BEHIND THE WHEEL: 2022 Ram 1500 TRX – A four-wheel-drive version for the rugged and refined

Sometimes you must get out of your comfort zone.

Case in point, the 2022 Ram 1500 TRX.

This one is a big one, but in a world where we need to know we can get from here to there safely no matter the situation, let me assure the Ram 1500 TRX trim is all you need.

The Ram 1500 offers a selection of trims – did you know you can even get the electric V6 or V8? However, the TRX is a step above all the trims mainly because it already comes with four-wheel-drive standard and that means this Ram 1500 is well aware of the rules of the game.

There is the new for 2022 Uconnect 5 infotainment system as an added feature if desired since we do live in our vehicles these days. This Ram 1500 is part of the fifth generation of 1500s introduced back in 2019. And, while I’m focused on the TRX trim, important to take note of the new trim packages in 2022, and for luxury top-shelf style look at the Limited.

But, let’s get back to the TRX since it’s a force all its own.

COMPETITION

The competition facing the 2022 Ram 1500 includes the Ford F-150, which increased its trim offerings recently and they even have a an electric option introduced in 2022.

Then there is the Toyota Tundra, which has been rehauled and the Chevrolet Silverado or the GMC Sierra 1500. It truly is a matter of preference, but the Ram won’t let you down. And as for what the TRX can do off road, the only real notable competition seems to be the Ford Raptor.

TRIM LEVEL

Concentrating on the TRX trim for the Ram 1500 offering, remember too there are other choices such as the Tradesman, Big Horn – known as the Lone Star in Texas – the Rebel, Laramie, Longhorn, and Limited.

The 2022 Ram 1500 offers two cab configurations the quad or crew cab and both come with four doors and a back seat. The crew cab also has the option of short or long bed or if you know you need the long bed the quad is your choice.

The TRX trim offers flared fenders, amber LED lights embedded into functional hood scoop, an upgraded engine cooling, a performance exhaust system, specialized lifted suspension with Bilstein adaptive dampers, 35-inch all-terrain tires, electronic locking rear differential, and underbody skid plates.

Keep in mind too, the higher the trim level, which includes the TRX, the better features that come standard. Some standouts for me were the 33-gallon fuel tank, which means less stopping for a refill on a road trip, RamBox cargo storage, dual-pane panoramic sunroof, digital rearview mirror, a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system and an automated parking system.

UNDER THE HOOD

The 2022 Ram 1500 TRX came onboard the lineup with 702-horsepower and that means running anywhere and everywhere is easy being it the desert or the mountains. Expect a smooth ride and high-end towing engine capability with this engine capability too with an eight-speed automatic and the standard four-wheel-drive. The supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine on this one is forever a favorite for the rugged adventurer and you can do zero to 60 in just about 4.3 seconds.

SAFETY FIRST

The all-important safety features include the basics that are on vehicles these days, but stand outs here include the adaptive cruise control meaning you will be notified of the safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you, a lane departure warning notification, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert and the much appreciated surround-view camera system.

INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR HIGHLIGHTS

The 2022 1500 is a good place to get comfy and there is plenty of room for all six passengers. The controls in the vehicle are intuitive and you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to know what to do to make the technology, music and many other features come alive.

For all inside the vehicle legroom and headroom are generous and there is actually more legroom in this one than the competition.

The 12-inch touchscreen, which is optional is a good choice and the graphics are clean and easy to see and understand. I especially appreciate the more than one USB and USB-C ports, and there is also Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone abilities.

You can play in the 2022 Ram 1500 TRX or get serious and for towing it is rated for up to 8,100 pounds when properly equipped with a payload maximum of 1,310 pounds.

I have also been a fan of the Ram brand and the trim level options mean you can find one that fits your needs, budget and lifestyle, I wholeheartedly approve.

Should You Need to Know: There is also a diesel engine on this one.

Miles: The miles per gallon on the 2022 Ram 1500 TRX came in at 10 miles per gallon in the city and 15 miles per gallon on the highway according to the Ram 1500 TRX Crew Cab 4X4 I drove.

Cost: The price for the 2022 Ram 1500 TRX I drove came in at $98,780, but this trim does start as low as $80,585.

Rita Cook is a member of Women’s World Car of the Year and Texas Motor Press. She writes books and covers the lifestyle, car, travel, crime, and politics beat. You can follow her at @ritatheroguewarrior on instagram and @ritacook13 on twitter.