The era of the “supertruck”—massive pickups combining supercar-level horsepower with rugged off-road capabilities—has reached a turning point. For years, the Ram 1500 TRX stood as the undisputed king of this segment, a heavy-hitting monster that prioritized raw power above all else. However, as environmental regulations tighten and consumer needs evolve, Ram is pivoting.
The introduction of the 2025 Ram RHO marks a significant departure from the TRX legacy. While it may look like a successor, the RHO is actually a more calculated, practical approach to high performance.
The Legacy of the TRX: Power at a Price
The Ram 1500 TRX was built on a singular premise: extreme performance. Powered by a 6.2-liter supercharged Hellcat V8 producing 702 horsepower, it offered a driving experience that felt more like a luxury sedan than a traditional work truck. Its hardware was uncompromising, featuring:
- Reinforced chassis to handle extreme torque.
- 35-inch all-terrain tires and beefed-up suspension.
- Premium interiors packed with high-end technology.
However, this “over-the-top” philosophy came with significant drawbacks. The TRX was notoriously inefficient, earning it a spot as one of the worst-performing mass-market vehicles for fuel economy. With a combined EPA rating of just 12 MPG, the truck became a victim of its own thirst. Ultimately, rising emissions standards and a corporate shift toward electrification forced Ram to discontinue the TRX in early 2024.
The RHO: A Smarter Approach to Performance
Rather than trying to replicate the TRX’s brute force, the Ram RHO establishes a new identity. It trades the thirsty V8 for a 3.0-liter twin-turbo Hurricane straight-six engine. While this results in a lower power figure—540 horsepower —the trade-offs are substantial.
1. Better Real-World Usability
The RHO is designed to be a “hooligan truck” that you can actually live with. The Hurricane engine provides a massive torque band and a 0–60 mph time of 4.4 seconds, making it faster than the V6-powered Ford F-150 Raptor. More importantly, the RHO is more efficient, offering a combined 15 MPG.
2. Improved Handling and Dynamics
Because the straight-six engine is lighter than the massive Hellcat V8, early feedback suggests the RHO handles more predictably both on and off the road. It maintains high-end off-road specs, including:
* 11.8 inches of ground clearance (the highest in the Ram 1500 lineup).
* Bilstein Blackhawk dampers and standard air suspension.
* Standard four-wheel drive and 35-inch all-terrain tires.
3. Accessibility
Price is perhaps the most significant differentiator. With a starting price of approximately $71,990, the RHO is significantly more affordable than the $100,000+ TRX, making high-performance off-roading accessible to a broader range of enthusiasts.
The Return of the Monster
Despite the RHO’s success as a “daily driver” supertruck, Ram recognizes that a specific segment of enthusiasts will never settle for anything less than a supercharged V8.
In a move that surprised the industry, Stellantis confirmed the return of the TRX for the 2026/2027 model years. The new iteration is even more extreme, boasting a staggering 777 horsepower. With a starting price of $102,590, the new TRX isn’t meant to be a sensible choice—it is a specialized tool for those who value absolute, unbridled performance over efficiency.
The Bottom Line: The Ram RHO is a strategic evolution, offering a balanced, modern, and efficient way to enjoy high performance. Meanwhile, the returning TRX remains a niche, high-octane luxury for those who refuse to compromise on power.
