Author: Radomskyi Maksym VasyliovychRam 1500 TRX is the most aggressive road-going version of the fifth-generation full-size Ram 1500, built primarily for the US market. Its recipe is simple: a supercharged V8, long-travel suspension, big ground clearance, and a body that feels more like a high-speed off-road tool than a regular work pickup.
For the buyer, this is not a “one car for everything.” The TRX suits someone who consciously wants a very fast and very large pickup with a big reserve of torque, plenty of cabin space, and a real cargo bed. It does not suit those looking for moderate running costs, city-friendly dimensions, and cheap maintenance.
The model and its place in the market
The TRX sits at the top of the Ram 1500 range as a high-performance off-road version. Market-wise, it’s the answer to the Ford F-150 Raptor, but Ram bet not only on suspension travel, but also on a very powerful gasoline engine. As a result, the TRX turned out heavier and more expensive to run, but much more vivid in terms of driving feel.
An important point for our market: in catalogs and stores the model is often still listed as Dodge Ram, even though the Ram brand has long been separate. For parts selection this is fine, but compatibility must be checked specifically by the fifth-generation body and the wide-body TRX version, not by a regular Ram 1500.
Generations and model history
The TRX is not a separate generation—it’s a special version within the fifth-generation Ram 1500 on the DT platform. The base Ram 1500 of this generation launched in 2018, and the TRX itself debuted later as the most powerful production variant.
| Period | What happened | What it means for the buyer |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Launch of the fifth-generation Ram 1500 | This body and chassis became the basis for the TRX |
| 2020 | Public debut of the Ram 1500 TRX | The flagship version appeared with a wider body and a supercharged V8 |
| 2021–2024 model years | Series production of the TRX for North America | The main range of vehicles on the used market |
Engines and transmissions
The TRX had only one powertrain: a 6.2-liter gasoline V8 HEMI with a supercharger. Output by US certification is 702 hp, and in metric conversions it’s often listed at about 712 hp; torque is 881 Nm. There is also only one transmission: an 8-speed automatic.
The drivetrain is four-wheel drive with a transfer case, low range, and a locking rear differential. So there’s no choice between different engines or gearboxes: when buying, the condition of the vehicle, service history, absence of overheating, and the quality of previous modifications matter more.
Body, dimensions, and chassis
The TRX was produced as a four-door pickup with a short cargo bed. The key difference from a regular Ram 1500 is a wider body, different suspension geometry, reinforced off-road hardware, and large 35-inch tires. Up front it uses independent suspension, in the rear a solid axle, with Bilstein adaptive dampers handling the damping.
| Specification | Ram 1500 TRX |
|---|---|
| TRX version production years | 2021–2024 model years |
| Engine | 6.2 L V8 HEMI with a supercharger |
| Power | 702 hp or about 712 hp in metric conversion |
| Torque | 881 Nm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Drive | All-wheel |
| Length | about 5916 mm |
| Width | about 2235 mm |
| Height | about 2054 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3686 mm |
| Ground clearance | 300 mm |
| Cargo bed length | about 1712 mm |
| Cargo bed volume | approximately 1526 L |
| Towing | up to 3674 kg |
| Payload | about 594 kg |
In practice, this means two things at once. First: the TRX genuinely has suspension travel and ground clearance for fast driving over rough surfaces. Second: its width, height, and mass quickly make themselves known on narrow streets, in parking garages, and during service.
Interior, comfort, and safety
The TRX cabin is spacious even by big-pickup standards: the second row is suitable for adults, the seating position is high, and the front seats usually have pronounced side bolstering. In terms of equipment, this is not a “utility truck,” but a well-appointed expensive pickup with a large amount of electronics and multimedia.
Safety depends heavily on the year and trim of the specific vehicle, but the market includes trucks with adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, blind-spot monitoring, a surround-view camera, and automatic braking. Since this is a US model, when importing it’s worth separately checking the lighting, trailer wiring, and the operation of multimedia functions.
