The Ram TRX Is Coming Back And It’s Hunting The Raptor R
Confirmed!: The Ram TRX Is Coming Back, And It’s Hunting The Raptor R
The Ram TRX is officially coming back, and it’s bringing Hellcat power with it. After months of speculation following the end of the supercharged pickup in 2024, Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa has now confirmed what many already suspected: the TRX will return to the Ram lineup, likely for the 2026 model year, with a V-8 under the hood and a target on the back of the Ford F-150 Raptor R.
Rumors about the TRX’s return began almost immediately after Ram discontinued the original in late 2023. Despite the loss of the Hemi V-8 across much of the Ram 1500 lineup, insiders hinted that the most potent version of the truck wasn’t gone for good. Now we have confirmation, straight from the top.
Stellantis Confirms the Ram TRX Is Back
During a recent earnings call, Filosa was asked about future product volume strategies and casually dropped the bombshell: “The V-8 engine on versions such as the Ram TRX will deliver additional volumes to us,” he said. That offhand comment was enough to light up the internet. While Ram hadn’t formally announced the TRX’s return, Filosa’s quote all but confirms it. When asked for clarification, a Ram spokesperson simply stated that “the CEO’s comments stand.” That means it’s real.
While Stellantis didn’t offer a timeline, sources suggest the updated Ram TRX will arrive as part of the 2026 1500 lineup, likely revealed later this year or early next. The latest Ram 1500 already underwent a refresh for 2025, which included the introduction of the twin-turbo inline-six Hurricane engine and a revised interior. But clearly, there’s still a place for old-school, fire-breathing V-8 performance, and the TRX is poised to deliver.
What Engine Will Power the New TRX?
The original Ram TRX used a supercharged 6.2-liter Hellcat V-8 that made 702 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque, which is more than enough to embarrass most sports cars in a straight line. But that number no longer tops the charts. The Ford F-150 Raptor R upped the ante with 720 horsepower from a supercharged 5.2-liter Predator V-8.
Expect Ram to fire back.
Multiple sources suggest the 2026 Ram TRX will use a revised version of the iron-block Hellcat 6.2-liter. Given that the basic Redeye variant in Dodge applications makes between 797 and 807 hp, it’s entirely plausible the TRX could push into the low- to mid-700s, if not higher. Whether Ram will opt for a version of the Hellcat Redeye engine remains to be seen, but they certainly have the hardware to leapfrog Ford.
At this level, every horsepower counts. Ram doesn’t need 100 more horsepower; they just need one more than Ford to reclaim the crown.
Why Bring the TRX Back?
There’s no doubt that part of the TRX’s return is about brand identity. Ram spent years establishing the truck as the apex predator of off-road performance pickups. Killing it off entirely would’ve created a massive void in a segment that continues to thrive, even as electrification looms.
More importantly, the Ram TRX sells. Even at over $90,000, Ram couldn’t keep them on the lots. Buyers want supercharged power, widebody fenders, and Baja-grade suspension in something that can still tow a trailer. The high-performance truck market is niche, but it’s one with some of the highest profit margins in the industry.
Filosa’s quote confirms as much: bringing back the supercharged Hemi TRX isn’t just a passion project, it’s a volume play. Expect the new model to carry a premium price tag and likely be offered in limited production to maintain exclusivity and drive demand.
How Will It Stack Up?
With Ford holding the 720-hp title in the full-size off-road space, Ram’s next move is clear. If they simply re-release the old TRX with 702 horsepower, they’ll fall short on paper, at least. But a bump to 725–740 hp feels inevitable, especially with the Redeye parts bin readily available. The TRX already has the suspension and chassis to handle it.
We also expect improvements to the interior and infotainment, which saw major upgrades on the 2025 Ram 1500 Limited and Tungsten trims. Think more screen real estate, better materials, and updated driver assistance tech while keeping the TRX’s rugged, aggressive character.
What won’t change? The attitude. The Ram TRX was never subtle, and its return won’t be either.
When Can We Expect It?
While Stellantis hasn’t announced an official debut, all signs point to a late 2025 reveal with the Ram TRX arriving as a 2026 model. Production may begin in early to mid-2026, depending on launch timing and supply chain readiness. Until then, Ram is keeping quiet, but not too quiet.
With the Hellcat engine nearing the end of its lifecycle in other Dodge applications, this may be the final chapter in V-8 muscle truck history. Ram knows this. And based on what we’re hearing, they intend to go out swinging.
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