A Hellcat Under the Hood: 2021 TRX vs 2020 Ford Raptor

Prepare for an epic battle of monster trucks. No doubt about it, Ram and Ford have locked horns for years in the battle to be the best. Though Ford may lead in sales for its F-series trucks, Ram trucks are quickly gaining traction with many “best-in-class” features and awards for comfort and capability. Ram’s reveal of new designs in 2019 caused a lot of truck enthusiasts to take keen notice. As the new 2021 Ram TRX is revealed, it seems that Ram is ramping up to overtake Ford’s Raptor in off-road variants. With that much power getting ready to take to the road, one can only compare the 2021 TRX vs 2020 Ford Raptor just for sheer curiosity.

Pricing and Power

Right away, there’s a big difference between the two trucks, with the $70,095 Ram being far pricier than the relatively more affordable $53,455 Raptor. However, when we look deeper into the price difference, seeing a number like 702 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque makes one wonder if we’re discussing race cars or trucks. Clearly, the supercharged V8 engine in the TRX has something to do with that outrageous price, but it doesn’t explain the gap completely.

On the other hand, Ford downgraded its engine recently from its former V8 to a new 450 hp twin-turbo V6. This decision has yet to be determined as a good one since the ten-speed automatic transmission doesn’t seem to keep up with driving conditions, although the engine is plenty powerful despite losing a couple of pistons. Interestingly, both engines are rated for about equal the amount of weight to be towed. Perhaps the next best comparison should be to peek at the mechanics behind all this power.

Engines, Brakes, and Suspension

Ram has chosen to snatch the most outrageous engine allowed on the road and put it into a truck. That engine is a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 with a cast iron block and forged crankshaft made to withstand up to 20,000 pounds of force. Compared to the Raptor’s aluminum 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6, Ford’s engine does lay claim to best-in-class horsepower and torque…for a V6. While props must be given to the Raptor’s agility in desert terrain, the sheer force of the TRX engine simply cannot be denied, and the TRX has been built for the desert, too.

With such a powerful force under the hood, excellent brakes are key factors in managing the load of a vehicle as large as a truck. Ram placed the segment’s largest brakes on all four wheels: 15-inch two-piston calipers on the front end and single-piston calipers on the rear as part of the four-wheel anti-lock disc brake system. The system is further supplied with electronic brakes when the truck is parked.

Ford puts power four-wheel anti-lock vented disc brakes on all four wheels, which are 13.7 inches in diameter and in front have six pistons. The Raptor also employs an electronic parking brake when parked. There are a few dings from test drivers about brakes on the Raptor when riding on the road, as it tends to dip in the front end due to the suspension, but otherwise, they are considered adequate stopping power for the vehicle.

One more wide gap in comparison falls in the suspension category. Ram has wisely chosen to shift to an independent coil suspension, which takes up less space, is lighter, and reduces bounce from the terrain. Ford has held onto the old leaf-spring suspension, though it has been rated as good. The Raptor suspension has been modified and is enhanced with Fox shocks to handle the heavy load and rocky terrain off-road. On the other hand, the TRX has been niftily bolstered with Bilstein shocks, which are pressurized to withstand just about anything. Which are better? It might come down to a road test to decide.

Drive Modes, Skids, and Wheels

Once upon a time, we had the choice between manual or automatic. Today we have drive modes. The TRX has eight drive modes, each tuned to handle specific terrain or driving conditions. Some of the modes are self-explanatory, like sport, snow, mud and sand, and rock. When engaged, each of these modes adapts the torque and power of the wheels electronically to support driving in each of these conditions. Baja mode will reduce shift time and manage suspension and steering when you off-road in the desert. The Custom mode may be the most exciting, with the option to “dial-in” the settings for whatever best suits the terrain where you’re driving.

The 2020 Raptor has six driving modes, many of which match what the TRX offers. Sport, mud and sand, rock crawl, and Baja mode are all available. Weather mode is tuned for “slippery conditions,” which speaks mostly to snow and ice. Normal mode is suited to “everyday driving” like city and highway, as opposed to exploring unknown territory on mountaintops. In general, the driving modes are fairly similar other than the TRX having two extra. While considering the modes, one may also be interested to know both trucks offer paddle shifters on the steering wheel. This may be exciting to some drivers who have not yet experienced the novelty of this relatively new way of shifting an automatic transmission.

