The RAM 1500 TRX is one of the most powerful and high-performance pickup trucks ever built.
Its aggressive styling and advanced off-road capabilities make it a formidable rival to off-road beasts including the Ford F-150 Raptor.
One of the most frequently asked questions about this truck is: How much horsepower does the RAM TRX have? In this article, we will dive deep into the power output, performance, engine specifications, and everything else you need to know about the RAM TRX’s horsepower.
RAM TRX Horsepower and Engine Specs
The 2021-2024 RAM 1500 TRX comes equipped with a 6.2-liter Supercharged HEMI V8 engine, the same engine found in the Dodge Challenger and Charger Hellcat models.
This powerhouse of an engine delivers a staggering 702 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. This makes the RAM TRX not just the most powerful production truck in its class but also one of the most exhilarating trucks to drive on and off the road.
Key Engine Specifications:
- Engine: 6.2-liter Supercharged HEMI V8
- Horsepower: 702 HP
- Torque: 650 lb-ft
- Supercharger: Twin-screw, 2.38-liter
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic (TorqueFlite 8HP95)
- 0-60 mph: Approx. 4.5 seconds
- Top Speed: 118 mph (limited due to off-road tires)
Performance and Speed
The immense power of the RAM TRX allows it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds, making it one of the quickest full-size trucks on the market.
The quarter-mile time is around 12.9 seconds at 108 mph, which is comparable to many performance-oriented sports cars.
The truck’s four-wheel-drive system and Launch Control help harness all this power efficiently, providing exhilarating acceleration while maintaining control.
How the RAM TRX’s Horsepower Compares to Other Trucks
The RAM TRX stands out when compared to its rivals in terms of horsepower. Here’s how it stacks up against some competitors:
- Ford F-150 Raptor (2023) – 450 HP (3.5L Twin-Turbo V6)
- Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 – 420 HP (6.2L V8)
- Toyota Tundra TRD Pro – 437 HP (3.4L Twin-Turbo V6 Hybrid)
- Cadillac Escalade-V – 682 HP (6.2L Supercharged V8)
- Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk – 707 HP (6.2L Supercharged V8)
- Lexus LX 600 – 409 HP (3.4L Twin-Turbo V6)
With over 250 more horsepower than the closest standard truck rival and nearly matching the high-performance Jeep Trackhawk, the RAM TRX dominates the high-performance off-road truck category. It outperforms luxury SUVs like the Lexus LX 600 and even surpasses the Cadillac Escalade-V in raw power, making it one of the most powerful production trucks and SUVs available today.
Factors That Affect the RAM TRX’s Performance
While the RAM TRX boasts 702 horsepower, several factors can impact its real-world performance:
- Fuel Type & Quality
- The RAM TRX is designed to run on premium fuel (91 octane or higher) to achieve its peak horsepower.
- Using lower-quality fuel can result in reduced power output and less efficient combustion, which may cause engine knocking and decreased performance over time.
- Elevation & Air Density
- The higher you go above sea level, the thinner the air becomes, reducing oxygen availability for combustion.
- Since the TRX relies on a supercharged engine, it handles altitude better than naturally aspirated engines, but there’s still a slight drop in power at extreme elevations.
- Temperature & Weather Conditions
- Cold air is denser than warm air, providing more oxygen for combustion, which can increase power output slightly.
- In contrast, high temperatures can cause the engine to heat up faster, leading to heat soak, where the supercharger and intercooler become less efficient, reducing horsepower.
- Rain and snow don’t directly impact horsepower but can affect traction, limiting acceleration and overall handling.
- Tire Selection
- The RAM TRX comes standard with 35-inch all-terrain tires designed for off-road performance.
- These tires have a more aggressive tread pattern, which improves grip on rough terrain but reduces efficiency and top speed on paved roads due to increased rolling resistance.
- Switching to performance-oriented street tires could improve acceleration and handling on asphalt but would reduce its off-road capability.
These factors mean that while the RAM TRX is a beast in terms of horsepower, real-world performance depends on conditions and how the truck is driven.
Can You Increase the RAM TRX’s Horsepower?
For those looking to push the RAM TRX beyond its stock 702 horsepower, there are aftermarket modifications available:
- Performance Tuners & ECU Remapping – Adjusting engine parameters can unlock extra power.
- Upgraded Superchargers – Some aftermarket superchargers can boost horsepower to over 900 HP.
- Cold Air Intakes & Exhaust Systems – Improve airflow and exhaust efficiency for slight horsepower gains.
- E85 Fuel Conversion – Higher octane levels in E85 fuel can increase horsepower when tuned correctly.
FAQs Before Purchasing a RAM TRX
1. What is the fuel economy of the RAM TRX?
The RAM TRX is a high-performance truck, and fuel efficiency is not its strong suit. It averages around 10 mpg in the city and 14 mpg on the highway.
2. How much does a RAM TRX cost?
The starting price of a new RAM TRX is around $90,000, but with additional features and packages, it can exceed $100,000.
3. Is the RAM TRX good for daily driving?
While the RAM TRX is incredibly powerful, its large size and fuel consumption may not be ideal for daily commuting. However, if you enjoy power and off-road capability, it is a thrilling choice.
4. How does the RAM TRX handle off-road conditions?
The RAM TRX is built for off-road dominance with Bilstein Black Hawk e2 shocks, 35-inch all-terrain tires, and a reinforced frame, making it highly capable on rough terrain.
5. What is the towing capacity of the RAM TRX?
The RAM TRX has a towing capacity of 8,100 lbs, which is slightly lower than some standard RAM 1500 models but still powerful for an off-road performance truck.
6. Does the RAM TRX have advanced technology features?
Yes, the TRX comes with a 12-inch touchscreen, Uconnect infotainment system, Harman Kardon premium audio, and advanced driver assistance features.
Conclusion
The RAM 1500 TRX is a high-performance off-road truck that delivers an astonishing 702 horsepower, making it the most powerful production truck in its class.
With its supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8, incredible acceleration, and off-road capabilities, the TRX is truly a game-changer in the pickup truck world.
Whether you want a truck for off-road adventures, drag racing, or daily driving with extreme power, the RAM TRX stands as an undisputed king of performance trucks.
If you’re looking for a high-horsepower truck that can handle any terrain while delivering sports car-like acceleration, the RAM TRX is the ultimate choice!