by Michael Satterfield - Photos by Jario Ramirez - 05/31/2023
When I first had the chance to drive the Ram 1500 TRX, I titled my story “Nobody
Needs This Truck” a statement that I stick by. For that trip, I was ripping
across the West Texas desert in Baja Mode, but at the recent Texas Motor PressAssociation Off-Road Invitational, I had a chance to play with the TRX on an
off-road obstacle course, ford water crossings, and while I still believe no one
needs a TRX it is easy to see why so many people want one. At the same event, I
had a chance to test the Hennessey version of the TRX which takes the Ram 1500
to over 1,000 hp.
With a twist of the key, the beast awakened, its exhaust
note echoed through the air, a symphony of power that couldn’t be ignored. As one
of the few drivers with extensive off-road experience, I was tasked with giving
rides to the content creators and journalists who were less comfortable in low-traction
environments so I would be spending a lot of time behind the wheel. The Brazos Valley
Off-Road Park is a former gravel mine that makes for a rugged landscape that allows
you to experience towering hills, dense forests, and challenging obstacle
courses. It is a playground for off-road enthusiasts.
I engaged the TRX's off-road mode, unleashing its full capabilities. The tires eagerly bit into the sandy trails, providing exceptional traction as we navigated the uneven terrain. The TRX's suspension absorbed every bump and dip, ensuring a smooth ride even as the obstacles grew more challenging.
Mud flew as I plowed through deep puddles, only to be washed
away at the water crossing, which at 13 inches deep was no challenge for the
TRX. Only the most extreme obstacles would need to be avoided due to the longer
wheelbase, and the fact that Ram likes to get its trucks back after these tests,
but the Ram could have done a lot more. Equipped
with an electronic locking rear differential and an advanced four-wheel-drive
system, the TRX exhibited exceptional traction, ensuring optimal power
distribution to all corners. This enabled us to conquer steep inclines, deep
mud, and loose surfaces with unwavering confidence, pushing the boundaries of
off-road exploration. Its aggressive all-terrain tires provided remarkable
grip, keeping us firmly planted on the ground even in the most slippery
situations.
On a larger downhill section, we let the TRX's Hill Descent
Control system showcase its intelligent off-road capabilities, allowing us to
navigate steep descents effortlessly. With the touch of a button, the truck's
computerized wizardry took charge, applying the brakes to maintain a controlled
descent while freeing us to focus on steering through the obstacles ahead.
The 2023 RAM TRX seamlessly integrates cutting-edge technology into its off-road prowess. The robust Uconnect infotainment system, displayed on a large touchscreen, provided real-time information on terrain, vehicle diagnostics, and navigation, allowing us to focus on the trail ahead.
Furthermore, the TRX's comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision warning, offered peace of mind once our off-road expedition ended and we took back to the highway.
Pricing for the 2023 Ram 1500 TRX starts at $86,450, but with options, expect to see sticker prices of over $100,000. When compared to the $109,250 starting price of the Ford Raptor R makes the 2023 RAM TRX the super truck bargain.
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