This is equivalent to a match between two experienced boxers battling it out for the heavyweight title – a comparison between the 2022 Ford F-150 Raptor (which has dominated the off-road “arena” for years) and the relative newcomer: the 2022 Ram 1500 TRX, an evolution of the Rebel that comes with the available Ignition Edition with its distinctive citrus orange exterior and interior.
The Ram 1500 TRX is the brand’s flagship model, explicitly released to rival the Raptor in the supercharged division of off-road supremacy. Both are full-size pickup trucks with a rugged appearance and intimidating stance, unrivaled power, and performance. So, the big question is: Which one is the superior superpowered full-size off-road pickup truck between the two? We’ll find out shortly.
Price, power, and performance of the 2022 Ford F-150 Raptor
2022 Ram 1500 TRX and 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor | FCA US LLC. and The Ford Motor Company
The 2022 Ford F-150 Raptor features a heat-extracting hood, and a beast lays underneath. Ford gave it a high-output twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine that cranks out 450 horsepower, according to Car and Driver. Above the F-150 Raptor is the upcoming F-150 Raptor R with a supercharged V8 that delivers an impressive 760 horsepower. Both engines are paired with a paddle-shifted 10-speed automatic transmission that transfers power to all four wheels.
Are you planning to tow a play toy for off-road adventures? Fortunately, the F-150 Raptor has a higher towing and payload capacity than its predecessor. It adds 200 more lbs to the maximum tow rating and payload capacity, bringing them to 8,200 lbs and 1,400 lbs, respectively. Combined with its trailer sway control, you can easily haul your boat or trailer safely on an uphill climb.
The F-150 Raptor and Raptor R are priced at $67,070 and $75,000, respectively. Additionally, you can expect the price to climb if you choose the comprehensive 801A High package. It comes with off-road-centric goodies, including a 4.10 front axle ratio, a heated steering wheel, an 18-inch speaker B&O sound system, wireless charging, high-tech trailer assists, and much more.
Price, power, and performance of the 2022 Ram 1500 TRX
Tucked behind the Ram 1500 TRX’s bulging fenders and beneath the hood is a supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8, which Ram calls the Hellcat engine. This engine gives the truck 702 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque, fed to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. With the Hellcat, the 1500 TRX emits a menacing growl that’s enough to turn heads.
The Ram 1500 TRX may not match the tow rating of some Ram trucks that can pull 12,750 lbs, as it’s more concerned about all-terrain travel and speed, but it’s still a contender against the Ford F-150 Raptor. It has a maximum payload capacity of 1,310 lbs and a maximum towing capacity of 8,100 lbs. Even so, it’s reliable when you have a trailer that requires towing in the wilderness.
The base Ram 1500 TRX is available for $78,675, according to Car and Driver, while the Ignition Edition costs $93,280. The base 1500 TRX lacks some features you’d find in a full-size pickup truck, such as heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Still, you can get them by purchasing the Level 1 equipment package that also adds leather-trimmed seats, storage space under the rear, a flat-bottom steering wheel laced in leather, and micro-suede upholstery.
The 2022 Ford F-150 Raptor vs. RAM 1500 TRX: Which off-road truck wins?
It’s a battle that’s too close to call. Ram 1500 TRX fans would easily claim that the Ram beats the F-150 Raptor hands down. On the other hand, Ford enthusiasts would easily give the F-150 Raptor the crown. So, let’s put away favoritism and focus on the numbers and features that both cars have and possess. According to Car and Driver, the Ram 1500 TRX is superior.
Ram released the 1500 TRX with a single-engine option (the 6.2-liter supercharged V8 Hellcat) for both trims. The F-150 Raptor has two engine options, but seeing as tas the Raptor R with its V8 engine isn’t out yet, that leaves the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine with 450 horsepower. Once the Ford F-150 Raptor R with 760 horsepower is released, we might reconsider, but for now, the 1500 TRX is the victor when road-tested against the F-150 Raptor.
However, the one area where the 2022 Ford F-150 Raptor has an edge is its payload rating and towing capacity. It delivers 90 lbs more payload capacity and 100 lbs more towing capacity than the 2022 Ram 1500 TRX. However, is a bit more payload and towing capabilities enough to compensate for a severe lack of power of off-road thrills when compared to the 1500 TRX?
Keyword: 2022 Ram 1500 TRX Barely Beats the 2022 Ford F-150 Raptor in the Battle of Supercharged Off-Road Pickup Trucks