RAM 1500 RHO vs. TRX: Which Off-Roader Reigns Supreme

Updated on May 5, 2025

Comparison of RAM 1500 RHO and RAM 1500 TRX pickup trucks in action.

The RAM RHO roars onto the scene as the spiritual successor to the RAM TRX, a truck so formidable it redefined what we expect from off-road machines. With the TRX Final Edition still flexing its muscles on RAM's website and holding its crown as the reigning Super Truck, the RHO has some big tires to fill.

Adding fuel to the excitement, the 2025 RAM 1500 lineup has just snagged the coveted Motor Trend Truck of the Year award—a testament to RAM’s innovation and craftsmanship.

But here’s the burning question: How much of that award-winning DNA translates into the off-road-specific RAM 1500 RHO? Is the RHO a worthy contender to carry on the TRX's legacy, or does it chart its own path in RAM’s off-road playbook? Let’s find out.

Powertrain: Hurricane High Output vs. Hellcat V8

Engine bay of a turbocharged vehicle with visible air intake and fluid reservoirs.

The powertrain battle between the RAM RHO and the TRX highlights a seismic shift in the off-road truck world. The RAM RHO features the all-new 3.0-liter Hurricane High Output (H/O) inline-six turbocharged engine, producing an impressive 540 horsepower and 521 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine is lighter, more efficient, and tuned for agile performance, making it a standout choice for drivers seeking a balance between power and precision. The TRX, on the other hand, wields the ferocious supercharged 6.2-liter Hellcat V8, delivering a jaw-dropping 702 horsepower and 650 lb.-ft. of torque. It’s the kind of raw, visceral power that earned the TRX its "Super Truck" title.

Anything powered by the venerable Hellcat V8 will cement the vehicle as a fan favorite for its earth-shaking exhaust note and insane output. So it is to the dismay of TRX enthusiasts who are not exactly thrilled about its departure. 

The Hurricane H/O offers a different kind of appeal, focusing on efficiency and innovation. The RHO is positioned to deliver more horsepower per dollar than any other premium off-road truck on the market. Meanwhile, purists still lament the loss of the throaty V8’s old-school muscle.

On paper, the balance sheet looks pretty even showcasing what the trucks can and cannot do. Whether it’s the TRX’s unapologetic brute force or the RHO’s calculated agility, the debate showcases a thrilling evolution in RAM’s off-road lineup.

Off-Road Performance: Suspension and Drivetrain Built for Every Terrain

View of a vehicle's suspension and undercarriage with rocks in the background.

When it comes to off-road capability, both the RAM RHO and the TRX shine in unique ways, catering to the same off-road enthusiasts. The RHO inherits much of the off-road performance from the TRX, but with a more balanced approach.

Both trucks feature bolstered long-travel suspension inspired by desert racing and enhanced with Bilstein Black Hawk e2 adaptive performance shocks. The high-performance off-road shocks exclusive to the RAM lineup feature dual-valve technology and ZoneControl Jounce Cutoff which provides unmatched durability and damping control. This system delivers exceptional terrain isolation and precise body control, allowing for stability and agility across rugged trails and high-speed desert runs. 

The RHO lost a lot of front-end weight, so RAM engineers tuned an all-new suspension setting specifically for the truck's weight and balance. Additionally, the BorgWarner 48-13 full-time active AWD/4WD transfer was tuned for more rear-wheel-drive bias in certain modes to provide the RHO even more dynamic off-road handling. The RHO can do it all from drifting in Baja mode or tackling rocky paths, just like the TRX.

Both trucks are designed to withstand rugged abuse with durable stainless-steel braided hoses, reinforced steel frames, and extensive underbody skid plates to endure severe impacts without breaking a sweat. The 35-inch all-terrain tires, shared with the RHO, and 11.8-inch ground clearance are well-matched, but the TRX’s massive supercharged V8 and rugged build give it a distinctly brawnier feel, naturally.

Design And Style: Dressed To Impress

Blue RAM pickup truck off-road driving on dirt terrain.

The RAM 1500 RHO carries forward the bold, rugged aesthetic of its predecessor, the TRX, with oversized 35-inch tires, wide fender flares, and a functional hood duct for airflow. The RHO adds slight tweaks like a more aerodynamic profile and adaptive aero features, but the overall design remains rooted in the TRX’s aggressive DNA. While the TRX's wide-body stance and functional hood scoop were revolutionary at launch, the RHO simply refines the formula without straying far from its origins.

Inside, the RHO introduces a few new tech upgrades, such as over 50 inches of digital displays, including a 10.25-inch passenger screen. Premium touches like perforated leather and dual wireless charging pads enhance the experience. However, the TRX’s interior remains competitive with its rugged refinement and similar high-end materials, proving that the differences between the two are more about incremental updates than a revolutionary overhaul.

Affordable Performance: A Price Point That Make Sense

The 2025 RAM 1500 RHO enters the market with an MSRP of $69,995 before taxes, fees, and licensing which is slightly less than a Ford Raptor. Its price point translates to $129.60 per horsepower, underscoring its value as a high-performance off-road truck. This mass-produced truck is open for orders, available on dealer lots and customers are driving them on the road.

Meanwhile, the 2024 RAM TRX Final Edition is still currently showcased on RAM’s website, however, it appears all allotments are already locked in or only available for purchase from dealers. Production, limited to just 4,000 units, and restricted to just one per customer—this supercharged V8 Hellcat-powered truck offers unmatched power and exclusivity. For enthusiasts and collectors, the TRX Final Edition isn’t just a truck; it’s a piece of automotive history, destined to become a forever icon among performance vehicles.

Upgrade Potential: Making a Great Truck Even Better

Whether you’re driving the RAM RHO or the TRX, there’s a wide array of aftermarket upgrades to enhance both functionality and style. These additions can tailor your truck for rugged adventures, daily practicality, or a mix of both:

Final Thoughts: Versatility and Value for Enthusiasts

Red RAM truck driving on a dirt road with dust and other vehicles in the background.

The comparison of the RHO versus the TRX comes down to value. If you’re an off-road enthusiast seeking balanced performance and exceptional value, the RAM RHO is the truck for you. While the RAM TRX set the bar high with its unmatched power and dominance, the TRX Super Truck now sits in collector car territory fetching well above six figures. 

The RHO shines as a well-rounded off-road performer but isn’t aimed at those seeking that pure visceral driving experience that the TRX delivers. Instead, it’s for drivers who want a more approachable and versatile truck without sacrificing capability or style. With accessible pricing, innovative features, and impressive performance, the RAM RHO delivers for anyone looking to embrace their adventurous side while staying grounded in practicality.

Shop Now

RealTruck is your home for the best products to outfit your build for unforgettable adventures.

RAM Parts | Tonneau Covers | Side Steps & Running Boards | Floor Mats & Liners | Racks & Carriers

Join over 2 million RealTruck people

Get exclusive savings, insider information, and the latest RealTruck articles sent straight to your inbox.