2026 Ram 1500 TRX :Remember that earth-shaking roar that could wake up your entire neighborhood? The one that came from under the hood of the most outrageous pickup truck ever built? Well, buckle up, because that thunderous sound is about to return to the streets—and trails—in 2026.
The Ram 1500 TRX, the truck that made Ford’s Raptor look tame, is reportedly making a comeback. After disappearing from Ram’s lineup following the 2024 model year, industry insiders are confirming what enthusiasts have been hoping for: the TRX will rise again, and it might be more powerful than ever.
What Happened to the Original TRX?
Let’s rewind a bit. When Ram introduced the TRX in 2021, it wasn’t just launching another truck—it was throwing down the gauntlet. With its supercharged 6.2-liter Hellcat V8 pumping out 702 horsepower, the TRX didn’t just compete with off-road trucks; it obliterated the competition. This wasn’t a truck for weekend warriors—this was a machine built for those who wanted to conquer the desert at triple-digit speeds.
But then 2025 rolled around, and Ram made a decision that left many scratching their heads. The entire Ram 1500 lineup went V8-free, switching to the Hurricane twin-turbocharged inline-six engine. Sure, the Hurricane is impressive in its own right, producing 420 horsepower in standard form and 540 horses in the high-output version that powers the new Ram 1500 RHO. But for TRX faithful, trading that supercharged V8 growl for a turbo six just wasn’t the same.
The Perfect Storm for a Comeback
Several factors have aligned to bring the TRX back from the dead. First, Tim Kuniskis returned as Ram’s CEO in December 2024. Kuniskis has a reputation for understanding what enthusiasts want, and his return sparked immediate speculation about the future of V8 engines in Ram trucks.
Customer feedback also played a crucial role. When you remove something as beloved as the Hemi V8 from your lineup, people notice—and they’re not afraid to voice their opinions. Ram dealers reportedly heard plenty from customers who weren’t thrilled about the all-six-cylinder approach.
The competitive landscape matters too. While Ram was moving away from V8s, Ford kept the 5.0-liter Coyote V8 in the F-150 lineup and even boosted the Raptor R’s supercharged V8 to 720 horsepower for 2024. General Motors continues offering multiple V8 options across the Silverado and Sierra 1500 lines. Ram found itself in the awkward position of being the only major truck manufacturer without a V8 option.
What We Know About the 2026 TRX
Industry sources suggest the new TRX won’t just match its predecessor—it might surpass it. The new TRX will get even more power than before, possibly featuring the 797-hp engine from Dodge’s Hellcat Redeye models. Think about that for a moment: nearly 800 horsepower in a pickup truck. That’s supercar territory with the capability to haul your boat.
Production is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2026 at Ram’s Sterling Heights Assembly Plant in Michigan. The same facility has reportedly been spotted with Hellcat engines on the production line, adding credibility to the power upgrade rumors.
The timing makes sense from a business perspective too. Ram has already brought back the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 to the 2026 Ram 1500 lineup as a response to customer demand, proving the company is willing to reverse course when the market speaks. The infrastructure is there, the engines are being built, and the demand clearly exists.
More Than Just Raw Power
While the horsepower headlines grab attention, the TRX has always been about more than just straight-line speed. The original model featured a sophisticated suspension system with massive travel, Bilstein shocks, and carefully tuned geometry that allowed it to fly over desert terrain while remaining composed on highway pavement.
Expect the 2026 model to build on this foundation. Modern off-road trucks have become increasingly sophisticated, with advanced traction management systems, multiple drive modes, and terrain-specific settings. The new TRX will likely incorporate lessons learned from both the original model and Ram’s current RHO truck.
Interior luxury should remain a priority too. The TRX was never just a work truck with a big engine—it was a premium vehicle that happened to be incredibly capable. Expect high-quality materials, advanced infotainment systems, and comfort features that make long desert runs as enjoyable as they are thrilling.
The Elephant in the Room: Fuel Economy and Regulations
Let’s be honest about what we’re dealing with here. A supercharged V8 producing nearly 800 horsepower isn’t going to sip fuel like a commuter car. The previous TRX managed just 12 miles per gallon on the EPA combined cycle—the same as Ford’s Raptor R. The new model likely won’t improve much on that figure.
This reality raises questions about how long such trucks can continue to exist in their current form. Emissions regulations continue to tighten, and manufacturers face increasing pressure to improve fleet-wide fuel economy. Ram’s window for selling a truck this thirsty might be limited, which could explain the urgency to bring it back sooner rather than later.
Some industry watchers speculate about hybrid assistance potentially joining the supercharged V8, similar to how the regular Hemi V8 uses a 48-volt eTorque system. While this might help slightly with efficiency and could add instant torque, it would also add complexity and weight.
What This Means for Truck Buyers
If you’re considering a high-performance truck, the TRX’s return creates an interesting dynamic. The current Ram 1500 RHO offers impressive performance with better fuel economy and a more refined driving experience for daily use. It’s a compelling option for those who want capability without the drama.
But for those who want maximum impact—both in terms of performance and presence—the TRX represents something different entirely. It’s a statement truck, one that announces your arrival from several blocks away and can back up that dramatic first impression with genuine capability.
Pricing will likely start north of $100,000, putting it in luxury truck territory alongside the Ford F-150 Raptor R and top-trim GM trucks. But for the target market, price often takes a backseat to exclusivity and performance.
The Broader Picture
The TRX’s return represents more than just one truck model—it’s a statement about what customers want and how the industry responds. In an era of increasing electrification and efficiency mandates, there’s still clearly a market for unapologetically powerful, gasoline-fueled performance vehicles.
This trend extends beyond trucks too. Dodge recently announced the return of V8 engines to some models, and other manufacturers are finding ways to keep high-performance gasoline engines alive alongside their electrification efforts.
The 2026 Ram 1500 TRX’s return proves that sometimes, taking a step back allows you to leap forward. By listening to customers and adapting to market realities, Ram appears ready to reclaim its position as the maker of the most outrageous truck on the planet.
When that supercharged V8 roars back to life in 2026, it won’t just be announcing the return of a truck—it’ll be celebrating the enduring appeal of American automotive excess done right.
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