Performance Truck Comparison

Ford F-150 Raptor vs. Ram TRX: Which Is Better for Denver Drivers?

Comparing the Raptor vs. TRX? Both are full-size, high-speed off-road pickups. The Ram TRX is back for 2027 with a supercharged V8. The 2026 Ford F-150 Raptor gives you two ways to go fast: a 450-hp High-Output EcoBoost V6 or the 720-hp supercharged V8 in the Raptor R. It tows up to 8,700 lbs, and Raptors are on our lot in Denver now.

2026 Ford F-150 Raptor parked on a ranch hillside
2026 Ford F-150 Raptor
2027 Ram 1500 SRT TRX kicking up sand in the desert
2027 Ram 1500 SRT TRX
Head to Head

Raptor vs. TRX at a Glance

2026 Ford F-150 Raptor vs. 2027 Ram 1500 SRT TRX engines, towing and tires
Spec2026 Ford F-150 Raptor2027 Ram 1500 SRT TRX
Engine choicesTwo: 3.5L High-Output EcoBoost V6 or 5.2L supercharged V8 (Raptor R)One: 6.2L supercharged V8
Max published towing8,700 lbs (Raptor R)Not listed in Ram's announcement
Largest tiresAvailable 37-inch BFGoodrich KO2s35-inch standard
BFGoodrich KO2 all-terrain tire on a Ford F-150 Raptor
Raptor: available 37-inch BFGoodrich KO2
Ram TRX tire and wheel in desert sand
TRX: 35-inch standard

Weighing a Raptor or TRX? Start with the choices only Ford offers.

Raptor specs from Ford.com; TRX details from Ram's 2027 TRX announcement. See Ford's official Raptor specs (opens in a new tab).

Ford Raptor R 5.2L supercharged V8 engine
One Truck, Two Engines

Two Ways to Raptor: High-Output EcoBoost or Supercharged V8

Deciding on a Raptor or TRX? The first difference is under the hood. Ram builds the TRX with one engine. Ford gives you two:

450 hp3.5L High-Output EcoBoost V6, with 510 lb-ft
720 hp5.2L supercharged V8 (Raptor R), with 640 lb-ft

The 3.5L pairs with a 10-speed automatic and paddle shifters.

The twin-turbo V6 delivers serious power for desert runs and mountain trails. The Raptor R adds V8 sound and fury for drivers who want the top of the lineup.

Published Towing

Towing and Real-World Capability

A Raptor is still a working F-150. Ford rates the Raptor at up to 8,200 lbs of towing and the Raptor R at up to 8,700 lbs.

8,200 lbsUp to, F-150 Raptor
8,700 lbsUp to, F-150 Raptor R

Every Raptor comes standard with:

  • Class IV hitch and integrated trailer brake controller
  • Pro Trailer Backup Assist and Pro Trailer Hitch Assist
  • Trailer sway control
  • 2 kW Pro Power Onboard for tools and campsite gear

Ram's 2027 TRX announcement doesn't list a towing figure. If you tow a camper, side-by-side or race trailer, the Raptor vs. TRX question has a clear, published answer.

FOX Live Valve shocks on the Ford F-150 Raptor suspension
Desert-Ready Chassis

Off-Road Hardware

In the Raptor vs. TRX off-road matchup, every 2026 F-150 Raptor brings:

  • FOX Live Valve shocks front and rear; Raptor R adds Dual-Valve FOX shocks
  • BFGoodrich KO2 all-terrain tires, with 37-inch tires available
  • Electronic-locking rear differential and two-speed 4x4
  • Seven drive modes, including Baja and Rock Crawl
  • Trail Control, Trail 1-Pedal Drive and Trail Turn Assist

Outfit your truck with genuine Ford gear from our Raptor accessories (opens in a new tab) store.

The Complete Package

Raptor R vs. TRX

To be fair, the 2027 TRX makes more horsepower than the Raptor R. But Raptor R vs. TRX isn't only about a dyno number. The Raptor R pairs its 720-hp V8 with Dual-Valve FOX shocks, 37-inch tires and up to 8,700 lbs of published towing. For many drivers, that complete package matters more than the spec sheet.

Raptor R

720-hp supercharged V8, Dual-Valve FOX shocks, 37-inch tires and up to 8,700 lbs of published towing.

Prefer the V6?

The standard Raptor gives you 450 hp of twin-turbo power and the same desert-ready chassis.

In the Raptor R vs. TRX debate, Ford is the only brand giving you two ways in.

Mountains, Desert and Daily Driving

Which Is Better for Colorado?

Colorado asks a lot of a performance truck:

Towing up I-70

Towing a camper or toy hauler up I-70

High-speed desert runs

High-speed runs on desert roads in the western part of the state

Rocky mountain trails

Rocky mountain trails with Rock Crawl mode and a rear locker

Daily driving in Denver

Daily driving in Denver with a 12-inch touchscreen and SYNC 4

In a Raptor vs. TRX comparison built around Colorado, the Raptor handles all four, and it's ready for a test drive today.

Our Verdict

Raptor or TRX: Our Verdict

Raptor or TRX? Choose the TRX if peak horsepower is the only number that matters. Choose the Raptor if you want two engine choices, published towing up to 8,700 lbs, available 37-inch tires and a truck you can drive home from our lot. For most Colorado drivers, the Raptor vs. TRX decision lands on the Raptor.

Not sure you need a Raptor? See the full Ford F-150 lineup or the midsize Ranger Raptor.

Questions & Answers

Raptor vs. TRX FAQs

Which is better, Raptor or TRX?

For drivers who want engine choices, published towing and available 37-inch tires, the F-150 Raptor.

Which F-150 competes with the Ram 1500 TRX?

The F-150 Raptor. In an F-150 vs. Ram 1500 TRX comparison, the Raptor is the right match: it's Ford's high-performance off-road F-150. A standard F-150 isn't built for the same job.

How much can the F-150 Raptor tow?

Up to 8,200 lbs for the Raptor and up to 8,700 lbs for the Raptor R, per Ford.

What engines does the Raptor offer?

A 450-hp 3.5L High-Output EcoBoost V6, or the Raptor R's 720-hp 5.2L supercharged V8.

How do I get pricing on a Raptor?

Call our sales team at (720) 984-0683. Pricing and incentives change often, so we'll give you current numbers and current offers.

Southwest Denver

Test-Drive a Raptor in Denver

The best way to settle Raptor vs. TRX is behind the wheel. Our showroom is in southwest Denver, close to Lakewood and Littleton. Trading in a truck? Value your trade and explore our Finance Center before you visit. Looking to save? Shop used Ford Raptor trucks.

Also comparing the Chevy? Read Raptor vs. Silverado Trail Boss.

Phil Long Ford of Denver 7887 West Tufts Avenue, Denver, CO 80123
Sales: (720) 984-0683
Hours: Monday–Saturday, 9am–9pm. Closed Sunday.
Get directions to our showroom.