full time 4wd; I get slightly better mileage in the Raptor in 2H.

The RHO likes to operate at higher RPM even at low light throttle applications. In town going easy on both, the RHO likes to be 1800-3000 rpm and the Raptor is probably 1400-2500 rpm. The Raptor feels better in terms of low-end torque for low throttle applications.

The statement above will likely stir controversy. As a reminder, we are comparing the 3.5 V6 in the raptor to the 3.0 inline six in the RHO. It seems like a little more rpm is a good thing on a small engine in a big truck. For an additional sidebar, I have an explorer ST with a 3.0 V6--it has high power and torque for the application, but does not have the same low rpm torque feel as the Raptor with the 3.5 V6.

The RHO engine is very smooth, but I wouldn't say the Raptor is rough running by any means.

Cold start on the RHO is a little annoying. It is loud for a few seconds (and sounds cool once you get used to it not being a V8 truck). I just don't like hearing it every time.

The RHO engine has impressive performance numbers. I am still in the early stages of ownership (break in) and I have not seen what it can do. For daily driving, the power has been more than adequate for all situations. The Raptor's 10 speed transmission has more options to give you the power or economy you need in a given scenario compared to the RHO's 8 speed. With 8-10 speeds, there is really not a notable difference in gearing advantage in the real world (note: Ford's 10 speed is not sequential shift, so you don't use every gear every time).

I had some clunking into gear (Reverse to Drive) and then some weird shifting mannerisms out of the Ford. I was concerned with the number of transmission issues ford has encountered. I reset the adaptive shifting, and it has been perfect since.

This brings up a very important differentiation. You can get into the Ford computers and tuning pretty easy and inexpensively. RHO's are still pretty well locked down. If you are going to upgrade and modify things, Ford has a pretty distinct advantage.

Ford has been building on this platform for some time, and they probably lead in experience for this application. I would count on engineers studying each other's work, successes, and failures--which brings me to fuel injection. In the early ecoboost engines, ford ran direct injection. In the later revisions, they ran dual injection, presumably to provide the advantages of direct injection in performance scenarios and port injection at idle, light throttle, and low rpm to keep carbon deposits off of the intake valves. Stellantis is ONLY running direct injection on the Hurricane HO engines. I don't know if this presents a long-term maintenance risk for RHO owners (more homework needed).

I like the RHO suspension better for street driving. My Raptor is older now and it's tough to say how my shocks compare to brand new ones. The Raptor has often been regarded as a "bouncy" truck, but it handles speed bumps, potholes, curbs, and anything you throw at it like a champ. The RHO has successfully navigated high speed speedbumps, but no aggressive terrain yet. The RHO tracks flatter through corners and feels better composed for the street. The Raptor shocks could be valved for this, and the latest gen Raptor has some extra suspension goodies that probably close this gap.

Interior, RHO wins hands down; it has better gauges and data and is very customizable. I don't have any complaints on my 2017 and the newer Raptors offer a little improvement over it. My RHO does not have ventilated seats, sunroof, or birds eye view cameras. I like the ventilated seats (I have had them on my past three cars--they are a necessity in the southwest or southeast, but I am in a climate that I can get away without them now...I think). The cameras are nice for a quick check to make sure you parked in the lines of your parking space. I have had a sunroof in two of the last three cars I have owned and use them very infrequently.

The infotainment interface and speed seems better in the Ram. While it's not apples to apples, my 2017 ram also had better infotainment than my 2017 Raptor, or 2021 Explorer. The RHO is beating all of them, but I cannot offer opinions on the latest gen Raptor.

My Raptor has factory running boards and they make a notable difference. They were not included on my RHO and are between $1000 and $2000--starts to close the price gap.

The Raptor has the Ford keypad on the door, allowing access without an app or key fob. This is huge for times when you might not want to carry your keys. The Ford has an unquestionable advantage here.

Ford's app is slightly better in design, data, and use. Ram charges a subscription for the app after the trial period. This likely also closes the gap in initial price over time (I don't recall paying for that with Ford, but maybe it's in my Sirius subscription or something).

Both of these trucks are on "35's" though they are both metric tires smaller than 35." The RHO's tire is slightly taller and slightly wider. The bottom of the RHO door is farther off the ground than the Raptor's. The windowsill it higher on the RHO hiving it a pretty substantial feel, but the windows are smaller on the RHO. The Raptor feels more open when you drive it, and generally has the feel of a smaller truck (though they are practically the same size).

RHO has a little bed step below the bumper and the Raptor has a deployable ladder and grab bar, which seems significantly better so far.

Rho is in another dimension from even a gen 3 Raptor, gen 2 not even close. Wait til you get that fucker out of break in. Twice as fast as regular raptor and neck and neck with raptor R. Its the Bomb.