Is RAM TRX 4x4 or AWD?
The Ram TRX is a four-wheel-drive pickup, not an all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicle. It relies on a dedicated 4x4 drivetrain with a two-speed transfer case and selectable modes to deliver power to both axles when needed.
To understand why this distinction matters, it comes down to how traction is distributed and how the system behaves under different conditions. The TRX is engineered for high-performance driving that can dip into off-road capability, which is fundamentally different from a typical AWD setup that stays engaged across most driving situations.
Drivetrain basics
In general terms, 4x4 means the vehicle can send power to both the front and rear axles, typically via a transfer case with selectable gear ranges. AWD, by contrast, usually delivers power to all wheels continuously and is designed to optimize traction on pavement and light off-road surfaces without requiring driver input. The Ram TRX clearly falls into the 4x4 category, not AWD, with features aimed at serious off-road use as well as street performance.
Key 4x4 features in the Ram TRX include:
- Two-speed transfer case enabling 4WD High and 4WD Low
- Electronic shift-on-the-fly to engage 4x4 modes from the driver's seat
- Rear electronically locking differential for improved traction in slippery or uneven terrain
- Drive-mode tuning and stability controls calibrated for high-performance 4x4 driving
These specifications underline that the TRX is built around a robust, purpose-built 4x4 system designed for both extreme off-roading and high-speed on-road performance, rather than a conventional AWD setup.
4x4 vs AWD in practice
Is the TRX equally suitable for all-drivetrain needs? In practice, the TRX’s powertrain is configured as a traditional 4x4. Drivers can select 2WD for highway cruising to optimize fuel economy, but when traction is challenged—whether on dirt, mud, snow, or rocks—the 4x4 High or 4x4 Low modes provide the necessary torque transfer and control. AWD, by comparison, would keep power to all wheels more continuously and implicitly, without requiring the driver to engage a transfer case.
How the TRX engages four-wheel drive
The system relies on a driver-selectable transfer case that offers 4WD High for typical low-traction scenarios and 4WD Low for steep climbs or difficult surfaces. The electronic controls and the rear differential locking work together to maximize grip when conditions demand it. In normal driving, the vehicle can operate in 2WD to maximize efficiency, with 4x4 options available as needed.
Summary
In short: the Ram TRX is a 4x4 pickup, not an AWD vehicle. It uses a two-speed transfer case, selectable 4WD modes, and a rear electronic locking differential to deliver traction in challenging conditions, while still providing on-road performance and the option to operate in 2WD for efficiency. This combination sets the TRX apart from typical all-wheel-drive trucks designed for everyday use.
