Ram RHO vs Ram TRX: Beyond the specs

There’s a big debate online between the Ram RHO vs Ram TRX and which one is better. While the debate has raged over specs, there’s more to comparing these trucks than just the numbers.

I spent a good day driving the new 2025 Ram 1500 RHO, and I spent a lot of time driving the Ram TRX in similar off-road conditions including jumping both.

Is the Ram RHO a Ram TRX replacement?

First, it is important to point out that the Ram RHO isn’t a de facto replacement for the Ram TRX. This is the obvious conclusion for many people, and it simply isn’t true.

Yes, the Ram TRX is dead in its current form. However, what’s really dead is the 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 engine, and because that motor was the heart of the TRX, there goes the TRX.

The Ram RHO looks a lot like the TRX, which makes people jump to the conclusion it is the replacement. However, Ram has said specifically it is not a replacement, and it is keeping the name TRX trademarked for future products.

Interestingly, the TRX name, by itself, isn’t new to the brand. It had been used years before in another Dodge Ram truck that wasn’t even close to what the 2024 TRX was all about. That version, from the early 2000s, was simply an off-road trim level.

Ram RHO vs Ram TRX off-road

The big question should be about performance. What truck off-roads the best and drives the best on road as well? Which one is simply superior for a daily driver?

That answer is easy for me. It is the RHO.

I loved the TRX. Period. It had this deep, growling exhaust note, which made you think it was a dragon spewing flames as you hit the accelerator. The RHO exhaust? Decent for an inline-6 turbocharged engine. It still crackles and pops on acceleration, but it certainly doesn’t rumble under the seat. There’s simply not much engineering can do to improve the exhaust note without some pretty extensive twisting of the exhaust pipes — such as in the case of the Ford F-150 Raptor with its trombone-like exhaust pipe layout.

Exhaust note aside, the RHO is quicker in the corners, doesn’t get bogged down waiting for the supercharger and has a smoother acceleration off the line for 0-60. This is due to a new torque convertor that is able to transfer the torque faster allowing for quicker performance.

With the TRX, you’d smash on the gas pedal and there was a slight hesitation as the engine kicked in and you could hear the truck whistle while gaining speed. It feels more like a rocket ship taking off after building up momentum versus a sports car for the RHO.

If you do look at the specs, the RHO has a published 0-to-60 MPH of 4.6 seconds while the 2024 TRX can do it in 4.5 seconds. You tell me if you can feel a 0.1-second difference off the line since I sure can’t.

Frankly, this is the same debate when the Raptor dropped the V-8 and went to the EcoBoost V-6. That Raptor was quicker off the line, faster off-road and much better as a daily driver with giving up the V-8 exhaust note.

Ford eventually came out with a Raptor R version of the truck with a supercharged V-8 for those who want that exhaust note. The price is $30,000 more for what is essentially the better exhaust note.

On-pavement driving

Both the RHO and TRX are remarkably smooth on the road for big truck. This has a lot to do with the improvements in suspension and tire technology.

I did find the RHO to be better in this regard, however, with it feeling like it drove smaller than what its 88-inch width and 6-foot, 9-inch height suggested.

It felt like it handled corners better with less body roll, had that smoother acceleration off the line and could easily be an all-around better daily driver. Honestly, I can’t wait for my wife to drive it since I think she’ll love how it drives.

Price and MPG difference

Much like the Raptor comparison, the Ram RHO vs Ram TRX also has a big price difference.

Looking at Autotrader.com, there are Ram TRX models with low miles for over 100,000.

In comparison, the fully loaded Ram RHO I’m buying retails for $82,000 and I’m getting $12,000 off from Mark Dodge in Lake Charles, Louisiana. The dealer gave me their $11,000 discount plus another $1,000 due to a video I did driving in 400 orders for them.

My truck will be in the low $70,000 when it arrives at the dealer.

Plus, the RHO gets 15/21/17 MPG city/highway/combined fuel economy, while the Ram TRX got 10/14/12 MPG. Both run premium fuel for maximum performance.

If you add it all up with $30,000 less, way better fuel economy, many more features like heated, cooled and massaging seats, well, I’m OK losing the exhaust note, That’s one sacrifice I’m willing to make.

The bottom line

Personal preference is a big part of this as well as the simple fact that you can’t order a new Ram TRX. You can only get lucky to find one with low miles or a used truck. If you want a truly new truck, the RHO is the only option.

2025 Ram 1500 RHO photo gallery