I think the entire car world was sad to see the Ram 1500 TRX retired after 2024. The idea of a half-ton pickup powered by a 6.2-liter supercharged Hellcat V8 making over 700 horsepower seems like something a custom shop would have to build, rather than a full-on car manufacturer. Yet, it was a real, actual truck you could buy from a dealer with a warranty (and for under six figures!).
Under the last years of its previous CEO, Carlos Tavares, Ram and the rest of the Stellantis brands turned towards downsizing and electrification. Naturally, the EPA-estimated 12 mpg combined TRX was among the first victims of that initiative, having been replaced by the inline-six-powered 1500 RHO after the 2024 model year.
Now, after just two years, a new CEO for Stellantis, and some significant federal policy shifts, the TRX and its big, fat V8 are making a return for the 2027 model year, following the naturally aspirated Hemi V8 in the standard 1500 earlier this year. And to no one’s surprise, it’s quicker and more powerful than ever.
The Same, But Even More
The TRX’s comical formula is largely unchanged from that 2024 model-year truck. It’s still based on the 1500 Crew Cab, which means four doors and a full-size rear bench, for a total of five seats. The V8 displaces the same 6.2 liters, while the supercharger on top displaces the same 2.4 liters. But power is up over 10%, from 702 horsepower to 777 horsepower. Ram says the extra ponies are courtesy of “updated engine management and new hardware,” but doesn’t get any more specific in the press release.
The nudge in power, combined with the launch control system, is enough for a claimed 0-60 time of 3.5 seconds, which is a full second quicker than the last TRX (and 1.1 seconds quicker than the RHO).
The rest of the drivetrain is pretty much unchanged from 2024, with an eight-speed torque converter automatic sending power to a BorgWarner transfer case that delivers full-time all-wheel drive. How much torque is distributed front to rear depends on the drive mode you’re in. In Auto mode, that ratio is 40:60. Switch to Wet/Snow or Tow, and the numbers shift to 45:55. Go into Baja mode, and the ratio becomes 25:75, which seems most ideal if you want to do endless donuts in a parking lot. Drop the transfer case into 4-Low, and the split goes to a pure 50:50.
As far as suspension and off-roading equipment goes, much of the gear is carried over from the RHO. The second-gen version of Bilstein’s Black Hawk e2 adaptive shocks is present and accounted for, allowing for the 11.8 inches of ground clearance. The 35-inch off-road tires help, too. Out back you’ll find Ram’s five-link coil system attached to a Dana 60 rear axle and a locking rear differential. In all, there’s 13 inches of suspension travel up front and 14 inches of travel in the rear (nearly as good as the Ford F-150 Raptor R, which manages 13 inches in the front and 14.1 inches in the rear).
It’s The Little Things
While the overall concept of the TRX has remained largely the same, there are still a few notable differences that’ll be easy to spot at a glance. The most important is the return of the legendary SRT badge. SRT stands for Street and Racing Technology, the recently revived subdivision within Stellantis that was responsible for your favorite Dodges of the ’90s and 2000s, including the original Viper.
The last (and only) time a Ram pickup truck wore an SRT badge was the Ram SRT-10, a 1500 pickup that used the 8.3-liter V10 from the Viper. That truck went out of production in 2006, which means the 1500 SRT TRX (yes, that’s the truck’s full name) will be breaking a 20-year drought.
While I deeply respect the iconic status of the SRT sub-brand, the name “1500 SRT TRX” feels pretty clumsy to me. I always prefer real names over numbers and acronyms, and this has the latter two bunched into one. SRT TRX feels like the type of license plate a TRX owner would get if all of the good, shorter custom plates were already taken. At the same time, I know Stellantis wants to push this SRT relaunch, and using the TRX as its starting point is a strong move.
There are a few other badging changes. The most obvious is the bright red-outline “RAM” badge in the front grille, which feels very love-it or hate-it (I kinda love it). Then there’s the mascot badge on the tailgate next to the TRX badge, which is the shape of a Tyrannosaurus’s head (get it, T-Rex?) I kinda love this badge, too.
