For a brief moment, it looked like the age of the V8-powered apex predator pickup was over. Ram had retired the legendary TRX, replacing it with the RHO and its turbocharged six-cylinder. While the RHO is no slouch, fans around the world cried out for the return of the supercharged HEMI V8 that made the TRX a cultural icon.
Now, the rumors are confirmed: the Ram TRX is back for 2026, and it’s aiming to reclaim the title of the ultimate performance truck.
A Short Hiatus, a Big Comeback
When Ram ended production of the TRX in 2023, it was a bittersweet moment. The 702-horsepower beast had proven itself as the benchmark for high-performance off-road trucks, dominating drag strips and desert trails alike. Its 6.2-liter Hellcat supercharged V8 was a force of nature—blending raw muscle with off-road hardware like Bilstein Black Hawk shocks and a widebody stance.
In its place, Ram introduced the 2025 RHO, powered by the high-output twin-turbo “Hurricane” inline-six. With 540 horsepower, the RHO is impressive on paper. It’s lighter, more efficient, and quick in its own right. But for die-hard enthusiasts, it wasn’t the same. The sound, the feel, and the bragging rights of the Hellcat V8 just couldn’t be replaced.
Ram listened. And now the TRX is making its return, just in time to battle Ford’s F-150 Raptor R for the crown.
The Heart of a Predator: Hellcat Power
Reports confirm that the 2026 Ram TRX will once again be powered by the legendary 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V8. This is the same engine architecture that powered Dodge Hellcats, Chargers, Challengers, Durangos, and of course, the outgoing TRX.
But this time, Ram may not settle for 702 horsepower. With Ford’s Raptor R now producing 720 horsepower, it’s likely that Ram will up the ante. Rumors suggest the TRX could get the “Redeye” treatment, a hotter tune of the Hellcat engine that could push output close to 800 horsepower.
If true, that would make the TRX not just competitive with the Raptor R, but once again the undisputed king of the performance truck world.
Updated Styling and Features
The 2026 TRX will ride on the updated Ram 1500 platform, which means sharper styling, a more refined interior, and the latest tech. Expect:
- A refreshed front fascia with aggressive TRX-specific grille and lighting.
- Widebody stance with flared fenders, off-road skid plates, and functional hood scoop.
- Interior updates mirroring the latest Ram 1500—massive touchscreen infotainment (up to 14.5 inches), premium materials, and optional leather and carbon trim.
- Likely inclusion of advanced driver assistance features, though purists will be more interested in its raw performance.
Despite being modernized, the TRX should retain the wild, intimidating look that made it stand out in traffic and at truck meets alike.
The Price of Power
The last TRX started in the $90,000 range and easily crossed six figures with options. The 2026 TRX, with its supercharged V8 and added exclusivity, is expected to start north of $110,000.
That’s a steep price tag, but in today’s market for high-performance trucks and SUVs, it’s competitive. Ford’s Raptor R already sits in the same range, and enthusiasts who want the best are often willing to pay. For collectors, the TRX’s return could even make it a future classic.
TRX vs. Raptor R: The Rivalry Continues
The rivalry between the TRX and the Raptor R is one of the most entertaining storylines in the truck world.
- Ford’s Raptor R: 720 horsepower, 5.2-liter supercharged V8, desert racing pedigree.
- Ram TRX (outgoing): 702 horsepower, 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI, rawer muscle-truck appeal.
- Ram TRX (incoming 2026): Rumored 780–800 horsepower, Redeye tuning, and a refreshed package.
If Ram delivers on the hype, the TRX could once again leapfrog the Raptor R in both bragging rights and performance metrics.
Why It Matters
In an era where automakers are downsizing engines and shifting toward electrification, the return of the TRX is significant. It’s proof that there’s still demand—and passion—for V8-powered machines. Ram is betting that enthusiasts want more than efficiency; they want drama, sound, and sheer outrageousness.
At the same time, Ram is carefully balancing its lineup. The Hurricane-powered RHO gives buyers a “modern” alternative, while the TRX ensures the Hellcat legend lives on. By offering both, Ram is appealing to a wider audience without abandoning its hardcore fanbase.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Ram TRX represents more than just another truck launch. It’s a statement that V8-powered performance still has a place in the future. With the Hellcat V8 roaring once again under its hood, a refreshed design, and power levels that could challenge 800 horsepower, the TRX is ready to reclaim its crown.
The only real question is: Are you Team TRX or Team Raptor R?
Let us know in the comments, and stay tuned for more updates as Ram releases official details. One thing’s certain—truck wars are back, and they’ve never been louder.
