We need to have a serious conversation about the future of performance trucks. I have stated on record for years that the Ram TRX is the best vehicle I have ever owned. In fact, it is my favorite vehicle, period. I love it to death. However, the reveal of the new 2027 Ram TRX has left me absolutely torn. Currently, this truck is returning to the market with a price tag that is frankly insane. For a base model TRX, you are now looking at spending nearly $110,000. This figure applies once you factor in destination charges and sales tax. Consequently, this is a massive departure from the market we knew just a few years ago.
Remember, this specific truck used to cost around $70,000 back in 2021. Yet, in just five years, the price has ballooned to six figures. We are looking at a $110,000 entry point for a vehicle that was once a performance bargain. Today, I am breaking down the math on this new TRX and the upcoming “Blood Sport” edition. Specifically, we need to analyze why Ram is so confident with this pricing strategy. Furthermore, we must discuss why buying this truck right now might be a financial mistake.
The Math Does Not Add Up: TRX vs. RHO
The 2027 Ram TRX boasts 777 horsepower. That is an impressive number. However, the truck is simply too expensive for what you actually get. In reality, this new TRX is essentially a Ram 1500 RHO with a Hellcat engine dropped inside. Nothing justifies the massive price gap between these two models. Specifically, the new TRX costs nearly $30,000 more than an RHO. This price premium is hard to swallow when you look at the parts list.
For example, both trucks share the exact same body and lighting. They feature the same interior layout and materials. Additionally, the infotainment systems and onboard technology are identical. Even the wheels, tires, and shocks are largely the same. Reports indicate that the RHO and the TRX share roughly 90% of the same components. Therefore, you are paying a massive premium almost exclusively for the engine.
We also need to look at the manufacturing costs. I have told you in previous reports that the cost difference between a crate Hellcat engine and a 550-horsepower Hurricane engine is minimal. In fact, they are within $5,000 of each other in terms of production cost. I could understand a $10,000 or even $15,000 price difference between the TRX and the RHO. However, a $30,000 gap is a significant stretch. As a result, this pricing strategy is going to be a major problem for Ram. I do not see these trucks moving in high volumes like they did in 2021 or 2022.
Real World Pricing and Options
Let’s break down the real-world cost for a buyer. First, the base price with destination charges will hit $102,000 in about six months. Then, most buyers must pay around 7% in sales tax. That immediately pushes the total to $110,000. In addition, you will likely want packages. A “Level 1” or “Level 2” equipment group will probably add another $10,000 to the sticker. Now, you are looking at a $120,000 truck with just basic luxury options.
Unfortunately, this does not even include other popular add-ons. For instance, graphics packages usually cost around $1,400. A sunroof adds roughly $1,300 to the bill. Beadlock wheels and special red interior accents will drive the price even higher. Consequently, you can expect a well-spec’d 2027 Ram TRX to land in the $120,000 to $130,000 range. This pricing places it in direct competition with supercars like the C8 Corvette Z06.
Warning: Dealer Markups Are Coming
The high MSRP is bad enough, but dealers will undoubtedly make it worse. Dealerships are hungry for markup revenue. Therefore, they will likely ruin the launch of this truck by adding excessive premiums. I guarantee that within six months, you will see dealers asking for $10,000, $20,000, or even $50,000 over sticker price. They will try to capitalize on the hype. Unfortunately, some people will pay it.
This is a dangerous financial move. Time and time again, buyers who pay markup money get burned on the back end. Unless you plan to flip the vehicle within weeks, you will lose money. For instance, look at the Dodge Demon 170. Buyers purchased those cars two years ago at inflated prices. However, values have dropped significantly now. Some of those owners are effectively losing $100,000 out of their pockets. Therefore, do not let FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) wreck your finances.
If you want a TRX, absolutely do not pay over sticker price. If a dealer demands a markup, walk away immediately. Instead, you can easily buy a Generation 1 TRX. It is essentially the exact same truck. You can buy a Gen 1, install a Whipple supercharger, and have way more horsepower than the 2027 model. Furthermore, you will still have 80% of the same features. The only things you might miss are massaging seats and hands-free driving tech. That is it.
The “Blood Sport” Edition
Ram is also releasing a special edition known as the “Blood Sport.” This is basically a new night edition for the TRX line. Indeed, it looks undeniably cool. Ram is making the front script red and the tow hooks red to differentiate it from the RHO. However, other than those cosmetic tweaks, I haven’t seen major changes. Despite this, I can guarantee this specific truck will cost close to $130,000.
For example, if we look at 2024 pricing, the Final Edition TRX was around $126,000. Meanwhile, the base price for a 2024 model was roughly $96,000. With the new price hikes, the Blood Sport edition will carry a heavy premium. I admit, I want one. I love the TRX so much that the enthusiast in me wants to pull the trigger. But paying $130,000 is a tough pill to swallow.
Market Trends vs. TRX Pricing
The pricing logic for the 2027 Ram TRX confuses me when compared to other Stellantis vehicles. For example, the Durango Hellcat cost $100,000 last year. Yet, this year, the price for that same vehicle dropped to $80,000. Similarly, the Durango 392 dropped from $100,000 to $80,000. We are seeing significant price reductions on other high-performance models with the same engines.
Why is the TRX moving in the opposite direction? Frankly, I do not see the TRX being $30,000 “better” than a Durango Hellcat. The math simply does not work. This might be why I wasn’t invited to the official TRX event. My first question would have been about this pricing discrepancy. For instance, how can a mass-produced TRX cost more than a Demon 170, which had a unique, limited-production engine?
Final Verdict: Be Patient
If you are in the market for this truck, you must be careful. Therefore, do not fall for the hype. The TRX is not going away immediately. The only version that might be limited is the Blood Sport edition. Even then, do not pay a markup. Instead, wait it out. History shows that prices eventually settle. Dealers will take advantage of your impatience if you let them.
Check the forums. There are dealers who will sell at sticker or even below sticker if you order correctly. In the past, some high-volume dealers offered substantial discounts, sometimes up to $10,000 off, if you spec’d the truck to a certain price point. Be price conscious. This is a very expensive toy. Finally, there is a leak from a trusted source about another truck coming in the next 45 days. It might be better than the TRX and hopefully cheaper. Keep your eyes open.