If Cool Badges Just Aren’t Flashy Enough For You
Those who want to make sure they stand out amongst a crowd of TRXs will be happy to learn of a new package for the TRX called the Bloodshot Night Edition. It looks as ridiculous as it sounds (and it sounds pretty ridiculous):
Customers can choose to equip their TRX as a Bloodshot Night Edition that celebrates the return of the apex pickup. Equipment includes a first-ever two-tone design for TRX, featuring a painted Blacktop upper and a bold, painted Flame Red center hood stripe. Additional exterior elements include distinctive splash body graphics and beadlock-capable wheels. Inside, red-accented carbon fiber interior trim, a glass encased center console badge and red-outline TRX badging finish off the aggressive look.
The 2027 TRX will begin deliveries this year, but unlike the previous version, it won’t be a sub-six-figure super truck. The 2024 1500 TRX started at $98,335, including destination. This new SRT model, meanwhile, comes in at $102,590. That’s not a huge jump when you factor in inflation, the extra power, and the extra standard tech, like standard level-two hands-free driving assist. I have no doubt Ram will have no trouble selling every single example it builds.
Top graphic image: Ram
You all are no fun!!! Its supposed to be stupid, irrational exuberance on 4 wheels. I dont need a 777hp truck but man do I want one. If I could afford $100,000, I can afford the gas.
I also appreciate the engineering that went into this, it had tens of thousands of hours put into R&D on the suspension alone. Way more capable, safer, rides better, doesnt clank, eat ball joints and wheel bearings like Kyle’s stupid F250 with a lift and rubber band tires.
Also in my neck of the woods this isnt a HUGE truck. Go try parking something like a CCLB dually and this seems pretty sporty and fits into most spaces out here in suburbia.
I saw a TV ad for this thing yesterday, and I immediately thought “who needs a pickup that can go 0-60 in 3.5 seconds.” Today, I still think that. And that their owners will be the first to bitch about fuel prices.
I’m just glad it finally has the Tyrannosaurus head badge that it always deserved.
I’m not surprised to see the polarization of opinions on this truck, but as silly as it is, I am glad to see it coming back. I daily-drive a ‘23 TRX, and it’s the very best truck, hands down, that I have ever owned.
The crazy off-road suspension is actually extremely comfortable on-road, the back is as roomy and useful as any other Ram 1500 crew cab, and with power running boards, people can get in and out without compromising any ground clearance. I love having the Hellcat power on tap, but it’s surprisingly civilized for just pootling around, which is honestly mostly what I do. The bed is plenty large for what I need (the occasional large item from Lowes or a piece of furniture; my wife likes to refurbish stuff from Facebook Marketplace), and it has that modular rail system that makes tying or strapping things down easy.
It’s huge, yes, but you get used to the extra width quickly and it’s really not much more difficult to maneuver or manage than any other half-ton. The height is the only issue; there’s a couple low-ceiling’ed parking garages that I don’t want to risk.
The TRX does project a certain amount of douche-bro energy, it’s true, but I did try to temper that a bit. I put some classic KC Daylighter lights on the rollbar, with the smiley-face covers, and people really seem to like it, I get a lot of thumbs-up from kids while driving around.
If I wasn’t fortunate enough to work from home, I probably wouldn’t be able to justify the bad gas mileage, but since I’m not commuting any more, it’s really not that bad at all. Other than its thirst for premium, I don’t have a single bad thing to say about it. It’s not the right truck for everyone, and I try really hard to drive with a clear awareness and courtesy to other drivers because it’s so large, but I wouldn’t give it up for anything else right now. So, yeah, as silly as these trucks are, I am happy they’re still going to be around.
I nearly bought one. I would still like to have one. though I was nto willing to pay the dealer mark up or the 1st/2nd year private seller mark up’s. especially since most were beat up and traded/up for sale just before the warranty was out.
I am now hoping the 2023 models that were squirreled away for suture profits lose value so I can get one of those creampuffs while the speculator goes for the newer ones. you know they will likely come up with some Special Edition versions.
Though I would honestly really rather have one with an SUV body that can still haul at least 8,000 lbs.
