Everything You Need to Know About the 2022 Ford Ranger

One Turbo Gasoline And Three Turbo Diesels, Including A New 3.0 V6 Diesel

Everything You Need to Know About the 2022 Ford Ranger
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Everything You Need to Know About the 2022 Ford Ranger
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One of the main highlights of the new 2022 Ford Ranger is the introduction of a 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel engine. Unfortunately, Ford did not give any horsepower figures for this engine, or for any engine to be offered for that matter. The only detail that the company shared is that it “feels really tough in the sense that it’s got endless power and torque, which is exactly what our customers wanted”.

Considering that diesel engines are not that popular here in North America, the chances of Ford offering this engine on our market are slim. Nevertheless, it wouldn’t hurt for us to imagine what a torquey diesel-fed V-6 Ranger would feel like.

As for the other diesel engines, this will be a 2.0-liter diesel in single- and twin-turbo configurations. In the outgoing Ranger, the single-turbo motor produced 180 horsepower and 310 lb-ft (420 Nm) of torque, while the twin-turbo diesel produced 210 horsepower and 370 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque.

Ford will also continue to offer the 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbo gasoline engine, though just like the other engines, Ford did not provide any power figures. For the outgoing model, it produced 269 horsepower and 310 lb-ft (410 Nm) of torque.

Transmission options for the new 2022 Ford Ranger include a 10-speed automatic, 6-speed automatic, and a 6-speed manual.

Upgraded T6 Platform, Increased Capability

Everything You Need to Know About the 2022 Ford Ranger
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Everything You Need to Know About the 2022 Ford Ranger
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The new 2022 Ford Ranger rides on an upgraded T6 platform that offers increased capability and better comfort, and it can also support electrification in the future

Ford confirmed that the Ranger rides on an upgraded T6 platform that features a 50 mm (1.97 in) longer wheelbase and a 50 mm (1.97 in) wider track compared to the outgoing model. The company also says it has a hydro-formed front-end structure that’s designed to accommodate the bigger V6 engine while also allowing a high degree of electrification. Additionally, this structure enables more airflow to the radiator, which helps keep operating temperatures low when towing or carrying heavy loads.

Everything You Need to Know About the 2022 Ford Ranger
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Everything You Need to Know About the 2022 Ford Ranger
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Ford also improved the Ranger’s ride and handling through its 1.97-inch longer wheelbase and 1.97-inch wider body, revised suspension, among other structural improvements

Ford also made improvements to its ride and handling capabilities. By moving the front wheels forward by 50 mm (1.97 in), its approach angle and wheel articulation has been improved. The rear leaf spring suspension dampers have also been moved outboard of the frame rails as a way to improve its ride both on- and off-road. Off-road recovery is also made easier with the prominent dual recovery hooks in the front bumper.

Everything You Need to Know About the 2022 Ford Ranger
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Everything You Need to Know About the 2022 Ford Ranger
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Two four-wheel drive (4WD) systems will be offered—an electronic shift-on-the-fly system and an advanced full-time 4×4 system that Ford says has a “reassuring set-and-forget mode”.

Lastly, two four-wheel drive (4WD) systems will be offered—an electronic shift-on-the-fly system and an advanced full-time 4×4 system that Ford says has a “reassuring set-and-forget mode”.

If The Ford Maverick And F-150 Had A Child, The Ranger Would Be It

Everything You Need to Know About the 2022 Ford Ranger
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Everything You Need to Know About the 2022 Ford Ranger
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From the outside, the new 2022 Ranger looks like the lovechild of the Maverick and the F-150, with its C-shaped lights, horizontal grille, sculpted hood, and imposing front end.

From the outside, the new 2022 Ranger looks like the lovechild of the Maverick and the F-150. It’s not a bad thing, mind you, because the pickup looks properly modern and sleek. Shown here is the global model, though whichever region the Ranger will be sold, all models now have a more imposing front end that’s characterized by a horizontal grille that’s flanked by C-shaped headlights. Higher variants even come with LED daytime running lights and headlights with Matrix LED technology.

Everything You Need to Know About the 2022 Ford Ranger
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Everything You Need to Know About the 2022 Ford Ranger
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The side profile is more on the evolutionary side of things, while the rear end gets a more sculpted tailgate, new taillight designs, and an integrated step on the sides of the rear bumper

Covering its engine bay is a more prominent hood, while the side profile is more on the evolutionary side of things. Moving towards the rear, there’s a new set of taillights, with higher variants featuring LED lighting. The tailgate is also more sculpted than before, and for the first time, the global Ford Ranger has an integrated step board at the sides of the rear bumper.

A Modern And Technologically-Advanced Interior

Everything You Need to Know About the 2022 Ford Ranger
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Everything You Need to Know About the 2022 Ford Ranger
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Ford calls this pickup the “smartest, most versatile and most capable Ranger ever”. The “smartest” part is evident in the interior, where it debuts a number of firsts for the Ranger nameplate.

Everything You Need to Know About the 2022 Ford Ranger
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Everything You Need to Know About the 2022 Ford Ranger
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Whereas the Ranger pretty much arrived in the North American market with an outdated interior, that isn’t anymore the case with this new model. Most variants come with the latest SYNC4 infotainment that first debuted in the Mustang Mach-E. In the case of the new Ranger, this is controlled via a 10.1- or 12-inch portrait touch screen. Despite having a larger screen, Ford still kept its hard buttons, which is what you would prefer to interact with especially when going through rough roads.

