New 2026 Ram 1500 V-8 Review
For many years, Americans who want a vehicle that combines strength, comfort, and an aggressive appearance have chosen the Ram 1500. Many fans were saddened when Ram discontinued the famed 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 in 2025; it felt as if a bit of the truck’s soul had been removed. Ram will bring it back in 2026, along with the iconic loudness, character, and tradition that so many drivers have missed.
Why the V-8 Still Matters
Ram has been pushing its new twin-turbo Hurricane inline-six engines, and they’re great—strong, efficient, and modern. But the HEMI V-8 is more than simply numbers. It’s about history, feel, and emotion.
The sound alone sets it apart. The car appears to be alive because of its smooth, confident pull, snarl when you press the accelerator, and low rumble at idle. For people who grew up around V-8 pickups, this engine brings back memories and reminds them why they fell in love with trucks in the first place.
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Engine and Performance
The 2026 Ram 1500 V-8 uses the same 5.7-liter HEMI that was last offered in 2024. It produces 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Buyers can choose different axle ratios—3.21, 3.55, or 3.92—depending on whether they prioritize towing, fuel economy, or everyday balance.
When set up properly, this truck can tow up to 11,320 pounds. That’s the same as the versions driven by Hurricane. It may not be the fastest in Ram’s lineup anymore, but it still pulls hard. In past tests, HEMI trucks have gone from 0 to 60 mph in just over six seconds, which is plenty quick for a big pickup.
The Work Behind Its Return
Bringing the V-8 back wasn’t as easy as reinstalling it. Ram had updated the truck’s electrical systems in 2025, so engineers had to recalibrate 13 different modules to make sure everything worked together. The result is seamless—the HEMI feels perfectly at home in the 2026 Ram.
V-8 vs. Hurricane Six
The Hurricane appears to have the advantage on paper. They provide torque earlier in the rpm range and provide greater power, particularly in the high-output variant. That makes them quick, responsive, and efficient.
But the HEMI offers something the six-cylinders can’t: drama. It loves to rev, pulls strongly all the way to its 5,800-rpm redline, and thanks to a standard dual exhaust, it sounds meaner and more exciting. The Hurricane is practical; the HEMI is emotional.
Behind the Wheel
No matter which engine you pick, the Ram 1500 continues to ride like one of the most comfortable trucks in its class. The suspension tuning makes it feel closer to an SUV than a workhorse, with controlled body roll and direct steering. Long trips are easy, whether you’re on the highway or towing a heavy load.
With the HEMI, though, every drive feels special. From highway merges to hauling trailers, it brings extra confidence—and that unmistakable V-8 soundtrack.
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Price and Value
Opting for the V-8 will cost you about $1,200 more than the base Hurricane six. On paper, that means you’re getting less horsepower for a higher price. But for buyers who care about sound, feel, and tradition, that premium is worth it. The HEMI isn’t just an engine—it’s part of the truck’s personality.
Trims and Availability
The 2026 HEMI option isn’t offered across the entire lineup. You can only get it in Crew Cab models with the standard bed. While that rules out the Quad Cab and long-bed versions, the Crew Cab is by far the most popular setup anyway, offering the most passenger space and practicality.
Fuel Economy
As expected, the HEMI isn’t here to win efficiency awards. Depending on the trim, you can expect around 19–20 mpg combined, and up to about 23 mpg on the highway in lighter configurations. That’s behind the Hurricane, but most V-8 buyers don’t buy for mileage—they buy for character.
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Inside the Cabin
Step inside, and the 2026 Ram 1500 still impresses. Its cabin, which combines premium materials with cutting-edge technology, is among the best in the full-size truck industry. Even the entry-level versions are well-equipped, while higher trims like Laramie and Limited seem truly luxurious. The truck is as clever as it is durable thanks to its huge touchscreen, Wi-Fi, smartphone connectivity, and various high-end music systems.
