Raptor vs TRX: Off-Road Truck Battle
Ford Raptor vs Ram TRX comparison. EcoBoost vs Hellcat, which super truck reigns supreme?
Desert Warriors
The Ford F-150 Raptor and Ram 1500 TRX represent the ultimate expression of off-road performance trucks. Both offer supercar-level horsepower in pickup truck bodies, but they approach the mission differently. The Raptor evolved through generations of refinement; the TRX arrived with maximum attack.
This comparison helps buyers choose between America's most capable factory desert runners.
Detailed Comparison
The Showdown
Power and Drivetrain
- Gen 3 (2021+): 3.5L twin-turbo V6, 450hp/510lb-ft
- Raptor R (2023+): 5.2L supercharged V8, 700hp
- 10-speed automatic
- All-terrain system with multiple modes
Ram 1500 TRX:
- 6.2L supercharged HEMI V8, 702hp/650lb-ft
- 8-speed automatic with launch control
- Full-time AWD with locking rear differential
- 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds
Power verdict: TRX has more power in standard form; Raptor R matches it with V8 option.
Off-Road Capability
Raptor:
- FOX Live Valve internal-bypass shocks
- 13.1" front / 13.9" rear travel
- Terrain Management system
- More nimble, lighter weight
- Desert racing heritage proven
TRX:
- Bilstein Black Hawk e2 shocks
- 13" front / 14" rear travel
- Jump detection system
- More brute force approach
- Launch control for sand starts
Off-road verdict: Raptor edges out for technical terrain; TRX prefers straight-line desert running.
Daily Living
Raptor:
- Crew Cab only, shorter bed
- More refined V6 character
- Better fuel economy (relatively)
- Lower starting price
TRX:
- Crew Cab standard
- V8 rumble and presence
- Worse fuel economy
- Higher starting price, more content
Pricing
Raptor: $75,000-90,000
Raptor R: $110,000-120,000
TRX: $85,000-110,000
Vehicle A
Pros
- ✓ Proven desert racing heritage
- ✓ Better fuel economy
- ✓ More nimble off-road
- ✓ FOX Live Valve shocks
Cons
- ✗ Less power (standard)
- ✗ V6 lacks V8 character
- ✗ Smaller bed options
- ✗ Raptor R is expensive
Vehicle B
Pros
- ✓ 702hp V8 power
- ✓ Launch control
- ✓ More imposing presence
- ✓ Supercharger whine
Cons
- ✗ Worse fuel economy
- ✗ Heavier weight
- ✗ Higher starting price
- ✗ Less refined dynamics
The Verdict
The Verdict
Choose the Ford Raptor if:
- Technical off-road capability matters most
- V6 efficiency is preferable for daily use
- You appreciate evolved, proven engineering
- Budget allows standard Raptor (not R)
Choose the Ram TRX if:
- V8 character is non-negotiable
- Maximum power defines your requirements
- You prefer aggressive presence
- Straight-line desert running is the mission
Choose the Raptor R if:
- You want Raptor capability with V8 power
- Budget is no constraint
- The supercharged V8 experience matters
- You need the ultimate expression
The honest assessment: Both trucks are incredible. The Raptor offers more refinement and capability evolution; the TRX delivers raw power and presence. Neither will disappoint an enthusiast who understands what they're buying.