Everything You Need to Know About the 2022 Ford Ranger
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Everything You Need to Know About the 2022 Ford Ranger
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Working in conjunction with the SYNC4 infotainment system is a fully-digital instrument cluster, though Ford has not given any details on how big the screen is. There’s also a built-in modem for the FordPass telematics system that lets owners control vehicle functions and access Ford’s concierge service via their smartphones. Other interior features that the Ranger has are a wireless charging pad and more clever storage solutions, though Ford did not release full details yet on how these work.

Everything You Need to Know About the 2022 Ford Ranger
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Everything You Need to Know About the 2022 Ford Ranger
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Other new features for the 2022 Ford Ranger include a small electronic gear shifter and an electronic parking brake

Apart from these tech features, the new 2022 Ford Ranger’s overall interior design looks far more interesting and appealing compared to the outgoing model. One of its highlights is its small electronic gear shifter and electronic parking brake, for better or worse. There are also various interior color and trim choices available depending on the variant.

The Ford Ranger Is Ready For Your Next Adventure

Everything You Need to Know About the 2022 Ford Ranger
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Everything You Need to Know About the 2022 Ford Ranger
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Thanks to the 1.97-inch increase in width, Ford is proud to highlight that despite being an incremental increase, this provides a noticeable improvement in cargo volume. Ford, however, did not say how much has the bed size increased over the outgoing model, but they say it’s enough to add another “sheet of building plywood or a full-size pallet”.

Speaking of the bed, the new Ranger offers a cargo management system that consists of dividers that can hold various items. Owners can create different compartments using a system of ultra-strong spring-loaded cleats that clip into rails bolted to each side of the cargo box. The tailgate can also double as a mobile workbench with an integrated ruler and clamp pockets, just like in the F-150.

Everything You Need to Know About the 2022 Ford Ranger
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Everything You Need to Know About the 2022 Ford Ranger
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Lastly, the 2022 Ford Ranger comes with Zone Lighting, which provides exterior lighting on all four corners of the Ranger that can be controlled via the FordPass app or the SYNC4 infotainment

Lastly, the Ford Ranger is also available with a feature called Zone Lighting, which first made its debut in the F-150. This set of lights that surround the vehicle can be controlled via the FordPass app or the SYNC4 infotainment system, and this can be useful in your next camping adventure or your construction work.

When Will It Go On Sale?

Everything You Need to Know About the 2022 Ford Ranger
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Everything You Need to Know About the 2022 Ford Ranger
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Swipe up to know more about the new 2022 Ford Ranger and what it has in store

Production of the 2022 Ford Ranger will begin in 2022 in Thailand and South Africa. Ford has not yet revealed when it will arrive in the North American market, but we expect it to arrive for the 2023 model year and look slightly different from the global version. The next-generation Volkswagen Amarok will also be based on the new Ford Ranger, which means its unveiling should also happen quite soon.

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Stock Jeep Trackhawk Takes On The Venom 775 F-150 By Hennessey Performance

F-150 VENOM 775 Supercharged

Stock Jeep Trackhawk Takes On The Venom 775 F-150 By Hennessey Performance
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Stock Jeep Trackhawk Takes On The Venom 775 F-150 By Hennessey Performance
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In the red corner, we have the stunning Venom 775, SWB F1-50 single cab Venom, with the heritage package. Under the hood lies a 5.0-liter Coyote engine that produces 775 hp & 685 lb-ft

In the red corner, wet have a beautiful two-door VENOM 775 F-150 sport truck that features the Heritage livery package and it really is a looker, with the contrasting white bits adding dollops of character to this truck. Under the hood of this single cab pickup lies a Coyote 5.0 liter Supercharged V-8 engine that produces 775 horsepower and 685 pound-feet of torque. It weighs in at 6050 pounds. You can switch between two or four-wheel drive. To top it off, the lowered suspension gives this sport truck a better stance.

Jeep’s Hellcat-powered Grand Cherokee Trackhawk

Stock Jeep Trackhawk Takes On The Venom 775 F-150 By Hennessey Performance
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Stock Jeep Trackhawk Takes On The Venom 775 F-150 By Hennessey Performance
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In the silver corner, we have a stock Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk that’s rocking a 6.2 liter supercharged V-8 under the hood and turns out 707 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels and tips the scales at 5356 pounds. Now out of the box, the Trackhawk is a beast and is mega when it comes to getting off the line.

Round One

Stock Jeep Trackhawk Takes On The Venom 775 F-150 By Hennessey Performance
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Stock Jeep Trackhawk Takes On The Venom 775 F-150 By Hennessey Performance
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The pair turn around and line up for a second pass. The driver in the Trackhawk switches it up to Track mode. Will that make a difference?

Now that we’ve looked at the numbers, let’s see how all this performance translates to on the track. They line up for the first pass. The hammer drops and despite being the heavier of the tow vehicles, here, it’ the Venom that took the lead from the get-go, and that gap only got bigger as the pair approached the quarter-mile line. Now the Venom is not your average Ford work truck and has even previously given the GT500 a tough time. So that’s round one to the sport truck.

Round Two

Stock Jeep Trackhawk Takes On The Venom 775 F-150 By Hennessey Performance
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Stock Jeep Trackhawk Takes On The Venom 775 F-150 By Hennessey Performance
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And it was a lead that only got bigger

For the second round, the driver in the Jeep switches it up to Track mode to see if that makes a difference. Well, long story short. It was. The Jeep had a much better launch this time around and it was neck and neck for quite some time, however, beyond 120, the F-150 began to pull away from the Trackhawk and mashed to clinch the win once again.

