In a strategic move set to excite performance truck enthusiasts, Stellantis has officially confirmed the return of the Ram 1500 TRX, a beastly off-road pickup truck that helped redefine the segment. The announcement came directly from the new Stellantis CEO, Antonio Filosa, during the company’s Q2 financial earnings call, where he emphasized the TRX’s profitability and brand value.
With a growing appetite for high-margin, high-performance trucks in the U.S., the TRX revival is more than just a product update—it’s a financial and cultural play that reconnects Ram with its V-8 muscle heritage.
Key Takeaways from the TRX Comeback
- Officially confirmed by Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa during Q2 2025 financial call
- High-margin model expected to boost Ram’s profitability
- Production could start as early as January 2026, according to insiders
- Expected to return with a supercharged V-8, possibly more powerful than before
- TRX revival aligns with Ram’s broader return to V-8s and a shift away from fuel efficiency concerns
The Strategic Importance of the Ram 1500 TRX Revival
Antonio Filosa’s confirmation of the TRX’s return wasn’t just a product teaser—it was a strategic statement. “The V-8 engine on versions, such as the Ram 1500 TRX, will deliver to us additional volumes but also accredited margins per unit,” he stated. This signals Ram’s intention to lean into its performance heritage, targeting not just enthusiasts but also profit margins.
The TRX was a high-margin product in its previous iteration, offering immense power and off-road capability in a segment that continues to thrive in North America. Filosa’s comment underscores the model’s role as a financial asset in a challenging market.
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What to Expect from the New TRX
While Stellantis has yet to release technical specifications or design sketches, expectations are already soaring. The previous-generation Ram 1500 TRX was powered by a 6.2-liter supercharged Hellcat V-8 that generated 702 horsepower. Given that Ford’s Raptor R now pushes 720 horsepower, it’s very likely that the new TRX will aim to exceed that figure.
Considering that Tim Kuniskis, the head of Dodge, is also now leading Stellantis’s SRT performance division, the new TRX could benefit from the brand’s internal expertise on forced induction, aggressive styling, and off-road suspension tuning.
Expectations include:
- More power than the previous 702 hp, possibly exceeding 720 hp
- Aggressive off-road capabilities retained or enhanced
- Brutish design language consistent with the TRX’s image
- Advanced off-road tech and likely upgraded suspension
The Timing: When Will the TRX Hit Dealerships?
While no official production date has been announced by Stellantis, well-placed sources cited by Mopar Insiders suggest that the new Ram 1500 TRX could hit dealerships as early as January 2026. This is consistent with predictions made by Mopar Insiders back in March, lending credibility to their timeline.
This timing would position the TRX perfectly within Stellantis’ 18-month window of 25 new product launches, as previously promised by the company. It also aligns with the confirmed return of the HEMI V-8 to the Ram 1500 lineup for the 2026 model year.
V-8s Are Back: A Shift in Strategy
The TRX is not returning in isolation—it’s part of a broader strategic shift by Ram and Stellantis to embrace their V-8-powered legacy. As fuel economy regulations are relaxed under the current U.S. administration, brands like Ram and Dodge are reasserting their performance identities without fear of immediate regulatory backlash.
In addition to the TRX, Ram has officially confirmed that HEMI engines will return to the standard Ram 1500 lineup in 2026. This signals a reversal of the industry trend toward electrification and downsizing, at least temporarily.
Why This Matters for the Truck Market
The Ram 1500 TRX was more than just a truck—it was a statement. A response to the Ford Raptor and a flagbearer for Stellantis’ muscle heritage, it helped position Ram as a legitimate performance truck brand.
Bringing back the TRX at a time when many automakers are backing away from combustion performance vehicles shows that Stellantis is betting on power, image, and driver engagement as key market drivers. The decision could also reignite the high-performance off-road truck wars, with potential ripple effects across the segment.
What Lies Ahead
With 25 product announcements expected in 18 months, Stellantis is clearly planning a product renaissance. The TRX, thanks to its high-profit potential and brand recognition, will likely be one of the highlights. While many details are still under wraps, what’s certain is that the return of the TRX marks a bold step forward for Stellantis under its new leadership.
The question now is: Will it just match the competition—or raise the bar again?
Projected Specifications (Based on Previous TRX Model)
| Specification | Previous TRX Model (2021) |
|---|---|
| Engine | 6.2L Supercharged V-8 (Hellcat) |
| Horsepower | 702 hp |
| Torque | 650 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 4.5 seconds |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Drive Type | 4WD |
| Suspension | Active Performance Off-Road |
| Towing Capacity | 8,100 lbs |
| Payload Capacity | 1,310 lbs |
Note: Official specs for the new model are yet to be revealed.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As Ram reopens the door to high-horsepower V-8 trucks, the return of the TRX feels like a deliberate move to reset the performance bar. Under Filosa’s leadership and with SRT’s talent onboard, the 2026 Ram 1500 TRX could be even more formidable—both as a vehicle and as a statement.
If the truck lives up to expectations, it could reestablish Ram as the dominant force in the performance truck arena, and secure the TRX’s place in automotive history as a legend reborn.
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