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Motor Trend
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Motor Trend
2026 Ram 1500 TRX Review: Expert Insights, Pricing, and Trims
Reviewed by Bob Hernandez The outrageous Ram 1500 TRX owes its existence in part to competitive gamesmanship. Without the challenge posed by the Ford F-150 Raptor, Ram might never have conceived such a bold off-roader—or made such a dramatic impact with it. The flagship model has helped the current 1500 earn MotorTrend's Truck of the Year title an impressive three times and now we hear a 2026 Ram 1500 TRX may be on the way. Off-road full-size truck competitors include the F-150 Raptor, Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, and Toyota Tundra TRD Pro. With the kind of power the 2026 TRX will be packing, however, it's really just the F-150 Raptor and Ram's own 1500 RHO. The photo above is a concept. What's New We expect the Ram 1500 TRX will come out of retirement for 2026 or 2027, this time making more power than the 702 hp it made before. The TRX debuted for 2021 and was discontinued after the 2024 model year. This page will be updated with more insights and photos as information becomes available. What We Think It's back—the Ram 1500 TRX returns as a high-powered, off-road monster packed with a supercharged V-8 engine, advanced suspension, and exceptional all-terrain capability. Despite its rugged nature, the TRX is expected to deliver a smooth, composed ride on pavement as well. Aside from its poor fuel economy and steep price, the new 2026 Ram 1500 TRX has few drawbacks. We easily overlooked these in the previous model, naming it the 2021 Truck of the Year—a strong vote of confidence for Ram's revived powerhouse. Perhaps the only obstacles in the 2026 TRX's way are the solid F-150 Raptor and the Ram 1500 RHO. Less expensive than the TRX, the RHO delivers 540 hp, off-road capability, and a MotorTrend-tested 4.6-second 0-60 mph time. Impressive, but the RHO lacks one thing the TRX has: A bellowing V-8. Top-Ranked Competitors: Ram 1500 RHO MotorTrend Tested Enthusiasts will rejoice that the Hemi V-8 is not dead after all, and a 5.7-liter version of the engine is returning to the Ram 1500 lineup. It's not yet known if the last TRX's supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi is coming back, but it does look like engineers are targeting output more than the old TRX's 702 hp. It's not a stretch to think more displacement and a supercharger are the only ways to reach that goal. The TRX's new heart will also make a lot more than the Hurricane High Output inline-6, last year's top engine, which produces only 540 hp. Sprints to 60 mph in the new TRX should take less than the last model's 4.1 seconds. MPGs and Range V-8s have to drink, and the TRX's last one was especially thirsty. Fuel economy ratings for the 2024 came in at 10/14 mpg city/highway. With that truck's massive 33-gallon fuel tank, it is capable of 396 miles of total range. The Ford Raptor R features a smaller 5.2-liter blown V-8 but still returns roughly the same fuel economy. The only difference is the Ford gets 1 mpg more on the highway. Safety Features All 1500 models include a basic set of driver-assist features. Automatic emergency braking Lane keeping Adaptive cruise control Front and rear parking sensors Trailer sway control The TRX will also receive standard: Blind-spot monitoring Rear cross-traffic alert How Much Space? Every TRX is equipped with a crew cab, short bed, and 4WD. Forward legroom in the 1500 crew cab comes in at 40.9 inches, while in back there's 45.2 inches. The rear measurement is 1.6 inches greater than what comes in a similarly configured F-150. Both trucks come with a 67-inch bed. Technology Infotainment TRXs should feature a 12.3-inch driver display and 12.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, though we have our fingers crossed the 14.5-inch upgrade becomes standard this year. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, as is a color head-up display. Sound System A 10-speaker sound system may be standard, and Ram offers a 19-speaker Harman Kardon upgrade. Available Upgrades The burliest of 1500s can level up further with manufacturer upgrades like a light bar, bed-mounted tire carrier, tie downs, and bed lighting. Cabin options include a phone charging pad and ventilated front seats. Value Standard Features The 1500 TRX's primary appeal lies in its immense capability thanks to a stout powertrain and plenty of off-road hardware. It also features a lot of the latest tech, like huge cabin screens. The pickup comes with an equally huge price tag, though, a sting exacerbated by some admittedly terrible fuel economy. What's Happening With the 1500 RHO? For 2025, the Ram 1500 TRX was effectively succeeded by the Ram 1500 RHO, which swaps the supercharged V-8 for a 540-hp twin-turbo inline-six. Although not as fast as the TRX, the RHO remains impressively quick, and its lighter engine significantly enhances handling and overall driving dynamics. Look for Ram to either elevate TRX performance way above the RHO, as it doesn't make sense for the company to sell two capable off-roaders with about the same power. Either way, the lineup retains more accessible rugged trims like the mid-grade 1500 Warlock and Rebel models.
