The Ram truck brand always places power and capability at the forefront of its brand, but the 2023 Ram 1500 TRX brings new meaning to this. Typically, Ram trucks are made for labor and off-pavement experiences, with an emphasis on towing and hauling. The TRX extends that power to the trails. Sure, this trim level is tow-capable too, but it instead puts the emphasis on off-road capability. Put simply, it’s the brand’s adventurous performance model. The TRX first debuted for the 2021 model year for those who like to take trailing to the extreme. Just two short years later, this trim level adds a long list of abilities and features to its arsenal. Let’s take a closer look at everything that makes the 2023 TRX the coolest off-roading truck on the market.
Why Pick an Off-Roading Truck Over an SUV?
An off-roading truck? Yeah, some of you probably aren’t convinced quite yet. First off, we already know that nothing can handle off-pavement situations better than a lightweight off-roading SUV can—namely, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. So, what are the benefits of picking a truck instead of Jeep’s historically superior off-roading SUV? Capability, that’s what. While 4×4 SUVs are great, they’re not ideal for every buyer type. Cargo space and towing capabilities are limited in SUV models—especially smaller SUVs like the Wrangler or Bronco.
People choose off-roading trucks like the TRX for balance. These trucks can tackle rough paths almost as well as an off-roading SUV can while allowing for bed space and impressive towing capacities. Plus, smaller trucks like the TRX are much lighter than heavy-duty models, helping them perform better on the trails.
The Ram TRX vs the Regular Ram 1500
All Ram trucks are powerful, right? And you can throw a set of mud tires on any of them. Is there even a noticeable difference between the TRX and other Ram 1500 trim levels? The short answer is yes. The first main difference is that the TRX comes in only one engine option, and it’s a doozy: the 6.2-liter HEMI Hellcat Supercharged V8.
The standard 1500 trim levels come with the following three different engine options:
3.6L Pentastar V6 with eTorque
- 7,730-pound maximum towing capacity
- 305 horsepower
- 273 lb-ft of torque
5.7L HEMI “Eagle” V8 with eTorque
- 12,750-pound maximum towing capacity
- 395 horsepower
- 410 lb-ft of torque
3.0L Ecodiesel V6
- 9,600-pound maximum towing capacity
- 260 horsepower
- 480 lb-ft of torque
The Ram 1500 TRX comes with:
6.2L HEMI Supercharged V8
- 8,220-pound maximum towing capacity
- 702 horsepower
- 650 lb-ft of torque
This unthinkable power allows the TRX to hit 0 to 60 in just 4.5 seconds, with the top speed for this truck sitting at 118 mph. Plus, its 650 lb-ft torque rating gives you the power to push up steep inclines and overcome treacherous terrain with ease.
Everything That Makes the TRX Succeed Off Pavement
There are some new trail-ready features that set the 2023 TRX apart from its siblings. The first is massive 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory All-Terrain tires designed just for the Ram TRX. Available 18-inch beadlock capable wheels allow for flexible tire air pressure, whether you’re rock crawling or creeping through rough terrains. Next up are four cargo tie-down hooks, a cargo divider, and a multi-function and locking tailgate. This truck also includes Bilstein Black Hawk shocks that are only made for this beast, allowing for an 11.8-inch ground clearance rating, 13-inch front suspension travel, and 14-inch rear suspension travel.
Selec-Speed Control is also standard on the 2023 Ram TRX. This one is essential for serious off-roaders—especially “4-Wheel Low Mode.” You can focus on steering while your Ram handles the rest, maintaining a reasonable speed down steep inclines, acting as an off-roading cruise control. Plus, Dual Valve Technology senses the terrain conditions and driver input to adjust your shock absorbers accordingly.
Clearly, that Hellcat V8 comes with a lot of power on its own. Paired with eight different drive modes that are tailored to the environment—Sport, Snow, Mud/Sand, Rock, Baja, Custom, and Tow, you can confidently tackle the road (or lack thereof) before you. Add on the available 360° Surround View Camera to better survey the area. While ground clearance is high, it’s still beneficial to watch the cameras for deep ruts, logs, rocks, and other debris. You can use the Surround View option to get a good overview, the Trailer Surround View to check your trailer area, or the Front Facing View for whatever’s ahead. Whether you’re unloading an ATV or towing your friend out of the mud, the Trailer Reverse Guidance view is also available.
Convenience and Everyday Handiness
Let’s face it—you’re probably not buying a brand-new truck specifically for off-roading. That’s what makes the 2023 Ram TRX so special. It’s made for the trails, but it’s pavement-friendly as well. It includes plenty of tech and convenience features, like TomTom Navigation, an available wireless charging station, and of course, the Ram App, which allows for remote start, drive alerts, and more.
Safety perks are abundant as well. The available and customizable heads-up display helps keep your eyes on the road by displaying turn-by-turn navigation, speed, and more, directly onto the windshield. You’ll also get access to Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Path with Trailer Detection, and more. The Digital Rearview Mirror can surpass whatever and whoever is in your backseat, showing everything that’s behind the truck in the rearview mirror. This available technology uses a rearview camera to capture what you can’t see via the mirror alone. Best of all, since there’s a customizable drive mode, you can tailor your settings to better match the highway, lessening power and saving fuel.
The TRX’s 12-inch full-color 3D digital instrument cluster makes it easy to access all the important stats and tech features in one convenient location. Here, you can use the Uconnect 5 NAV system, access music, climate controls, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, and much more. Add custom profiles and pages to create an infotainment center that covers all your favorite shortcuts.
There’s No Other Truck Quite Like It
Other brands are trying to make the perfect extreme off-roading truck, but it’s hard to keep up with 702 horsepower. Over the years, even the beloved Ford Raptor hasn’t been able to keep up with the TRX. Plus, most trucks are either tow/haul focused or off-road focused, but the 2023 Ram TRX offers the best of both. It has an impressive towing capacity, towing and hauling modes, trailer cameras, and a multi-function tailgate that makes hauling a breeze—not to mention a plethora of official Mopar towing and off-roading accessories that are designed to pair perfectly with this model. (It looks especially nice with the RamBar).
Its signature interior makes the new TRX stand out like a sports car thanks to performance-level interior designs. That black and red leather-trimmed seating and carbon fiber accents make you feel like you’re in the lap of luxury. The available 19-speaker Harman Kardon Audio system is there to raise above the Hellcat’s massive engine noise whether you’re on the streets or blazing the trails. This truck offers the perfect balance for extreme off-roading enthusiasts—go to work in style and conquer the backroads with confidence with the all-new 2023 Ram TRX.
