Ram TRX vs. F-150 Raptor: Performance Truck Showdown for Long Island Buyers

The Ram TRX and F-150 Raptor are the two most extreme production trucks sold in America — both built to run at speed over terrain that would destroy conventional trucks, both priced above $75,000, and both somewhat absurd on Nassau County roads. For Long Island buyers considering one, the honest question is whether either genuinely fits the driving you’ll actually do — and which is the better choice if you’ve decided the answer is yes.

Bottom Line: The TRX wins on outright power (702 hp vs. 450 hp) and straight-line performance. The Raptor wins on value, handling finesse at speed, and daily driving livability. Both are capable far beyond what Long Island roads require. The TRX is the choice if maximum performance is the objective; the Raptor is the choice if you’ll drive it daily without wanting to replace it in two years.

• TRX: 702 hp supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8 — the fastest production truck in history
• Raptor: 450 hp twin-turbo 3.5L V6 (Raptor R: 700 hp supercharged V8 — same engine class as TRX)
• TRX 0–60: ~4.5 seconds; Raptor R 0–60: ~4.5 seconds — functionally equivalent
• Raptor: ~$10,000–$15,000 less than TRX for comparable trim

Power and Performance Numbers

For the full Ram 1500 lineup from Tradesman to TRX, see our complete Ram 1500 guide for Nassau County.

Where the TRX Wins

Raw power is the TRX’s defining characteristic. The supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8 producing 702 horsepower is the same engine found in the Dodge Hellcat Charger and Challenger — transplanted into a production truck. It’s the most powerful naturally-aspirated-plus-supercharger setup in a production truck, and the sound is extraordinary.

Launch control and drag-strip performance are where the TRX genuinely separates itself. With launch control engaged, it reaches 60 mph in approximately 4.5 seconds — faster than many sports cars, from a vehicle weighing nearly 7,000 pounds.

Bilstein 36-way adjustable shocks allow precise tuning for different terrain and driving styles. At the TRX’s price point, the suspension system is genuinely race-derived.

Where the Raptor Wins

Fox Live Valve shocks are the Raptor’s technical advantage in high-speed off-road driving. The electronically controlled suspension adjusts damping in real time based on terrain feedback — faster and more precisely than manually-adjustable shocks. At 100+ mph over desert terrain (the use case both trucks are designed for), this matters.

Daily driving refinement. The standard Raptor’s 3.5L twin-turbo V6 is smoother and quieter at highway cruise than the TRX’s supercharged V8. If you’re commuting from Jericho to Midtown daily, the Raptor is noticeably less fatiguing on extended drives.

Value. The standard Raptor starts ~$10,000 below the TRX. For buyers who want extreme performance truck capability without quite reaching supercharged V8 territory, the Raptor’s 450 horsepower is sufficient for everything Long Island roads and accessible trails require.

Fuel economy margin. The Raptor returns approximately 15 mpg combined vs. the TRX’s 10–11 mpg combined. At 12,000 annual miles and $3.50/gallon, that’s approximately $1,750/year difference — meaningful at these ownership price points.

The Long Island Reality Check

Both trucks are designed for terrain that doesn’t exist on Long Island. The closest accessible performance use cases:

• Pine Barrens: Sandy terrain accessible to both trucks, though neither needs this level of hardware for typical Pine Barrens trails
• Catskills and Harriman: Off-road trails that challenge conventional trucks, manageable by either of these at a fraction of their capability
• Track days: Both trucks attract buyers who run them at events — the TRX’s launch control and the Raptor’s dynamics are enjoyable on a closed course

For 95% of Long Island ownership, both trucks are driven as very fast, very wide, very expensive highway vehicles. The differentiator is whether you want the V8 supercharger sound and 702 hp bragging rights (TRX) or the slightly more livable performance experience (Raptor).

Fuel economy figures from EPA fuel economy estimates. Actual mileage varies with driving conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Ram TRX being discontinued? Ram has announced the TRX is transitioning — the supercharged HEMI V8 faces emissions headwinds and a TRX evolution with alternative powertrains is expected. Current-generation TRX availability is limited; if you want a HEMI TRX, the window is closing.

Which has better resale value — TRX or Raptor? Both hold value exceptionally well. The TRX has seen particularly strong used market demand given its limited production and discontinued HEMI status. Either is a better resale bet than a standard performance truck.

Can I daily-drive a TRX on Long Island? Yes — but the 10–11 mpg combined, the 86-inch width, and the firm ride from the performance suspension setup make it a commitment. TRX owners on Long Island consistently report loving the truck but noting the practicality trade-offs.

Explore Ram TRX inventory at Garden City Jeep — we’ll let you hear that supercharger whine firsthand.