When it comes to off-road performance trucks, the Ford F-150 Raptor was previously the only entry in this segment. Designed as a “Raptor Killer,” the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX was designed to outperform and outsell the 2021 Ford Raptor. Needless to say, the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX has its work cut out for it to overcome the Raptor’s massive popularity and state-of-the-art design. Although the 2021 TRX is a great truck, here are some areas where Car and Driver believes the TRX has space to improve.

The Ram 1500 TRX

The Ram 1500 TRX is truly an off-road beast. The all-wheel-drive performance truck is built to handle the toughest terrains with its supercharged 6.2-liter V8 Hellcat engine which is capable of a stunning 702 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. In addition to this, the 2021 TRX is also built with an improved suspension, stronger frame, and wider body than the regular Ram 1500.

The 2021 TRX has impressive results when it comes to its speed and power. According to Car and Driver, the 2021 TRX has a 0 to 60 mph time of 3.7 seconds – comparable to some sports cars. Furthermore, the TRX has a 0 to 100 mph time of 9.7 seconds which is also quite impressive considering its immense size.

Furthermore, according to MotorTrend, the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX has a towing capacity of 8,100 pounds- 100 pounds more than the 2021 Raptor. Additionally, the 2021 TRX can haul up to 1,310 pounds in the truck bed which is 110 pounds better than the 2021 Raptor. One downside of this immense power and speed is the TRX’s fuel economy, which is 12 mpg combined according to Ram but was observed to be 9 mpg by Car and Driver. 

Where the 2021 Ram TRX impressed 

It is no secret that Car and Driver loved the 2021 Ram TRX – even giving it a 10/10 rating and also awarding it a place on Car and Driver’s 2021 10Best list. The 2021 TRX’s defining feature is its Hellcat engine which produces a stunning 702 hp. This makes the 2021 TRX “unbelievably quick,” especially for its size, and more powerful than its competitor the Ford Raptor.

Furthermore, the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX also has impressive suspension which is capable of up to 13 inches of travel. The TRX’s 35-inch all-terrain tires help it handle almost every off-road terrain and also helps give it 11.8 inches of ground clearance. Additionally, the 2021 TRX can drive through up to 32 inches of water.

A world-class interior 

The 2021 Ram 1500 TRX’s luxury, the upscale interior also impressed Car and Driver. Just like the normal Ram 1500, the TRX has a luxurious and comfortable interior. The base TRX’s interior is identical to the Ram 1500 Rebel with its cloth upholstery and range of standard equipment. However, there is also the option for the TR1 and TR2 packages which include leather-lined surfaces. 

The 2021 TRX also comes with a digital rearview mirror, a head-up display, and heated and ventilated front seats. The TRX’s large 12.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system boasts Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, built-in navigation, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The TRX also has standard safety features including available lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and available adaptive cruise control.

The base Ram 1500 TRX lacks some basic features  

The 2021 Ram 1500 TRX has a starting price slightly above $71,000 – which is a lot of money for a truck. However, this price offers great value with the TRX’s Hellcat engine and its plethora of features. Surprisingly, the $71,000 for the base model doesn’t include key features like a heated steering wheel and heated front seats which cost extra.

To get these features, drivers have to dish out more than $4,000 for the Level 1 Package. The Level 1 Package includes many upgrades including leather-trimmed seats, cargo-box lighting, a flat-bottom steering wheel, a storage compartment under the rear seat, etc. For all the money you’re paying for it, you’d expect it to have these at least.