2021 Ford F-150 Raptor vs. 2021 Ram TRX

2021 Ram TRX ・ Photo by Ram Media

The 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor is all-new this year with improved capability and an abundance of off-road features. This is the off-road trim of the F-150 lineup, and it’s focused on desert racing. It also has a well-equipped interior with a comprehensive infotainment system and a good range of standard safety features.

The 2021 Ram 1500 TRX is also all-new this year with a powerful engine and its own range of standard off-road features. Whether it’s navigating rugged terrain at more modest speeds or taking a few jumps in wide open spaces, the TRX is game. Let’s take a closer look at these two off-road trucks to see which is the best option.

An Easy Choice for the Budget Minded

The Raptor is the top trim in the F-150 lineup. It comes at a premium with a base price of $64,145. There’s no shortage of amenities with 10-way power front seats, leather seating surfaces, and a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen. There are also skid plates, sport-tuned shocks, and a high output V6 engine for off-roading.

The TRX comes in with a starting price of $69,995 with a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen and standard cloth and vinyl seating surfaces. Its complement of off-road features includes skid plates, electronic locking rear differential, and 35-inch all-terrain tires. It also has a more powerful supercharged V8 engine. We give this one to the Raptor because you can get behind the wheel for less.

: Ford F-150 Raptor

Photo by Ford

Two Responsive Powertrains

Power for the Raptor comes from a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged high-output V6 engine. It delivers 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque and comes paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission. It’s a responsive engine that makes the Raptor perfect for taking out on high-speed desert runs.

The TRX has a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 with 702 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. That’s a massive amount of power which required a high-torque capacity 8-speed automatic transmission. It’ll go from 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds with a top speed of 118 mph. The winner on performance is clear.

: RAM 1500 TRX

Photo by Ram Media

Which Is Better On Road?

While both of these trucks are designed to excel off road, there are going to be times when the trip will include plenty of pavement. This can be a challenge for an off-road truck. Off-road tires and matching suspensions systems that target uneven terrain can be bouncy and uncomfortable for passengers when it comes time for a road trip.

Regardless of whether you choose the Raptor or the TRX, the ride is bouncier than what you’ll experience in other trucks in their respective lineups. You will feel imperfections in the road and rough pavement won’t go unnoticed. The rides are close, but we give this to the TRX for it slightly smoother ride than the Raptor.

: RAM 1500 TRX

Photo by Ram Media

Both Excel in Off-Road Conditions

The Raptor has fantastic handling off-road, especially at high speeds. It’s an ideal desert racer that leaves the driver in control even over constantly changing road surfaces. It easily cruises across the dunes and makes short work of loose, gravel surfaces, leaving the driver confidently in control so they can enjoy the ride rather than worrying about what comes next.

The TRX also has good off-road handling with the power to get through pretty much anything. Whether it’s up a dune or along a two-track, the TRX has good handling that inspires confidence. You won’t be disappointed with either of these off-road trucks, but handling is somewhat more controlled and responsive in the Raptor.

: Ford F-150 Raptor

Photo by Ford

Bringing Luxury to Trucks

Both of these trucks sit at the top of their respective lineups so there’s nothing modest or utilitarian about their interiors. They come with good standard features that create rugged first impressions with plenty of visual appeal. The Raptor gets standard leather seats that are 10-way power adjustable with heat and ventilation. They’re comfortable and supportive whether on road or off road.

The TRX has a choice of three seating surfaces with either cloth and vinyl, leather and suede, or leather and suede with red carbon fiber accents and available heat and ventilation. Although they’re not standard, the options in the TRX create a more luxurious interior that can’t be matched in the Raptor.

: RAM 1500 TRX

Photo by Ram Media

Towing and Payload Ratings That Help Get Work Done

The RAM 1500 TRX is ready for serious fun, but it’s also ready to help you get work done. It has a maximum tow rating of 8,100 pounds with a maximum payload of 1,310 pounds in its 5-foot 7-inch bed. Those are solid numbers that make it easy to use the TRX for daily work needs or weekend adventures.

The Ford F-150 Raptor comes in with figures that are just a little bit higher. It has a maximum tow rating of 8,200 pounds and a maximum payload of 1,400 in its 5-foot 5-inch bed. Though the bed is smaller by a few inches, it can handle more weight. This is close, but the Raptor wins.

: Ford F-150 Raptor

Photo by Ford

More Standard Interior Amenities

The interior of the Raptor has standard leather seating surfaces; it has 10-way power seats for the driver and front passenger, which are equipped with heat and ventilation. As rugged as this truck is, it’s still a comfortable place for passengers with attractive trims and supportive seats.

The TRX offers standard cloth and vinyl seating surfaces with the options for leather and suede or leather, suede, and red carbon fiber. Heat and ventilation are available but not standard, like they are on the Raptor. Even with its higher starting price, the TRX doesn’t match up to the Raptor on its standard interior amenities, which gives this category win to the Raptor.

: Ford F-150 Raptor

Photo by Ford

Infotainment With Massive Touchscreens

The Raptor comes with a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and Wi-Fi that supports up to 10 devices within a 50-foot radius of the truck. It can receive over-the-air updates that may include added system capabilities as Ford continues to develop SYNC4.

The TRX also has a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wi-fi hotspot connectivity. Both systems are customizable and easy to use with the ability to organize the screen layout with the options that matter most to you, changing them as your needs change. While features are similar, the Uconnect system in the TRX is more intuitive, quicker to learn, and easier to use for passengers unfamiliar with its operation.

: RAM 1500 TRX

Photo by Ram Media

Safety Features Galore, But Not All Are Standard

The Raptor has a wide range of standard safety features that includes forward collision warning and dynamic brake support, pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, brake support, reverse brake assist, and blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert.

The TRX also has a long list of safety features, but they’re available through various packages rather than standard features. These include blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and trailer detection, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, and both front and rear parking sensors. The Raptor wins this one for making more safety features standard where the TRX requires the purchase of a package to get many of the same features.

: Ford F-150 Raptor

Photo by Ford

Final Thoughts

These two trucks are well-matched competitors, which makes it tough to decide. The RAM 1500 TRX has a much more powerful engine, better interior amenities, and a more well-mannered ride that create a better passenger experience. It also has a more intuitive infotainment system that helps reduce driver distraction.

The Ford F-150 Raptor comes out ahead on towing and payload, standard safety, and more capable high-speed handling off-road. It also has a lower starting price that makes it easier to fit into your budget. While you won’t go wrong with either option, the Raptor is a stronger overall offering.

: Ford F-150 Raptor

Photo by Ford