RAM 1500 TRX 2023 Review

RAM TRX sits unique amongst pickup trucks. Its big, bold, and amazingly fast. The closest Pickup would be the Ford 1500 Raptor and we don’t get that in Australia.

The only other Ute close would be the Ford Ranger Raptor, and that’s in a completely smaller size category.

Yes, the RAM TRX is a beast!

This is perhaps the most popular car/Ute I’ve driven. People, mainly blokes, all wanted to stop and talk.

Readers can listen to the Motoring Minute for the RAM TRX HERE

Readers can also find out everything they need to know about the RAM 1500 TRX HERE.

RAM 1500 TRX Video Review

RAM TRX Details

What does the RAM TRX look like?

First impressions is that its BIG.

It’s raised up over a normal RAM 1500, with flared wheel arches, bonnet scoop and a heap of body art.

The bonnet scoop allows up to 50% of the cooling air to the engine.

It comes in a few specialised colour choices, with an abundance of black highlights. These add to the overall impression of a boss truck.

The black alloy wheels with Goodyear Wrangler Territory 325/65/R18 tyres give the wheel arch space purpose.

Black side steps serve both an aesthetic and functional purpose.

Large extended external mirrors in black highlights also fold flat when the TRX is locked. They are heated for icy mornings and come with a wide-angle view.

Front and rear recovery points, front skid plate, and integrated 5-inch dual exhaust ports also show that this Pickup truck is serious.

The 5’7”  tub has a power tailgate which is pretty cool. It also has a spray in liner with a tie rail system. There are four lower tie points at each corner for tie down facility.

It certainly attracts a LOT of attention everywhere you drive it. Not something I’m generally good with but…

Ok, I’ll admit I LOVE IT.

What is the inside of the RAM TRX like.

Again BIG.

The TRX has almost every conceivable comfort and luxury feature RAM could put in there.

Also, it’s easy to forget that this is a locally RHD converted model. The conversion is first class by the Walkinshaw group.

Once you climb up into the seat you just feel comfortable. They are big yet supportive where it counts.

Both front leather seats have multi electric adjustments as well as lumbar support. They are heated and ventilated for year-round comfort.

In front of the driver is a flat bottom heated leather steering wheel with the usual controls on the spokes and paddle shifters. There is manual tilt and slide adjustment. It feels great in the hands and provides excellent feedback.

The drivers instrument panel is a 12-inch digital display. It can be configured in a number of ways and a lot of information.

One thing I love about the RAM is the large arm rests on the doors and the padded huge central console bin top.

Central Screen display.

The vertical 12-inch central screen is a beauty. Stunning clarity with a plethora of information choices available.

It also houses the control for the 19 speakers, 900-watt,  Harmon Kardon sound system.

Let me tell you this is a beauty. We took the opportunity to be boguns and pumped up the sound to JET rock and roll. Head banging along with the awesome sound.

Reimagined centre console with maximum storage includes a new performance-oriented floor shifter, wireless charging dock and five USBs, including Type A and C ports.

Rear seats area

The rear seats are big enough for three people. Two people will feel like they are home in lounge chairs. Plenty of head, knee, leg, and foot room.

There is a fold down central arm rest. The seats also fold up if needed in a 60/40 split.

I’ve sat back there on plenty of occasions and these Pickup trucks are the most comfortable for taller occupants. Oh, and the outer seats are also heated and ventilated for comfort.

Storage areas.

Obviously, there is the huge  central bin. IN front are twin cup holders, a slanted wireless charging tray for smart phones. On top of that a small slot for who knows what. Door bins, and front seat back folder style storage. Rear fold down arm rest also has twin cup holders and a storage bin. The rear of the front centre console bin also has cup holders.

There is also under floor storage compartments when you fold the rear seats up.

There is an overhead glass holder. Note to self don’t use that again if you want to keep an expensive pair of sunglasses as I almost forgot them.

Twin glove boxes round pout a good storage capacity.

RAM TRX other features

• Remote keyless entry and start.
• Dual zone Automatic air conditioning
• Dual pane electric sunroof
• Electric rear sliding window
• One touch up and down front windows
• Power rear windows
• Auto headlights with auto high beam
• Rain sensing wipers.
• Height adjustable accelerator and brake pedals
• 260-degree surround camera

The reason Pickup Trucks are becoming so popular in Australia is that they have room. I am 190cm tall and much larger than the average bear and I can fit comfortably in the back seat, what’s more three of me can fit with ease.

Information, Connectivity and Technology

The large 12” Touchscreen houses the Uconnect technology. Information is provided through the reconfigurable split-screen Functionality with Navigation, and Performance Pages.

The Uconnect system is the same as found on the upmarket Jeeps. Its good.

Wireless charging tray but wired smart phone mirroring.

Engine and drivetrain

At the heart of the TRX is the 6.2L Supercharged Hemi V8. It’s a beast of an engine.

It provides a healthy 532kW of power at 6,100 rpm. Torque is a stunning 882Nm peaking at 4.800 rpm.

This drives all four wheels through an 8 speed AT with dual range 4WD and with 8 drive modes available. It also has a locking rear diff for those times you may get stuck off road. Oh, and for those times when you just have to, there is also a launch control function.

The RAM TRX will go from 0-100kmh in 4.5 seconds, but top speed is around 160kmh.

