SIX SPEED BLOG: 2025 RAM 1500 WARLOCK IS ALL THE TRUCK YOU NEED

Whenever a truck comes my way, I take full advantage of the opportunity, as these chances are few and far between. Whether I’m tackling a weekend house project, purchasing furniture to avoid that $250 delivery fee, or hauling some junk to the local landfill, I make the most of it.

So, when the 2025 RAM 1500 in the familiar Warlock trim arrived, I called my parents to see if they needed anything hauled away. Their first question was, “Is it a pretty truck?” Given that their standard for beauty is set by their 1998 Ford Ranger, I couldn’t help but smile. To them, anything newer is considered too pretty to get dirty. But that didn’t stop them from having me haul some of their junk off.

The Warlock trim returns after being in hiatus for the last few years and was only available on the previous generation RAM 1500. Taking the two Tradesman work truck out of the picture, Warlock marks as the second level up from the entry-level Big Horn with a starting price of $54,505. Unlike the advanced off-road oriented Rebel, the Warlock keeps to the simple necessities of an off-road truck featuring standard four-wheel drive system, off-road chunky tires over 18-inch wheels, beefed up off-road suspension, and of course a decal on the side to round it all off.

Smooth Hustler

It is not new news that RAM has ditched their V8 engine like last season fashion in favor of a new Hurricane twin-turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine that produces 420 horsepower with 469 pound-feet of torque. I mean really, the only thing about the V8 that were going to miss is the sound and the way it made us feel like teenagers at the end of the night on prom. The twin-turbo six doesn’t waste time moving itself along, in fact its much smoother than the V8 and with its 8-speed automatic transmission its feels more lively too. The gear changes are decently snappy, and the turbocharger never seems to skip a beat when called into action.

Driving the Warlock doesn’t feel much different from any other truck—no surprise there. Its off-road suspension gracefully absorbs the bumps and bruises of the roughest roads, even long after the pavement has bid farewell. The suspension travel is generous enough to help you wiggle out of a tight spot or two. And when it comes to steering, it’s competent enough to guide you through a turn without drama, though don’t expect an Oscar-winning performance in the bends.

When it comes to tackling truck duties, the Warlock is right there with you—loyal, dependable, and ready to lend a sturdy bumper. For easier access to the bed, there’s a convenient retractable step from the rear bumper. It boasts a towing capacity just over 8,300 pounds. And when it comes to fuel economy, the Warlock may not have a V8 anymore, but it certainly drinks it fuel like one as I averaged 18-mpg’s combined during the week.

Just The Basics is All You Need

Since the Warlock is positioned in the entry-level segment, you won’t find an abundance of luxury features or optional extras. That said, it comfortably seats six full-size adults, with the middle console capable of folding up to provide an additional sea. The Warlock is equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. And when it comes to safety, the Warlock covers all the essentials with lane keeping, forward collision, adaptive cruise control with limited traffic assistance, and blind spot monitoring.

I can appreciate what RAM has done with the interior. Unlike many competitors, which often leave a sea of blank black button covers to remind you that you didn’t opt for a higher trim or additional packages, the Warlock’s interior focuses on the fundamentals. Even the screen housing looks intentional, matching the overall clean and straightforward design, rather than hinting at a larger screen that was never meant to be there. It’s a practical, no-nonsense approach that keeps things uncomplicated and functional.

Throughout the course of a review, I typically jot down the things I like and don’t like about a vehicle. When it came to the Warlock, there wasn’t much to criticize. Its starting price of $57,945 felt quite reasonable for a full-size truck that delivers that much performance. I appreciated the styling—admittedly, it’s a bit utilitarian with all that black plastic, but there’s a certain rugged charm to it.

Even the interior struck me as practical—a no-nonsense, straightforward design that keeps things uncomplicated and functional. If I had to nitpick, I suppose the fold-up center console means losing your cupholders when you need the extra seat, and perhaps the seats could have offered a bit more bolstering for added comfort on longer drives. But overall, the 2025 RAM 1500 Warlock manages to deliver a balanced combination of capability and value, without trying to be anything it’s not.