When Ram’s TRX (pronounced T-Rex) debuted for the 2021 model year, it contained an “easter egg” graphic hidden in the engine compartment that depicted the truck’s namesake dinosaur devouring an actual raptor bird. It was a not-so-subtle way of displaying the TRX’s dominance over Ford’s own supertruck, the Raptor, which had been unchallenged on the market for about a decade. Now in 2024, does the 2024 Ram TRX still assert itself over the 2024 Ford F-150 Raptor? We certainly think so, but let’s break it down into some hard facts and figures.
Key Takeaways
- If you want a new TRX, act quickly. That’s because 2024 represents the final production year for the Ram TRX.
- To commemorate the last TRX trucks, a limited run of 4,000 “Final Edition” models will be offered with exclusive paint colors, special wheels, bespoke badging, and more.
- Ford upped the ante back in 2023 with a F-150 Raptor R that returns V8 power to the blue oval’s off-road muscle truck.
- Both the Ram TRX and the Ford Raptor are full-size crew cab pickup trucks that seat five adults.
- Both TRX and Raptor have aggressive off-road suspension with massive tires, powerful engines, and the ability to tow over 8,000 pounds.
Is the 2024 Ram TRX more powerful than the 2024 Raptor?
The regular 2024 Ford F-150 Raptor has a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 that makes 450 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque. In contrast, the 2024 Ram TRX positively smashes the base Raptor’s power output with a 6.2 liter supercharged Hemi V8 that makes 702 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque.
After several years of being outgunned by the Ram TRX, Ford finally retaliated with a more powerful version of the Raptor in 2023, called the Raptor R. It’s 5.2-liter supercharged V8 makes 720 horsepower and 640 lb.-ft. of torque, which barely exceeds the Ram TRX in the horsepower department, but the Ram is still the king of high torque.
Is the 2024 Ram TRX faster than a 2024 Ford Raptor?
Yes, the 2024 Ram TRX is quicker than the standard 2024 Ford F-150 Raptor.
During a recent Car and Driver road test, a 2024 Ram TRX shot from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds. That’s quick enough to easily beat the 0 to 60 mph time of 5.2 seconds recorded by a 2021 Ford Raptor, which is mechanically near-identical to the current model.
However, giving credit where it’s due, the Raptor R version of Ford’s F-150 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds, according to Car and Driver. That just barely edges out the 2024 Ram TRX, although it’s arguable that drivers will notice the 1/10 second difference when cruising around the street.
Towing and hauling capacity
As fun as it might be to rip around sand dunes or down a drag strip, we realize that owners of these two muscle machines might actually want to do some legitimate truck stuff, like hauling a bed full of mulch or towing a camping or boat trailer.
While the 2024 Ram TRX can’t tow quite as much as its Ram 1500 brethren on which it’s based — which can tow up to 12,750 pounds when properly equipped — the TRX can still pull a respectable 8,100 pounds behind it. Payload capacity, which is the total allowable weight of all passengers and cargo, is 1,310 pounds.
The 2024 Ford Raptor posts very, very similar numbers with a towing capacity of 8,200 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,390 pounds. However, the 2024 Raptor R is able to tow slightly more at 8,700 pounds, though the payload capacity remains the same as the standard Raptor.
While both Fords can tow slightly more than Ram TRX, the difference is minimal and shouldn’t make any difference when towing a few UTVs to the trailhead.
Get one while you still can.
There’s little doubt the 2024 Ram TRX handily outperforms the standard 2023 F-150 Raptor with its 250+ horsepower advantage. Ford leveled the playing field with the Raptor R in 2023, but we still think the TRX is the one to have.
In its final year, Ram’s outrageous muscle truck is going to be difficult to source but at the time of writing, Thunder CJDR does have a single unit in stock for you to marvel at in-person. For a slightly more budget friendly experience, you can also inspect our off-road capable Ram 1500 Rebel. Stop by today to speak with our friendly, knowledgeable staff about finding the truck that’s perfect for your needs.