If you love off-roading adventures and long road trips but hate having two trucks, the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX is the pickup for you. Ram engineers designed this truck to perform off-pavement and on the highway while also competing with the Ford Raptor. Many observers believe it’s a real game-changer.

It doesn’t matter if you want to spend a weekend exploring the backcountry, desire a reliable truck for your daily commute, or need to tow a horse trailer, this truck can do it. Not only can the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX handle virtually any job you ask of it, but it also comes equipped with all the special features you love.

The 2021 Ram 1500 TRX at a glance

If you think the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX is simply the Ram 1500 with a slightly different name, it’s time to change your thought process. You can see the difference as soon as you glimpse them parked side-by-side.

The TRX is a full eight inches wider than the regular 1500. That’s just the first of many differences. Ram made modifications to approximately 74 percent of the frame. The rear axle uses a unique five-link suspension mounting point to connect to the chassis. The truck’s 35-inch all-terrain tires, mounted on impressive 18-inch wheels, easily handle any terrain.

Dodge’s famous Hellcat engine powers the 1500 TRX. The 6.2-liter supercharged V8 has been modified to harness 702 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. The truck roars from 0 to 60 mph in about 4 seconds. It also boasts a towing capacity of 8,100 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,310 pounds. 

The Ram 1500 TRX’s handling also impresses test drivers. “Before driving it, I’d dismissed this truck as a sort of wannabe Raptor,” Jonny Lieberman, senior features editor for MotorTrend, said. “Man, was I wrong. Like the Challenger Hellcat when it first roared onto city streets, 50 feet of driving is all it takes to make you fall in love with this truck.”

Does the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX have Apple CarPlay?

Ram didn’t skimp on equipping the TRX with special features. Even the base models boast an attractive 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The built-in navigation system means you’ll never worry about finding your way home. And the 900-watt, 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, along with SiriusXM Satellite Radio, means you can enjoy your favorite tunes wherever you go.

If you plan to use the Ram 1500 TRX for hauling, you’ll appreciate the driver-assistance features allowing you to easily hook up your trailer without having to get in and out of the vehicle constantly. 

But the 1500 TRX isn’t perfect

Many reviewers, including Car and Driver, love the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX. But that doesn’t mean it’s perfect.

One issue is fuel consumption, a mere 10 to 14 mpg. It’s so bad that Road & Track‘s Mack Hogan called it “hilariously awful.” Another drawback is the price. The base model costs a hefty $69,995.

However, the new Ram 1500 TRX is a comfortable truck that can handle various driving conditions. And that makes it perfect for many adventuresome drivers.