The new 2026 Ram TRX is just around the corner. Will it be amazing or will it be a flop? Why even raise this question? Well, the original 2021-2024 Ram TRX was amazing, but it got very expensive by the end of its run. If Ram simply takes the original 6.2L Hellcat supercharged V8 engine and puts it into the new Ram RHO – will it be as successful in 2026 as it was several years ago? Let’s dig in!
To answer this question, here is my top 10 wish list for the 2026 Ram TRX.
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10. Power? (Need More)!
The original TRX used a 6.2L Supercharged V8 with a rating of 702 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. This was amazing when it came out in 2021. However, there is now a Ford F-150 Raptor R with its 720 horsepower supercharged V8.
In order to be the next top dog apex predator, the 2026 TRX needs to top the Raptor R in the powertrain department. It would go a long way for making billboard claims and it should help the heavier Ram TRX be quicker than the Raptor R at 0-60 MPH and at the 1/4-mile drag race. It was neck and neck before, but it would be great if there was a sizable gap. The next TRX needs to have at least 721 horsepower and perhaps a lot more.
This is possible. I tested and drag race a Ram TRX with a Tyrant package that was engineered by Granger Motors. This provided 787 horsepower from the Hellcat V8 engine.
9. Suspension
The Bilstein Blackhawk e2 semi-active shocks on the original TRX were already very good. No big changes are needed here, unless Ram and Bilstein need to do something to compete against the Ford Raptor and its Live-valve FOX shocks. The suspension technology continues to evolve. The Live-valve FOX valves are getting faster. I am sure both companies have something up their sleeve.
8. Style
The original Ram TRX was great. The new 2025 Ram RHO smoothed out the styling, but is it enough for the upcoming TRX? This is very subjective, but I think the TRX should be easily distinguishable from everything else. The new F-150 Raptor R is hard to tell apart from an F-150 on 37s. This does not do Raptor R any favors. Since the TRX is a big V8 truck, it should have brutal styling to distinguish it.
7. Tires (37s!)
The 35-inch all-terrain tires on the original TRX worked very well. There is no need to change them. However, it would be great to introduce a factory-approved 37-inch tire package for the 2026 TRX. This will go up directly against the F-150 Raptor trucks.
6. Exhaust Sound
Please keep the supercharger whine and the exhaust sound of the original TRX. Arguably, it is the best in the business. Please do not make quieter or louder. It’s great.
5. Payload / Towing
These super trucks are not for carrying heavy loads or towing heavy trailers. However, having enough payload or towing around 8,000 lbs is still necessary for any full-size pickup truck. If they keep the payload and towing around the same as it was before, then it’s all good.
4. Interior
Ram truck interiors are some of the best in the business. They are functional and attractive. No need to change this up.
3. Price?
The original 2021 Ram TRX started at around $72,000 after destination charges. The current 2025 Ford F-150 Raptor starts at $81,600 with the H.O. EcoBoost V6. The V8-powered Raptor R starts at $113,525.
How should Ram price the 2026 TRX? It would be very attractive if the base TRX started near the $82,000 mark (after destination charges). This would make it $10K more expensive than the 2026 Ram RHO. We do not work for Ram, so we do not know the details. The 2026 TRX may have a higher starting price, but it really need to undercut the Raptor R in order to be seriously successful. Perhaps, there will be two versions of the TRX (one on 35s and another 37s)?
2. Emissions?
There is information floating around that the 2026 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat would not be sold in the 17 CARB states due to emissions compliance. This is not a federal requirement. California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the other 16 states that follow it. These 17 states represent about 40% of the entire population of the United States. If the 2026 TRX cannot be sold in these states – then it definitely undercuts its chances for success.
1. Party Trick?
Every new enthusiast vehicle needs a special party trick? What about a 2WD mode for doing burnouts? How about a factory bed delete for the TRX, so owners can add their own flat beds and/or camping canopies? Do you think it needs anything like this?
Also, how will Ford and GM adjust to what Ram is doing here? We will have to wait and see.
