2027 Ram 1500 TRX SRT Initial Drive Assessment: A Robust Off-Road Vehicle with Cutting-Edge Attributes

Ram didn’t create the swift off-road pickup. In fact, when it was phased out in 2024, the TRX wasn’t the most potent V8 truck on the market. That recognition belonged to Ford, which arguably has a stronger claim to launching this trend. Well, the arrival of the 2027 Ram 1500 TRX SRT is set to amend those mistakes—and more.

Indeed, the TRX is now officially an SRT model—though its essence always aligned with that. The returning off-roader not only enjoys all the enhancements the rest of the Ram 1500 series received during its mid-cycle refresh, but it also incorporates an updated version of the 6.2-liter supercharged Hellcat V8. Ram has elevated fuel pressure and optimized airflow, thus providing sufficient combustion elements to increase output from 702 to 777 horsepower. This figure saw further enhancement by swapping in the old Hellcat Redeye valvetrain, which permits it to rev all the way up to 6,500 rpm.

With this modification, the TRX now produces more power and torque than the Raptor R, boasting 680 lb-ft of torque. Naturally, you receive a fully equipped Ram 1500 featuring a BorgWarner 48-13 transfer case for full-time four-wheel drive. In the rear, a Dana 60 with full-float shafts and an electronic locking differential is included. No limited-slip nonsense here.

You’ll still find 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler tires on all four corners, and a set of adaptive Bilstein Black Hawk e2 shocks derived from the Hurricane-powered Ram RHO. With credentials like these, the TRX is the kind of rebellious performance vehicle best utilized in remote locations, away from scrutinizing eyes and sensitive ears.

With that context, let me introduce you to Buchanan, Michigan. It’s a quaint little area nestled in the lush landscapes of the state’s southwest region. It was once a bustling factory town—the previous location of a Clark Equipment plant—whose industry (and population) have been gently dwindling since its glory days in the early 1980s. It’s a delightful arrangement of predominantly well-maintained, middle-class residences dating from the early 20th century, surrounded by swathes of farmland and nearly vacant brownfields.

Just north of the town along the St. Joseph River, you’ll discover a parcel of land called RedBud MX. If you’re into motocross, you’re probably already acquainted with this locale. It’s home to LaRocco’s Leap—a three-jump challenge named after Mike “The Rock” LaRocco’s impressive move that cleared all three jumps on a 125cc dirt bike.

Fortunately for us and “downtown” Buchanan, RedBud is where we spent the majority of our time, navigating a hillside course deliberately crafted for the TRX to stretch its legs. While we didn’t have the opportunity to drive the TRX on the motocross track itself; our setup was significantly larger and devoid of obstructive obstacles like walls and grandstands. It also didn’t feature the notoriously deep layer of loose soil that RedBud is known for.

That said, our configuration was relatively simple: six or seven turns, based on how you count them, mixed with as much straightaway as possible, plus a few obstacles that introduced some elevation. Yep, that’s my sophisticated term for “jumps.”

Two of the jumps were more akin to bumps, to be fair. One consisted of a set of whoop-de-doos that required straightforward steering more than any sort of throttle control. The other was a modest bump at the start of the back straightaway. With any real throttle, it virtually disappeared.

That leaves only two others. One was technically just a set of whoops sizable enough to cause genuine damage. The course designer informed us that the final layout resulted from considerable trial-and-error, potentially leading to some of the test vehicles’ bumpers being replaced while the grades and their corresponding target speeds were established. This was almost assuredly the area that caused the most challenges.

The ideal speed for this particular spot, as it happens, is 45 mph. Going slower risks sending the front axle (or worse) crashing down on the second bump; going faster risked a complete wipeout on the far side. Oh, and whatever you do, avoid hitting it while the truck is still spinning. Neither outcome improves if you initiate them sideways. No pressure.

And then there was, shall we say, the main attraction.

This role has granted me numerous chances to experience a genuine four-wheel liftoff. Most of the time, they are meticulously arranged photo ops with extremely narrow tolerances for any spontaneity.

But with Ram? Nah, forget that.

Situated in the center of the front “straight,” the only factor keeping our speeds under control here was the course layout itself. The front straight emerges from a well-banked but descending left turn (tighter than 90° but not by much). It’s spacious, allowing ample room to position for the uphill surge to the peak—and surge is exactly what Ram intended for us to do.

That last corner is focused on one objective: directing the nose forward as quickly as possible. Slamming the throttle on a 6,500-pound vehicle nearing full steering lock is a fantastic way to create a lot of noise without making much progress. Ascending the hill tail-out may look incredibly cool, but it will sacrifice airtime.

There’s something exhilarating about charging uphill, gazing over that hood at nothing but dust and slivers of sky, and simply trusting that the guy with the walkie-talkie, positioned 50 yards away from where you’ll be landing, has done all his math correctly (Warning: Language). This is probably how astronauts must feel, right? A totally valid comparison.

And perhaps it’s just because I’m of a certain age, but whenever I experience that distinct feeling of the suspension dropping out from under me, time seems to suspend, and the horns blare. This surpasses any roller coaster experience.

Turns out the guy with the radio didn’t mess up the calculations whatsoever. (His name is Tom, by the way, and he’s a bit of a wizard.) The elevated landing platform welcomes the enormous all-terrain tires as they touch down. From there, you have just enough space to regain control of the truck prior to a quick right-left leading into the baby whoop-de-doos.

Having that hillside playground to ourselves was invaluable as it truly showcased what the TRX excels at: being an absolute powerhouse.

