2027 RAM 1500 TRX SRT First Drive Review: The Apex Dinosaur in Every Way

The TRX hadn’t been in production since 2024, but it’s back from the dead with more power to burn even more fossil fuel. This time, there’s no letting the Ford Raptor’s twin turbo V6 or Supercharged V8 push it around. The supercharged 6.2 litre V8 from the TRX pumps out 777 horsepower, 75 more than the last time the TRX roamed the earth. 

+Insane power

+Off road ability

+Cabin design

-Price

-Reliability

-Very high ownership costs

SRT is back

The last time RAM used the SRT (Street Racing Technology) badge on a truck was 20 years ago with the SRT-10. We all remember it for the legendary Viper V10 engine. Even though the TRX is nowhere close to true street racing, it’s currently the most powerful pickup truck in the world with a combustion engine.

2024

RAM didn’t bother giving the TRX a fresh look compared to the 2024 model. In fact, the only difference is the new front bumper. Everything else is identical to the outgoing model, even the wheels are the same. Is that a problem? Not at all, since it still looks incredible.

Impossible to miss

One of the most striking details is the arrival of red flame accents on the RAM lettering and tow hooks. The TRX is massive, with tracks widened by 6.8 inches. As a result, it’s now 88 inches wide. To support those broader shoulders and hips, new intakes and vents were added that boost its sporty look. The hood grabs attention with its central scoop and two large vents that let the V8 breathe. Lower down, given its mission, a skid plate covers a large portion of the underbody.

The Satin Black wheels stay the same at 18 inches, while you can still opt for the 18 inch beadlock capable wheels finished in Satin Black with Satin Titanium beadlock. They’re paired with 35 inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory tires. Built for extreme off road use, ground clearance sits at 11.8 inches.

Out back, we get our first look at a T Rex head badge next to the TRX lettering. The RAM team told us about the hours of work that went into getting the “head” just right, they even went into detail about the number of teeth and their exact placement!

For those wanting even more distinction, a Bloodshot Night Edition package will be available at launch for $13,495, adding a black painted hood and roof, a hand painted red center stripe on the hood, two tone wheels, and a bodyside splash graphic running from the front door through the bedside on the outside. Inside, it brings red outline TRX badging, carbon fiber trim with a red pattern, but the coolest touch is definitely the glass encased TRX center console badge.

Still a benchmark

The RAM’s cabin is still right up there with the best. As one of, if not the most expensive model in the lineup, the build quality leaves no doubt. In a black and red theme, leather covers nearly every surface, along with suede, aluminum and genuine carbon fiber, all assembled with real care. Reminders that you’re in a TRX are everywhere, on the seats, the gauges, in front of the passenger and even on the console through a 3D badge that looks fantastic.

Ahead of the driver, the 12.3 inch digital cluster offers an appealing graphic design delivered through several display layouts. Above it, a 10 inch head up display proves especially useful when driving fast off road. The steering wheel is thick, with a good grip and large, ergonomic controls.

At the centre, the 14.5 inch touchscreen runs the Uconnect5 infotainment system. Everything is there to make it a class leader, but let’s just say its reliability isn’t quite there yet. Even so, it offers excellent ergonomics. In case the screen goes blank, redundant HVAC controls sit on both sides of the display. The TRX also gets a multifunction switch bank below the central touchscreen, next to the knob for the optional Trailer Reverse Steer Control and above two wireless charging pads. As usual, the center console is huge and offers plenty of storage. That said, swapping the transmission knob for a proper shifter does eat up a fair bit of that space.

Comfort up front

Up front, the driver and front passenger get 12 way power seats with memory, massage, heating and ventilation. In the back, the RAM remains one of the roomiest in the segment and adds comfort with class exclusive reclining, heated and ventilated rear seats. On top of that, a massive panoramic sunroof is available. For those who’d rather listen to music than the roaring V8, there’s a 900 watt Harman Kardon audio system with 19 speakers and a 10 inch subwoofer inside. Even though I prefer the V8, the sound system is genuinely excellent.

