Roush, best known for transforming Ford trucks, has unexpectedly turned its attention to the Ram 1500 with a new off-road package.
Roush has built its reputation on high-performance Ford trucks, but the company is now stepping into Ram territory. Its latest offering is the Direct Connection package for the 2027 Ram 1500. The name may not grab much attention, but the upgrades themselves are far more interesting.
The package starts with a 2027 Ram 1500 Big Horn Crew Cab powered by the naturally aspirated 5.7-liter HEMI V8. The engine still produces 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, while the eTorque mild-hybrid system provides an additional 96 lb-ft of launch assistance. Roush left the powertrain untouched, and that's likely to be the biggest criticism from enthusiasts.
Instead, the company focused on suspension, styling, and sound. The factory suspension has been replaced with Roush Performance coilovers, tuned to improve on-road handling while delivering better capability on rough trails. The truck rides on 18-inch wheels wrapped in 33-inch General Tire Grabber A/TX all-terrain tires, while illuminated fender flares give it the aggressive stance many feel the stock truck lacks.
The active exhaust system features black-finished tips and lets drivers switch between a subdued highway tone and a deep, throaty HEMI rumble at the push of a button. The soundtrack brings to mind the legendary Ram TRX, but without a supercharger, it simply can't deliver the same level of performance.
Additional upgrades include a 3.92 rear axle ratio, a locking rear differential, steel skid plates protecting the engine and transmission, an integrated trailer brake controller, and a factory-style towing package. Inside, the changes are minimal, limited to Roush-branded floor mats and illuminated door sill plates.
The Direct Connection package carries a price tag of just under $16,000. Combined with the base truck, the total comes to roughly $79,000. Roush backs its modifications with a 3-year/37,000-mile warranty.
The company has already confirmed that a supercharger kit for the Ram 1500 is in development. Until then, this is a truck that looks considerably tougher than it performs—and sounds far meaner than its output suggests.