Final Thoughts

Stock Jeep Trackhawk Takes On The Venom 775 F-150 By Hennessey Performance
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Stock Jeep Trackhawk Takes On The Venom 775 F-150 By Hennessey Performance
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Now both vehicles employ a supercharger and pack AWD traction. The Jeep is lighter, but the Ford packs more power. Lets see how these numbers translate on track

This particular example of the Trackhawk is going to soon get an upgrade, taking its power output to 1000 horses. Can’t wait to see these two go head 2 head again to see if the added ponies make a difference.

Watch how things unfold in the video below

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2022 Ford Maverick First Drive – Return of the True Small Truck

2022 Ford MaverickThere are currently two small trucks on sale – the Hyundai Santa Cruz and the 2022 Ford Maverick. Only one really looks the part.

That would be the latter. And thankfully for Ford and its buyers, the Maverick more than acts the part, too.

(Full disclosure: Ford flew me to Nashville, Tennessee, and fed and housed me for a night. A t-shirt, water bottle, and candle were offered, I did not take any of them. I did, however, find a new whiskey to buy for the next time the liquor cabinet runs dry. Thanks, Ford, for putting the break stop at a distillery and serving its hooch at dinner.)

The Maverick is one in a fairly long line of highly anticipated Ford vehicles that have launched over the past year and change. And based on an invite we got while I was in Nashville, there’s at least one more to come. That thud you heard from Dearborn is exhausted employees hitting the floor.

This isn’t in any particular order, but between 2020 and 2021 Ford has launched the Mustang Mach-E, Bronco and Bronco Sport, F-150, and Mustang Mach 1. Look for the Mustang Mach-E GT soon enough, and we expect the F-150 Lightning to follow in short order. We also saw an updated Expedition at Motor Bella in Detroit this month.

Maverick, Mach-E, Bronco, and Lightning have gotten the lion’s share of buzz. The Maverick, especially, has truck buyers – and wannabe truck buyers – on notice. Which is why I found myself in Tennessee, playing with trucks all day.

2022 Ford Maverick

Ford set things up so our time with the Maverick would be split between standard on-road driving and doing more traditional “truck stuff” such as towing. Day one was all about driving both powertrains – hybrid and gas engine – on road, while day two was about towing, payload, and off-roading. With more on-road time if we needed/wanted it.

As you know by now, or at least you know if you’ve been following Maverick news here or elsewhere, the truck will be offered in three trims – base XL, mid-level XLT, and top-trim Lariat, with two powertrains. The base powertrain is a hybrid that uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and an electric motor, while a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gas motor is available. You likely know Maverick shares its bones with the Bronco Sport and Escape.

The hybrid puts out a total system horsepower of 191 and 155 lb-ft of torque and pairs with a continuously variable automatic, while the 2.0-liter turbo-four makes 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque and mates to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Hybrids are front-drive only, while the four is available with FWD or AWD.

2022 Ford Maverick

It will surprise precisely no one when I tell you that the gas four is more engaging on-road than the hybrid, especially in FWD guise. It’s more responsive, pulls away from stoplights with more gusto (especially with an unladen bed), and is simply more fun in the stoplight-to-stoplight urban/suburban cut and thrust. It’s better at providing quick power for passing and merging.

That’s not to say the hybrid is to be avoided, but it is pokey, at least by comparison. I’d spring for the 2.0 unless fuel economy or a lower MSRP are key drivers of your Maverick purchase.

All forms of the truck, including the 2.0-liter with the FX4 off-road package, are pleasantly engaging when it comes to handling. Again, the FWD 2.0 shines, thanks to its lighter weight, but there’s not much of a penalty for opting for AWD – even, as noted, when outfitted with the FX4 package. Except that the FX4 trades a Sport drive mode for an off-road drive mode.

Steering is heavy without feeling too artificial – though it feels a bit better in the gasser – and thanks to unibody construction, it handles better than many expect a truck, even a small one, would. There is some body roll, and truly pushing it reminds you that the Maverick isn’t built for that purpose, but at slower speeds and more relaxed paces, the Maverick is both competent and entertaining, or at least entertaining enough. Sport mode makes things a bit more fun.

The ride isn’t quite car-like, but it’s smooth, especially for a truck. At least on the mostly-pristine roads outside of Nashville, anyway. I look forward to a Midwest-road torture test, but so far it seems like long highway slogs in the Maverick won’t be taxing. Wind noise and road noise were mostly appropriately filtered out.

2022 Ford Maverick

Maverick is underpinned by an independent MacPherson strut setup with coil springs, stabilizer bars, and twin-tube hydraulic gas-pressurized shocks up front, and an independent twist-beam suspension with stabilizer bar and twin-tube hydraulic gas-pressurized dampers in the rear. All-wheel-drive trucks have a different rear suspension: Independent multi-link trailing arm with stabilizer bar, coil springs, and twin-tube gas-pressurized dampers (monotube with FX4).

Wheel sizes are 17- or 18-inches.

Ford, perhaps having read the reviews of the Santa Cruz, took a different tack than Hyundai when it came to the media drive. As noted above, it wasn’t only about on-roading. There was a light off-road course to show off FX4’s mud/ruts mode, and several trucks were set up to tow or haul a payload in the bed. Some trucks had the 4K tow package, which as the name implies, increases towing capacity to 4,000 pounds. It’s available on the gas engine. Otherwise, max towing capacity is 2,000 pounds. Max payload is 1,500 pounds.

