In a candid interview with The Drive recently, Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis dropped a statement that’s already rippling through the truck world: if you need a daily-driven pickup, the new Ram RHO beats the resurrected TRX “way, way, way” every time. And coming from the man steering one of America’s most performance-obsessed truck brands, that’s not something you hear every day.
Let’s dive in.
The TRX needs no introduction. It’s the fire-breathing, supercharged 6.2-liter Hellcat-V8-powered off-road monster that made enthusiasts’ hearts pound when Ram brought it back to life for 2026. With 777 horsepower and a claimed 0–60 mph time of just 3.5 seconds, the TRX is the automotive equivalent of a double-espresso on wheels.
Take a Breath
But despite that grin-inducing grunt, Kuniskis clearly wants you to take a breath before plunking down that cash burning a hole in your wallet.
“If you want to drive this every single day as your only truck, the RHO is a way better option. It is an absolutely way, way, way better option,” he told The Drive, repeatedly emphasizing that the RHO’s strengths are its real-world usability and balance.
Why the distinction? Because trucks like the TRX are fun, but fun with a price, both at the pump and on the sticker. At over $102,000 when it lands at dealers later this year, and with supercar-like thirst for premium gasoline, the TRX is priced and purposed for occasional thrills rather than daily duty.
Compare that to the RHO, whose high-output inline-six still pumps out a respectable 540 hp and 521 lb-ft of torque, gets you from 0–60 mph in around 4.6 seconds, and costs around $75,640, a sizable savings with much more practicality. It was just the other day that we reported that Tesla CEO Elon Musk demonstrated a similar candidness when he said people should look elsewhere if safety is a priority for them—and he was talking about the upcoming Roadster.
“Purpose over Pizazz”
Kuniskis didn’t mince words: if your truck is function first (grocery runs, kids’ carpools, road trips, daily commutes), the RHO’s combination of performance and usability makes it the smarter pick.
“If you’re gonna buy a pickup truck, and you want this to be your fun, awesome, use-it-on-occasion truck, of course, price not being an object, of course you want the TRX,” he said in the sit-down. But, Kuniskis pointed out, most buyers need something that doesn’t treat everyday use like a punishment.
His point hits home because, even among hardcore truck buyers, few daily routines call for 700+ horsepower at every red light. Fuel economy, comfort, and overall cost of ownership matter, and that’s where the RHO plays its trump card.
More from the Conversation
While the RHO vs. TRX debate grabbed headlines from The Drive interview, Kuniskis had more to say about the state of Ram’s portfolio and the company’s outlook. In related discussions with the same outlet earlier this week, he tackled other hot-button topics like electrification and future product strategy.
On electrification, Kuniskis gave credence to the transition while offering a thoughtful caution: it’s “fantastic” and inevitable, but not something to force prematurely on customers who aren’t ready. He compared the shift to EVs with the historical transition from horse-drawn carriages to automobiles, inevitable, but evolutionary rather than revolutionary.
That nuance — balancing passion for visceral, engine-driven vehicles with an eye on future technology — seems to be a theme at Ram under his leadership. In fact, just days earlier, Kuniskis hinted in another The Drive interview that the iconic Ramcharger name might be resurrected for a future SUV, underscoring Ram’s willingness to tap heritage while broadening its lineup.
So, What Now?
If you’re writing checklists, it breaks down like this:
- TRX – pure emotion, head-turning performance, and unapologetic horsepower. A weekend warrior’s dream, a daily driver not so much.
- RHO – real-world speed, strong torque, and sensible pricing. A quick truck that can also be your everyday ride.
In Kuniskis’ own words: “That’s why we have so many choices in this industry, right?” It means trucks can be many things, and the best choice should depend less on bragging rights and more on your garage’s daily needs.
Source: The Drive