Time for the fun part

Pay close attention here, because where other RAM models would have their transmission knob, the TRX gets a Drive Mode selector that fine tunes vehicle dynamics for nearly any driving condition. Modes include Auto, Tow, Mud/Sand, Rock, Snow, Sport, Baja, Custom and Valet. This is also where you manage the drivetrain in 4WD Hi, 4WD Lo, 4WD Auto and lock the rear axle. And yes, the magic Launch Control button is right there too!

Now let’s talk about serious muscle

Too polluting, that supercharged 6.2 litre V8 was pulled from the lineup back in 2024. Thanks to looser environmental rules under the Trump administration, one of the dirtiest engines on the market makes its return, with 2024 emissions of roughly 465 g of CO2 per kilometre. That figure comes from a time when this thunderous V8 made just 702 horsepower.

Now, for 2027, this engine is back. This time, with no restrictions, output climbs to 777 horsepower, 75 more, and torque now reaches 680 lb ft, 30 more than before. It’s an incredibly quick powertrain, enough for 0 to 100 km/h in under 4 seconds and 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds with Launch Control engaged. And it all comes with an absolutely intoxicating soundtrack. You get this melodic duet between the V8’s guttural growl and the supercharger’s whine. I still get chills thinking about it.

To hit these numbers, the TRX benefits from several technical upgrades. Its engine mapping has been recalibrated, while certain internal components are borrowed from the highest performing Hellcat variants. It also gets optimized air intake to improve airflow under heavy load, along with revised electronic controls to make better use of the entire powertrain.

As for the transmission, it sticks with the ZF designed 8 speed automatic. The drivetrain is a permanent 4WD setup, a necessity given the TRX’s mission.

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Serious hardware

This is always a serious matter for a vehicle built with Baja racing in mind, and that’s when it’s time to talk suspension. For this TRX update, RAM turns to Bilstein for its Black Hawk e2 shocks. That choice makes complete sense, and here’s why: the second generation Black Hawk e2 units are designed to deliver top tier performance both on road and off road, they combine a monotube design with an external reservoir and adaptive electronic control.

Their main innovation lies in two electronically controlled proportional valves that independently adjust compression and rebound damping within milliseconds. By continuously analyzing inputs like speed, steering angle, acceleration, braking and wheel movement, the system instantly adapts damping to optimize stability, comfort and control across every type of surface.

Naturally, all of this adapts based on drive mode through the Active Terrain Dynamics suspension management system. Wonderfully compliant off road, the setup allows for 14 inches of rear travel and 13 inches up front. Having had the chance to test it in Baja like conditions, it smooths out terrain in consistently impressive fashion. That said, on pavement, Sport mode is needed to firm things up. Otherwise it’s far too soft, which leads to unsettling body roll through corners.

Big truck, big power and big money

Unsurprisingly, the TRX isn’t cheap. In Canada, the base price is $144,995 plus $2,995 in freight and prep fees. Its only real rival, the Ford F 150 Raptor, starts at $116,000, but you only get 450 horsepower. The true competitor is the Raptor R, with its supercharged 5.2 litre V8. There, you get 720 horsepower, still 57 short of the TRX. The good news: the R costs $166,690, nearly $10,000 more. That’s a significant gap.

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For added distinction, the Bloodshot Night Edition package adds $13,500 to the bill. Technically, this edition should be for one year, it is meant to celebrate the TRX’s return. The RAM TRX SRT truly is an extraordinary machine that delivers a massive amount of fun and sensation.

The bottom line

Its capabilities are practically endless. Still, it remains a dinosaur in the sense that RAM hasn’t even made a token effort to make it decent on fuel consumption. I’ll just point out that as I was writing these lines, it was over 40 degrees at the TRX test site, it was not in Death Valley, it was in Michigan. Happy climate change to everyone.