RAM is bringing back the Hellcat engine option for the 2026 TRX

RAM announced that the 2026 TRX will offer a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 Hellcat engine as an option alongside the standard 5.7-liter V8. This marks the return of the Hellcat variant after it was discontinued following the 2023 model year. The engine produces 645 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque, making it one of the most powerful pickup trucks available when it launches.

The decision to bring back the Hellcat option reflects demand from truck buyers who prioritize raw power and performance. RAM had offered this engine in earlier TRX generations, and its return signals the brand's commitment to maintaining the TRX's position as a high-performance off-road and on-road vehicle. The 2026 model year represents a mid-cycle refresh for the TRX platform, with the Hellcat engine being one of the most significant mechanical updates.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2026 RAM TRX will offer a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 Hellcat engine producing 645 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque.
  • This Hellcat option was discontinued after 2023 but is returning for the 2026 model year as part of a mid-cycle refresh.
  • The standard 5.7-liter V8 remains available for buyers who want the TRX without the Hellcat upgrade.
  • The Hellcat variant will likely command a significant price premium over the base TRX model.
  • Fuel economy and insurance costs will be higher with the Hellcat engine compared to the standard V8 option.

Engine specifications and performance numbers

The Hellcat engine in the 2026 TRX is the same supercharged 6.2-liter V8 that powers other RAM and Dodge performance vehicles. The 645 horsepower output places it ahead of most competitors in the truck segment. The 600 pound-feet of torque delivery gives the TRX substantial towing and acceleration capability, with the truck able to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in the mid-4-second range depending on conditions and transmission tuning.

This engine pairs with RAM's TorqueFlite 8-speed automatic transmission, which is designed to handle the additional power output. The transmission includes multiple driving modes that adjust shift timing and throttle response based on whether you are driving on pavement, in sand, or on rocks. The Hellcat variant also receives upgraded cooling systems and reinforced drivetrain components to manage the increased power compared to the standard 5.7-liter engine.

How the Hellcat compares to the standard 5.7-liter V8

The standard 2026 TRX uses a naturally aspirated 5.7-liter V8 that produces 420 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. The Hellcat engine adds 225 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque through supercharging, which compresses air into the cylinders to increase combustion efficiency. This difference translates to noticeably faster acceleration and stronger pulling power, though both engines are capable performers.

The trade-off is fuel economy and operating costs. The Hellcat engine will consume more fuel than the standard V8, and it requires premium gasoline (91 octane or higher) rather than regular unleaded. Insurance premiums for the Hellcat variant typically run higher due to the increased power and associated risk profile. Maintenance costs may also be slightly elevated because of the supercharger and its supporting systems, though RAM's warranty covers major components for the standard coverage period.

Pricing and availability for the 2026 model year

RAM has not yet released official pricing for the 2026 TRX Hellcat variant. Based on historical pricing patterns, the Hellcat option typically adds $8,000 to $12,000 to the base TRX price, though this figure can vary depending on market conditions and dealer inventory. The base 2026 TRX with the standard 5.7-liter V8 is expected to start in the mid-$70,000 range, which would place a Hellcat model in the $80,000 to $85,000 range before options and destination charges.

The 2026 TRX is expected to arrive at dealerships in late 2025, with the Hellcat variant likely available from the start of production or shortly after. RAM typically allocates Hellcat units to dealers based on demand and regional preferences, so availability may vary by location. Interested buyers should contact local RAM dealers to understand their allocation and place orders, as high-demand performance variants can have waiting lists.

What changed from the 2023 Hellcat TRX to the 2026 model

The 2026 TRX benefits from a mid-cycle refresh that includes updated exterior styling, a redesigned interior with new technology features, and revised suspension tuning. The Hellcat engine itself remains mechanically similar to the 2023 version, but RAM has made refinements to the cooling systems and engine management software to improve reliability and performance consistency. The transmission programming has also been updated to work with the new vehicle architecture.

The 2026 model year also introduces updated infotainment systems with larger touchscreens and improved smartphone integration. The interior materials have been upgraded in most trim levels, and the off-road capability package has been refined based on customer feedback from earlier TRX generations. These changes position the 2026 TRX as a more refined and technologically current vehicle while maintaining the core performance identity that buyers expect from the Hellcat variant.

Off-road capability with the Hellcat engine

The Hellcat engine does not change the TRX's fundamental off-road architecture, which includes a fully independent suspension, electronic locking differentials, and multiple terrain management modes. The additional power actually enhances off-road performance in certain situations, particularly when climbing steep grades or accelerating through sand and loose terrain. The extra torque helps the truck maintain momentum in challenging conditions where the standard V8 might require more aggressive throttle input.

RAM has tuned the Hellcat variant's transmission and stability control systems to work together effectively in off-road environments. The truck retains its 13.1 inches of ground clearance and approach and departure angles that make it capable on technical trails. However, the added weight of the supercharger and supporting systems means the Hellcat variant is slightly heavier than the standard TRX, which has minimal impact on handling but may affect fuel economy more noticeably during highway driving.

Fuel economy and real-world operating costs

RAM estimates that the 2026 TRX Hellcat will achieve approximately 11 to 13 miles per gallon in combined driving, with highway figures around 14 to 15 mpg and city figures around 10 to 11 mpg. These numbers are lower than the standard 5.7-liter V8, which achieves roughly 13 to 15 mpg combined. The difference reflects the supercharger's additional fuel consumption and the engine's higher power output, which naturally requires more fuel to produce.

Over a year of typical driving, the Hellcat variant will cost several hundred dollars more in fuel than the standard TRX. The requirement for premium gasoline adds another 20 to 40 cents per gallon compared to regular unleaded, which compounds the fuel cost difference. Insurance rates for the Hellcat typically run 10 to 20 percent higher than the standard TRX, depending on your age, driving history, and location. Buyers should factor these ongoing costs into their purchase decision, as the Hellcat's appeal is primarily performance rather than value or efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2026 TRX Hellcat the same engine as the 2023 model?

The engine is mechanically similar, but RAM made refinements to cooling systems and engine management software for the 2026 model. The core 6.2-liter supercharged V8 producing 645 horsepower is the same, but the supporting systems have been updated to work with the new vehicle platform and improve reliability.

Can I tow with the Hellcat TRX?

Yes, the Hellcat variant maintains the TRX's towing capacity of approximately 14,000 pounds. The additional torque from the Hellcat engine actually improves towing performance compared to the standard V8, particularly when pulling heavy loads up grades or through difficult terrain.

What warranty coverage does the Hellcat engine have?

The Hellcat engine is covered under RAM's standard powertrain warranty, which is typically 5 years or 60,000 miles for basic coverage and 8 years or 100,000 miles for powertrain components. The supercharger and its supporting systems are included in this coverage, though extended warranties are available for additional cost.

Will the Hellcat TRX be available in all trim levels?

RAM typically offers the Hellcat engine as an option on higher trim levels of the TRX, not on base models. The exact trim availability will be confirmed when RAM releases full 2026 TRX specifications, but historically the Hellcat has been limited to mid-range and premium trim levels.

How does the Hellcat TRX compare to competitors like the Ford F-150 Raptor?

The TRX Hellcat produces more horsepower than the current Raptor's 5.0-liter V8, which makes 450 horsepower. The TRX is also more focused on straight-line performance and towing, while the Raptor emphasizes high-speed off-road handling. Both are premium performance trucks with different design priorities and target audiences.