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 Ram 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.

The Ram TRX is indeed dead in its current form for the 2024 model year. What’s dead really is the 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine and because that motor was the heart of the TRX, there goes the TRX.

With the Ram RHO, it looks exactly 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 they are 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 200s, was simply an off-road trim level.

Driving both 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 like in the case of the Ford 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 turbos to spool and has a smoother acceleration off the line for 0-60. This is due to a new torque convertor which 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 turbos kicked in and you could hear them 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 0-60 in 4.6 seconds while the TRX can do it in 4.5 seconds. You tell me if you can feel a .1 second difference off the line since I sure can’t.

Frankly, this is the same debate when the Raptor dropped the V8 and went to the EcoBoost V6. That Raptor was quicker off the line, faster off-road and much better as a daily driver with giving up the V8 exhaust note.

Ford eventually came out with an R version of the truck with a supercharged V8 for those who want that exhaust note. The price is $30,000 more for what essentially is 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 as well with it feeling like it drove smaller than what its 88″ width and 6’9″ height suggested.

It felt like it handled corners better with less body roll, had that smoother acceleration off the line and it 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 MPG while the Ram TRX 10/14/12 city/highway/combined 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.