If they ever brought back the Ramcharger as a two-door SUV based on the TRX with the same widebody treatment, I and, like, three other people would be so happy.
Hell yeah! This is awesome. Good job new boss.
Like others here, I didn’t shed a tear when it was discontinued… and I’m completely unexcited by its return.
Up to the 1990s, this would have excited me. But that was back when everything else had way less performance/power.
But these days, even the base engines in these trucks have more power than most people need.
The only good thing I can truly say about it is that Stellantis will be able to sell this thing at a fat profit which should enable them to fund other things… like some new vehicles for Chrysler and Dodge.
Imagine if Dodge got a 2 and 4 door full size SUV out of this deal? Hell a TRX suspension with a full array of 2 and 4 wheel drive options along with EREV/turbo six/ and good old V8 motors would be pretty slick right now.
Ah yes 777hp will really help you from getting repo’d when your behind on you 30% 10 year loan.
Depends if you’re driving it when the repo man shows up or not.
As someone who loves tiny cars and whose life has been changed forever by a Ram smashing his last (normal sized) car… nope. Not happy to see it back. Massive trucks with tons of power, particularly from a brand whose social media person thought street takeovers were a good idea? Hard pass.
Of all the trucks named after exercise programs, this is easily my third favorite behind the Ford Raptor P90X and the Chevy Silverado Crossfit.
No love for the Toyota Tundra Tae-Bo?
I’m drawing a Blanks…
Turd Pro
A new TRX? So, more over-powered, outsized trucks with high centers of gravity on public roads? Hooray!
We’ll have more of this to look forward to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCasgxOdqWE
Hmm. check age, annoyingly old. check local roads, quite narrow, check laws, moost of them are silly. Do I have a trackless desert to hand? (rather no) would this thing make the steam engines look even vagually sensible. It would!! I can imagine the joy of folk, finally Nic has a sensible car.
LFG!
For our first round of commenter reviews we’re sending you to check out the Nissan Leaf and me to drive one of these monstrosities
Haha and Toecutter to drive a G Wagen or something
Nah we’re sending him the Hummer EV, his biggest pet peeves are excess weight, bad aero, and inefficiency. The Hummer EV is pretty much the undisputed worst on all of those fronts. Although my neighbor just bought one in OD green and I’d be lying if I said didn’t walk the dog past it a few times and go “ugh it does look kinda cool. Goddammit…”
There’s an example a dealership near me is having trouble selling and I pass it often prominently displayed perched atop a fake rock. It does look good but man is it massive. I have considered stopping to test drive it many times as I’m told it’s much easier to handle than you might think!
Whenever I see wrangler rubicons or anything similar parked up on a rock like that I wonder if it damages the suspension or anything to leave it like that for an extended period of time. Probably not if so many places do it, haha
You’re sick, you’re all sick.
I love it.
To be honest, no sensible human can resist the charm of a vehicle with four t-tops!
That is a much better deal for you lol
True, but the point is to make us experience cars we think we’d hate to see if our minds can be changed
Then do it proper: stick a racing stripe and bead-lock wheels on the Leaf
I imagine it will be kind of like Rob Corddry in Unaccompanied Minors. “I’ve already filled you up five times! How can you drink so much … you yellow monster!”
Maybe they didn’t change anything, but that green looks significantly better than the one I see driving around my town. It seems to blend in better with the normal rams as to not attract the police instantly. Either way, looks sharp in Green.
Couldn’t afford it new, wouldn’t trust it used. Good luck to those who can/will!
I love the badging, the insanity… even the return of the big v8, when the i6 is better for weight balance while prerunning!
Except it’s entirely unsuited for the mall parking lots where almost all of them will spend 99% of their time. It’s too tall, too wide, and too gas-guzzling for normal roads.
Tax the hell out of these and restrict them to 5000mi a year with a plate. You want to have fun? Great. No license plate and you can do what you want.
“Tax the hell out of these and restrict them to 5000mi a year with a plate. You want to have fun? Great. No license plate and you can do what you want.”
I like the idea and it has something to do with those who can are just buying side by sides that can go crazy fast and if they break get flat bed towed home.
