Editor’s Note: We’ve updated this story with the latest 2027 specs, new original photography, and our firsthand driving impressions of the Ram TRX.
Apparently, 700 horsepower isn’t enough anymore. Ram has brought back the supercharged TRX for 2027, this time with a ridiculous 777 horsepower. That’s 57 more than Ford’s F-150 Raptor R, which, not so long ago, was the truck stealing the horsepower crown. The V8 supertruck war is officially back on. And we’re not complaining.
We’ve spent a week with the original 700-hp Raptor R and recently drove the new TRX on a short off-road oval, complete with a jump. Different conditions, not a same-day shootout, but enough firsthand experience to know this rivalry is about more than horsepower numbers. For this comparison, we’re using the latest 2027 specs for both trucks.
Ram TRX vs. Raptor R: Power and Performance
Let’s start with the obvious. The TRX’s supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 makes 777 horsepower and 680 lb-ft of torque. Ford’s smaller 5.2-liter supercharged V8 produces 720 horsepower and 640 lb-ft. Calling either truck underpowered would be pretty funny. Ram also claims a 3.5-second run to 60 mph for the new TRX, on 35-inch all-terrain tires, no less. Ford bumped the Raptor R to 720 horsepower for 2024, overtaking the original 702-hp TRX. Now Ram has answered with another 75 horses. At this rate, we’ll need four-digit figures just to get anyone’s attention.
On our short off-road course, the TRX was every bit as outrageous as those numbers suggest. The V8’s shove and soundtrack are the main attractions, but the truck also took the oval’s jump in stride. Interestingly, after driving both back-to-back, we found the six-cylinder Ram RHO actually makes more sense for most buyers. We’ll explore the TRX more in a separate drive story. Here, the question is whether that extra power settles anything.
2027 Ram TRX vs. Ford F-150 Raptor R Specs
| Spec | 2027 Ram 1500 TRX SRT | 2027 Ford F-150 Raptor R |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 6.2L supercharged V8 | 5.2L supercharged V8 |
| Horsepower | 777 hp | 720 hp |
| Torque | 680 lb-ft | 640 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Tires | 35-inch all-terrain | 37-inch all-terrain |
| Ground clearance | 11.8 inches | Approx. 13 inches |
| Suspension | Bilstein Black Hawk e2 adaptive | FOX Dual-Live Valve |
Ford Still Has an Off-Road Argument
Here’s where the Raptor R pushes back. Its standard 37-inch tires are bigger than the Ram’s 35s, and it offers more ground clearance. Ford’s FOX Dual-Live Valve suspension, long-travel setup, and Baja drive mode are all designed to keep a very fast, very large pickup under control when the ground gets rough. There’s more to going quickly off-road than an extra 57 horsepower.
Our earlier Raptor R test also impressed us with its everyday composure. Steering was surprisingly precise for a truck riding on enormous tires, while the suspension took the edge off rough pavement. That matters when most of your driving involves actual streets rather than sand dunes.
None of this makes the TRX some one-trick drag-strip act. Its Bilstein adaptive shocks, full-time four-wheel drive, and serious suspension travel are the real deal. But we wouldn’t declare the Ram the handling winner based on a horsepower figure and a short course. The Ford deserves more credit than that.
Inside, the Ram Goes Bigger on Luxury
For trucks designed to get dirty, both cabins are surprisingly plush. The TRX leans further into luxury with a 14.5-inch Uconnect touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital cluster, a head-up display, 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio, and heated, ventilated, massaging front seats. Rear passengers even get heated and ventilated reclining seats. Not exactly roughing it after jumping a pickup.
The Raptor R isn’t basic, though. Its 12-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen, digital gauges, available head-up display, Recaro seating, and Bang & Olufsen audio make for a properly premium interior. We particularly liked the Recaro seats in our Ford test truck. Interestingly, Ford is also taking a less-is-more approach with its 2027 F-150 Raptor 800A, a more affordable V6 version that drops some luxury features while keeping the important off-road hardware. Different truck, of course, but an interesting move as performance pickups keep getting more expensive.
Ram gets the nod for sheer indulgence; the Raptor R feels a little more focused on the job at hand. The styling follows suit. The Ford’s big tires and purposeful stance do the talking. The TRX, especially in Bloodshot Night Edition form, prefers to shout. Neither looks like the contractor’s work truck.
Takeaway
So, which gets it right? The TRX has the bigger numbers, louder personality, and richer cabin. The Raptor R counters with bigger tires, more clearance, and impressive control. One feels like a muscle truck that happens to tackle the desert. The other feels like an off-road truck that happens to have a supercharged V8. There’s plenty of overlap, but the difference in character is real.
Neither is cheap. In the US, Ram lists the 2027 TRX at $99,995 before its $2,795 destination charge, while published pricing guides put the 2027 Raptor R around $114,835. If maximum V8 theatre is your thing, the Ram makes a strong case. If off-road hardware and a more restrained character matter more, Ford isn’t the consolation prize. We wouldn’t call a winner without driving these exact trucks on the same terrain. Frankly, we’re just glad both exist.
