Ram is putting the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 back in the 2026 Ram 1500, restoring a choice many truck buyers asked for after the engine’s 2025 hiatus. The revived V8 delivers 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque with the eTorque mild-hybrid system and an eight-speed automatic. Max towing is 11,320 pounds, which matches recent Hemi figures but remains below the Hurricane inline-six ratings.
What is new and what is not
- Powertrain: Same output as previous Hemi 1500, now integrated with the 2025 truck’s electrical architecture. Engineers revalidated multiple control modules to make the V8 work with the updated system.
- Exhaust: Sport exhaust is standard on Hemi trucks, restoring the characteristic V8 sound noted by multiple outlets.
- Configuration: Initial availability is Crew Cab only with the standard-length box, per early drive reporting.
Pricing and trims
Ram positions the Hemi as a $1,200 option on trims where the Standard Output 3.0-liter Hurricane is standard. On Limited and Longhorn, where the High Output Hurricane is standard, the Hemi is a no-charge swap. Ram excludes Tungsten and RHO from Hemi availability at launch, with Rebel coming later.
Capability and ride
Towing and payload are slightly reduced versus earlier years. The Hemi 1500 now tows up to 11,320 lb and loses roughly 90 lb of payload compared with a similarly configured 2024 truck. Ride quality, steering, and overall road manners remain a Ram 1500 strength according to first drives.
Badge and positioning
Every V8 truck gets a new fender emblem called the “Symbol of Protest”, depicting a Ram head on a V8 block. The branding debuts with the 2026 model as part of Ram’s course correction on engine choices.
Availability
Order books are open, and the first 2026 Ram 1500 Hemi trucks are shipping to dealers from Sterling Heights Assembly Plant.
Warranty note for Canada
Canadian buyers are set to receive a 10-year/160,000-km limited powertrain warranty on 2026 Ram models, including coverage for the 5.7-liter V8’s exhaust manifolds, according to The Car Guide’s reporting from Ram’s test program.