I towed an Airstream and a couple of ATVs and some Jet Skis, and the Maverick did just fine, though the gas engine was a bit smoother and had fewer struggles going uphill, 4K or not. A tow/haul drive mode is available. Dropping a bunch of stuff into the bed also didn’t phase the truck.

Maverick’s bed is 4.5 feet long – six with the tailgate down – and the tailgate offers multiple positions. Tie-down clamps double as bottle openers, and there are D-rings and bed tie-downs as well. Slots built into the side of the bed are there to help with things like planks of wood. Lift-in height is listed at 30.1 inches.

2022 Ford Maverick

The off-road course was easily handled by the FX4 – so easily, that while Ford said to use mud/ruts mode, there really wasn’t a reason to. FX4s get hill-descent control, tow hooks, underbody protection (read: skid plates), all-terrain tires, and the aforementioned suspension tuning. I asked about whether the company could create, say, a Badlands trim and while Ford reps did the usual dance around commenting on future product I was told there is no reason such a thing couldn’t happen.

As for a Raptor or Warthog version, that’s tougher to tell, but I could see the truck easily getting the Bronco Sport’s Badlands package, including the drive modes. Hint, hint.

I dig the Maverick’s styling – it’s boxy with some rounded edges. Definitely more plain than the Santa Cruz, but also more “truck-like”, and attractive in person, either way. My feelings about the cabin were decidedly more mixed – some of the design is wonky looking, the materials feel a bit cheap, and the scourge of top-mounted infotainment screens continues. On the other hand, controls were easy to reach and use and the gauges and driver-info screen in the cluster were easy to read. Form mostly follows function here, and even the quirks, like the weird door handles, are easy to get used to.

2022 Ford Maverick

I had more room in the rear seat than in the Santa Cruz, with acceptable head- and legroom for my tall and overfed frame. Entry and exit were a breeze.

Key standard and available features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Sync infotainment, Wi-Fi, up to six USB ports (two are standard), wireless charging for cell phones, in-bed 12-volt power sources, in-cab and in-bed 110-volt outlets, bed lighting, adjustable drive modes, hill-descent control, skid plates, LED headlamps, flip-up rear seats, under-seat storage in the rear, power-sliding rear window, and power-locking tailgate.

Ford’s Co-Pilot 360 driver-aid suite includes pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking and automatic high beams as standard. Available options with Co-Pilot 360 include adaptive cruise control with stop and go, blind-spot information with cross-traffic alert, lane centering, and evasive steering assist.

Fuel economy isn’t yet listed for the hybrid, but for the four-cylinder, it’s 23/30/26 with front-drive and 22/29/25 with AWD. I saw 36.7 mpg, per the computer, during an urban “hypermiling” challenge in a hybrid and up to 30 mpg in some gas models. I did see a dismal 12.2 mpg during one towing loop with the gas engine.

2022 Ford Maverick

Pricing is listed at $19,995 to start with a base hybrid and $21,080 for a gas XLT. Add $3,305 for AWD. Destination is $1,495. Gas models are reaching dealers now, and hybrids are expected to follow this fall once fuel-economy testing is finished.

Playing around with the online build and price tool, I got a loaded Lariat up to around $36K. Ford expects the volume model to be the XLT, and building one in my preferred version of that trim (gas with AWD, Co-Pilot 360, XLT Luxury package, and various other features) would set me back around $31K.

I will note here that if you want keyless, push-button starting you have to opt for the Lariat. For the Snow Belters, heated seats/steering wheel require an option package on XLT and Lariat.

Right now, only the Maverick and the Santa Cruz occupy this segment. Ford folks looked at me like I was an alien when I suggested there may be some cross-shopping of the also unibody Honda Ridgeline here, despite its larger size and higher price (a loaded Maverick Lariat would bump up against a base Ridgeline), just because it, too, is a truck that’s built to be both at home in the city and the boonies. Perhaps they were right to do so, but it’s the only other truck that seems close in mission and intent, despite the obvious differences.

Putting the Honda out of the picture, the Maverick seems to do the truck stuff better than Hyundai’s offering, though that’s based on speculation, as Hyundai didn’t offer us the chance to tow or trundle around with a loaded bed during our first drive. The Santa Cruz feels like a slightly sporty compact SUV with a bed replacing the cargo area. It’s for the surfer, the cyclist, or the homeowner who occasionally needs to haul supplies from Home Depot.

2022 Ford Maverick

The Ford, of course, can do all that, but it seems more ready to tow your boat, haul cylinder heads for the local auto-parts store, and go off-road to that one particularly remote trailhead. All while remaining right-sized for urban driving (and parking) and being set up for easy highway commuting.

I’ve long mourned the death of the small truck that can balance utility and on-road comfort. Santa Cruz is nice, and I liked it, but it leans towards on-road driving. Maverick simply offers a better balance between work, commute, and play. It’s the first compact truck in a long time to be both good at doing “truck stuff” and “car stuff.”

It also offers an affordable, smaller alternative to the mid-size and full-size light trucks that have gotten bigger and more expensive in recent years. Many truck buyers don’t need V8 power or massive towing capacity. Many don’t need anything beyond light-duty off-road capability. Many do most of their driving in cities and suburbs and would struggle to park larger trucks in a downtown parking garage.

