A Closer Look at the 2021 RAM TRX Hellcat
There is a demonic big cat lurking under this hood!
TRX
The idea of sticking a Dodge Hellcat motor in the engine bay of a RAM truck is nothing new. The act of actually doing was a dream, but now a reality with the TRX. It is horsepower overkill, very expensive, guzzles fuel, and not very practical, which is a great reason to shop for one now!
Text and photos by Chad Haire
Front View
The TRX is bigger than your typical RAM, being two inches higher, and eight inches wider. This is an advantage for having a good driver view and cornering stability. On the negative side, it limits the ability to travel on narrow dirt trails we attempted to explore, where this truck would not fit. Squeezing in tight parking spots at the shopping mall can be a chore. This large rig is happier running wild in open spaces.
>>Join the conversation about the 2021 RAM TRX Hellcat right here in the Dodge Forum!
Engine
Under the hood in a proven 6.2-liter supercharged Hellcat engine borrowed from Dodge folks. At 702 horsepower and a healthy 650 lbs./ft. of torque, moving this 6,350 lb. beast is no problem. The claimed 0-60 mph time is 3.7 seconds, and the fuel gauge seems to move just as fast with a rating of 10 mpg city, and 14 highway. Lifting the hood to show your buddies all the hardware doesn't work too well though, as a large plastic cover obstructs the view, and the power plant is way down yonder being even harder to see. But open up the exhaust in sport mode, and they will certainly hear it.
>>Join the conversation about the 2021 RAM TRX Hellcat right here in the Dodge Forum!
Emblem
A hood emblem shows the world what's powering this truck.
>>Join the conversation about the 2021 RAM TRX Hellcat right here in the Dodge Forum!
Vehicle
The TRX is more than just a RAM 1500 with a hot engine dropped in. About 75% of the frame is all new for this model only. The axles have been re-located. There are more exclusive goodies we get as seen by the following slide show.
>>Join the conversation about the 2021 RAM TRX Hellcat right here in the Dodge Forum!
Suspension
This standard high-tech Bilstein shock system is just fantastic, and provides a smooth ride on or off the pavement.
>>Join the conversation about the 2021 RAM TRX Hellcat right here in the Dodge Forum!
Mode
Those shocks work in partnership with a computer drive mode program controlled by this switch placed above. It offers eight choices: AUTO, SNOW, TOW, SPORT, BAJA, ROCKS, MUD-SAND, and CUSTOM. The other buttons offer all-wheel drive for the street, 4x4 high, 4x4 low, and locking rear differential. There is no two-wheel drive operation, and to keep the power on the pavement, it's just as well. On the right is a launch control button for the drag race fans.
>>Join the conversation about the 2021 RAM TRX Hellcat right here in the Dodge Forum!
Wheels
To keep all this power to the ground, large 35-inch tires are standard. The RAM press release says these are made specifically for the TRX. The wheels shown here are 18x9 Beadlock capable and cost an extra $1,895. They work with the large 15-inch brake rotors to slow this beast down. The locking differential is placed at the rear for ultimate traction.
>>Join the conversation about the 2021 RAM TRX Hellcat right here in the Dodge Forum!
Tire
A large spare tire is located under the bed.
>>Join the conversation about the 2021 RAM TRX Hellcat right here in the Dodge Forum!
Bed
For $995 more buyers get this spare tire carrier, for a total of six tires. This is handy to have if flat tires are common on your trips, but it takes up too much room. Without this setup, the payload is 1,310 pounds and 8,100 if towing.
>>Join the conversation about the 2021 RAM TRX Hellcat right here in the Dodge Forum!
Undercarriage
The ground clearance with those big tires is an impressive 11.8 inches. RAM says this truck can wade through water up to 32 inches deep, but we didn't want to try it.
>>Join the conversation about the 2021 RAM TRX Hellcat right here in the Dodge Forum!
Info screen
This large 12-inch touch screen has too many functions to discuss here. But it does have a performance computer memory that recorded a 0-60 mph time of 3.9 seconds, and quarter-mile of 12.3 seconds. Using launch control on the right surface will give lower numbers. This is quicker than most American muscle cars roaming the street.
>>Join the conversation about the 2021 RAM TRX Hellcat right here in the Dodge Forum!
Gauges
The gauge cluster is well designed and easy to read. It showed that in 1,059 miles of testing, fuel mileage was 7.8 mpg! In all fairness, the driving procedures were a bit spirited. Keeping that lead foot off the gas pedal will allow the claimed EPA 10/14 mpg figures to be reached in ideal conditions, but who wants to do that in a 702 horsepower TRX?
>>Join the conversation about the 2021 RAM TRX Hellcat right here in the Dodge Forum!
Price Sheet
At $69,995 the TRX is a great deal. Ordering just a few useful options can keep it near the $75K mark. But loaded up with all the goodies as most on the dealer’s lot are, we are reaching $90K. Add to this the estimated $12,750 fuel cost over the next five years, this Hellcat-powered Ram isn't for everybody.
>>Join the conversation about the 2021 RAM TRX Hellcat right here in the Dodge Forum!
Vehicle - Rear
This is one truck we didn't want to give back, but it was either that or max out our credit cards paying for more premium fuel that it sucks up in a hurry. But driving impractical vehicles we don't really need, at prices we probably can't afford is what makes it all fun!
>>Join the conversation about the 2021 RAM TRX Hellcat right here in the Dodge Forum!
For help keeping your truck running right, check out the how-to section of DodgeForum.com.