Off-road driving needs more than just great suspension, brakes, torque, and electronic driving modes. All those geeked-out numbers are nothing if you don’t have the ground clearance and skids to manage the many dangers lurking in the wilderness. Without enough clearance, the underside of the truck will scrape bottom over rocks, brush, logs… you name it. Ram’s TRX has more ground clearance with 11.8 inches, though only by a fraction, with Ford’s Raptor at 11.5 inches. Each truck can also allow for up to 32 inches of water fording.

Skid plates on the TRX amount to five for coverage underneath the vehicle. The front axle, transmission pan, front fascia, fuel tank, and transfer case are all covered by plates to protect the vital organs of the truck while it creeps over obstacles. Ford places heavy duty skid plates underneath the front end and engine, which is adequate, though not as comprehensive as the Ram. Add to the whole package the wheels and tires, and it will complete the picture of each vehicle’s agility in the outdoors.

Ram puts 35-inch Goodyear all terrain tires on 18-inch wheels. Ford is just below those numbers with 34-inch BF Goodrich all terrain tires on 17-inch wheels. Barely any difference, but the Ram does squeak that extra bit of difference over the Ford, which can mean slightly better performance and height when it comes to managing terrain. Overall, the numbers favor the Ram TRX by a small margin, but there are more than just off-road factors to consider. The interior could make or break the fun altogether.

Technology and Convenience

Because you aren’t always going to be off-road in your truck, it’s nice to have creature comforts when you need to drive to the locations where you plan to adventure. Out in the desert of the West, this can mean hours and hours of driving. This particular category is where Ram may outshine Ford, and can explain some of the price difference between the two. While Ford worked to keep the Raptor on the more affordable side, it sacrificed luxury. This may not be all bad, though. Some who off-road may not care about the luxury and will prefer the lesser price. For those who enjoy the sweeter side of life, the Ram TRX will provide the interior accouterments needed to take your ride from average to outstanding.

The interior appearance of the TRX will come with three options available for colors and seating, including a leather and suede option, and the seats will be heated and ventilated in both front and back. Of course, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will be included, along with a massive 12-inch touchscreen in the center stack, loaded with apps integrated for tech on the truck. A new head-up display keeps the driver’s eyes on the road with speed, fuel, and other data info included. Wireless charging, satellite radio, launch control, and performance data will all be on board to make the driving experience fun both on and off the road. Music lovers will appreciate the premium 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. This is only a list of the highlights, with plenty of other luxuries to behold.

Ford’s Raptor is no slouch in terms of comfort, with three options that also include leather and sport choices, though heated seats in both front and rear are only optional, not included. The SYNC 3 system onboard incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with apps to control the tech via an 8-inch touchscreen. A WiFi hotspot is included, but the voice-activated navigation system is an add-on option. While the 10-speaker Bang and Olufsen audio system would be fabulous, that is also an extra and not included. In short, there are lots of options for the Raptor, but they are all extras to be added. Thus, the price difference between the two trucks becomes much clearer. Without a doubt, creature comforts are definitely far more inclusive on the Ram TRX.

Final Summary

Ram has made a point of coming out to say the entire point of the TRX is to crush the off-road competition. Being able to achieve zero to 60 in 4.5 seconds is unheard of for a vehicle as un-aerodynamic as a truck. The Raptor takes a full second longer to reach 60 mph. What much of the power, features, and options come down to for each of these trucks will boil down to fine points. Each truck is a serious beast made to tackle the desert, but the 2021 Ram TRX is really grabbing for the heights with many of the over-the-top features. If money is no object, the Ram TRX really has the edge in this battle.

If you are in the Costa Mesa, CA area and want to test drive a Ram truck, then come and visit us at Orange Coast Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram FIAT. We would be happy to help you get behind the wheel of your next power truck today. Drop by 2929 Harbor Blvd in Costa Mesa, then take your new truck wherever you want to go.