First Impressions
Pulling up to the lot, the 2025 Ram 1500 TRX makes an immediate statement. The wide, aggressive stance, flared fenders, and massive 35‑inch Goodyear tires give it a presence that feels more “off‑road monster” than “work truck.” Ram has kept the iconic silhouette that earned the TRX its legend, but the front end gets a modern facelift: sharper LED headlights, a new high‑gloss grille that looks ready for a desert showdown, and optional paint finishes like Stinger Yellow, Midnight Black, and Billet Silver that catch the light in just the right way.
Step inside and the cabin feels both plush and purposeful. Black leather seats trimmed in red stitching greet you, while a 14.5‑inch touchscreen dominates the dash. The layout is driver‑centric, with all the controls clustered within easy reach. There’s plenty of room for five adults plus gear, and the overall feel is that of a high‑end SUV translated onto a pickup platform. At roughly 6,500 pounds, the truck sits low enough to feel planted but heavy enough to reassure you that it can handle serious work or play.
Powertrain & Performance
The heart of the new TRX is a 3.0‑liter twin‑turbo Hurricane inline‑six that produces 540 horsepower and 521 lb‑ft of torque. It’s a noticeable step down from the 702‑hp supercharged V8 that powered earlier models, but the power delivery feels more refined. The twin turbos spool quickly, giving you a surge of torque without the high‑pitched whine that a supercharger can bring.
Paired with an eight‑speed automatic transmission and permanent four‑wheel drive, the truck rockets from 0‑60 mph in just under five seconds. The new chassis tuning, combined with an advanced suspension that includes adaptive dampers, lets you tackle rock crawls, sand dunes, and highway passes with equal confidence. Towing capacity remains solid at 8,100 pounds, and payload is rated at 1,800 pounds, making it a true work‑and‑play vehicle.
Interior Technology
Ram has leaned heavily into tech with the Uconnect 5 system. The 14.5‑inch touchscreen is responsive, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and it receives over‑the‑air updates, so new features can appear without a dealership visit.
Safety and driver‑assist features are abundant. Adaptive cruise control can read curves and adjust speed accordingly, while blind‑spot monitoring works hand‑in‑hand with trailer‑assist cameras that give a clear view of anything extending from the bed. A 360‑degree bird’s‑eye view assists in tight off‑road maneuvers, and a heads‑up display projects speed and navigation onto the windshield, reducing the need to glance down at the screen when you’re threading a narrow trail.
For off‑road enthusiasts, a new Trail‑Map overlay on the navigation screen shows real‑time elevation, grade, and terrain type, helping you pick the safest line through a mud‑filled canyon or a rocky descent.
Fuel Economy
One of the biggest advantages of swapping the V8 for a twin‑turbo six is a modest improvement in fuel efficiency. Early real‑world testing shows the TRX achieving 14 mpg in city traffic and 18‑20 mpg on the highway when driven gently. Under heavy off‑road conditions, the numbers drop to about 10‑12 mpg, which is expected given the 33‑gallon fuel tank and the weight of the vehicle.
The engine utilizes direct injection and a stop‑start system that shuts the engine off at idle, shaving off a few percent on stop‑and‑go commutes. For most owners, the difference translates to roughly $4,000 less per year in fuel costs compared with the previous V8 model, assuming premium gasoline at current prices.
Pricing & Availability
The base TRX starts at $110,000, and a fully loaded model with the Level 2 Plus technology package, premium leather interior, and the Max Trail off‑road suspension climbs to about $120,000 before destination charges. Production is limited, and the truck is expected to sell out quickly, which helps retain resale value—used 2021 TRX examples still command upwards of $80,000.
Financing options include a lease at roughly $1,500 per month for a 36‑month term, which can make the price more approachable for enthusiasts who want to keep the vehicle fresh for the next iteration.
Verdict
If you love the idea of a high‑performance off‑road pickup but aren’t ready to live with the constant fuel‑guzzling of a supercharged V8, the 2025 Ram 1500 TRX hits a sweet spot. The twin‑turbo inline‑six delivers blistering acceleration, a smoother power curve, and a modest fuel‑efficiency gain. Combined with a rugged yet refined interior, top‑tier tech, and a price that reflects true exclusivity, the new TRX feels like a purpose‑built adventure machine that can also double as a serious work truck when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does the twin‑turbo six compare to the older V8 in terms of towing?
Both engines are rated for a maximum towing capacity of 8,100 pounds, so you won’t lose any pulling power by choosing the newer inline‑six.
2. Is the TRX capable of serious rock crawling?
Yes. With its 35‑inch tires, factory‑tuned suspension, electronic locking differentials, and the optional Max Trail package, the 2025 TRX can handle most rock‑crawling scenarios you’ll encounter in the backcountry.
3. What warranty coverage does Ram offer on the TRX?
Ram provides a 5‑year/60,000‑mile basic bumper‑to‑bumper warranty, a 5‑year/60,000‑mile powertrain warranty, and a 10‑year/100,000‑mile corrosion‑through‑perforation warranty.
4. Can I run the TRX on regular unleaded gasoline?
While the engine is calibrated for premium gasoline to achieve its peak performance and fuel‑efficiency numbers, it will run on regular 87‑octane fuel. Expect a slight reduction in power and a small increase in fuel consumption.
5. Are there any special off‑road accessories available?
Yes. Ram offers a range of factory accessories such as a front‑step bumper, rock‑sliders, a snorkel kit, and a 60‑gallon auxiliary fuel tank for those who need extra range on long expeditions.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article reflects the author’s observations and publicly available specifications as of the publication date. Specifications, pricing, and availability are subject to change without notice. Readers should verify details with an authorized Ram dealership before making any purchasing decisions.