Ford and Hyundai won’t be alone in this segment for long. But until the others show up – and I suspect they will – Maverick holds the edge when it comes to all-around performance and utility.

[Images © 2021 Tim Healey/TTAC]

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Ram 1500 TRX – Driven

Ram TRX Driving Impresions

Ram 1500 TRX Exterior

2021 Ram 1500 TRX - Driven Exterior
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2021 Ram 1500 TRX - Driven Exterior
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Up front, it features skid plates, steel bumpers, two tow hooks, a massive hood scoop, and a grille unique only to the TRX in Ram’s lineup. The hood scoop and the grille play a major role in the air intake. Ram noted that 50-percent of air intake to the engine will be through the massive hood scoop, and the rest through the grille. The truck also comes with adaptive LEDs.

The truck rides on 18-inch beadlock wheels wrapped in 35-inch, 325/65 section Goodyear Wrangler Territory All-Terrain Tires developed specifically for this beast.

It also features 15-inch brakes at the front. It comes with dual five-inch exhaust outlets and two tow hooks on its derriere. Ram offers the 1500 TRX in just one body style – Crew cab with a 5.7-foot cargo bed. Surprisingly, Ram has ditched its MultiFunction Tailgate in favor of a simple power tailgate.

2021 Ram 1500 TRX - Driven Exterior Wallpaper quality
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2021 Ram 1500 TRX - Driven Exterior Wallpaper quality
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Our Ram 1500 TRX test truck was finished in Bright White and Diamond Black Crystal dual-tone exterior shade. The other colors on offer are:

  • Flame Red with Diamond Black Crystal
  • Hydro Blue with Diamond Black Crystal
  • Granite Crystal Metallic with Diamond Black Crystal
  • Billet Silver with Diamond Black Crystal
  • Single-tone Diamond Black Crystal

An Ignition Orange shade was announced at the truck’s launch as a late availability, whereas an Anvil Grey shade was offered exclusively on the TRX Launch Edition.

How Big Is The Ram 1500 TRX?

2021 Ram 1500 TRX - Driven Exterior
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2021 Ram 1500 TRX - Driven Exterior
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The Ram 1500 TRX is 232.9 inches long, 88 inches wide, and 80.9 inches tall. The wheelbase measures 145.1 inches. The ground clearance, with the skid plate, is rated at 11.8 inches. As for the tracks, the front track is 74.5 inches wide whereas the rear track is 74.1 inches wide. To put things into perspective, this is roughly six inches wider than the standard Ram 1500.

2021 Ram 1500 TRX exterior dimensions
Length 232.9
Width 88
Height 80.9
Wheelbase 145.1
Front Track 74.5
Rear Track 74.1
Bed Length 67
Ground Clearance 11.8

When compared to the F-150 Raptor, the TRX is almost the same size. The Raptor measures 232.6 inches in length, 96 inches in width with the wing mirrors unfolded, and 80.7 inches tall. Although the TRX is 0.3 inches longer, the Raptor has a longer wheelbase by the same length. It measures 145.4 inches. The tracks are 0.2 inches narrower at the front as well as back, measuring 74.3 inches and 73.9 inches, respectively.

2021 Ram 1500 TRX - Driven Exterior
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2021 Ram 1500 TRX - Driven Exterior
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The F-150 Raptor takes the cake when it comes to the angles. The TRX’s approach angle is rated at 30.2 degrees, breakover angle at 21.9 degrees, and departure angle at 23.5 degrees. The Raptor’s approach angle is rated at 33.1 degrees, departure angle at 24.9 degrees, and breakover angle at 24.4 degrees. Despite having a slightly longer wheelbase, the Raptor boasts of a better breakover angle because it sits 1.3 inches higher off the ground when compared to its rival. The TRX comes with a 5.7-foot cargo bed, whereas the Raptor features a 5.5-foot bed.

How Much Does The Ram 1500 TRX Weigh?

2021 Ram 1500 TRX - Driven Exterior
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2021 Ram 1500 TRX - Driven Exterior
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The TRX is pretty heavy, weighing in at 6,350 pounds. This makes it 610 pounds heavier than the Raptor which stands at 5,740 pounds.

How Much Can The Ram 1500 TRX Tow and Haul?

2021 Ram 1500 TRX - Driven Exterior
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2021 Ram 1500 TRX - Driven Exterior
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The towing capacity on the Ram 1500 TRX is rated at 8,100 pounds, whereas the payload capacity is rated at 1,310 pounds.

The 2021 F-150 Raptor beats the TRX on both counts. The towing and payload capacities are rated at 8,200- and 1,400- pounds respectively. This is an increase of 200 pounds in both capacities over the 2020 F-150 Raptor, which means the TRX had better ratings when it was launched. That doesn’t really matter now, though; does it?

Ram 1500 TRX Interior

2021 Ram 1500 TRX - Driven Interior
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2021 Ram 1500 TRX - Driven Interior
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It wouldn’t be wrong to say Ram revolutionized the truck segment when we speak of the interior. Ram started offering luxurious interior on trucks that can even put sedans to shame. In fact, the company recently launched a 10th Anniversary Edition of the Ram 1500 Limited, a model known for its plushness.

