Infotainment Upgrade on 2025 Ram

By Richard Truesdell

Here’s what 12-volt retailers need to know when Ram starts delivering its 2025 models next fall.

This week details on Ram’s major refresh for the 2025 model year were announced, including details on the truck’s revamped audio system. This is one of Stellantis’ highest volume platforms (STLA frame) in North America. When the trucks launch next fall as 2025 models, they will be supported with maximum advertising and promotional efforts to drive sales.

In sorting through the media releases, we can confirm that two screen sizes will be offered; a standard 12-inch touchscreen with a larger 14.5-inch version available, both vertically-oriented with splitscreen capabilities.  Both are integrated with the HVAC controls.

Ram is adding a new top trim level called Tungsten.  Audio for this level will include a 23-speaker, 1,200-watt Ultra-Premium Klipsch Reference Premiere Audio System developed in conjunction with Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America. The system features a 12-inch subwoofer and two 1-inch titanium dome tweeters. This is a substantial upgrade from the outgoing model’s 19-speaker, 900-watt Harman Kardon system.

We note that the Tungsten trim will likely take Ram to new price levels close to $100,000 MSRP. (No pricing was included in today’s announcements so this is informed speculation based on the outgoing 2024 model.)

While not specified in the media release, the standard system will again feature eight speakers without a dedicated subwoofer, offering aftermarket upgrade possibilities. Don’t be surprised if the second-level 11-speaker Alpine system carries over to the 2025 model as an intermediate step. Since the Ram shares its platform with the Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer, connectivity will be the updated Uconnect 5 system. This means that integration paths will be similar to those found on the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer. 

Going beyond 12 volt, the 2025 Ram gets a powerful turbocharged Hurricane straight six replacing the third-generation Hemi V-8, and there’s an exciting new model, the Ramcharger. According to Ram, it is a bridge between its mainstream 1500 series of ICE-powered pickups and the full BEV (battery electric vehicle) REV expected in Q4 2024 as a 2025 model.

The onboard Pentastar V-6 will serve as a generator to charge the 92-kilowatt-hour battery pack. The V-6 will not drive either the front or rear wheels. The Ramcharger will feature a 250 kW front motor and a 335 kW rear motor for a combined equivalent of 636 horsepower. Best of all, the onboard 92-kilowatt-hour battery can travel up to 145 miles on a single charge. With an estimated EPA range of over 600 miles from its onboard 27-gallon fuel tank, think of it being the best of both worlds; usable EV range without the range anxiety. 

Takeaway: Ram is a crucial platform for Stellantis. While there is aftermarket sales potential as Ram sells out the outgoing lineup of 2024 models, the 2025 models will be game-changers. They are expected to keep Ram comfortably ahead of its competitors Ford, GM, and Toyota when it comes to infotainment innovation in the full-size truck category.

Top photo: 2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger Tungsten

Rich Truesdell

Rich is an industry veteran and longtime automotive photojournalist   He has served as an installer, a 12 volt retail store owner, and a car audio and automotive journalist.

Truesdell founded Kartunes Mobile Electronics in New Jersey in 1976 with a retail storefront from 1980 to 1992. He’s contributed to publications including Motor Trend and has been a full-time automotive journalist since 2000 to more than 30 magazines around the world.  He is also the co-author of three books with collaborator Mark Fletcher; Hurst Equipped (2012), 1970 Maximum Muscle (2021), and Hemi Under Glass (2021). Truesdell even appeared on Jay Leno’s Garage!

Truesdell welcomes questions from readers and he hopes to connect with colleagues from his many years in the car audio industry at [email protected]