It’s my RHO’s 1st birthday…time to say goodbye?

[CORHinO]

I’ve been driving a 2014 Limited, lifted with 35’s with the 5.7L Hemi, for the past 12 years. I absolutely love that truck and I never intended to sell it because it has a lifetime Chrysler bumper to bumper warranty. But Stellantis has discontinued so many parts, or just changed part numbers, that the value of the warranty just isn’t there anymore.

So I’m about to pull the trigger on a 2026 RHO and I test drove one today. TBH, I was somewhat disappointed and now I’m a bit torn. I do not agree with any characterizations of it being agile. It’s no where near as agile as my Limited. I’m sure the wider overall width and wheel base is great for desert running, but that doesn’t correlate to agility, that compromises agility. Then I have to consider the narrow lanes on the highways in my area, the narrow switchback roads to get to my cabin in the mountains with semis sometimes careening around blind curves, etc. Plus there’s the Turbo lag which doesn’t exist in the Hemi. And it sounds like an Audi, not a truck. The HK19 audio system also has to go and that’s not an easy job. But in fairness that’s the case with most if not all OEM stereo systems.

Most importantly, I was just underwhelmed with the power. Yes I know the impressive performance specs, but I’m so accustomed to the Hemi I just didn’t love the feel of it. Downshifts were not sharp. I think it’s the same 8 speed tranny that’s in my 2014 Limited and that’s been a nightmare (1st year the released it). I’m on my 4th tranny with only 78K miles on the truck. Maybe I needed to change the drive mode but I did try the turbo launch and again, I expected more. In my opinion the truck was designed for top end, everything else was secondary. But how many people do high speed desert running? And why didn’t they go with a 4 wheel independent suspension?

But…the interior is unmatched, it’s extremely well equipped, the seats are amazingly comfortable so I don’t see my back locking up on long drives, the tech is outstanding (assuming it all works), and it is without a doubt the best looking truck out there in my mind.

I’m think I’m still a buyer, but I expected more. I’m looking into maybe adding the Magnaflow Exhaust option but I don’t want to wait for a custom build so that would have to be done at the dealer and it won’t be cheap. I missed the grunt more than I expected, much more.

I do appreciate this thread, very helpful to hear candid opinions.

Roar Pedal solves most, if not all, throttle lag.

 

[rpr]

Thanks for that, I’ll look into it because the RHO I’ve had my eye on just hit the dealers lot and I need to make a decision quick.

I appreciate all the feedback in this thread.

If I knew a V8 RHO would be available in a few months I’d likely wait to see what they release, but it sounds like Stellantis may have gotten ahead of themselves dropping this info to stir everyone up into a frenzy during their Q3 earnings call followed by their teaser press releases.

The TRX release does sound imminent. I’m not sure about the “dark horse” V8 RHO. Opinions seem to be all over the board on that, from a few months to a couple years before it’ll happen.

 

[eltaco]

Thanks for that, I’ll look into it because the RHO I’ve had my eye on just hit the dealers lot and I need to make a decision quick.

I appreciate all the feedback in this thread.

If I knew a V8 RHO would be available in a few months I’d likely wait to see what they release, but it sounds like Stellantis may have gotten ahead of themselves dropping this info to stir everyone up intonanfrenzybduringbtjeirnQ3 earnings call followed by their teaser press releases.

The TRX release does sound imminent. I’m not sure about the “dark horse” V8 RHO. Opinions seem to be all over the board on that, from a few months to a couple years before it’ll happen.

I guess my best advice would be to make a decision based on what you know today, and not based on speculation for what might come in the future. Who knows what will happen with TRX or V8, or their respective price points even if they come to fruition.

If you drive and like the RHO as is, maybe you have your answer. If you don’t like it as it is, suppose you also do.

 

[natew51]

I guess my best advice would be to make a decision based on what you know today, and not based on speculation for what might come in the future. Who knows what will happen with TRX or V8, or their respective price points even if they come to fruition.

If you drive and like the RHO as is, maybe you have your answer. If you don’t like it as it is, suppose you also do.

This is great advice from @eltaco. Something I needed to hear as well.

 

[DRC01]

I had a 2020 Limited Tundra prior to the RHO with the 5.7 V/8 engine. I was going to buy a new Tundra Capstone however Toyota is in serious trouble with their V/6 engine, they have been recalled since 2022 and now going into 2026. I started to look at GMC and the Ram RHO and so here I am.

 

[gram10]

1 year anniversary for me! 24,900 miles in. Only issues so far(knock on wood) dead batteries day 2, bought aftermarket, no issues since; and the driver's seat heater coil had to be replaced a month or two in. Going to keep it rolling!