Everyday use
In daily use, the TRX pleasantly surprises with ride comfort for such an aggressive-looking machine, but the bill for fuel and consumables quickly brings you back to reality. Real-world fuel consumption can easily go well beyond 20 L per 100 km, and the tires, brakes, and suspension here are not cheap. Add to that the large dimensions, wide turning circle, and not always easy parking.
As a family or road-trip pickup, the TRX is convenient: high seating, lots of space, strong pull on the highway, and 4WD in winter. As a purely work tool, it’s less clear-cut: the payload isn’t record-setting for this size, and the expensive bodywork and trim don’t encourage throwing anything into the bed without a second thought.
Strengths and weaknesses
The most honest way to look at the TRX is not through the dry power figure, but through the full set of consequences for the owner: what it gives you every day and what it asks in return.
| Strength | What it gives the owner | Weakness | Where it annoys |
|---|---|---|---|
| Very powerful V8 | Instant torque reserve, easy overtakes, the character is felt immediately | High fuel consumption | City driving, long trips, any spirited driving |
| Long-travel suspension | Stability and speed on bad roads, high ground clearance | Expensive tires and suspension components | Maintenance after hard use |
| Spacious interior | Suitable for traveling with family or a crew | Very large dimensions | Parking garages, courtyards, narrow lanes |
| Cargo bed and towing | You can carry equipment, gear, a trailer | Payload isn’t record-setting | If you need a true “workhorse,” not a fast pickup |
The main advantage of the TRX is that it’s not a decorative package, but a truly different machine in character. The main downside is that you constantly pay for that character with money, space, and patience in everyday life.
Tuning and accessories
For the TRX, tuning makes sense when it doesn’t break the factory logic of the vehicle. The most useful items here aren’t necessarily the flashiest: it’s more important to make entry easier, protect the interior, and avoid mistakes with wide-body compatibility. Before choosing, it’s helpful to double-check the configuration via the Ram 1500 TRX review so you don’t order accessories for a regular Ram 1500.
What to consider for this model
- Side steps — with this ground clearance, they’re not decoration but real everyday convenience for getting in and out.
- Floor mats — one of the most practical accessories for a pickup that regularly sees mud, sand, water, and heavy footwear.
There’s less point in random heavy parts that add weight, reduce approach/departure geometry, or interfere with sensors. For the TRX, accessories work better when they don’t conflict with suspension travel and don’t complicate access to the cargo bed.
Conclusion
The Ram 1500 TRX is a narrowly focused full-size pickup for someone who consciously wants maximum torque, suspension travel, and road presence in one body. It’s strong where you need speed over rough surfaces, a reserve of power, and a spacious cabin, but it quickly wears you out where you need compactness, economy, and cheap service.
If you need a rational everyday pickup, the TRX will be too much. But if you want an extreme production pickup with a real technical foundation—not just a loud name—this is one of the most vivid vehicles in its class. This material is based on real selection experience, hands-on practice, and real-world use cases.
Pros and cons
A very powerful supercharged 6.2-liter V8 provides plenty of torque and effortless overtaking. The vehicle immediately feels fast and energetic.
The long-travel suspension, 300 mm of ground clearance, and large 35-inch tires perform well on rough surfaces. For fast driving on uneven roads, this is a real advantage, not just an “off-road” look.
The cabin is spacious even by large pickup standards, and the second row is suitable for adults. This is convenient for family trips or driving with several passengers.
It comes with four-wheel drive, a low-range transfer case, and a rear differential lock. This adds confidence in winter and on more demanding surfaces.
The cargo bed and towing capacity of up to 3674 kg make the TRX useful for carrying gear or a trailer. It is not just a “toy for speed,” but also a practical pickup.
Real fuel consumption easily exceeds 20 l/100 km, so in everyday use it turns out to be expensive. This is especially noticeable in the city and during spirited driving.
Due to its large size and width, the TRX is inconvenient on narrow streets, in yards, and in parking lots. This also creates extra difficulties in service and maneuvering.
Tires, brakes, and suspension components are not cheap here, and after heavy use, maintenance can hit the budget hard. This is not a pickup that is easy and cheap to own.
A payload of around 594 kg does not seem record-breaking for such a large vehicle. If you need a true workhorse for heavy loads, the TRX is not the best choice.
