Ram 1500 TRX SRT Tested: The Beast ReturnsJohn Pearley HuffmanPickup trucks are no longer just tools. Many have become aspirational in the same way that other expensive, desirable vehicles are. And there's never been a more ambitious, more attractive, and more ridiculous pickup to lust after than the 2027 Ram 1500 TRX SRT with its supercharged Hemi V-8, 777-hp output, and superwide body. All of which is reflected by an equally super-sized six-figure price tag.Our expert editors test every vehicle we review. Read more about how we test and review cars here.The LowdownStellantisThe 2027 TRX SRT is up 75 hp on the TRX built between 2021 and 2024, and torque has also increased from 650 lb-ft to 680 lb-ft. The additional oomph comes from a smaller-diameter pulley (3.17 inches compared to the older model's 3.43 inches) driving the IHI screw-compressor supercharger, as well as increased fuel pressure so that every injector pulse delivers a richer spray into the combustion chambers. Modifications to the valvetrain, with components proven in the Challenger Hellcat Redeye, ensure the engine's survival under the onslaught.AdvertisementAdvertisementNow that the TRX has, as it should've all along, earned the SRT branding, Ram is no longer being coy about the V-8's familial origins. For the first time in the TRX, this 6.2-liter pushrod 16-valve iron-block ogre is wearing the "Hellcat" name it should've all along. "Should've all along" explains much of the TRX's updated branding.Vehicle Tested: 2027 Ram 1500 TRX SRTBase Price: $102,790Price as Tested: $104,385 (est)Location: RedBud MX, Buchanan, MichiganMore SpecsEngine: 6166-cc supercharged V-8Power: 777 hp @ 6500 rpmTorque: 480 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm0-60 MPH: 3.5 seconds (estimate)Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, all-wheel drive, dual range transfer caseAdvertisementAdvertisementWeight: 6300 lbs (estimated)EPA MPG (City/ Highway/ Combined): 10 / 14 / 12How Does It Drive?John Pearley HuffmanRam doesn't minimize the size of the TRX. In fact, the whole thing is designed to emphasize how big, burly, and manly it is. Using the same fattened fenders and bumpers of the previous TRX (and its RHO brother powered by the twin-turbo Hurricane six), at first it's familiar. Throw some eye time at it, however, and features like the front Ram logo ringed in bright red and bright red tow hooks are apparent. It's a subtle difference on a truck that should never be allowed near the word "subtle."More power is always appreciated, but the TRX weighs in at about 6300 pounds. So, the additional power only marginally gooses the power-to-weight ratio. The 2021 TRX ripped from 0 to 60 mph in a ludicrous 3.7 seconds—astonishing for a vehicle that weighs more than two Honda Civic LX sedans and runs on 325/65R-18 Goodyear Wrangler Territory off-road tires. Ram claims the 777-hp 2027 edition will do the same trick in 3.5 seconds while completing the quarter-mile in 12.2 seconds.AdvertisementAdvertisementMy first drive included the chance for some fun flight time at the RedBud MX motocross track in Michigan, but there was no opportunity to confirm Ram's claimed 118-mph top speed for the TRX. Despite a frontal area approaching that of Fort Sumter, I had little doubt that speed would be an easy, sweat-free reach—and would likely be comfortably exceeded if the tires were speed rated for higher velocities.StellantisDespite the big horsepower numbers, the best part of the TRX has always been its suspension. That's still true. The coil-sprung setup has an impressive 11.8 inches of ground clearance, 13 inches of front suspension travel, and 14 inches of rear suspension travel. Body motions under extreme loadings are controlled by Bilstein remote reservoir shock absorbers that self-adjust according to terrain cues generated by the Ram's Active Terrain Dynamics sensing system.On road, the TRX crushed potholes, slaughtered speed bumps, and pummeled corners. There's little steering feel, but the fact that the driver always knows where the TRX is headed is itself an engineering achievement. Plus, I found the ride to be plush when the truck is left in its Auto drive mode. This can be read to mean either it is adjusting to the environment automatically or that it is imitating an actual automobile. I say this because, if the TRX was pretending to be a 1966 Chrysler Imperial Crown sedan, it was mission accomplished.Of course it's awesomely powerful. The torque flows through an eight-speed automatic transmission and then out through an electronically controlled full-time two-speed transfer case. With Sport, Tow, Snow, Mud/Sand, Rock, Baja, and Custom drive modes, there wasn't enough time for me to assess them all in a single afternoon. I can confirm, thanks to the space and freedom of the motocross track, that this is an impressively athletic truck that will slide easily when suitably spurred and which takes jumps with eager aplomb. Experience with previous TRX models indicates this poise is inherent and the stability is confident.AdvertisementAdvertisementIt's also a pickup, and while it might seem ridiculous to hold this ass-hauler up to the standards of utilitarian siblings, it will tow up to 8100 pounds. And you could use the 5-foot-7-inch load bed for actually hauling modest loads if you wanted to.The suspension is still the best thing about the TRX. But the Hellcat engine is a spectacular companion.What's It Like to Live with?StellantisPull into a 7-Eleven in the TRX, and the big challenge is fitting into a parking spot without knocking aside the puny vehicles in adjacent slots. It also has the sort of star power that attracts crowds.Buyers who find the appearance of the standard TRX demure and coquettish can spend an additional 10 grand and go for the Bloodshot Night Edition with hypnotic side graphics, a hand-painted gloss-black roof, a special stripe painted down the hood's center, and some carbon-fiber accents. There's also a special plaque on the center console in a glass enclosure.AdvertisementAdvertisementInside, there's new red piping on the front thrones, which are thickly upholstered in leather and shaped to support bodies being tossed around during even the dopiest of antics. There's also a new meaty shifter for the transmission, replacing the unit pulled from the Jeep Grand Cherokee in the original TRX. The satisfying shifter is a huge step beyond the rotary dial used in lesser Ram 1500s.John Pearley HuffmanIf the size of the center screen matters, the one in the Ram is an opulent 14.5 inches and works alongside a digital display in front of the driver that uses unique TRX graphics. The Harman/Kardon sound system features 19 speakers, which is vastly better than those pathetic systems that only have 18 speakers. There's also a head-up display for the driver, and the rearview mirror is digital too.This ravenous dino is not a commuter vehicle or conventional truck. It's a hugely theatrical but not temperamental, brilliantly competent but oddly limited, and overtly thrilling mega-toy with a load bed.Should I Buy One?StellantisSitting at the top of the range, the TRX is the most expensive 1500 series truck that Ram sells. With a starting price of $102,790 (including its $2795 destination charge), it's not for the faint of heart or light of wallet. The 2027 version is also more expensive than the original TRX, which started at $71,690, with destination, when it went on sale in late 2020.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe TRX has risen to a new loftier market position reflected in its price. Meanwhile, the 540-hp Ram 1500 RHO uses much the same suspension and starts at $76,590, including destination. It's less lavish and boisterous, but that's a big price difference.The EPA rates the new TRX's fuel economy at 10 mpg in the city and 14 mpg on the highway. But piloted the way it begs to be, it'll slurp up fuel out of its 33-gallon tank faster than it can be refined.Highlights and LowlightsWe Love:Bonkers looks match a bonkers personality.Bonkers off- and on-road ability.Bonkers Hellcat power.We Don't:Bonkers thirst for fuel.Bonkers price.Bonkers size.Favorite Detail:John Pearley HuffmanIt's got to be the almost-magical dampers. Nothing this big should be able to fly so far and land so hard without damage.AdvertisementAdvertisementYou Might Also LikeIf You Can Only Own One Car, Make It One of TheseThese Are the Most Popular Cars by State