2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R vs Ram 1500 TRX Drag Race & Off-Road Race

The rivalry between Ford and Ram in the off-road truck segment has reached a fever pitch with the introduction of the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R and the Ram 1500 TRX. These high-performance pickup trucks are designed to dominate both the trail and the road, boasting monstrous power, the latest tech, and rugged styling. But which one truly reigns supreme? Let’s dive into an honest comparison of these two off-road giants.

Ford F-150 Raptor R: Raw Power Meets Iconic Heritage

Ford’s Raptor line has long been the benchmark for off-road trucks, and the 2023 F-150 Raptor R takes things to a whole new level. It packs a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 under the hood, borrowed from the Shelby GT500, making it the most powerful Raptor yet.

Raptor R Specs:

• Engine: 5.2L supercharged V8
• Horsepower: 700 hp
• Torque: 640 lb-ft
• Transmission: 10-speed automatic
• Towing Capacity: Up to 8,700 lbs
• Ground Clearance: 13.1 inches

Performance Highlights:

• Fox Live Valve shocks for superior damping
• 37-inch all-terrain tires for extreme off-road capability
• High-strength, military-grade aluminum body
• Standard 4WD with terrain management system

The Raptor R also benefits from Ford’s decades of engineering expertise, with a chassis tuned for high-speed desert runs and rock-crawling finesse. Inside, it offers a tech-forward cabin with a 12-inch touchscreen and fairly premium materials that seem to balance utility and luxury quite nicely.

Ram 1500 TRX: A Supercharged Beast with a Touch of Luxury

Ram’s answer to the Raptor is the 1500 TRX, a truck that brought wild Hellcat power to the off-road scene. With a 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V8, the TRX is an unapologetic powerhouse that prioritizes brute force and rugged style (over MPG).

TRX Specs:

• Engine: 6.2L supercharged HEMI V8
• Horsepower: 702 hp
• Torque: 650 lb-ft
• Transmission: 8-speed automatic
• Towing Capacity: Up to 8,100 lbs
• Ground Clearance: 11.8 inches

Performance Highlights:

• Bilstein Black Hawk e2 shocks for precise control
• 35-inch all-terrain tires for versatile terrain handling
• Reinforced steel frame for durability
• Cool “Baja” drive mode for high-speed desert racing

Inside, the TRX leans into luxury with a spacious cabin featuring premium leather and suede, a 12-inch Uconnect touchscreen, and a heads-up display. It’s a truck that’s as comfortable blasting through sand dunes as it is cruising on the highway.

Head-to-Head Comparison

When you put the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R and the Ram 1500 TRX side by side, the differences come down to subtle priorities and personal preference. Here’s how they stack up:

Power & Performance

• Raptor R: 700 hp and 640 lb-ft of torque deliver explosive acceleration and precision. Its 10-speed automatic transmission ensures smooth gear changes across all terrains.
• TRX: With 702 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque, the TRX edges out the Raptor R in raw numbers. Its 8-speed automatic transmission is robust but slightly less refined than Ford’s setup.

Off-Road Capability

• Raptor R: Fox Live Valve shocks and 37-inch tires make it king of uneven terrain, offering superior ground clearance and damping.
• TRX: Bilstein Black Hawk e2 shocks and a reinforced frame provide excellent off-road performance, but the smaller tires and lower ground clearance give the Raptor a slight edge.

Interior & Tech

• Raptor R: Focused on utility with some luxurious touches; the SYNC 4 system is intuitive and responsive.
• TRX: A more opulent cabin with leather and suede as standard, plus Ram’s Uconnect system is among the best in the business.

Towing & Payload

• Raptor R: Higher towing capacity at 8,700 lbs and a payload of up to 1,400 lbs.
• TRX: Slightly lower towing capacity at 8,100 lbs and a payload of 1,310 lbs.

The Verdict! Which Truck Should You Choose?

Both the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R and the Ram 1500 TRX are incredible off-road machines that push the boundaries of what a truck can do. Here’s a quick summary:

• Choose the Raptor R if you value superior off-road capability, higher towing capacity, and Ford’s proven engineering.
• Choose the TRX if you prioritize raw power, a luxurious interior, and a slightly more aggressive aesthetic.

Ultimately, it’s a matter of preference. Both trucks deliver almost unparalleled (in a pickup form) performance and head-turning style. Which one would you rather own? Let us know in the comments!