2021 RAM TRX vs Ford Raptor: Which Truck is Better?

Ford has dominated the off-road pickup truck market for some time due to the hot success of its Ford F-150 Raptor. Now, there’s a formidable competitor in sight with the recent debut of the 2021 RAM 1500 TRX. The RAM TRX is truly the apex predator of the truck world, featuring an array of high capabilities that easily rivals that of the Raptor.

It’s important to note that the brand-new, unreleased F-150 Raptor is based on the 2021 F-150 Raptor, with more details to be announced at a later date. Since the 2020 Raptor is the one on sale currently, we will use that truck for comparison.

Between the 2021 RAM TRX and Ford Raptor, which full-size truck has the edge over the other? Let’s take a deep look at how these two off-road trucks stack up against each other in various categories.

Engine

If you’re in need of power and performance, the RAM TRX packs a superior punch thanks to its Hellcat engine. The TRX is equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission and Fiat-Chrysler’s 6.2-liter supercharged V8 Hellcat engine, boasting a whopping 702 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque.

In comparison, the Raptor has a 10-speed automatic transmission and 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, generating 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. Despite the lower performance numbers, the Raptor still holds up well in terms of acceleration. The Raptor is only half a second slower than the TRX in the 0 to 60 mph dash, showing off a top speed of 5.1 seconds as opposed to the TRX’s 4.5 seconds.

Drivetrain

The Raptor consists of a shorter final-drive than the TRX, 4.10:1 to 3.55:1, respectively. The Raptor has a slight advantage due to an optional Torsen limited-slip front differential, as opposed to the TRX that comes standard with an open front differential. However, both pickups contain electronically-locking rear differentials with a low-range four-wheel drive and a number of dynamic drive modes to handle various terrain.

Suspension/Off-Roading

One of the main differences between the TRX and Raptor is their suspension setup. The TRX uses a coil-spring setup rather than the leaf springs on the Raptor (although recent spy photos revealed the rear coil-spring setup in the 2021 Raptor edition). Both trucks are equipped with adaptive shocks – Fox Racing dampers on the Raptor and Bilstein e2 Blackhawk dampers on the TRX.

The TRX and Raptor are neck and neck in terms of off-roading geometry, offering similar specs across the board. The ground clearance on the TRX is measured at 11.8 inches compared to the Raptor’s 11.5 inches. The approach angle is at 30.2 degrees for both trucks. The TRX has a miniscule advantage at 21.9 degrees and 23.5 degrees when it comes to the breakover angle and departure angle, compared to the Raptor at 21.8 degrees and 23 degrees, respectively. Water fording abilities are equal in the TRX and Raptor, allowing water traversal up to 32 inches deep on both trucks.

Exterior Dimensions

The Ford Raptor is available in either the SuperCab or SuperCrew configuration, while the RAM TRX is limited to only the Crew Cab body style. For comparison’s sake, we’ll point out the key dimensional differences between the Ram Crew Cab and Raptor SuperCrew.

The wheelbase between the TRX and Raptor is negligible, with a wheelbase of 145.1 inches on the TRX and 146 inches on the Raptor. Their overall length, width, and height are similar as well. The TRX has a length of 232.9 inches, width of 88 inches, and height of 80.9 inches, compared to the Raptor’s length of 231.9 inches, width of 86.3 inches, and height of 78.5 inches.

Interior Dimensions

Interior-wise, both pickup trucks have plenty of space to fit passengers and cargo comfortably. Front and rear headroom are measured at 40.9 inches and 39.8 inches on the TRX. Similarly, the Raptor measures 40.8 inches and 40.4 inches of front and rear headroom. Front and rear legroom are spacious, with 40.9 inches and 45.2 inches in the TRX versus 43.9 inches and 43.6 inches in the Raptor. The TRX has slightly bigger cargo volume at 53.9 cubic feet compared to the Raptor at 52.8 cubic feet.

Towing and Payload

Heavy-duty activities like furniture delivery, hauling, and junk removal are best suited for the RAM TRX. The TRX is capable of towing up to 1,310 pounds with a payload capacity of 810 pounds. The Raptor doesn’t trail too far behind, however, as it boasts a towing capacity of 1,200 pounds and a payload capacity of 800 pounds.

Infotainment Technology

The F-150 Raptor’s technology is fairly outdated when compared to the newly manufactured TRX. However, we can expect a revamp with new details soon as the release for the new 2021 Raptor inches closer. The current Raptor is equipped with Ford’s Sync 3 multimedia system through an 8-inch touchscreen. The truck comes standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

On the other hand, the TRX is installed with Ram’s UConnect interface on a 12-inch, portrait-oriented screen. The screen has the ability to fully display one app, or split screen two apps at the same time. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot are standard features in the TRX as well.

Price

Truck buyers will be looking at a higher price tag for the TRX, starting at $71,690. The exclusive Launch Edition will start at a whopping $92,010. In comparison, the Raptor with a SuperCab configuration starts at $55,150, or $58,135 for the SuperCrew model.

Overall, the 2021 RAM 1500 TRX seems to be a better purchase over the older F-150 Raptor if you can afford it, thanks to its greater performance and newer tech. With an upcoming all-new Raptor on the horizon, however, we’ll have to see which pickup truck can take the top crown in the off-road full-size war.

Additional Resources

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