Step inside and you’ll be welcomed to a cockpit with a leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters. You can spend extra money and get this finished in suede and carbon-fiber accents. Behind the steering wheels is an instrument cluster with a multi-information display. The seven-inch screen throws up more data than you would need most of the time. It comes with performance pages, too, to record your off-road and on-road performances. It shows stuff like:

  • Reaction time
  • 0-60 and 0-62 mph acceleration times
  • Quarter-mile time
  • Dyno page
  • G-Force meter

2021 Ram 1500 TRX - Driven Interior
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2021 Ram 1500 TRX - Driven Interior
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Going against the trend of offering slim bucket seats, Ram has offered heavily bolstered cushies for your tushies. They are designed well to keep you in place when you take this beast hard around the corners or during severe off-roading.

You can have them in cloth and vinyl, or leather and suede, or leather and suede with red and carbon fiber accents.

Fortunately, Ram has ditched the rotary knob gear shifter on this truck. Instead, you get the conventional floor-mounted gear shifter. You get a control panel in place of the knob and it features TRX-specific transfer case switches, like 4WD High/Low, Axle Lock, etc. Even the Drive Mode selector and Launch Control button are here.

Ram offers a dual-pane panoramic sunroof on the TRX. There are some other pretty sweet things, like ventilated seats, power-adjustable seats, etc. that you can opt for.

2021 Ram 1500 TRX - Driven Interior
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2021 Ram 1500 TRX - Driven Interior
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On the center console sits a 12-inch UConnect 4C touchscreen system that supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Sirius XM. It can be upgraded to UConnect 5 software in the future. For now, it is slated to come in 2022. The upgrade would support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Apart from this, the truck also comes with a wireless charger, five USB ports, including Type A and C ports, and a 10-speaker sound. For audiophiles, Ram offers a 19-speaker, 900-Watt Harman-Kardon audio system as an option.

2021 Ram 1500 TRX - Driven Interior
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2021 Ram 1500 TRX - Driven Interior
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Apart from this, the other tech stuff that can be had includes:

  • A new color Head-Up Display
  • 9.2-inch wide Digital Rearview Mirror
  • Trailer Reverse Steer Control, similar to Ford’s Pro-Trailer Backup Assist

How Spacious Is The Ram 1500 TRX?

2021 Ram 1500 TRX - Driven Interior
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2021 Ram 1500 TRX - Driven Interior
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On the inside, the Ram TRX is mighty spacious; just like any other pickup truck. In the first row, it offers 40.9 of headroom, 40.9 inches of legroom, 66 inches of shoulder room, and 63.4 inches of hip room. The Raptor is almost just as spacious. It comes with better legroom up front, thanks to the longer wheelbase. It offers 40.8 inches of headroom, 43.9 inches of legroom, 66.7 inches of headroom, and 62.5 inches of hip room.

In the second row, the Ram TRX offers headroom of 39.8 inches, legroom of 45.2 inches, shoulder room of 65.7 inches, and hip room of 63.4 inches. The Raptor offers 40.4 inches of headroom, 43.6 inches of legroom, 66 inches of shoulder room, and 62.6 inches of hip room.

Ram TRX vs Ford F-150 Raptor interior dimensions
Ram TRX Ford F-150 Raptor
1st Row Headroom 40.9 40.8
1st Row Leg Room 40.9 43.9
1st Row Shoulder Room 66 66.7
1st Row Hip Room 63.4 62.5
2nd Row Headroom 39.8 40.4
2nd Row Leg Room 45.2 43.6
2nd Row Shoulder Room 65.7 66
2nd Row Hip Room 63.4 62.6

Ram 1500 TRX Drivetrain

2021 Ram 1500 TRX - Driven Drivetrain
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2021 Ram 1500 TRX - Driven Drivetrain
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The 2012 Ram 1500 TRX is powered by a 6.2-liter, supercharged V-8 HEMI Hellcat engine that churns out 702 ponies and 650 pound-feet of twist.

Power is routed to the wheels via an eight-speed TorqueFlite automatic gearbox. The truck comes with a heavy-duty advanced four-wheel-drive system as well.

2021 Ram 1500 TRX specifications
Ram TRX
Engine 6.2-Liter V-8
Fuel Premium
Horsepower 702 HP
Torque 650 LB-FT
Transmission 8AT
Drive 4WD
Towing Capacity 8,100 LBS
Fuel Economy 10/14/12
Curb Weight 6,350
Fuel Capacity 33 Gal

2021 Ram 1500 TRX - Driven Drivetrain
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2021 Ram 1500 TRX - Driven Drivetrain
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There are multiple pre-set drive modes on offer that control the throttle response, four-wheel-drive system, transmission, suspension, and electric power steering. The modes include – Sport, Snow, Auto, Tow, Custom, Mud/Sand, Rock, Baja. With all the power it makes, the truck can also fly, and Ram knows there will be times you’ll keep it off the ground for a few seconds. To make sure this doesn’t cause any adverse effects, the company has introduced something known as ‘Jump Detection’. Jump Detection derives wheel-speed and ride-height data from the sensors and accelerometers at each corner to identify when the vehicle is airborne and acts to prevent driveline-damaging power spikes.

As for the performance specs, it can sprint to 60 mph from a standstill in 4.5 seconds and has a top speed of 118 mph, which is why the 1500 TRX is officially the “Quickest, Fastest and Most Powerful Mass-produced Truck in the World” for now. It comes with a Launch Control, too, in case you plan to take it to the drag strip. Ram says the truck can do a quarter-mile run in 12.9 seconds at 108 mph. We have seen it in action in the past.

