Could the Ram 1500 TRX be making a comeback in 2026?

It looks like the Ram 1500 TRX isn’t done yet. There’s growing speculation – led by Mopar Insiders – that production of the high-performance off-roader will start in January 2026. Ram hasn’t confirmed anything yet, but speculation suggests the TRX is lined up to make a comeback early next year.

The TRX had a brief but notable presence in Australia. It launched in mid-2021 and remained on sale for just under three years before wrapping up in early 2024. Locally, the trucks were converted to right-hand drive by RAM Trucks Australia and Walkinshaw, with demand frequently outstripping supply. The 6.2-litre supercharged V8 was eventually phased out due to tightening emissions regulations, and no direct replacement has been confirmed for the Australian market.

Earlier this year, Ram announced the return of its 5.7-litre HEMI V8 engine for the 2026 Ram 1500, after the engine was largely replaced by the 3.0-litre Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six in recent models. The V8’s comeback has been confirmed for Europe, where orders opened in July, and it will be offered alongside the Hurricane inline-six. Whether the HEMI will return to Australia remains uncertain.

The 5.7-litre HEMI V8 produces 294kW and 596Nm, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and an eTorque mild-hybrid system.

At the time, Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis said of the HEMI’s return: “Everyone makes mistakes, but how you handle it defines you. Ram screwed up when we dropped the HEMI – we own it and we fixed it. We’re not just bringing back a legendary V8 engine, we’re igniting an assertive product plan and expanding the freedom of choice in powertrain for our customers.”

He added: “Ram will continue to offer the more powerful and more efficient Hurricane Straight Six Turbo, but we heard loud and clear from consumers: there is no replacement for the iconic HEMI V8. At the end of each month, we count sales to customers, not statisticians or ideologues. Data be damned – we raise our flag and let the HEMI ring free again!”

If the rumours about TRX production starting early next year are true, we could see the TRX revealed before the end of 2025. And with SRT (Street and Racing Technology) back in the mix, the TRX’s return could shake up the full-size performance ute scene once again.