Let’s talk about the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX. When this pickup hit the stage, Aries fans and critics alike hailed it as a monstrous success. MotorTrend even named the 1500 TRX MotorTrend Truck of the Year 2021. However, there is one major drawback to owning this popular truck.
Recently, the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX went on an adventure with the MotorTrend team for some solid, off-road canyon carving. The reports about the fuel consumption of this pickup during that outing are downright bleak. This Ram got 5 mpg on its uphill excursion, which could deter fellow off-roaders from buying it.
Specifications for the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX
If there’s one thing you’ll love about the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX, it’s the power. This tough, aggressive-looking pickup brings all the muscle with its 6.2-litre V8 supercharged engine capable of handling 702 horses. In addition, the TRX comes with a unique suspension designed for comfort on both the road and pavement.
The Ram 1500 TRX offers a head-up display and optional Trailer Reverse Steering Control. The tires are 35-inch all-terrain, and there are five bottom plates, making it perfect for canyoning and off-road fun. Plus, if you need to tow, the 1500 TRX can hold up to 8,200 pounds. However, as Edmunds pointed out in his first review, the fuel economy figures are only acceptable if you are an oil manager.
How did the Ram 1500 TRX achieve just 5 mpg?
MotorTrend made the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX its Truck of the Year. Even then, the team was already critical of the fuel consumption of this pick-up. On the sticker, the TRX has an EPA rating of 10 mpg in the city, 14 mpg on the highway and 12 mpg combined. None of those rates are particularly impressive, given the price hikes for gas since 2021. It’s getting worse, though.
On this recent trek, the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX went on a canyon carving adventure. MotorTrend took it for a 27-mile ride all the way uphill to see how it would handle. When the truck returned, the digital dashboard showed a reading of 5 mpg, which, as the team explained, is “absurd”.
When you really think about getting less than 15 mpg in any driving scenario, it’s mind-boggling to realize how close you have to live to a gas station. So for any off-road adventure beyond MT’s 27-mile hike, you may need to bring gas.
The best economical trucks of the moment
With gas prices still higher than consumers would like, fuel economy will even matter, even with beefy pickups. If the Ram 1500 TRX EPA ratings are deal breakers for you, consider some of these other more fuel-efficient truck models. These still bring some power and performance, according to MotorTrend, without the potentially single-digit mpg meter.
- 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz AWD – 23 combined mpg
- 2021 GMC Canyon 2WD Diesel – 23 combined mpg
- 2022 Chevrolet Colorado 2WD Diesel – 23 combined mpg
- 2022 Jeep Gladiator EcoDiesel – 24 combined mpg
- 2022 Ford F-150 2WD Hybrid – 25 combined mpg
- 2022 Ford Maverick FWD 2.0L Turbo – 26 combined mpg
- 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 2WD Diesel – 26 combined mpg
- 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 2WD Diesel – 26 combined mpg
- 2022 Ram 1500 2WD EcoDiesel – 26 combined mpg
- 2022 Ford Maverick Hybrid – 37 combined mpg
So, before you buy that 2021 Ram 1500 TRX, consider one of these other pickup options. If off-roading is your problem and you need a monstrous V8, you’re probably willing to compromise on fuel economy. Still, single-digit mpg is a bit ridiculous, especially when so many other pickups deserve better.
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