Exactly. I want fun trucks to be for *fun* — rather than for “fun” which is 100mph acceleration runs on suburban streets.
Anti-social behavior as “fun” is not some inherent right.
It somehow has been for the last 1/2 century or so. sadly.
I was not sad at all to see this stupidity go. There really needs to be limits on what a 6000lb+ truck is allowed to do on public streets.
My issue with shit like this is it’s not just the driver’s problem. It’s so big, heavy, dangerous, and wasteful that it becomes everyone’s problem.
That is EXACTLY why I think there should be performance limits. Lose it doing stupid shit in a Mustang and the person you hit has some chance. This thing could wipe out a school.
I think you should need a CDL to drive anything over 6,000 pounds
I *completely* agree with you.
That would cover escalades, expeditions, sequoias, etc. Perfect.
That’s the point! It’ll also force people into what they really, actually need….hybrid minivans
The world continues waiting for the Hellcat Pacifica.
Honda Odyssey
Land Rover Defender, Discovery, Range Rover
Porsche Cayenne
Tesla Model X
Volkswagen Atlas
Nissan Pathfinder
Ford Explorer
Ford Bronco 4-Door
Chevrolet Blazer
Whoa whoa, haven’t you heard? Having the slightest bit of concern for anyone other than yourself is soooo 2015…
Watching the lot dudes fail miserably at understanding EV function and spinning Lightnings into other cars and a building once, I have definite concerns about those now selling for cheap and getting into the hands of people looking for cheap transpo. But this is an issue for almost all cars now. 100% torque at 0 RPMs, is more of an issue especially with the heavy battery loading the EV’s Down though.
Hummer EVs are already creeping into the 50s too….
Like the Ford Lightning?
12mpg. I realize thats for the last one, but I doubt this one’s any different. In a sane world this thing would carry a 5 digit ANNUAL guzzler tax.
There is no reason to exclude trucks, and no reason the tax is only on initial purchase. It’s not like it gets better with age.
The way it goes through gas IS its own tax.
In practice these get single digit mileage too
And Premium fuel.
I kind of understand some of the juvenile/monkey brain appeal of something like this but I really can’t imagine choosing to drive something so embarrassingly wasteful
It’s like driving a Lambo to me.
A Lambo somehow gets much better gas mileage, doesn’t weigh 3 tons, and doesn’t struggle to fit on a two lane road or into normal parking spaces. All the new Lambos are PHEVs too and can technically go short distances on battery power alone. If a Lambo loses it it’s bad for the driver and not ideal for anyone else around. If a TRX loses it it’s basically an ICBM.
I can see around/over a Lambo in traffic.
A Lambo does not have issues turning tight corners.
A Huracan is rated 13/18mpg – at least 25% better than the TRX.
They are expensive, overpriced, and rare. Just like this will be.
They are also poster children of dreams.
somethings up when a Hurracan is the *green* choice.
Frequently Lime Green.
Also sad that 14 – 18mpg is considered good to the greenies, especially with PHEV.
I don’t know if anyone considers it good—just good relative to the TRX
I need to start a business so I can get this “work truck” and deduct as a depreciating business expense.
The king is back! Long live the king!
I hate this stupid thing. I’m not going to make any jokes at the expense of people who drive stuff like this because it ruffles Truck Gang’s feathers. But this is a profoundly stupid and wantonly wasteful vehicle that’s an inconvenience to everyone within 50 feet of it. Yee haw, I guess….
So glad Tavares is gone and Kuniskis is back. I hope he’s able to save Dodge from the heap.
The Corvette ZR1of pickup trucks. Love it!
“I think the entire car world was sad to see the Ram 1500 TRX retired after 2024. “
Um…actually…No.
I truly, deeply know this is an utterly pointless, overpriced, gas guzzling hunk of automotive waste. But I want one, so much. I’m a bad person 🙁
At this point Kuniskis is gonna need to invent new 3 letter acronyms, just to add them to this truck.
RAM OWN THE LBS
LBS love the TRX too. Fun is fun.
RAM MGA GAS GZL
Jurassic Park tried to make a bubble head Distortus Rex the new king of dino’s but D-Rex never caught on.