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2021 Ram TRX
2021 Ram TRX

2021 Ram TRX

2021 Ram TRX

What We Know So Far

Starting at  $56,000 est.

Overview

Archeologists are discovering new dinosaurs all the time, and Dodge is stuffing its 700-plus-hp Hellcat engine in new models every day. So, it comes as no surprise that Ram plans to stuff a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 in its Ram 1500 and call it TRX—short for T. Rex. Get it? Anyone who's familiar with the incredible Ford F-150 Raptor, which rules the roost as the ultimate off-road performance pickup truck, will appreciate the reference. Combine the Ram Rebel's high-class and high-tech cabin with an ultra-powerful V-8 powertrain and the Raptor better be prepared for a truly ferocious feud. While we still don't have much information on the upcoming 2021 Ram TRX, here's what we know so far.

What's New for 2021?

Ram has been teasing a rival to the high-flying Raptor for a while now, and it has all but confirmed that a Hellcat V-8-powered half-ton pickup is coming. We've now seen a concept based on the previous-generation Ram 1500 and what appears to be a prototype based on the current-generation model. Ram Trucks has also announced that it will reveal its most powerful pickup later this summer, and we expect the TRX to go on sale early next year as a 2021 model.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

  • TRX: $56,000 (est.)

Since there's no official word on a more powerful version of the regular Rebel, we can only speculate on how much a TRX version will cost. The 2020 Ram 1500 Rebel starts at $43,551, but it's powered by a standard V-6 powertrain. Step up to the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 and all-wheel drive and its price rises to almost $46,000. We think adding the Hellcat engine to the mix will likely add about $10,000, and that would align the TRX nicely with the cost of a 2020 F-150 Raptor, which starts at $54,467. Still, that could change by the time the Ram goes on sale for the 2022 model year or thereabout.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

We expect the TRX to be powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8, more widely known as the Hellcat engine. It currently makes between 707 to 717 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. The pushrod V-8 mates to an eight-speed automatic transmission in most applications—the Challenger SRT Hellcat offers a six-speed manual—and we expect the truck to continue that tradition. While it's possible that Ram offers a rear-drive-only TRX, we think that all models will feature all-wheel drive. The spy photos of what we believe to be a prototype TRX showed an increased ride height, rugged fender flares, and chunkier all-terrain tires mounted on what appear to be 16- or 17-inch rims. Looking closer, we also noticed a more sophisticated suspension setup that's not found on the regular Rebel as well as a beefier rear axle with eight-lug wheels that are usually reserved for heavy-duty trucks.

Towing and Payload Capacity

Based on maximum payload and towing capacities from the regular Rebel, we think the TRX model will have similar if not identical ratings. That suggests it'll have the ability to pull up to about 11,500 pounds and haul up to about 1800 pounds in its truck bed.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Neither the EPA nor Ram have released any information on fuel-economy ratings for the forthcoming TRX. Once its city and highway estimates are made public, and we have a chance to test the high-powered pickup truck on our 200-mile highway route, we can evaluate its real-world mpg.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Ram has redefined expectations for truck interiors with its latest half-ton pickup that boasts rich-looking materials and impeccable insulation from outside noise. We expect those upscale environs to be on full display inside the TRX. Likewise, its cabin will probably benefit from sportier treatments that include carbon-fiber accents and extra bolstering on the front seats. The regular Rebel is available with either an extended "Quad" cab or a spacious crew cab, and that will likely be the case with the TRX version. We wouldn't be surprised if the Quad cab pairs solely with a longer 6-foot-4-inch bed while the crew cab only gets a 5-foot-7-inch bed, because those are the only configurations that the regular Rebel offers.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The regular Ram Rebel comes standard with a horizontal 8.4-inch touchscreen or an optional 12.0-inch touchscreen that points north to south. We expect either both displays or just the larger one to be outfitted to the TRX version. Its infotainment system will undoubtedly support Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. We'd also expect the option for additional charging ports as well as a more powerful Harman Kardon sound system.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2021 TRX hasn't been crash tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). We expect the Ram to offer a plethora of driver-assistance technology that includes adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and more.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Ram's limited and powertrain warranties align with all rivals except for Nissan, which covers those areas for five years or 100,000 miles. However, Ram doesn't offer any complimentary maintenance like Chevy, GMC, and Toyota do.

  • Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
  • No complimentary scheduled maintenance