Ram is doubling down on its core truck faithful for 2026, bringing back the legendary 5.7‑liter HEMI V‑8 with eTorque as a direct response to customer feedback. The revived HEMI hybrid setup is paired with a TorqueFlite 8HP75 eight‑speed automatic transmission and delivers 395 horsepower and 410 lb.-ft. of torque, while a standard GT Performance Exhaust adds extra attitude and a more assertive sound straight from the factory.
Expanded powertrain roster with serious towing credentials
The 2026 Ram 1500 offers four powertrain options, starting with the 3.6‑liter Pentastar V‑6 eTorque hybrid, rated at 305 horsepower and 269 lb.-ft. of torque, mated to a TorqueFlite 850RE eight‑speed automatic. Above that sit two Hurricane Twin Turbo 3.0‑liter I‑6 engines: the SO variant with 420 horsepower and 469 lb.-ft. of torque, and the HO version with 540 horsepower and 521 lb.-ft. of torque, both paired with the 8HP75 eight‑speed automatic. Maximum towing checks in at up to 11,610 lbs. with the Hurricane SO, while the Pentastar V‑6 eTorque tows up to 8,130 lbs., the HEMI V‑8 up to 11,320 lbs., and the Hurricane HO up to 10,000 lbs., with payloads ranging from 1,490 lbs. to 2,360 lbs. depending on configuration.
Ride quality, bed utility and towing tech turned up
A five‑link coil rear suspension continues to deliver best‑in‑class ride comfort, backed by an available class‑exclusive Active‑Leveling Air Suspension that enhances fuel efficiency, ride quality, off‑road capability, load leveling and ease of entry and exit. Bed functionality is elevated with the class‑exclusive RamBox cargo management system, relocatable tie‑down points, LED bed lighting, a bed divider and a multifunction tailgate with integrated center bed step, while advanced towing tech includes a fully digital rearview mirror with tow mode, trailer reverse steering control, Blind‑spot Monitoring with Trailer Tow Detection, and power trailer‑tow mirrors with adjustable convex auxiliary mirrors.
High-tech cabin: more screens, more comfort, more connectivity
Inside, the 2026 Ram 1500 claims segment‑leading tech with the most screen coverage in its class, including an available largest‑in‑class 14.5‑inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen, a segment‑first 10.25‑inch passenger screen, a 12.3‑inch digital instrument cluster, a digital rearview mirror and a full‑color Head‑up Display with a 10‑inch field of view. Available comfort and convenience features include 24‑way power front seats with massage, heat and ventilation, class‑exclusive dual wireless phone charging and integrated connectivity ports, plus best‑in‑class second‑row legroom with heated and cooled rear seats, an 8‑degree recline, flat‑load floor, integrated RamBins, tie‑down rings and expandable under‑seat storage; audiophiles can opt for an ultra‑premium Klipsch Reference Premiere audio system with 1,228 watts and 23 speakers.
Express, Black Express and a full lineup of trims and colors
For 2026, the Ram 1500 Express and Black Express return, bringing added style and value across all cab and bed configurations, from 4×2 and 4×4 Quad Cab with 6‑foot, 4‑inch bed to Crew Cab variants with 5‑foot, 7‑inch or 6‑foot, 4‑inch beds. The model lineup stretches from Tradesman, Express/Black Express and Warlock through Big Horn, Laramie, Rebel, RHO, Limited, Limited Longhorn and range‑topping Tungsten, while new exterior colors—Molten Red Pearl‑Coat, Silver Zynith and Serrano‑Green Metallic (late availability)—freshen the look; production is handled at the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant and Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant, and the 2026 Ram 1500 is in dealerships now.