Outside the boundaries of RedBud, the narrow, single-family neighborhoods that formed around Buchanan’s former commercial hub made the TRX seem gigantic. Any overt behavior could easily invite the ire of a small but likely bored police department. The open roads farther from town felt more welcoming, yet many of them were just as antiquated as the surface streets in Buchanan, making them equally tight and in desperate need of repair.

The confined roads felt restrictive, but the TRX effortlessly handled the worn surface. Ram emphasized repeatedly during the event that luxury is a crucial element of the TRX equation, and the truck’s suspension cushions admirably when needed. In fact, despite the big machine’s performance-oriented demeanor, I would argue it positions itself more as a “touring” vehicle rather than a sports one—think Biloxi Bentley, not Vicksburg Viper.

I know, I might be losing some of you, but hear me out. The TRX is quite rapid in a straight line, but every other maneuver in this truck—stopping, turning, turning, turning, turning—feels like it takes an eternity. The elevated cab and high seating position also dull any sensation of speed or connection to the road. Sure, its long and wide stature grants exceptional stability, but in physics, much like philosophy, stability often hinders swift directional changes. Consequently, that’s simply not an area where the TRX shines—unless, of course, you’re discussing making massive donuts.

At this point, my favorite Ram PR representative is probably sending one of his interns to fetch a 2×4 in my size, so allow me to cut to the chase: This is all by design. The TRX doesn’t need to be a low-slung street bruiser. That’s the Rumble Bee’s territory—lighter, lower, shorter (though just as broad), with stiffer springs and riding on street-performance tires rather than all-terrains.

And believe me, you won’t want to tackle those whoop-de-doos in the Hellcat-powered Rumble Bee. You’d lose more than your front bumper, and you might want to verify your dental insurance exclusions before attempting to prove me wrong.

Time for a confession: I shed no tears when the Hemi “passed away.” I was still grieving the loss of my cherished V10. But in all seriousness, this is the most enjoyment you can have in a full-size pickup truck. “TRX” was never going to appear on another Ram without a Hemi beneath the hood. Selfishly, I wish it represented a new generation of lighter, more compact Hemis designed for use in something more akin to a sports car, but alas, Stellantis just wrote off a vast sum in EV investments. I doubt a billion-dollar V8 redesign is on the horizon right now.

So, here it is, in all its Redeye-enhanced magnificence. It’s large, it’s unapologetic, and yes, it’s got a Hemi. Love it or hate it, the TRX was crafted to evoke emotion. Consider that the next time you examine the current lineup of electric vehicles.

Ram provided The Drive with accommodations along with the use of a vehicle for the purpose of crafting this review.

2027 Ram 1500 TRX SRT Specifications

**2027 Ram 1500 TRX SRT First-Drive Review: A Dominant Off-Road Truck with Innovative Features**

The 2027 Ram 1500 TRX SRT has asserted itself as one of the most powerful off-road trucks available, combining brutal strength with cutting-edge technology. As the latest version of the TRX series, this vehicle targets enthusiasts who expect high performance both on and off paved roads.

**Powertrain and Performance**

At the core of the 2027 Ram 1500 TRX SRT is a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 engine providing an impressive 702 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smooth shifts and remarkable acceleration. The TRX can zip from 0 to 60 mph in merely 4.5 seconds, marking it as one of the fastest trucks in existence.

The performance of the TRX is further enhanced by its sophisticated four-wheel-drive system, which incorporates an active transfer case and various drive modes tailored for different terrains. Whether traversing rocky paths or sandy dunes, the TRX shines with its durable suspension system, featuring adaptive dampers and a class-leading ground clearance of 11.8 inches.

**Exterior Design and Features**

The 2027 TRX features a bold and striking exterior design that demands attention. Its broad stance, sculpted fenders, and unique grille contribute to its powerful demeanor. The truck is offered in a variety of vibrant colors, and optional graphics packages allow for personal touches.

Functional aspects include LED headlights, an underbody skid plate for protection, and an integrated bed step for convenient access to the truck bed. The bed itself is practical, boasting a maximum payload capacity of 1,310 pounds and an available multifunction tailgate.

**Interior Comfort and Technology**

Inside, the Ram 1500 TRX SRT presents a mix of luxury and durability. The cabin is roomy, featuring high-quality materials and comfortable seating for up to five passengers. The front seats can be equipped with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, enhancing long-distance comfort.

The centerpiece of the interior is the Uconnect 5 infotainment system showcased on a massive 12-inch touchscreen. This platform supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring effortless smartphone integration. Furthermore, the TRX includes a premium audio system, navigation, and an array of advanced safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision alerts.

**Off-Road Capabilities**

The TRX is designed for serious off-road capability. Its Bilstein Black Hawk e2 shocks offer extraordinary damping control, while the truck’s locking rear differential guarantees maximum traction in tough conditions. Additionally, the TRX comes equipped with a Terrain Management System featuring selectable modes for sand, mud, and rocks, enabling drivers to optimize performance for their surroundings.

The truck’s approach angle of 30.2 degrees and departure angle of 23.5 degrees further bolster its off-road prowess, allowing it to conquer steep climbs and descents effortlessly.

**Conclusion**

The 2027 Ram 1500 TRX SRT distinguishes itself as a potent off-road truck that combines performance, luxury, and technology. With its formidable engine, rugged design, and high-tech attributes, the TRX is set to please both off-road aficionados and everyday drivers. Whether navigating challenging trails or cruising through city streets, the TRX provides an exhilarating driving experience that is difficult to rival in the truck market.