The RAM 1500 TRX stands as one of the most audacious and exhilarating vehicles ever produced by an American automaker. Powered by a supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V8 engine producing an earth-shattering 702 horsepower, the RAM 1500 TRX transformed the performance pickup segment when it debuted for the 2021 model year. This factory-built monster truck combines Baja-ready off-road capability with supercar-rivaling acceleration, sprinting from zero to sixty in just 3.7 seconds during independent testing.
The RAM 1500 TRX represents the pinnacle of internal combustion excess, delivering an experience that combines raw American muscle with genuine engineering sophistication. For enthusiasts who refuse to compromise between extreme performance and practical utility, the RAM 1500 TRX delivers both in spectacular fashion.
Introduction to RAM 1500 TRX
The RAM 1500 TRX emerged from years of anticipation following the debut of the Rebel TRX concept at the 2016 State Fair of Texas. Consumer enthusiasm for that concept vehicle convinced RAM to pursue production, culminating in the announcement on June 1, 2018, that this dream truck would become reality. When the RAM 1500 TRX finally arrived for the 2021 model year, it exceeded expectations and immediately established itself as the undisputed king of high-performance pickups.
The RAM 1500 TRX was designed specifically to challenge and surpass Ford’s extremely popular F-150 Raptor, which had dominated the performance truck segment since its introduction. While the Raptor relied on a twin-turbocharged V6 producing 450 horsepower, RAM took a dramatically different approach by stuffing the legendary supercharged HEMI V8 under the hood. This engine choice gave the RAM 1500 TRX an overwhelming power advantage that Ford eventually had to answer with its own V8-powered Raptor R.
Supercharged 6.2-Litre HEMI V8 Engine
At the heart of the RAM 1500 TRX lies the most talked-about engine in the American performance automotive landscape. The supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V8 produces 702 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 650 pound-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm. This powerplant shares its DNA with the engines found in Dodge Challenger and Charger Hellcat models, as well as the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, though it receives specific calibrations for the truck application.
The slight power reduction from the 707 horsepower rating of other Hellcat applications results from enhanced air filtration systems designed to handle the dust and debris encountered during off-road driving. A functional hood scoop provides cool air directly to the supercharger, though additional filtration ensures engine longevity in harsh conditions. The distinctive supercharger whine has become a signature characteristic of the RAM 1500 TRX, announcing its presence with unmistakable authority.
Power delivery occurs through a high-torque-capacity TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission that has been reinforced to handle the constant stress from the massive engine output. This transmission delivers smooth, rapid shifts during normal driving while providing aggressive response when the driver demands maximum performance. Shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel allow manual gear selection for those who prefer direct control over the powertrain.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 6.2L Supercharged HEMI V8 |
| Maximum Power | 702 HP @ 6,100 RPM |
| Maximum Torque | 650 lb-ft @ 4,800 RPM |
| Transmission | TorqueFlite 8-Speed Automatic |
| Drivetrain | Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive |
| 0-60 MPH (Tested) | 3.7 seconds |
| Quarter Mile | 12.3 seconds @ 110 MPH |
| Top Speed | 118 MPH (Limited) |
| Curb Weight | 6,866 lbs |
Acceleration and Performance Numbers
The RAM 1500 TRX delivers performance figures that seem impossible for a vehicle weighing nearly 7,000 pounds. During independent testing by automotive journalists, the truck accelerated from zero to sixty miles per hour in just 3.7 seconds and completed the quarter mile in 12.3 seconds at 110 miles per hour. These numbers made the RAM 1500 TRX the quickest pickup truck ever tested by major automotive publications, surpassing every competitor by significant margins.
To put this performance in perspective, the RAM 1500 TRX reaches 60 mph only 0.3 seconds slower than the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk despite weighing approximately 1,600 pounds more. The truck continues accelerating strongly to 100 mph, which arrives in just 9.7 seconds, demonstrating that the performance is not merely a launch trick but sustained throughout the speed range. Top speed is electronically limited to 118 miles per hour, though the powertrain could theoretically propel the truck much faster.
Launch control comes standard, allowing drivers to optimize acceleration by building boost pressure against the brakes before releasing for maximum forward thrust. The system includes adjustable launch rpm settings, enabling fine-tuning based on surface conditions and driver preference. Even without using launch control, the RAM 1500 TRX delivers face-contorting acceleration that leaves passengers genuinely startled by its ferocity.
Off-Road Capability and Suspension
While the straight-line performance numbers capture headlines, the RAM 1500 TRX was engineered primarily as an extreme off-road machine capable of high-speed desert running in the tradition of Baja racing. The suspension system represents the most sophisticated ever fitted to a production pickup truck, enabling the RAM 1500 TRX to absorb punishing terrain at speeds that would destroy lesser vehicles.
The front suspension features redesigned upper and lower control arms that increase wheel travel significantly while widening the track for improved stability. The rear utilizes a five-link setup with a heavy-duty Dana 60 solid axle featuring full-floating hubs and an electronic locking differential. This combination provides the strength necessary to survive harsh impacts while maintaining predictable handling characteristics during aggressive off-road driving.
