Ram TRX V-8 pickup truck returns for $100,000

Stellantis is reviving the Ram 1500 SRT TRX, a V-8-powered pickup truck, as the company navigates a shift in federal emissions regulations and implements a U.S. sales turnaround plan for its brands. The 2027 Ram 1500 SRT TRX is set to launch in late 2026, with a price tag of around $100,000. This move marks a significant departure from the company’s previous plans to discontinue gas V-8 vehicles in favor of more environmentally friendly options.

The TRX boasts a supercharged 6.2-liter “Hellcat” gas engine, capable of producing 777 horsepower and 680 foot-pounds of torque. According to Ram, this makes it the “fastest and most powerful production gas pickup truck in the world,” with the ability to go from 0-60 mph in just 3.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 118 mph. Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis expressed enthusiasm for the TRX’s return, stating that the company had to “push it to the next level.”

Shifting Plans

The return of the TRX is part of a broader effort by Stellantis to revamp its U.S. sales strategy, which has struggled in recent years. Under Kuniskis’ leadership, the company aims to make over 25 announcements through next year, including the resurrection of Hemi V-8 engines and a new “Symbol of Protest.” The TRX, despite its relatively low sales in the past due to its high price point, is viewed as a “halo” model for the brand, drawing attention to Ram and potentially boosting sales for other models.

The 2027 Ram 1500 SRT TRX will start at $99,995, excluding a mandatory $2,595 destination fee, bringing the total price to $102,590. In comparison, the initial TRX started at $71,690 in 2020, including destination. Ram also announced a new 6.7-liter Cummins high-output turbo diesel engine for its 2027 Ram Power Wagon heavy-duty truck, producing 430 horsepower and 1,075 foot-pounds of torque.

Industry Context

The automotive industry is experiencing a period of transition, with shifting regulations and consumer preferences. The rollback of federal emissions regulations under the Trump administration has created an opportunity for Stellantis to revisit its previous plans and focus on V-8 engines once again. Kuniskis emphasized that the company would have pursued this strategy regardless of the regulatory environment, highlighting the importance of adapting to changing market conditions.

Stellantis’ U.S. sales have faced significant challenges, plummeting from 2021 to 2024 under former CEO Carlos Tavares. The company fell from the No. 4 automaker in U.S. sales to No. 6 during this period. However, with Kuniskis at the helm, Ram and Jeep are poised for a turnaround, with a focus on growth and conquesting buyers from other brands. As auto forecasters predict relatively flat or falling auto sales in 2026, Stellantis will need to be strategic in its efforts to regain market share.

Jeep Reset

Jeep, another critical brand under Stellantis, is undergoing its own transformation. CEO Bob Broderdorf has initiated a “Jeep reset” plan, aimed at repositioning the brand’s pricing, models, and standard features. This strategy includes streamlining the product lineup, reducing overlaps, and emphasizing the unique characteristics that make Jeep special. The goal is to create a stronger foundation for growth, with new models like the resurrected Cherokee midsize SUV and the all-electric Recon inspired by the iconic Wrangler off-road SUV.

Broderdorf expressed confidence in the brand’s ability to break its trend of declining sales, potentially notching its first U.S. sales increase since 2018. Despite the challenges, Jeep remains profitable, and the brand is poised for healthy growth. With a focus on making Jeep “more Jeep,” the company is laying the groundwork for a successful turnaround, one that will be closely watched by industry observers and enthusiasts alike.