Ram TRX, The Hellcat Roars Again? Unpacking the Rumors

Why Did the TRX Go Away? And Why is it Coming Back?

The original Ram TRX, which ended production in late 2023 with the last unit rolling off the line in February 2024, was a victim of circumstance. Stellantis, Ram’s parent company, had made a big deal about reducing its carbon footprint and going all-in on electric vehicles. The thirsty 6.2-liter Hellcat V8 didn’t fit into that future. Ram even introduced the Ram 1500 RHO, with a 540-hp Hurricane Twin-Turbo I6, as a capable but less extreme successor, and seemed to close the book on the TRX.

But the automotive landscape is a fickle beast. The rapid adoption of EVs hasn’t happened as fast as some thought, and demand has slowed. Meanwhile, consumer appetite for gasoline-powered trucks is still huge. The TRX exceeded expectations for performance and capability, set a new bar for what enthusiasts want in a high-performance truck. This shift, combined with some internal movement at Stellantis – namely the return of Tim Kuniskis to head the Ram brand, the man who is credited with being the performance guy – has seemingly paved the way for the Hellcat’s comeback. Kuniskis himself has said “more to come” and has even admitted axing the Hemi V8 was a “mistake.”

And then there’s the strategic aspect: Ram lost its crown. Ford’s F-150 Raptor R now has 720 horsepower, and the TRX is no longer the king. When you compare the TRX’s features and performance to its main competitors, it’s still a standout for off-road capability, interior refinement and raw power, but the Raptor R’s higher output has changed the landscape. For a brand built on competition and leading from the front, having the Raptor R hold the performance high ground likely hurts. The timing of a rumored relaunch of the SRT performance division within Stellantis and a confirmed new Hellcat HEMI engine later this year all point to a big return.

What to Expect from the New TRX: Power, Tech and Off-Road Prowess

If the rumors are true, the next-gen Ram TRX, for the 2026 model year, won’t just be a rehash of the original. It’ll be back bigger, smarter and more capable.

The most anticipated detail, of course, is the engine. The supercharged 6.2-liter Hellcat V8 is the star of the show. To regain its “apex predator” status, the new TRX will almost certainly go beyond the original 702 hp and more importantly the Raptor R’s 720 hp. Speculation ranges from using the 717-hp standard Hellcat engine (which would already outmuscle the original TRX) to the 797-hp Hellcat Redeye engine or even a modified version to take it further. Whatever the final output, it’ll be big.

Beyond the brute force, the new TRX will get the same styling and tech updates as the 2025 Ram 1500 RHO. That means a modern interior and advanced off-road capability. Think:

• Cutting-edge Infotainment: The latest Uconnect 5 NAV system, potentially with a 14.5-inch optional touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and even a 10.25-inch passenger screen. Advanced display features including a large customizable digital instrument cluster and a head up display integrate navigation, vehicle stats and multimedia controls for a better driver experience and safety. The infotainment system helps drivers search for destinations and access navigation features with ease.
• Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems: Features like Hands-Free Active Driving Assist, 360-degree camera views, evasive steering assist, intersection collision assist and trailer assistance tech will make it safer and easier to drive. Blind spot monitoring and available blind spot monitoring provide visual alerts to enhance driver awareness during lane changes and maneuvers.
• Enhanced Off-Road Hardware: Expect a high-speed electronic locking rear axle, refined Bilstein Blackhawk e2 adaptive dampers, and a suite of selectable drive modes (Mud/Sand, Rock, Baja, Valet, Auto, Tow, Snow, Sport, Custom) to optimize performance for any terrain. Standard 35-inch all-terrain tires, optional 18-inch beadlock-capable wheels, wide fender flares and robust skid plates will keep it off-road capable. Vehicle sensors and a proprietary control algorithm continuously monitor throttle position, speed, torque and steering to tailor body control and handling for off-road performance. It has impressive ground clearance and extra room in the shock absorbers to excel as an off-road truck over rocks, mud and water crossings. The functional hood scoop improves engine cooling and performance and the aggressive hood design is part of the TRX’s bold styling. Underbody plating and robust construction helps protect and even helps protect vital components from harsh terrain, so it’s durable. The TRX lets you explore new terrain, play in challenging environments and tailor drive modes to suit the terrain for maximum capability.
• Premium Interior: Expect a luxurious cabin with high-quality materials, premium leather-trimmed bucket seats with massage function and carbon-fiber accents to make it a high-end performance truck. The interior has a flat bottom steering wheel, often leather-wrapped with aluminum paddle shifters to add to the luxury and sporty feel. The cabin is designed to deliver comfort and access to advanced features so every drive is refined and enjoyable.

The eight speed automatic transmission delivers smooth gear shifts and instant torque for on-road and off-road performance. The TRX’s powertrain is backed by a comprehensive limited warranty with details on coverage and maintenance that rival the best in the segment. The base model has the essentials at a competitive price and optional packages and upgrades can add advanced off-road and luxury features to push the price higher.Fuel economy is competitive in the class and the TRX is respectable compared to other cars and trucks in its segment. The 2024 Ram lineup sets the bar high and the new TRX raises it even higher with more technology and capability.

Warranty and maintenance details give you peace of mind and the TRX delivers uncompromising performance. If you want a truck that delivers on all fronts the next-gen TRX is ready to impress with power, technology and luxury.

The Road Ahead: Release, Pricing and Market Impact

While official confirmation is pending, insiders say production for the 2026 TRX could start as early as late January 2026. Ram has a “huge announcement” scheduled for June 8th, 2025 which many hope will be the official reveal of the TRX’s return. Adding to the speculation Stellantis is restarting HEMI engine production in Michigan this August.

Pricing will be premium. The 2024 TRX Final Edition started at just under $118,000. With more power and new technology a starting price in the $100,000s is likely, putting it right against the Raptor R which starts at around $113,000.

The return of the Ram TRX would be a big deal in the truck market. It would immediately re-ignite the “truck wars” at the top of the performance segment and force Ford and others to respond. More broadly it signals a strategic shift for Stellantis acknowledging demand for gasoline engines alongside their electrification efforts. For Ram it’s about regaining its reputation, being the leader in off-road capability and performance and delivering what its most passionate fans want. The “apex predator” may be back and the hunt for dominance is about to begin again.

For the latest info, safety ratings and specs on the new TRX visit the Ram website or trusted automotive sources.

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