Within minutes of the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX unveiling earlier this month, the nation’s gearheads were abuzz with speculation about how it would fare in a head-to-head fight with a Ford F-150 Raptor. Until we get seat time in the new Ram 1500 TRX, we’ll play armchair quarterback, comparing specifications and outputs like an excited group of kids trading hockey cards.
How does the 6.2L supercharged Ram 1500 TRX stack up against the 3.5L turbocharged Ford F-150 Raptor? In preparation for the eventual all-out run across a dry lake bed just outside of Las Vegas, let’s take a peek at each of their build sheets.
Power
If you don’t know TRX power output numbers by now, please revoke your off-road membership and go stand at the bottom of Kane Creek Canyon in Moab. Its 6.2L supercharged HEMI V8 is good for a psychotic 702 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. It’s all hooked to an 8-speed automatic and should hit 60 mph in about 4.5 seconds. Anyone blessed with the gift of hearing knows how great this engine sounds at wide open whack.
Ford, on the other hand, has been pushing the EcoBoost narrative for several years now. The 3.5L twin-turbo V6 is no slouch, churning out 450 ponies and 510 lb-ft of twist. Its automatic transmission has ten cogs, permitting a 0-60 mph run in about five seconds. While an eminently capable power team, it’s an open secret that the EcoBoost lacks any sort of burly exhaust note, a complaint that can be directed to any machine fitted with this type of engine and not just the Raptor.
Size & Weight
Both these brutes are meant for wide open expanses of desert, not the compact confines of an underground parking garage. The 2021 Ram 1500 TRX checks in at 232.9 inches long on a 145.1-inch wheelbase. It is wider and taller than the Raptor, measuring 88.0 and 80.9 inches respectively. This, for perspective, is simultaneously wider than a Lamborghini Aventador and taller than Hummer H1. Towing capacity maxes out at a handy 8200 lbs, but Ram has yet to mention the truck’s curb weight.
The F-150 Raptor is also not far off 20 feet long, stretching 231.9 inches from bumper to bumper, though its wheelbase is a bit longer at 146 inches even. It, too, is in the 80+ inch category for width, explaining its cleverly hidden clearance lights peppering the front and rear fascias. Just over 8000 lbs of towing capacity is on tap along with 1200 lbs of payload. This means, of course, that maxing out trailer bulk leaves just 400 lbs for you and your stuff. In other words, don’t hitch up a big camper with four of your fullback buddies aboard. Total weight of the truck is about 5500 lbs.
Suspension Goodies
The 2021 Ram 1500 TRX will use a remote-reservoir setup, employing Bilstein e2 Blackhawk 2.5-inch dampers. This should pair well with the truck’s live axle and rear coil-spring setup. Yes, Virginia, TRX will have coils in the rear instead of leaf springs like those found on an ox cart – get over it. In terms of raw numbers, the TRX has a 30.2-degree approach angle, a 21.9-degree breakover, and a 23.5-degree departure angle. It rides on 35-inch all-terrain Goodyears measuring 325/65/R18 standard good for 11.8 inches of ground clearance.
The Ford F-150 Raptor should feel flattered with TRX’s choice in dampers, since it uses something similar taken from the shelf at Fox Racing. At 3.0 inches, they’re larger around than those found on the TRX, making for easy lewd jokes. Ground clearance is slightly less at 11.5 inches, perhaps thanks to the BFGoodrich tires measuring 315/70/R17. That choice of rubber doesn’t seem to harm other numbers, as the Raptor is good for a 30.2-degree approach angle, a 22.9-degree breakover, and a 23.1-degree departure.
Interior Space and Trappings
Most truck shoppers will agree with the suggestion that Ram is currently King of the Hill when it comes to interior design and materials. These attributes are on full display in the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX, with the 12-inch jumbotron of a touchscreen taking center stage and impressive details strewn around the cabin like rice at a wedding. In terms of specific measures, Ram claims 40.9/39.8 inches of front/rear headroom and 40.9/45.2 inches of front/rear legroom. Yes, the back seat of a Crew Cab Ram really is that spacious.
Ford’s interior is set for a 2021 remix but, naturally, we must go with what’s on sale today. Taken in a vacuum, Raptor’s interior is perfectly acceptable, with logical controls and a big meaty dashboard. Its only when stacked next to the Ram does it ever so slightly dated. Expect the next-gen Raptor to address these issues and then some. Measured space is 40.8/40.4 inches of front/rear headroom and 43.9/43.6 inches of front/rear legroom.
Pricing
No matter which of these trucks you fancy, their purchase will leave a smoking crater in your bank account. While commercials and ads for the truck will undoubtedly blare the number of $69,995, it’s worth noting that, including destination fees, the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX bears an actual sticker price of $71,690.
Blue Oval fans can get access to Dat Raptor Lyfe for the sum of $55,150 including destination. However, getting into one with the SuperCrew’s four forward swinging doors, a cab configuration with which the TRX directly competes, you’re looking at a sticker of $58,135.