Bilstein Black Hawk e2 adaptive performance shocks handle damping duties through 2.5-inch bodies with nitrogen-charged remote reservoirs. These sophisticated dampers feature dual electronic proportional valves that continuously adjust damping force based on terrain conditions and driving inputs. The system provides over 13 inches of suspension travel, allowing the RAM 1500 TRX to soak up massive hits that would bottom out conventional trucks.
Ground clearance reaches 11.8 inches, while approach angle measures 30.2 degrees, departure angle checks in at 23.5 degrees, and ramp breakover angle sits at 21.9 degrees. These figures enable confident navigation of obstacles including rocks, ledges, and severe terrain variations. The wading depth of 32 inches allows crossing water obstacles that would strand most other vehicles.
Drive Modes and Terrain Management
The RAM 1500 TRX features an extensive drive mode system that optimizes vehicle behavior for various conditions. The full-time BorgWarner 48-13 four-wheel drive system has been significantly reinforced to handle constant torque stress from the supercharged engine, distributing power between axles based on traction conditions and driver-selected modes.
Eight drive modes provide comprehensive coverage of potential driving scenarios. Auto mode handles most daily driving situations with balanced throttle response and suspension settings. Sport mode firms up the adaptive dampers, weights the steering, and allows higher engine speeds before upshifts, providing an engaging on-road experience. Tow mode optimizes transmission behavior for hauling trailers and heavy loads.
For off-road adventures, specialized modes transform the RAM 1500 TRX into a terrain-conquering machine. Mud/Sand mode adjusts traction control and power delivery for loose surfaces. Rock mode enables precise low-speed crawling over obstacles. The legendary Baja mode unlocks the full potential of the suspension system, loosening damper settings dramatically while optimizing throttle response for high-speed desert running. Snow mode provides measured power delivery for slippery winter conditions.
Exterior Design and Dimensions
The RAM 1500 TRX announces its extraordinary capabilities through aggressive exterior styling that sets it apart from standard RAM 1500 models. The track has been widened by eight inches compared to regular trucks, necessitating dramatically flared fenders that give the vehicle an hourglass shape when viewed from above. LED clearance lights mounted on the cab roof signal the exceptional width required by federal regulations.
The functional hood scoop dominates the front end, feeding cool air to the hungry supercharger beneath. Below, a massive front bumper incorporates skid plate protection and tow hooks positioned for recovery operations. The signature RAM grille receives unique treatment with performance-oriented mesh inserts. LED headlights with distinctive daytime running lights provide excellent illumination for night driving.
Side rock rails protect the body panels during trail driving while integrating the distinctive five-inch exhaust outlets that emit the V8’s aggressive soundtrack. The bed measures 5.5 feet in length, providing practical cargo capacity despite the performance focus. Overall dimensions include a 145.1-inch wheelbase, 232.9-inch overall length, 88.0-inch width, and 80.9-inch height. The massive 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory all-terrain tires mounted on 18-inch beadlock-capable wheels complete the aggressive appearance.
Interior Luxury and Technology
Despite its aggressive exterior and extreme performance focus, the RAM 1500 TRX cabin delivers luxury that rivals premium passenger vehicles. RAM has earned recognition for producing the finest interiors in the pickup truck segment, and the TRX benefits from this expertise while adding performance-specific elements that enhance the driving experience.
The standard interior features supportive cloth seats with suede inserts that provide excellent grip during aggressive maneuvers. However, most buyers opt for available upgrade packages that transform the cabin into a genuinely luxurious space. The TR1 Equipment Group adds leather upholstery, while the TR2 package delivers full premium leather with contrast stitching and additional carbon fiber trim elements throughout the cabin.
Front seats offer heating and ventilation functions along with power adjustments that enable finding the perfect driving position. The flat-bottom steering wheel provides improved thigh clearance while incorporating paddle shifters and comprehensive controls for audio, cruise, and phone functions. Red accent stitching throughout the cabin reinforces the performance orientation without overwhelming the sophisticated atmosphere.
The 12-inch Uconnect touchscreen handles infotainment duties with responsive operation and intuitive menu structures. Navigation, smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and comprehensive vehicle information displays keep drivers connected and informed. A premium Harman Kardon audio system delivers exceptional sound quality for those occasions when the engine’s symphony isn’t entertainment enough.
Safety Features and Driver Assistance
The RAM 1500 TRX includes comprehensive safety equipment appropriate for a vehicle capable of such extreme performance. Standard features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert, and lane departure warning systems. Adaptive cruise control maintains set following distances during highway driving, reducing driver fatigue on long journeys.
The advanced stability control system monitors vehicle dynamics continuously, intervening when necessary to maintain control during aggressive maneuvers. However, the system can be partially or fully disabled for drivers who prefer maximum freedom during controlled off-road situations. Traction management systems distribute power intelligently to maximize grip on varying surfaces.
Multiple airbags protect occupants in collision scenarios, while the reinforced steel frame provides exceptional structural integrity. The braking system features massive 14.9-inch front and 14.8-inch rear vented rotors that provide stopping power appropriate for the truck’s extreme performance capabilities. Electronic parking brake operation adds convenience during daily use.