2021 Ram 1500 TRX - Driven Drivetrain
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2021 Ram 1500 TRX - Driven Drivetrain
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A truck that’s capable of doing all these things needs to have a strong suspension setup. The 1500 TRX comes with a front independent suspension system with active damping. It also features a Dana 60 solid rear axle. The TRX has a front-wheel travel range of 13 inches and a rear-wheel travel range of 14 inches.
A BorgWarner transfer case and an electronic locking rear differential are also in place.

It also comes with 2.5-inch Bilstein Performance Black Hawk e2 adaptive shocks at the front and rear. According to the automaker, this will help traverse over harsh terrains even with speeds greater than 100 mph, thus making it a competent desert runner.

The Ram’s final drive ratio is 3.55:1 whereas the low-range four-wheel-drive ratio is rated at 2.64:1. Back-of-the-envelope calculations suggest the truck has a crawl ratio of 44:1.

How Fuel-Efficient Is The Ram TRX?

2021 Ram 1500 TRX - Driven Exterior
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2021 Ram 1500 TRX - Driven Exterior
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Asking how much a 6,000+ pound truck that features a 702-horsepower supercharged V-8 returns per gallon is a cardinal sin. But, if you really want to know, then the truck delivers 10 miles in the city, 14 miles on the highway, and 12 miles combined for every gallon of fuel consumed. Expect this to dip into single digits when going off-roading or driving with a heavy foot and expect it to burn a hole in your pocket.

If you want something more efficient, the Raptor V-6 will serve you better. It delivers 15 mpg in the city, 18 mpg on the highway, and 16 mpg combined.

How Much Does The 2021 Ram 1500 TRX Cost?

2021 Ram 1500 TRX - Driven Exterior
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2021 Ram 1500 TRX - Driven Exterior
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The 2021 Ram 1500 TRX comes with a base price of $70,325 plus $1,695 destination. The cheapest exterior shade you can get is Diamond Black Crystal that’s priced at 100 bucks. So, the starting price of the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX is essentially $72,120.

Our test model came finished in dual-tone Bright White and Diamond Black Crystal shade, which is a $250 option.

Ram 1500 TRX Competition

Ford F-150 Raptor

2021 Ram 1500 TRX - Driven Exterior Wallpaper quality
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2021 Ram 1500 TRX - Driven Exterior Wallpaper quality
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Ford introduced the third-gen F-150 Raptor around the same time it launched the fourteenth-gen F-150. While it comes with a lot of new, impressive stuff, like the suspension setup, bigger tires from the factory, and exhaust system, Ford didn’t make any changes to the powertrain. It continues to be powered by the same 3.5-liter, twin-turbo, V-6 EcoBoost mill that puts out 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to all wheels via the same 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission. It comes with a whole lot of other stuff, like:

  • Electronic locking rear differential
  • Two-speed transfer case
  • Independent front suspension system
  • New five-link rear suspension setup
  • Panhard rod and 24-inch coil springs
  • 3.1-inch Fox Live Valve dampers
  • Front suspension travel range of 14 inches
  • Rear suspension travel range of 15 inches
  • Available Torsen front limited-slip differential with 4:10 final drive ratio

2021 Ram 1500 TRX - Driven Exterior Wallpaper quality
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2021 Ram 1500 TRX - Driven Exterior Wallpaper quality
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It is based on the 2021 F-150 and is available only in the SuperCrew body style now. The Raptor rides on 17-inch wheels shod in 35-inch tires standard. You can also have 37-inch tires as an option from the factory itself. On the inside, you get stuff like a 12-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12-inch touchscreen SYNC4 infotainment system that supports wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, and 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, to name a few. You can even opt for Recaro bucket seats for extra moolah.

When the TRX was launched, Ford had the second-gen F-150 Raptor on sale. It started at $53,455 for the Regular Cab and $56,440 for the SuperCrew. This made it significantly cheaper than the Ram truck.

2021 Ram 1500 TRX - Driven Exterior Wallpaper quality
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2021 Ram 1500 TRX - Driven Exterior Wallpaper quality
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The 2021 F-150 Raptor, however, saw a big price jump. It now starts at $65,840 including destination, which closes the price gap between the two to barely a little over $6,000. Ford is also working on a V-8 rendition of the truck called the Raptor R. It will most-likely be priced well over the starting price of Ram 1500 TRX. This way, the Raptor R won’t cannibalize into the standard Raptor’s sales, and Ford will sandwich the TRX between both these models. This way you’ll have not one, but two alternatives for the TRX – one cheaper, and the other even more expensive.

Ram 1500 TRX vs Ford F-150 Raptor specifications
Ram TRX Ford F-150 Raptor
Engine 6.2-Liter V-8 3.5-Liter V-6
Fuel Premium Premium
Horsepower 702 HP 450 HP
Torque 650 LB-FT 510 LB-FT
Transmission 8AT 10AT
Drive 4WD 4WD
Towing Capacity 8,100 LBS 8,200 LBS
Fuel Economy 10/14/12 15/18/16
Curb Weight 6,350 5,740
Fuel Capacity 33 Gal TBA

Read our full review on the Ford F-150 Raptor

2021 Ram 1500 TRX Exterior
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2021 Ram 1500 TRX Exterior
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Ram had rolled out the TRX Limited Edition when the truck was launched. It came with numerous stuff that set it apart from the standard TRX. Priced at over $90,000, it didn’t seem worth the extra $20,000 at the onset, but it came with a whole lot of stuff. Not to mention, you would be the owner of an exclusive edition that’s limited to just 702 examples. It was sold out within three hours after the bookings opened. In case you’re curious what made it special, here’s the additional stuff it came with:

