The legendary Warlock name dates back to the 1970s, representing some of Dodge and Ram’s most legendary off-road trucks. It most recently appeared as a trim level on the previous-generation Ram 1500, known as the “Classic,” which was sold alongside the newer DT-generation trucks.
Now, the Warlock is back and ready to shake things up here at Landmark Dodge of Morrow. It’s not just another off-road truck; it’s a throwback with modern flair, offering serious off-road gear at a price that competes with more basic four-wheel-drive options from other brands.
The name Warlock might strike you as bold or quirky, but this truck's gear is undeniably serious. It shares many of the Rebel’s off-road essentials, like the steel-spring suspension with a 1-inch lift, Bilstein dampers, 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler all-terrain tires, a locking rear differential, skid plates for underbody protection, and dual rear exhausts.
Under the hood is the same “Standard Output” Hurricane engine in the Rebel—a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six pumping out 420 horsepower and 469 lb-ft of torque. In terms of capability, the Warlock holds its own against the Rebel in most off-road situations. It boasts 10.1 inches of ground clearance, along with approach, breakover, and departure angles of 23.1, 20.0, and 22.8 degrees respectively—more than enough to handle nearly any terrain the Rebel can tackle.
The Rebel does have a few features that set it apart. For example, it offers an adjustable air suspension and an automatic four-wheel-drive setting, along with a high-clearance front bumper and a unique wheel and grille design. These upgrades improve the Rebel’s ground clearance to 11.1 inches and its approach, breakover, and departure angles to 27.9, 21.8, and 23.9 degrees. That said, these extras aren’t included with the Warlock, keeping it streamlined and more budget-friendly.
Out on the demanding and world-class trails at Holly Oaks ORV Park in Michigan, the Warlock powered through muddy patches, scales sandy hills, and navigates rocky terrain and deep potholes with ease. The suspension handled ruts and uneven surfaces at moderate speeds surprisingly well. While some off-road trucks excel at crawling or climbing but falter at speed, the Warlock maintained its composure, offering a balanced off-road experience.
Its performance rivals mainstream off-road trucks and showcases the same versatility that makes the Rebel stand out. The Warlock is more than capable of handling rugged trails, and it does so with a broader performance range than most trucks in its class.
The 2025 Ram 1500 Warlock doesn’t just shine off-road—it handles itself impressively on pavement, too. After seeing how quick the Tradesman model was with the same standard-output Hurricane inline-six engine, it’s no surprise the Warlock delivers a solid performance. Even with its rugged tires, extra 210 pounds of off-road gear, and taller 3.55 rear axle ratio, the Warlock still hits 60 mph in a swift 5.2 seconds.
It clears the quarter-mile in 14.0 seconds - slightly slower than the Tradesman’s times. If you go with the 3.92 axle ratio instead, like the Tradesman we tested earlier, you could probably hit 60 mph in under 5 seconds. Some performance numbers take a small hit due to the off-road focus, like the lateral grip dropping to 0.69 g and braking distance stretching from 127 feet to 139 feet. But let’s be honest—this truck wasn’t built to hug corners or set lap records.
The real standout is how all that off-road capability doesn’t compromise the Ram 1500’s renowned refinement. Inside, the cabin is remarkably quiet, with only a faint hum from the all-terrain tires during hard cornering. Road imperfections, speed bumps, and potholes are smoothed out with ease, and the ride stays firm and composed. You won’t feel vibrations creeping through the pedals, steering wheel, or seat—the Warlock handles rough roads like they’re someone else’s problem.
The Hurricane inline-six continues to impress, just as it did in the Tradesman. It’s smooth and subdued, with the transmission seamlessly moving to higher gears without feeling strained, thanks to the engine’s generous torque. Push the throttle a little harder, and the engine responds with a throaty growl that’s unique for a truck, almost like a refined European performance car.
Sure, some folks might miss the old Hemi V-8, but this Hurricane engine makes a strong case for itself. It’s efficient, powerful, and delivers a driving experience that feels like the next step forward. If you’re looking for a truck that performs just as well on the highway as on the trail, the Warlock fits the bill.
The 2025 Ram 1500 Warlock is a no-frills, all-business kind of truck, and that’s part of what makes it so cool. It’s essentially a Tradesman work truck outfitted with the guts of a Rebel—powertrain, suspension, and all. Everything else? Pure simplicity.
The dashboard design is a pre-refresh layout, the seats are cloth with a practical 40/20/40 split bench that fits six people, and the interior is tough and basic, with hard-plastic door panels and unpadded armrests. Even the steering wheel has a no-nonsense plastic rim. Adjustments for the seats and steering column? All manual.
None of that feels like a downside if you’re into what this truck heartily dishes out. It’s all about capability, durability, and having everything you need. You get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a spacious and comfortable rear seat, and those awesome Ram in-floor storage bins that are perfect for anything from hunting gear to tailgate supplies.
Plus, details like the metal knurled knobs and rocker switches give the interior a little extra edge where it matters. Add the optional Bed Utility package, and you’re set up with a spray-in bedliner, in-bed power outlets, and smart organizers under the rear seats. And the storage game is strong—there’s a spot for just about everything, with bins, drawers, and compartments spread all over the interior.
The Warlock’s real charm is its balance of rugged performance and everyday usability. It’s quick, smooth on the road, and completely at home off it. This isn’t a truck for people who want flashy features—it’s for folks who appreciate solid engineering and capability without the fluff. Whether you need a tough off-roader, a dependable workhorse, or a truck with a confident and tough vibe, the Warlock delivers.
