by The new high-performance Ram RHO pickup model offers serious performance, though not as extreme as the flagship TRX. Key points about the RHO:
Choosing Between Power and Practicality
For those seeking a powerful Ram pickup, the new 2027 model year 1500 SRT TRX might seem like the obvious choice. However, as Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis believes, for drivers planning to use their truck daily, the brand’s lineup has a better offering.
Ram recently brought the TRX back into the spotlight, equipping it with a mighty 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine. In its latest 2027 version, the TRX develops 777 hp and 921 Nm of torque, making it 75 hp more powerful than the original. This also gives it a slight edge over the competitor Ford F-150 Raptor R, which has 720 hp.
However, during a recent interview, Kuniskis was quick to redirect attention to the RHO model as a more sensible choice for everyday use.
If you want to drive this every day as your only pickup, the RHO is a much better option. It is absolutely a much, much, much better option.
Kuniskis did not dismiss the TRX entirely. He clarified that there is also a place for it, especially for buyers looking for something incredible and capable, with little concern for cost or practicality.
If you’re going to buy a pickup, and you want it to be your fun, amazing, occasionally used vehicle, sure. If price doesn’t matter. Of course, you want the TRX.
Economic Arguments in Favor of the RHO
Although he did not go into details, Kuniskis’s arguments in favor of the RHO likely boil down to price and fuel consumption. The 2026 model year Ram 1500 RHO starts at $73,045, while the base price of the TRX is $99,995.
This is a significant difference, especially considering what the RHO offers. It is equipped with a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder twin-turbo engine that develops 540 hp and 706 Nm of torque, firmly placing it in the high-performance segment.
The Question of Fuel Efficiency
Then comes the question of fuel economy, or the lack thereof. The previous TRX model was rated at only 12 mpg combined. Official figures for the 2027 version have not yet been released, but they are not expected to differ much. Meanwhile, the RHO achieves a more sensible 17 mpg. It’s not a very economical option, but it is noticeably less extreme than its V8-powered older brother.
The positioning of these two models clearly outlines different target audiences. The TRX remains a unique, emotion-oriented product for special moments, while the RHO aims to be a powerful yet more balanced partner for daily commutes. This strategy allows Ram to cater to both enthusiasts willing to pay for maximum thrills and those who value performance but do not want to sacrifice all practicality. In a sense, the brand offers not just two different vehicles, but two different approaches to the concept of a “powerful pickup.”