  • Exclusive Anvil Grey Exterior Shade
  • TRX Exterior Graphics
  • TRX Hood Graphics
  • 18- x 9.0-inch Beadlock-Capable Alum Wheels by Mopar
  • 19 Speaker Harman Kardon Premium Sound System
  • Four-Adjustable Cargo Tie-Down Hooks
  • Adaptive Cruise Control
  • Deployable Bed-Step
  • Dual-Pane Panoramic Sunroof
  • Head-Up Display
  • Lane Keep Assist
  • Leather and Carbon Flat-Bottom Steering Wheel
  • LED CHMS Lamp
  • Pedestrian Emergency Braking
  • Pick-Up Box Lighting
  • Real Carbon Fiber Interior Accents
  • Rear- View Auto-Dimming Digital Display Mirror
  • Spray-In Bedliner
  • “TRX Launch Edition” Console Badge
  • “TRX” Red Interior Accents
  • TRX Level 2 Equipment Group (more on it below)
  • Priced at $90,315 plus destination

Ram 1500 TRX Packages

2021 Ram 1500 TRX - Driven Exterior
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2021 Ram 1500 TRX - Driven Exterior
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The 1500 TRX is offered with many optional packages, something that’s not uncommon with the Stellantis products. Some of those include:

TRX Level 2 Equipment Group – $7,920

  • Body-Color Door Handles
  • Wrapped Driver and Passenger Assist Handles
  • Front Door Accent Lighting
  • Full-Length Premium Upgraded Floor-Console
  • Heated Front Seats
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Instrument-Panel LED Ambient-Light Piping
  • Leather and Suede Flat-Bottom Steering Wheel
  • Leather-Trimmed Bucket Seats
  • Luxury Front Door-Trim Panel
  • Pick-Up Box Lighting
  • Eight-Way Power Driver and Passenger Seats
  • Four-way Power Lumbar Adjustable Driver Seat
  • Four-way Power Lumbar Adjustable Passenger Seat
  • Four-way Front Headrests
  • Power Adjustable Pedals with Memory Function
  • Premium Wrapped Instrument- Panel Bezel
  • Rain-Sensitive Windshield Wipers
  • Rear-Door Accent-Lighting
  • Rear Under-Seat Storage Compartment
  • Rear Window Defroster
  • Sun-Visors with Illuminated Vanity-Mirrors
  • Universal Garage-Door Opener
  • Blind-Spot and Cross-Path Detection
  • Driver-Seat Memory
  • Exterior Mirrors with Memory
  • Heated Second-Row Seats
  • ParkSense Front and Rear Park-Assist with Stop
  • Driver-Seat/Radio/Mirrors/Pedals Memory Pre-Sets
  • Remote-Proximity Keyless –Entry
  • Remote-Start System
  • Remote Tailgate-Release
  • Rear 60 / 40 Folding Split Recline Seat
  • Surround-View Camera
  • Trailer Brake-Control
  • Ventilated Front Seats
  • Ventilated Rear Seats
  • Wireless Charging-Pad

2021 Ram 1500 TRX - Driven Exterior
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2021 Ram 1500 TRX - Driven Exterior
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TRX Carbon Fiber Package – $1,295

  • Leather and Carbon Flat-Bottom Steering Wheel
  • Real Carbon Fiber Interior Accents

Technology Group – $1,095

  • Head-up Display
  • Rear-view Auto-Dimming Digital Mirror
  • LED Center High-Mounted Stop Lamp

Advanced Safety Group – $995

  • Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go
  • Lane Keep Assist
  • Pedestrian Emergency Braking

2021 Ram 1500 TRX - Driven Exterior
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2021 Ram 1500 TRX - Driven Exterior
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Bed Utility Group – $845

  • Four Adjustable Cargo Tie-Down Hooks
  • Deployable Bed-Step
  • Spray-in Bedliner

Trailer-Tow Group – $395

  • Trailer Brake Controller
  • Trailer Light Check
  • Trailer TPMS

Ram 1500 TRX Warranty

Ram is offering a three-year/36,000-mile basic limited warranty on the TRX, and a five-year/60,000-mile limited warranty on the powertrain.

Final Thoughts

2021 Ram 1500 TRX - Driven Exterior Wallpaper quality
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2021 Ram 1500 TRX - Driven Exterior Wallpaper quality
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So, to answer the question we posed at the beginning of this article – the Ram 1500 TRX is a fantastic buy if money is no object. It doesn’t necessarily perform as well as a conventional pickup truck or a conventional sports car. However, it infuses the characteristics of both the stark-different vehicles very well. It can tow and haul on a workday, and can be unleashed for quick sprints or desert runs over the weekend.

The 1500 TRX is well-loaded in the base form, but you can pamper yourself even more with the numerous accessories and packages that are available as optional. People looking for a frugal option will find the F-150 Raptor’s comparatively fuel-efficient engine better. The 2021 Raptor even comes with an improved suspension setup, a loud exhaust system, and massive tires from the factory. The 2021 Ram 1500 TRX is manufactured at the company’s Sterling Heights Assembly Plant in Michigan.

  • Leave it

    • Not a cheap truck by any means
    • No MultiFunction tailgate
    • Single-digit fuel economy with a heavy-foot