The three things you notice are:

Firstly, the AWESOME exhaust note. Its simply burbles and is music to the ears.

The second thing is how responsive the combination of engine, drivetrain and transmission is.

Third is just how thirsty this beast is. It has a 125L fuel tank, but you can realistically expect around 550km from a tank. And it drinks the expensive stuff, premium unleaded.

Drive modes.

Offering no less than 8 dynamic drive modes, the TRX^® utilises performance-tuned software to pre-configure and distinguish five on-road, and 3 off-road modes. This allows the driver to choose a setting that best fits the terrain around them.

The drive modes separately control the four-wheel-drive system, throttle response, transmission, paddle shifters, suspension, and electric power steering.

All modes use active slip control to prevent binding and excessive slip from front to rear.

The on-road modes include Auto, Sport, Tow, Snow and Custom. This allows the driver to personalise the vehicle’s performance with a selectable driving experience that offers a multitude of vehicle system combinations.

Mud/Sand, Rock, and Baja modes take care of off-road expeditions.

Both performance and off-road performance pages give drivers the tools to become familiar with their vehicle’s performance.

Featuring for the first time on a RAM, real-time information is available through pages on the driver’s cluster, or via the class-exclusive portrait 12” touchscreen display.

Such as:

• timers,
• g-force,
• gauges,
• engine performance,
• ride height,
• pitch and roll are accessible.

Suspension and brakes

The RAM TRX is designed to drive extremely fast over dirt rads and sand.

To do this the suspension and sub frame has been meticulously designed.

The frame is composed of thicker, optimally shaped, strategically placed high-strength steel. To protect critical components including the front axle, transfer case, transmission pan and fuel tank, the TRX^® employs five skid plates.

An independent front suspension system with active damping includes new forged aluminium  front upper and lower control arms. Special attention has been paid to the caster and camber angles during suspension cycling.

The new rear suspension system has active damping and an exclusive five-link coil system. This  provides incredible ride characteristics, durability, and better articulation over obstacles than a leaf-spring system.

The Bilstein® Black Hawk® e2 adaptive performance shocks have been tuned to demonstrate the optimum balance between on-road handling and class-leading off-road capability.

A Dana 60® rear axle with full-floating axle shafts is standard and handles the increased torque output, rear electronic locking differential and 35” tyres.

This rear axle uses an axle hop damper that gives improved traction and axle control on rough surfaces.

Off-road, the RAM TRX^® will race to 159km/h with ease, and the segment’s largest brakes will bring it to a composed halt. However, if you do that too many times the brakes become spongy quickly. 

What is the RAM TRX  like to drive?

I have to say its loads of FUN to drive.

I spent many minutes just sitting in the driveway listening to the exhaust burble before we even drove off.

Find the right piece of road and let the left foot do its thing. The Rumble turns into a low howl, then a high-pitched whine from the supercharger.

It throws you back in the seat and the smile just starts to fix itself on your face and doesn’t go away until you stop.

For a truck this size its easy to potter around and its surprisingly nimble. However, note that the laws of physics cannot be denied. This is not the truck to punt hard around a twisty road. It starts to float a touch.

The reverse applies on dirt roads and sand. It loves them and the suspension simply absorbs whatever is thrown at it.

Its big and that causes problems.

The TRX has a wider track than the normal RAM 1500. This combined with the specialised suspension means that its smooth and compliant on the road. Its also relatively quiet, with a little wind noise from the external mirrors and some tyre rumble from the AT’s

Due to its size suburban underground car parks are off limits. Even normal car parks are tight – very tight. Fast food drive throughs are a big no.

Its sheer size also means that it has issues off road on tight tracks or rock jumps. But again, I don’t see many going there.

That’s partly because of its sheer size and partly because of a lousy turning circle.

The V8 engine is very responsive down low. Its quick as well. Cruising on the freeway was a breeze. At 110kmh it was almost idling around 1600rpm. Engine braking and cruise control were spot on.

I got the fuel economy down to around 15L/100K on the freeway. Otherwise, it’s a gas guzzler. Its positively frightening on sand.

It will tow 3500kg. Obviously with ease, However the payload is only 743kg and when you take off the 350kg tow ball weight, it doesn’t leave much.

To be honest I don’t see many people towing anything big with the TRX. The RAM 1500 Big Horn is better for that job.

What about Safety features?

Numerous active and passive safety and security features, including.

• ParkView rear backup camera with dynamic grid lines,
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with electronic roll mitigation and six air bags,
• Blind Spot Monitoring,
• Adaptive Cruise Control,
• Ready Alert Braking and
• Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning-Plus, available

RAM TRX last thoughts

As I mentioned the Ram TRX is unique.

It will match many sport SUVs for acceleration. Top speed is irrelevant in Australia.

It is packed with every conceivable luxury and comfort feature you may want.

Also It will seat five large people in comfort, something every other premium SUV fails to do.

It has its flaws, but they seem to instantly disappear once you hear that glorious supercharged V8 Exhaust burble.

Yep – I LOVE IT.

 Instead of a RAM TRX  what else could I buy?

Actually, there is nothing else like it available. Its unique in Australia.

*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges). Pricing is from Redbook as at date of article or from the manufacturer’s website.

*Towing and AWD capability is measured against similar vehicles in the same class.