1500 TRX

Make
Ram
Segment
Sports Car

The Ram truck brand blew everyone away back in 2016 when it revealed a concept truck called the TRX. The TRX packed a de-tuned version of the supercharged Hellcat V8, immediately sparking calls from truck enthusiasts to put it into production. Four years later, Ram will finally do what no other brand has been brave enough to attempt; go toe-to-toe with the Ford F-150 Raptor. After numerous leaks and teaser trailers, the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX is finally here, and it's everything we hoped it would be.

Unequivocally, the Ram 1500 TRX is now the quickest, fastest, and most potent pickup truck (excluding aftermarket tuners) in the world. As expected, power comes from the familiar 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8 engine. But unlike the TRX Concept, which made do with only 575 horsepower, the production model shells out of whopping 702 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. Raptor who?

With such massive levels of power on tap, Ram says the TRX can hit 60 mph in only 4.5 seconds with launch control and reach 100 mph in 10.5 seconds. To put this performance into perspective, the TRX will leave 450-hp F-150 in the dust with its 5.1-second 0-60 time. Through the quarter-mile, the TRX will finish in 12.9 seconds while the Raptor will be behind by a full second. Leave your foot buried on the throttle for long enough, and the TRX can reach 118 mph.

A high-capacity eight-speed TorqueFlite 8HP95 can handle the TRX's massive power while a new dual-path air induction system helps keep the engine cool. The TRX also includes a full-time active transfer case with upgraded internals for improved durability. It still excels at truck duties with 32 inches of water fording, up to 8,100 pounds of towing capacity, and a maximum payload of 1,310 pounds, but like the Raptor, the TRX is not designed solely for on-road used. Ram made this truck to get dirty.

The TRX receives its own special suspension system with active damping, which Ram says was inspired by desert off-road racers. It utilizes forged aluminum front upper and lower control arms with independent front suspension. A Dana 60 solid rear axle with a 3.55 ratio packs full-floating hubs, a limited-slip differential, and an axle-hop damper, helping the truck keep traction off-road.

As with other off-road-oriented trucks, the TRX should ride quite nicely over the pavement with its 2.5-inch Bilstein Black Hawk e2 adaptive performance shocks, which are tuned to respond quickly to the road surface. The five-link coil suspension delivers a compliant ride on all types of road surfaces, and 13 inches of wheel travel at all four corners ensure greater off-road capability than any previous Ram model. There is even a new Jump Detection feature, which senses when the truck is airborne to prevent driveline-damaging power spikes.

Five drive modes, including Auto, Sport, Tow, Snow, and Custom, allow drivers to cater the four-wheel-drive system, throttle response, transmission, paddle shifters, suspension, and the electric power steering to the task at hand. Separately, Mud/Sand, Rock, and Baja off-road modes offer adjustments for different types of off-road driving.

Just like a Hellcat, the TRX flaunts its massive grunt with wild exterior styling. Composite flares and fender wells cover the massive 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory 325/65/R18 All-Terrain tires, making the TRX a full eight inches wider than any other Ram model. LED clearance marker lights run across the front bumper, creating a mean face that will intimidate anyone in front of this truck. The aggressive looks are functional too. The aluminum hood, for instance, features bright LED clearance lights integrated into a scoop. That scoop provides 50 percent of the air entering the engine, helping to keep the fireb-breathing Hellcat well-fed and cool.

Other exterior changes include a new R-A-M badge, front grille, hood, skid plates, and steel bumpers. Buyers can opt for full-length rock rails or traditional powder-coated aluminum running boards. At the back, a R-A-M badge stretches across the tailgate like a Heavy Duty model and oversize tow hooks and integrated five-inch dual exhaust add even more aggression.

Ram has the best interior of any truck right now, and the TRX is no exception. Buyers can go from basic to upscale with their choice of premium cloth and vinyl, premium-wrapped leather and suede, or premium-wrapped leather and suede with available red and carbon fiber accents. Ram based the lower-trim TR Equipment Group on the Rebel layout, while the TR1 or TR2 Equipment Group adds the same luxury found in the Limited trim level.

TRX-specific changes to the cabin include new front seats with tighter bolsters and embroidered logos, optional equipment pouches on the seatbacks, SRT flat-bottom steering wheel, aluminum paddle shifters,console-mounted performance floor shifter, and a heads-up display. A special plate on the center console lid lists the type of supercharger used on the TRX along with the boost output, horsepower, and vehicle identification number (VIN).

In case the TRX doesn't sound cool enough already, Mopar will offer more than 100 additional parts and accessories to customize it further. Some of these parts include off-road lights, beadlock-capable wheel rings, off-road rock rails, RamBar, and a bed-mounted spare-tire carrier. All of these parts include a full factory warranty, while the TRX itself is backed by a five-year/60,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty and standard three-year/36,000-mile Basic Limited Warranty with bumper-to-bumper coverage.

Ram will build the TRX at Sterling Heights Assembly Plant (SHAP) in Michigan. Pricing starts at $69,950, though you can expect to spend significantly more with options.