Motor Trend
24-05-2025
- Automotive
- Motor Trend
2026 GMC Yukon Denali Review: Expert Insights, Pricing, and Trims
Reviewed by Bob Hernandez If the Cadillac Escalade feels too bold and the Chevrolet Tahoe too basic, the 2026 GMC Yukon Denali offers a balanced alternative. Since its 1999 debut, the Denali has grown into more than just a feature-rich trim—it's become a respected subbrand with its own identity. After a refresh last year, updates this year should be light. Full-size three-row SUV competitors include the Jeep Grand Wagoneer and Lincoln Navigator. What's New In addition to a stronger diesel powertrain, last year's Yukon refresh brought new levels of posh to the Denali by way of styling enhancements, a new sound system, and seating improvements. This year the model is mostly a carryover but could receive a new exterior paint color. This page will be updated with more insights and photos as information becomes available. What We Think The Yukon Denali has had a mixed track record with MotorTrend, but the refreshed model shows promise—although strong competition remains a major hurdle. A key highlight is the updated Duramax diesel engine, praised for its towing strength, improved fuel economy, and torque-rich driving feel. We've called the diesel a standout, especially on the Tahoe, and it brings the same strengths to the Yukon. Inside, the Yukon Denali's success hinges on more than just luxury features—it's about craftsmanship and the overall experience. If you want upscale comfort without the bold presence of a Cadillac Escalade, the Yukon Denali or Denali Ultimate are solid choices. Consider skipping the 24-inch wheels if you care about ride quality. Top-Ranked Competitors: Performance Yukon Denali comes standard with the lineup's 6.2-liter V-8. Output is rated at 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, and every version of the SUV features a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Denali is offered in RWD or 4WD, while the Denali Ultimate is available only with 4WD. Sprints to 60 mph with this powertrain happen in as little as an estimated 6.1 seconds. With the pre-refresh model's available Duramax 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-six, the Yukon Denali hit 60 mph in 8.0 seconds. The engine now makes 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque, up 28 hp and 35 lb-ft, so Denalis with this powertrain should be slightly quicker than before. MPGs and Range Both Yukon Denali powertrains are relatively thirsty, with the diesel engine being the more efficient choice. Fuel economy is 21/26 mpg city/highway with RWD and 20/26 with 4WD. Driving range with RWD is an estimated 552 miles and 528 miles with 4WD. Yukon Denali XL long-wheelbase models deliver slightly different range, in part because they come with a larger, 28-gallon fuel tank. Range is 644 miles for the XL RWD and 616 miles for the XL 4WD. With the 6.2-liter V-8, the Yukon Denali RWD standard wheelbase model is rated at 15/19–20 mpg city/highway, and the 4WD is rated at 14/18 mpg. Range ratings are 408 miles for the RWD, 384 miles for the 4WD, and 448 miles for both long-wheelbase models. Safety Features Blind-spot monitoring and intervention Front and rear automatic emergency braking Enhanced Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning HD Surround Vision 360 camera Automatic high-beams Cargo Space and Interior Room The Yukon offers more cargo capacity than the Lincoln Navigator. First-row legroom also compares favorably, but the GMC delivers less third-row space. Technology Infotainment Standard features include an 11-inch driver display and 16.8-inch central touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Recharging options include a wireless phone charging pad, USB ports in every row of seating, and two 120-volt outlets. Sound System The Yukon Denali features Bose audio. A 10-speaker system is the base setup, but GMC also offers 18- and 22-speaker systems. Available Upgrades Super Cruise hands-free driving tech is standard with the Denali Ultimate and available for the lesser Denali model. A head-up display and dual 12.6-inch rear screens are also available. Value Standard Features The Yukon Denali set its sights on the Navigators and Escalades of the world with strong base engines, a spacious, pampering cabin, and modern tech like huge screens and Super Cruise.
