2023 Ram 1500 TRX

　　

2023 Ram 1500 TRX Review

byKurt NiebuhrSenior Vehicle Test Editor

　　Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　The Ram 1500 has been one of our highest-rated full-size pickup trucks for the past decade or so. The reasons why are many but include an upscale interior, a surprisingly comfortable ride quality and, of course, the utility you might expect from a large pickup truck. And much like other full-size trucks, the Ram 1500 is available in a bewildering array configurations and can be dressed up or dressed down to suit the needs of its buyer.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Ram 1500 TRX 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.2L 8cyl S/C 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$400/mo  for 1500 TRX

　　1500 TRX

　　TRX 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.2L 8cyl S/C 8A) (Most Popular) - $84,355 MSRP

　　vs

　　$233/mo

　　Avg. Large Truck

　　The Ram 1500 can also get as dirty as you dare thanks to the TRX, a no-holds-barred off-road monster. Aimed squarely at the Ford Raptor (T. rex vs. Raptor — get it?) the TRX boasts a hysterical 702-horsepower supercharged V8, suspension designed for high-speed desert running and enough creature comforts to almost make you forget you're barely getting 10 miles to the gallon.

　　No doubt you're familiar with the Ram's closest rivals, the Chevrolet Silverado and the Ford F-150. All three of these trucks offer similar levels of power, capability, technology and customization. Toyota's back with its recently redesigned Tundra, too. Be sure to read our Expert Rating below to see if the Ram 1500 has what it takes to earn a spot in your garage.

　　

What's it like to live with?

One reason we're such big fans of the Ram 1500 is that we bought one and lived with it for two years and more than 35,000 miles. The crew-cab short-bed Laramie's 5.7-liter V8 utterly guzzled gas, but aside from an unusual number of minor recalls, the 2019 Ram 1500 proved comfortable, capable and trouble-free. Get all of the details in our Ram 1500 long-term test.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Great

　　8.2

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.5/10

　　How does the Ram 1500 TRX drive? The TRX's supercharged V8 makes enough power to spin the front tires from a dead stop. At our test track it ripped from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds. That's just as quick as a Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye we also tested. The accompanying thunderous exhaust and supercharger whine are just the icing on the cake. But the TRX doesn't have to be driven flat out to be enjoyed. It's more than happy to dawdle around town until you get a chance to turn it loose down a sandy wash.

　　The TRX has been blessed with fairly competent brakes. At our test track, they were capable of hauling the big truck down from 60 mph in only 130 feet. That's a shorter stopping distance than the previous-generation Ford Raptor and considerably shorter than the Jeep Rubicon 392. Due to its sheer size, we wouldn't recommend taking the TRX down a tight and narrow road, but the TRX was predictable and consistent in our handling tests.

　　As for the TRX's off-road capability, if you prioritize low-speed rocky adventures you might want to look elsewhere. With impressive ground clearance and sophisticated long-travel off-road suspension, the TRX is purpose-built for high-speed off-road fun. Only the Ford Raptor is any real competition.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the Ram 1500 TRX? For a truck capable of triple-digit speeds across open country, the Ram 1500 TRX  is impressively comfortable. The ride quality, thanks to the giant sidewalls and compliant suspension, is rarely upset by a poor road. At freeway speeds, the Sport setting helps keep the TRX tied down. Even after a long day of bombing around the desert, the TRX is a great truck to drive home.

　　The Ram 1500's climate control also works well to keep you comfortable, even in triple-digit heat. Our only real gripes stem from an exhaust system that drones at highway speeds and seats that, as comfortable as they are, could use more support for off-road driving.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below