Engines Available in the 2026 Ram 1500
The 2026 Ram 1500 features one of the most diversified and interesting engine lineups the truck has ever offered. By pairing vintage powerplants with high-tech turbocharge technology and even resurrecting a discontinued fan favorite V-8, Ram has ensured that this model year offers something for everyone. From the workhorse V-6 to the high-output turbocharged six, all the way to the legendary HEMI V-8, consumers have ample choices that find a nice balance between performance, fuel efficiency, and heritage.
| Engine | Type | Output | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6L Pentastar V-6 (w/ eTorque) | Gas + mild hybrid | ~305 hp / ~270 lb-ft | Standard on base trims |
| 3.0L Hurricane I-6 (SO) | Twin-turbo inline-six | ~420 hp / ~469 lb-ft | Standard on Laramie/Rebel; optional on others |
| 3.0L Hurricane I-6 (HO) | Twin-turbo inline-six | ~540 hp / ~521 lb-ft | Standard on Limited, Longhorn, Tungsten, RHO |
| 5.7L HEMI V-8 w/ eTorque | V-8 mild hybrid | ~395 hp / ~410 lb-ft | Optional ($1,200) or no-cost (on Limited/Longhorn) |
| 6.2L Hellcat V-8 (TRX) | Supercharged V-8 | ~702 hp / ~650 lb-ft | Expected return via TRX variant |
3.6-Liter Pentastar V-6 eTorque
The base model still comes with Ram’s 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6. It’s been a long-time fixture in the family, and it’s loved for its smoothness and balance of power and fuel efficiency. At around 305 horsepower and just a bit under 270 lb-ft of torque, it’s more than adequate to get around on day-to-day driving, light towing, and general work tasks.
The V-6 is paired with Ram’s eTorque mild hybrid system. It makes use of a tiny electric motor-generator and 48-volt battery pack to provide added torque during acceleration, smoother stop/start driving, and better efficiency. For anyone requiring a budget-friendly, proven engine that won’t sacrifice reliability or drivability, the Pentastar V-6 remains an option.
3.0-Liter Hurricane Twin-Turbo I-6
One of the main engines in the 2026 models is the 3.0-liter Hurricane twin-turbocharged inline-six. The new engine replaces the classic 5.7-liter HEMI in the majority of trims and comes in two flavors: standard output and high output. It’s meant to provide more power and torque than the V-6 and better fuel economy than larger naturally aspirated engines.
Standard Output
The base output engine produces approximately 420 horsepower and nearly 470 lb-ft of torque. That’s a significant step up from the Pentastar V-6, and represents a fairly good compromise for those who need extra capability without necessarily requiring or desiring the more costly alternatives. The engine is tuned for towing and hauling as well as normal driving and still provides superior fuel economy figures to the older V-8 engines it replaces.
High Output
For maximum performance, the high-output Hurricane I-6 is the showstopper. With around 540 horsepower and over 520 lb-ft of torque, it takes the Ram 1500 to the top of the most powerful trucks in its category. This engine not only achieves rapid acceleration and stout towing ability, but also sets the direction for advanced, turbocharged sixes to outperform archaic V-8s for muscle. High-output Hurricane is offered on upper trims like the Tungsten and RHO, giving Ram a halo powertrain that combines raw power with advanced efficiency.
5.7-Liter HEMI V-8 with eTorque
Perhaps most talked about for 2026 is the comeback of the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8. Absent for one year, Ram responded to near-universal customer demand by bringing it back. It’s a long-time favorite for years for its retro V-8 sound, reliability-bolstered strength, and overall personality.
It now features the eTorque mild-hybrid system, making it operate more smoothly and providing an additional kick of torque under low-speed conditions. The output remains at around 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, which is enough for serious towing and hauling. The HEMI-powered Ram 1500 can tow up to around 11,600 pounds and haul a payload of nearly 1,800 pounds, proving that its performance is as awe-inspiring as its bark.
In terms of availability, the HEMI is on option on several trims and standard or a no-charge upgrade on some higher trims. For those buyers who can’t imagine driving a truck sans V-8, the 2026 Ram 1500 finally brings that back, but honors tradition while adding modern hybrid technology.
6.2-Liter Supercharged Hellcat V-8 (TRX)
While not part of the production roster, the TRX model will return in the 2026 model year. This off-road capability truck will once more be powered by the supercharged 6.2-liter Hellcat V-8. When it was last offered, this engine produced over 700 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque, one of the most extreme and exhilarating engines to have ever been sold in a pickup.
With its comeback in the TRX, Ram will once again offer performance enthusiasts uncompromised acceleration, off-road capacity, and the amount of power a few other trucks can even dream of offering. Not all customers need a supercharged monster, but that it is offered in the lineup gives Ram’s commitment to offering something for any truck enthusiast credibility.
Balancing Old and New
What is so compelling about the 2026 Ram 1500 engine line is the way it blends new technology with old familiarity. The Pentastar V-6 is still a reliable place to start, with the Hurricane twin-turbo six offering the future of performance in handsome horsepower and efficiency gains. And then there is the HEMI V-8 return in respect for loyal Ram buyers who yearned for the sound and personality of that engine to be included in the mix once more.
And for those that want the best, the TRX and its supercharged Hellcat V-8 will undoubtedly continue to push boundaries.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Ram 1500 will be one of the most capable trucks on sale, thanks in a big way to its very long list of available motors. Whether you need loads of everyday efficiency or sophisticated turbocharged technology, old-fashioned V-8 muscle, or supercharged nuttiness, Ram has an engine that suits your needs. By offering this variety of powerplants, Ram makes the 1500 accessible not only to old-school truck shoppers, but to those who demand cutting-edge capability.
In brief, the 2026 Ram 1500 provides engines that cover all the bases—practical workhorse through high-performance powerhouse—and is therefore a top-notch pickup truck option for pickup truck enthusiasts of all types.
Would you like me to also create a trim-by-trim analysis of which engines come as standard and optional on which trims of the 2026 Ram 1500? That could make this even more useful.
