- The Challenger R/T packs V8 grunt in a big two-door
- Ram 1500 TRX
- Ford F-150 Lightning
- GMC Hummer EV Truck
- Rivian R1T
As a former owner of a Dodge Challenger R/T (black on black, if you must know, with a 6-speed), I know it’s a fast car. But as an owner now of a Ram 1500 with the same Hemi V8, I know it’s a fast truck, too. But, the truck is simply a brick that weighs 1,500 pounds more than the Challenger and there’s no way it would keep up in a stop-light race. Now, there are several others that would keep up when you put your right foot down. However, we found four trucks that you can buy now that could trounce a Challenger, even in R/T guise.
The Challenger R/T packs V8 grunt in a big two-door
2022 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack | Joe Santos, MotorBiscuit
We can’t wait to see what some of the upcoming monster-fast trucks, like the Ford F-150 Raptor R, or the new GMC Sierra EV with 775 horsepower will accomplish. We do know that to make this list, a truck has to be seriously quick. The 2022, 450-horsepower, Ford Raptor, for example, may be quick, but it’s not Challenger R/T quick.
It’s time we poured one out for one of the most entertaining performance cars of the last 20 years. The Challenger R/T will go away after 2023, and with that, Dodge’s last (for now) V8-powered coupe. Sure, the new electric Challenger is making big promises, but the Challenger will hold a special place in many people’s hearts for its back-to-basic approach to fun. It was quick, too, hitting 60 in 5 seconds flat, according to the hot shoes at Motor Trend. Of course other versions of the Challenger are quicker (or slower), but the R/T is a good performance can baseline.
Ram 1500 TRX
Rear View 2023 Ram 1500 TRX | Ram
It doesn’t take a rocket surgeon to figure that even if your truck weighs 6,400 pounds that when you drop in a 702-horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter V8, it’ll move. The Ram 1500 TRX hits 60 in about 4.5 seconds, which is astonishing consider how large, and sophisticated, this truck is. It has a 4×4 system that can tackle the tough stuff, as well as shocks that are made to keep it level in the tough stuff, and a cabin that is downright luxurious. The aftermarket is now making these trucks even faster.
However, you can now buy a used Challenger R/T in the mid $20,000 range, expect to pay more than $80 for the performance of a TRX.
Ford F-150 Lightning
The Ford F-150 Lightning isn’t just an important truck, it could preview the future of work vehicles. It combines all of the utility of the regular F-150, but with two electric motors underneath, it makes an astonishing 580 horsepower and 775 lb-ft of torque. That adds up to make this the quickest F-150 ever, with 0-60 times that could embarrass many sports cars. Yes, in Lariat trim with the extended range battery pack, it will hit 60 in about 3.8 seconds.
Just for comparison, the old-school early 2000s Ford F-150 Lightning that packed a supercharged V8 could only achieve that feat in about 5.5 seconds.
GMC Hummer EV Truck
GMC HUMMER EV engineering drive at the General Motors Milford Proving Ground in Milford, Michigan. (Photo by Steve Fecht for GMC)
The Hummer EV Truck kind of runs in its own class. This beast is, after all, huge, fast, expensive and kind of impractical. But, then, it does have a five-foot bed, seating for five, four wheel drive, and a presence unlike anything else on the road. But, when you engage this 9,000-pound (!) trucks into Watts to Freedom mode, it will out accelerate anything short of a Bugatti. The Hummer EV can hit 60 mph in 3.0 seconds and smoke our next truck, thanks to its three motors and more than 1,000 horsepower of shove.
Rivian R1T
2021 Rivian R1T | Rivian
Are you sensing a pattern here? Yes, electrics are quick and the Rivian R1T is no slouch, especially in the three-motor launch version. It can hit 60 mph in 3.2 seconds, which means you could haul sheets of plywood faster than many Ferraris and Lamborghinis. Ohh, and four of your friends, too.
The Rivian backs up its $80,000 price tag with a luxurious interior, a four-wheel drive that works well off-road, and cool features like its gear tunnel behind the cab.
Keyword: 4 New Trucks That Are Faster Than a Dodge Challenger R/T