2026 Ram 1500 Engine Options
The 2026 Ram 1500 arrives as the most capable and tech-loaded half-ton pickup in the brand’s history. Ram listened to its fans and brought back the legendary 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with eTorque, joining the next-gen Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six engines and the reliable 3.6-liter Pentastar V6.
From raw power to luxury touches, this truck mixes brawn and brains. Let’s dive into every spec that matters to shoppers — engine choices, performance, towing strength, fuel economy, bed dimensions, tech, and rival comparisons — all in one place.
⚙️ Quick Comparison Table
| Trim | Base Engine | Optional Engines | Starting MSRP* | Max Towing | Max Payload |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tradesman / Big Horn / Warlock | 3.6L Pentastar V6 (eTorque) | + 3.0L Hurricane SO / 5.7L HEMI | $42,000 – $58,000 | ≈ 8,100 lb | ≈ 2,360 lb |
| Laramie / Rebel | 3.0L Hurricane SO | + 5.7L HEMI | ≈ $62,000 – $66,000 | ≈ 11,600 lb | ≈ 1,900 lb |
| Limited / Longhorn / Tungsten | 3.0L Hurricane HO | + 5.7L HEMI (no charge) | ≈ $72,000 – $85,000 | ≈ 10,000 lb | ≈ 1,490 lb |
| RHO (Performance Trim) | 3.0L Hurricane HO only | — | ≈ $86,000 + | ≈ 8,300 lb | ≈ 1,520 lb |
*Estimated MSRP — varies by region and options.
🔩 Engines & Performance
✅ 3.6L Pentastar V6 with eTorque
305 hp / 269 lb-ft. Mild-hybrid assist adds smooth launches and better stop-start economy. Perfect for light duty or commuting.
⚙️ 3.0L Hurricane SO Twin-Turbo I6
420 hp / 469 lb-ft. A balanced engine for every day towing and cruising.
🔥 3.0L Hurricane HO Twin-Turbo I6
540 hp / 521 lb-ft. This replaces the TRX V8 with twin turbos and class-leading smooth torque.
💪 5.7L HEMI V8 with eTorque
395 hp / 410 lb-ft. The rumble is back — pure character and proven durability.
🛞 All engines pair to an 8-speed TorqueFlite automatic with RWD or 4×4 drivetrain choices.
👉 More performance comparisons are on the Ram 1500 engine chart at TruckReportGeeks.com.
🧲 Towing & Payload
- Max Towing: ≈ 11,610 lb (3.0L Hurricane SO) Car and Driver
- Max Payload: ≈ 2,360 lb (base V6 setup).
- GCWR: Varies by axle ratio and bed length — always check the door sticker.
- Trailering Tech: Available 360° tow cams and trailer assist features.
🧰 See the full towing and payload chart in our Ram 1500 Towing Capacity Guide.
🛻 Bed Sizes & Cargo Dimensions
🪵 Available Bed Lengths:
- 5′7″ short bed
- 6′4″ long bed
🔩 Inside width between wheel wells: ~51 inches.
🧳 Multifunction tailgate supports ≈ 2,000 lb load.
💡 Lockable RamBox storage adds weather-sealed tool bins and 12-volt outlets.
For precise measurements, visit Ram’s official 2026 spec sheet.
🛻 Interior Comfort & Design
Ram remains the benchmark for truck interiors.
- Crew Cab rear legroom beats many SUVs.
- Limited and Longhorn trims offer real wood and leather.
- Rebel and RHO feature sport bolstered seats and unique graphics.
- Active noise cancellation and optional air suspension create luxury ride comfort.
⛽ Fuel Economy (Estimates)
| Engine | City MPG | Hwy MPG | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6L V6 eTorque | ~20 | ~26 | Best efficiency overall |
| 3.0L Hurricane SO | ~19 | ~24 | Strong balance |
| 3.0L Hurricane HO | ~17 | ~22 | Performance-focused |
| 5.7L HEMI V8 | ~17 | ~23 | Classic sound and feel |
Official EPA ratings will be released near launch; MotorTrend coverage confirms Ram’s test figures align with these projections.
💰 Trim Levels & Pricing
| Trim | Base Engine | Optional Upgrade | Est. Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tradesman | 3.6L V6 | + Hurricane $1,700 / HEMI $2,900 | $42K – $50K |
| Big Horn | 3.6L V6 | + Hurricane or HEMI | $50K – $58K |
| Laramie | 3.0L SO | + HEMI $1,200 | $62K – $66K |
| Limited | 3.0L HO | — | $74K + |
| RHO | 3.0L HO | — | ≈ $86K + |
💡 Ram offers package upgrades for tow tech, suspension, and bed features.
🧠 Infotainment & Tech
- 12-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen (14.5-inch optional).
- Wireless CarPlay / Android Auto.
- Digital cluster + HUD.
- Harman Kardon audio (19 speakers).
- Wireless charging pads and USB-C ports.
- Over-the-air updates and trailer view systems.
🦺 Safety Features
🧭 Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go
🪩 Blind Spot Monitoring with Trailer Coverage
🚨 Automatic Emergency Braking
📷 360° Surround Camera and Trailer Reverse Assist
🛞 Air Suspension Auto-Leveling System
Ram’s latest ADAS suite matches Ford Co-Pilot360 and GM Super Cruise for utility.
🧾 Warranty & Maintenance
- Powertrain: 10 yrs / 100,000 mi (when registered with Ram Care).
- Basic Coverage: 3 yrs / 36,000 mi.
- Roadside Assistance: 5 yrs included.
⚖️ Rival Comparison (Table for Long-Tail Search)
| Metric | Ram 1500 (2026) | Ford F-150 | Chevy Silverado 1500 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Towing | 11,610 lb | 14,000 lb | 13,300 lb |
| Top Horsepower | 540 hp | 700+ hp (Raptor R) | 670 hp (ZR2 Hybrid) |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 yrs / 100k mi | 5 yrs / 60k mi | 5 yrs / 60k mi |
| Bed Options | 5′7″ / 6′4″ | 5.5′ / 6.5′ | 5.8′ / 6.6′ |
| Cab Comfort | Class-Leading | Strong | Mid-Pack |
📊 See our Full-Size Truck Towing Chart on TruckReportGeeks.
❓ FAQs
Which engine is best for towing?
The 3.0L Hurricane SO delivers best-in-class torque and tow capacity.
Is the returning HEMI worth it?
Yes for those who value classic sound and feel. The Hurricane wins on numbers, but not character.
Will there be a hybrid Ram 1500?
Yes — the Ram 1500 REV EV and Ramcharger plug-in hybrid arrive alongside this lineup.
When do EPA ratings drop?
Usually a few weeks before dealer delivery — check TruckReportGeeks for updates.
🏁 Conclusion
The 2026 Ram 1500 delivers a range of engines for every driver — from the efficient Pentastar to the power-packed Hurricane and the revived HEMI V8.
Combined with premium interiors, modern tech, and the industry’s longest powertrain warranty, it cements Ram as a serious leader for 2026.
If you found this guide useful, please like and comment below — your feedback helps others find the best truck for their needs.
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