Limited Editions and Special Models
Throughout its production run from 2021 through 2024, RAM released several limited edition variants that enhanced the already exclusive nature of the TRX. These special models featured unique cosmetic treatments and badges that distinguished them from standard production examples.
The Launch Edition kicked off production with just 702 units built, matching the horsepower figure in a clever marketing gesture. The Ignition Edition arrived for 2022 with 1,003 examples produced, followed by the Sandblast Edition featuring desert-inspired styling with 1,202 units built. The 2023 model year brought the Lunar Edition with space-themed design elements and the Havoc Edition featuring even more aggressive styling.
Production concluded with the 2024 Final Edition, limited to 4,000 units worldwide. This farewell model featured exclusive badging, special interior treatments, and unique color options celebrating the end of the TRX era. The final RAM 1500 TRX rolled off the production line on February 16, 2024, marking the conclusion of one of the most memorable chapters in American truck history.
Competition and Legacy
The RAM 1500 TRX’s primary competitor throughout its production remained the Ford F-150 Raptor, though the two trucks took fundamentally different approaches to the performance pickup concept. The standard Raptor relied on a twin-turbocharged V6 producing 450 horsepower, giving the RAM a massive power advantage. Ford eventually responded with the Raptor R featuring a supercharged V8 producing 700 horsepower, but even this response fell slightly short of the RAM 1500 TRX’s output.
The intense competition between these two trucks elevated the entire performance pickup segment, pushing both manufacturers to deliver increasingly capable machines. Independent comparison tests consistently praised the RAM 1500 TRX for its combination of straight-line speed, off-road capability, and interior refinement. Many reviewers concluded that while the Raptor offered sharper handling dynamics, the RAM 1500 TRX delivered a more complete package overall.
The legacy extends beyond simple performance numbers. The RAM 1500 TRX demonstrated that American automakers could build vehicles combining supercar acceleration with genuine off-road capability and everyday usability. This accomplishment earned the truck numerous awards including placement on the Car and Driver 10Best Trucks list and Editors’ Choice recognition throughout its production run. Enthusiasts recognized this truck as a modern classic that captured the spirit of American automotive excess in the best possible way.
End of Production and Future
The RAM 1500 TRX ceased production after the 2024 model year due to increasingly stringent emissions regulations that the supercharged V8 could not meet economically. Additionally, Stellantis’s strategic shift toward electrification influenced the decision to discontinue this iconic truck. The Final Edition served as a proper farewell to enthusiasts who appreciated what this legendary performance truck represented in automotive history.
For 2025, RAM introduced the 1500 RHO as an ostensible replacement, featuring a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six producing 540 horsepower. While the RHO delivers impressive performance and maintains much of the off-road capability, it cannot replicate the raw character and emotional engagement provided by the supercharged V8. The six-cylinder simply lacks the soundtrack and visceral drama that made this truck so special and beloved among enthusiasts worldwide.
However, recent reports suggest that this legendary performance truck may return for 2026 as product plans continue evolving within Stellantis. Some sources indicate the returning model could feature the Redeye version of the supercharged V8 producing 797 horsepower, adding nearly 100 horses to the original formula. While nothing has been officially confirmed, the potential return of this legendary truck has enthusiasts eagerly anticipating future announcements from the manufacturer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much horsepower does the RAM 1500 TRX produce?
The RAM 1500 TRX features a supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V8 engine producing 702 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 650 pound-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm. This makes it one of the most powerful production pickup trucks ever manufactured, delivering supercar-rivaling acceleration in a full-size truck package.
How fast is the RAM 1500 TRX from 0-60 mph?
Independent testing recorded the RAM 1500 TRX accelerating from 0-60 mph in just 3.7 seconds, making it the quickest pickup truck ever tested by major automotive publications. The quarter mile arrives in 12.3 seconds at 110 mph, demonstrating sustained acceleration performance throughout the speed range.
Is the RAM 1500 TRX still in production?
No, the RAM 1500 TRX ceased production after the 2024 model year with the Final Edition being the last variant produced. The final truck rolled off the assembly line on February 16, 2024. However, reports suggest the TRX may return for 2026 with potentially even more power from a Redeye-spec engine.
What is the price of the RAM 1500 TRX?
The RAM 1500 TRX had a starting price of approximately $76,000 when production began, rising to around $98,000 for the 2024 Final Edition. Fully equipped examples with all available options could exceed $100,000. Used examples now command premium prices given the truck’s discontinued status and collectibility.
How does the RAM 1500 TRX compare to the Ford F-150 Raptor?
The RAM 1500 TRX significantly outpowers the standard F-150 Raptor’s 450-horsepower V6 with its 702-horsepower V8. Even compared to the later Raptor R with 700 horsepower, the TRX maintains a slight power advantage. The RAM also offers superior interior refinement while the Ford provides sharper on-road handling dynamics.
Disclaimer
The information presented in this article is based on manufacturer specifications, independent testing results, expert reviews, and publicly available sources as of December 2025. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional automotive, financial, or purchasing advice.
