When the 2025 Ram 1500 stopped offering the HEMI V8, it got a lot of negative feedback from loyal customers and performance fans. Recent news from Ram says that the famous 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine will return in the 2026 Ram 1500 lineup. Let’s explore everything about this bold move!
Fast-Tracked Development: From 18 Months to Six
The main obstacle to the 2026 Ram 1500 Hemi V8 return was the 2025 model’s electrical system, which wasn’t engineered to support the V‑8’s unique demands. To resolve this, Ram assembled a high-performance engineering team named “F15,” led by ex-SRT engineer Darryl Smith. This team compressed the anticipated 18-month development timeframe to just six months, leveraging mild-hybrid architecture from the Jeep Wagoneer, which already supported the Hemi's eTorque setup.
As a result, Ram will begin shipping 2026 Ram 1500 Hemi V8 trucks this summer—an entire year ahead of original predictions.
2026 Ram 1500 HEMI V8 Specifications and Availability
The 2026 Ram 1500 offers three engine options: 5.7L HEMI V8 with eTorque, 3.0L Hurricane Inline-Six (Standard Output) with 420 hp and 469 lb-ft of torque, and Hurricane Inline-Six (High Output) with 540 hp and 521 lb-ft of torque. Let’s look at the returning 5.7L HEMI V8 engine specs:
2026 Ram 1500 5.7L HEMI V8 with eTorque
The returning 5.7 HEMI V8 engine delivers 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. It is integrated with a 48-volt eTorque mild-hybrid system, which provides an additional 130 lb-ft of low-end torque, enhances acceleration, smooths shifts, enables start-stop, and regenerative braking. This engine has a performance-tuned sport exhaust system as well.
2026 Ram 1500 HEMI V8 Engine’s Capabilities
The 5.7L HEMI-equipped 2026 Ram 1500 maintains outstanding performance capabilities:
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Maximum towing capacity reaches 11,330 pounds
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Payload capacity can handle up to 1,750 pounds
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Ram offers a standard 33-gallon fuel tank with the HEMI, ensuring range isn’t compromised
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The combination of a performance-tuned sport exhaust, cylinder deactivation, variable cam timing, and a modern eight-speed automatic transmission completes a powertrain that enhances performance and practicality.
Which 2026 Ram 1500 Trim Levels Get the HEMI V8?
There are multiple trim levels for the 2026 Ram 1500 HEMI V8 engine, each with different features and prices. The HEMI V8 is the standard engine option on the higher-end Limited and Longhorn trims. This means buyers selecting these premium configurations automatically receive the 5.7 HEMI V8, complete with eTorque, performance exhaust, and a larger 33-gallon fuel tank, at no extra cost.
If you're selecting mid-range trims—Tradesman, Express, Big Horn/Lone Star, Warlock, or Laramie—you can choose to upgrade to the HEMI V8 by paying an additional $1,200. The Rebel trim will also receive the HEMI V8 option later in the model year, adding another off-road-oriented choice.
However, the RHO and Tungsten trims don’t offer the HEMI V8 option. These specialized trim levels focus on the twin-turbo Hurricane inline-six engines and high-end luxury features, effectively excluding the HEMI from their powertrain lineup.
The Return of the TRX Trim for 2026 Ram 1500
The HEMI V8 is coming back, and there are also strong signs that the Ram 1500 TRX, a high-performance off-road version, will be back in 2026. After the 2024 model year, the TRX was discontinued, but reports say that Ram may bring it back with more power, possibly more than the 702 horsepower of the previous model. This move aligns perfectly with Ram's goal of appealing to performance enthusiasts and solidifying its position in the high-performance truck market.
What does the 5.7L HEMI V8 mean for the 2026 Ram 1500?
The return of the 5.7L HEMI V8 in the 2026 Ram 1500 is more than just a blast of raw power—it’s a bold recommitment to what many customers genuinely wanted. This move strengthens Ram's position in the full-size truck market from a strategic perspective. The Hurricane inline-6 may have more horsepower than the V8, but the HEMI balances raw power, customer loyalty, and the need to stay competitive. It also takes into account the fact that Chevy and GMC have never given up on the V8, and Ram shouldn't either.
The HEMI comeback is more than just a single engine option. It's a statement of a larger philosophy: giving people real freedom by allowing them to choose between rumbling muscle, efficient torque, or hybrid-boosted power.
