The Ram 1500 holds a best-selling place in the Canadian half-ton truck market, offering an enticing blend of performance, capability, technology, and comfort. And while there's a wide range of 1500 trims available, from the economical Tradesman through the sporty Rebel to the super-luxurious Limited, there's one model in the lineup that stands completely on its own.
The Ram 1500 TRX builds on the impressive 1500 base by adding an astonishing amount of power, vastly upgraded off-road capability, and unmatched levels of interior luxury to create a uniquely exciting pickup. Here are the highlights you can discover with a test drive of the 2022 Ram 1500 TRX from our Mississauga dealership.
Explosive V8 Engine Power
The TRX label gives a nod toward the Tyrannosaurus Rex (T-REX) dinosaur famed for its size, strength, and aggressive nature. And while it's not certain whether this was an intentional move by Ram, it's definitely a fitting comparison to make.
The 2022 Ram 1500 TRX is all about power and performance. The truck is built around a 6.2L HEMI V8 gas engine making a mammoth 702 hp and 650lb-ft of torque, figures that are unmatched in the half-ton class. The output is passed through a silky eight-speed automatic transmission to all-wheel drive as standard, with the V8's twin-screw supercharger offering near-instant torque for exceptional acceleration.
All of this combines to make the TRX a formidable performer, with a 0-100km/h time of just 4.5 seconds, a top speed touching 190km/h and assured handling over even the most difficult surfaces.
Towing and Payload
The power lurking under the hood translates into an impressive set of capability figures. The pickup bed can carry a highly useful 594kg of cargo, while the towing capacity of up to 3,674kg is more than enough for daily hauling and weekend adventures alike.
Off-Road Excellence
If you're planning to take the TRX off-road - and you should - then the huge available engine power is a solid start. However, the model also boasts a wealth of other features that make the TRX an all-terrain vehicle you can rely on. Key highlights include:
• Independent front suspension with active damping.
• 11.8" ground clearance, 13" front suspension travel, and 14" rear travel.
• 18" wheels with 35" all-terrain tires from Goodyear.
• Electronic locking rear differential.
• 2.64:1 transfer case for controlled rock crawling.
• 32" water fording ability.
All of this is backed up by a specially reinforced steel frame to give unmatched strength and stability, however hard you push the pickup's powertrain.
Interior and Technology
The TRX's heart may lie in high-performance off-road exploits, but the cabin offers a luxury experience to compete with any high-end family SUV. Premium materials from leather to microsuede create plenty of comfort alongside the heated and ventilated seats, but it's the TRX's advanced level of in-cabin technology that really stands out.
A vertically mounted 12" touchscreen display gives access to the infotainment features, with the touch control backed up by a selection of knobs and buttons for tactile, eyes-free operation. Smartphone integration is standard through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as navigation and satellite radio on every model.
Lastly, the unique head-up display is customizable to project a wide array of essential information directly onto the windshield, from traffic alerts to navigation directions.
Why the RAM TRX is Better Than the Ford Raptor
While the TRX pushes new boundaries in the high-performance truck segment, it's not completely without competition. The Ford Raptor is aimed fairly and squarely at the same niche, and for now, has a more established market share. However, there are three reasons why the TRX makes a better choice for high-performance pickup devotees.
- Sheer Power
The TRX's 6.2L V8 engine is a class above the Raptor's 3.5L twin-turbo model. The Ford's output of 450 horsepower and 510lb-ft is impressive on its own terms, but it doesn't come close to the TRX's 702 hp and 650lb-ft.
- Searing Acceleration
The TRX can race from 0-100km/h in just 4.5 seconds, leaving the Raptor trailing a full second behind, making this Ram the most responsive performer in half-ton truck history.
- High-End Interior
The TRX upholds the Ram reputation for high-end interiors, boasting features including a 12" infotainment touchscreen, a head-up display, leather surfaces, and carbon fibre accents. The Raptor is by no means low-end, but the interior is more functional and sport-oriented rather than luxurious.
All in all, while both trucks offer plenty of comfort and capability, the TRX provides a blend of performance and luxury that's unmatched anywhere else in the half-ton pickup market.
Experience the 2022 Ram 1500 TRX in Mississauga
The 2022 Ram 1500 TRX sets new standards in the high-performance pickup market and needs to be experienced firsthand to be fully appreciated. Book a test drive from our Mississauga dealership now, and discover what this outrageously powerful truck could do for you.