Home / Motoring / SUVs & Trucks

Did Ram Just Tease the Return of One of Its Most Beloved V8 Pickups?

All roads point to a revival of the Ram 1500 TRX.

Red pickup truck partially submerged in water with a person visible inside wearing sunglasses.Ram
Add Gear Patrol as a Preferred Source on Google
A black and white portrait of a smiling man with short, dark hair. He is wearing a light-colored blazer over a collared shirt. The background is plain and unobtrusive.

By Chris Chin

Published

·

Updated

Ram lovers may be in for a treat in the near future. The Stellantis-owned Auburn Hills-based pickup manufacturer just released an ambiguous but tell-tale teaser about a new and impending arrival.

While details are obviously sparse, there are still some noteworthy details that give clues as to what to expect. Factoring all those in and it seems that a new Ram 1500 TRX could be on the horizon.

The Ram’s return to V8 power tells all

It was only recently that Stellantis announced the return of its beloved HEMI V8. The company discontinued the engine late last year in a bid to meet new European fuel economy and emissions compliance.

The HEMI’s cancellation was a result of then-CEO Carlos Tavares’ decision to move Stellantis towards a more electric future. But the move was met with huge backlash.

Engine bay of a red vehicle featuring a black plastic engine cover with "TRX" embossed on it.
With the HEMI V8 back in action, this could mean the return of the Ram 1500 TRX.
Ram

It was so bad, rumors suggested such backlash led to pressure that forced Tavares to resign from his position.

The HEMI V8’s cancellation was so controversial, the company moved heaven and Earth to bring it back and now, the HEMI V8-powered Ram 1500 is just returning to showrooms.

Two RAM pickup trucks, one red and one blue, parked on dry grass with mountains in the background.
Although late to the party, the Ram 1500 TRX was Auburn Hills’ answer to the Ford F-150 Raptor.
Ram

But more importantly, the Ram regaining its HEMI power also opens the pathways to another return: the revival of the TRX. Add in relaxed compliance regulations in North America, and the playing field now favors the sale of such vehicles.

The Ford F-150 Raptor may meet its match again

Silver RAM TRX pickup truck kicking up a large cloud of dust while driving off-road.
With off-road performance-tuned suspension, the TRX is no joke, even today.
Ram

Considering the circumstantial evidence and the nature of the teaser, it seems like an “all-roads-point-to” situation with the return of the Ram 1500 TRX. Even with the one-post teaser on the company’s ‘gram, it reads: “Power will be reborn.”

Given that the Ram 1500 TRX is the most powerful production Ram 1500 ever with its 702-horsepower 6.2-liter supercharged V8, that clearly could mean only one thing.

Blue RAM pickup truck driving on a dirt road in a forest with pine trees.
The Ram 1500 TRX is one of the most fun ways to get 10 mpg.
Ram

Add in the post’s additional captions, alluding to “desert winds,” which hark to one of the Ram 1500 TRX’s signature proving grounds, and the level of evidence pointing to its return almost becomes indisputable.

But we won’t know for sure until the New Years Day in 2026.

Blue RAM 4x4 pickup truck with off-road tires driving on a dirt trail in a forest.
If the Ram 1500 TRX returns, it’s going to be more capable and powerful than the last version.
Ram

Rumors began floating around about the Ram 1500 TRX’s return a few months ago. The word came from an “unnamed insider,” who was interviewed by enthusiast site, MoparInsiders.

The then-rumor suggested the new model could arrive with new updates, particularly to its suspension. The icing on the cake: an even more powerful V8.

About the Author: Chris Chin is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, trucks and anything else with four wheels. He has over a decade of experience writing news and reviews but considers himself an enthusiast first, with a passion for classics and European cars. His daily driver is a 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL with nearly 250,000 miles (87,000 are his).

Read More

Want to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.

add as a preferred source on google