You knew this was coming…
For years, Ford’s Raptor has been the cream of the crop when it comes to “supertrucks.” But now that RAM has its own supertruck in the TRX, the Raptor has some stiff competition.
Let’s see how these two incredible machines stack up head to head.
Ford Raptor vs RAM TRX: Under the Hood
What everyone is interested in is the power comparisons between the Raptor and TRX.
On the one hand, the Raptor has the 3.5-liter twin-turbo 460 that puts out 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. Paired to that is a 10-speed automatic transmission that gets the truck up and going at a pace of 0-60 in approximately five seconds.
On the other hand, the TRX sports a massive 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V8 that churns out an impressive 702 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. Handling all that power is an eight-speed automatic transmission that gets through the gears at a 0-60 in a 4.5-seconds pace (though various tests have shown it can be much faster, like sub-4 seconds).
Aside from the significant differences in horsepower and torque, there is a significant difference in how these beasts sound. The V8-powered TRX sounds like a V8-powered truck. Unfortunately, the Raptor sounds like it has a V6 under the hood.
Ford Raptor vs RAM TRX Power Winner: TRX
What About the Suspension and Tires?
The Raptor features 3-inch dampers from Fox Racing and ground clearance of 11.5 inches. The truck has a 30.2-degree approach angle and a 23.1-degree departure angle for your off-road adventures. It also has a 22.9-degree breakover. The Raptor also rides on 315/70/R17 BFGoodrich tires.
The TRX has Bilstein e2 Blackhawk dampers at 2.5-inches. This is a good setup for the TRX’s live axle and coil-spring setup in the rear. When off-roading, you can rely on a 30.2-degree approach angle, just like the Raptor, and a 23.5-degree departure angle. The TRX has a breakover of 21.9 degrees and 11.8 inches of ground clearance. This rig rides on 325/65/R18 Goodyear tires.
With a little more ground clearance, larger tires, and a better departure angle and breakover, the TRX looks to be better equipped on paper.
Suspension and Tires Winner: TRX
Ford Raptor vs RAM TRX: Interior Amenities
The Raptor has a nice cabin that features a big, burly dashboard with a 12-inch touchscreen, a fold-down gear shift, and a handy center armrest that flips over to provide you with a nice mobile working space.
In terms of room, you get 40.8 inches of front headroom and 43.9 inches of legroom in the front while rear passengers get 40.4 inches of headroom and 43.6 inches of legroom, making the rear seat generously sized for adult passengers.
If we’re honest, the Raptor’s interior looks a tad dated, but Ford has promised a redesign that should elevate the level of refinement. But, if you opt for a higher-end model right now, you will find carbon fiber accents throughout as well as Recaro seats, which give it a more updated look and feel.
The TRX, on the other hand, has been universally praised for its modern, comfortable, and well-appointed cabin. It has a 12-inch touchscreen, premium audio, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and paddle shifters. And where the Raptor’s back seat is big, the TRX’s is positively enormous. You get 39.8 inches of headroom and 45.2 inches of legroom in the rear seat while front seat passengers get 40.9 inches of headroom and 40.9 inches of legroom.
Again, the TRX simply has more to offer. But bear in mind that the Raptor R is in development as a direct competitor to the TRX. You can bet Ford will step up the interior amenities (and everything else, for that matter) to address what RAM has done.
Raptor vs TRX Interior Amenities Winner: TRX
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How Big are the Raptor and TRX?
The Ford Raptor tips the scales at about 5,500 pounds and is nearly 20 feet long with a wheelbase of 146 inches.
At more than 80 inches wide, this thing isn’t going to fit in a compact car spot in your local parking garage…
With a 1,200-pound payload and 8,000 pounds of towing capacity, you can bring some toys along with you on your next adventure – just don’t expect to tow a fifth wheel.
The TRX, meanwhile, is around 19.5-feet in length with a 145.1-inch wheelbase. It’s taller than the Raptor at 80.9 inches and wider, too, at an enormous 88 inches. The TRX is heavier as well, at nearly 6,400 pounds.
But…you get a tiny bit more payload and towing capacity with that extra size – 1,404 pounds of payload and 8,100 pounds of towing capacity. Again, you can throw some stuff in the bed and bring a small trailer with you, but don’t expect to plow down the highway towing a fifth-wheel or fully-loaded toy hauler.
Winner: TRX
Ford Raptor vs RAM TRX Price
Now for the really important part…what do these bad boys cost?
The Ford Raptor price checks in at around $55,000 for the base model and a touch over $58,000 for a quad cab. The TRX will set you back nearly $72,000 once destination fees are included in the price. So, neither one is particularly cheap, though the Raptor has a much lower price point.
The question is, does the Raptor win this category simply because it’s cheaper? Or do you really get that much more for the money with the TRX, thereby making its higher price a non-issue?
For me, the TRX does give you more of an experience to warrant the higher price. It might be a different situation for you, though.
Price Winner: TRX
Which Truck is on Your Wish List? The Raptor or TRX?
Either way you cut it, both of these trucks offer loads of features and accessories that make them badass machines for on-road or off-road playing.
Ford fans will probably stick to their guns and opt for the Raptor while RAM fans will do the same for the TRX. I’ve owned F-150s and 1500s in my life, and enjoyed both trucks a lot. But at the end of the day, I just like how RAMs look, feel, and drive more than Fords. Don’t get me wrong, though – if someone wants to give me a Raptor, I’ll gladly take it!