2024 Ram 1500 TRX v. 2024 Ford F-150 Raptor: Battle of the Beasts

Photo Source: Ram

The Ford F-150 Raptor has been a fixture of high-speed off-roading since its debut in 2010, but for the second generation, it retired the V-8 engine in favor of a downsized and twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6. That decision left some enthusiasts cold, but fortunately, Ram dropped the iconic Hellcat 6.2-liter V-8 under the hood of the TRX, a wide-body, long-travel variant of the 1500 pickup truck. The Raptor faced a contender whose supercharged, 702-horsepower engine note inspired a much greater adrenaline rush than the potent, but aurally challenged, Ecoboost V-6.

Even though a specifications chart is useful, with nearly identical wheel travel and ground clearance, selecting a victor based only on figures is all but impossible.

Styling Cues

Modifications between the standard Ford F-150 and the off-road Raptor are immense – vented front fenders, a wider track, a chunky hood, flared bedsides, and more. The F-150 also appears leaner than most full-size trucks, with a larger greenhouse and stepped front windows that impart old-school vibes and improve visibility. Inside, however, faux carbon fiber dash accents detract from the driving experience. The poor quality appliques are only one characteristic of the Raptor pickup’s cabin that seems out of place. For example, harsh plastic seams abound, especially on frequent touch points like the center console and door grab handles.

Next to the F-150 truck’s outlandish body side graphics and plastic cladding, the Ram 1500 TRX looks almost subtle. The trim-specific headlights dovetail into the widened front fenders seamlessly, and the bedsides are blistered like a Ram 3500 dually. The hood, with its cold-air intake and well-integrated heat extractors, is also more polished and smoother than the Raptor vehicle’s. The alterations from 1500 to TRX are undeniably better incorporated than those from F-150 to Raptor.

Creature Comforts

The F-150 Raptor has ample space inside, with 40.8 and 40.4 inches of headroom in the front and back, respectively, as well as 43.8 and 43.6 inches of legroom. If only there were as much space for gear as there is for people. While some iterations of the F-150 receive massive center consoles, the Raptor comes standard with the Interior Work Surface, establishing a flat space courtesy of its stowaway gear selector and flip-folding armrest at the expense of overall storage space.

The Ram 1500 TRX has similar suspension travel as its Blue Oval competitor, but its springs and dampers feel firmer than those of the Raptor. With 3.0 fewer inches of front legroom, the Ram feels cozier than the Raptor, but it has plenty of space, particularly since rear-seat passengers make up some of that deficit with 1.6 inches of additional stretch space. The soothing cabin materials are another boon, as is the colossal storage space housed under the armrest cubby and in the front center console.

Capabilities

On pavement, the Raptor feels as cavernous as it looks, making it daunting to drive on narrow roads and down alleyways. Even though the featherweight steering and soft suspension are pleasant when hustling down a rock-strewn trail and on the freeway, they remove confidence on curved asphalt. To the surprise of no one, the Raptor is not a sports car, so drivers must dial back the aggression until they get onto the dirt. Once they do, however, all bets are off.

In turn, given the engine’s Challenger Hellcat origins, it is surprising that the Ram 1500 TRX is much more uplifting to drive swiftly on concrete. Although the wide stance makes it as challenging to thread through traffic as the Raptor, the firmer suspension provides better body control on a canyon road. The heavy steering feels more accurate as well, with the thrill of a sonorous engine following every corner exit.

Rev Up to Full Throttle with a Ram 1500 TRX from Miami Lakes Automall!

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