2026 Ram 1500 Engine Options: HEMI V-8 Returns Alongside Hurricane Power

The 2026 Ram 1500 marks a major shift with the return of the HEMI V-8 — back by popular demand after being ditched in 2025. Now sitting alongside the Hurricane twin-turbo engines and the trusty Pentastar V-6, Ram’s decision gives Bayside truck shoppers more powertrain choices than they’ve had in years.

HEMI V-8 Makes Its Triumphant Return

Ram’s decision to drop the HEMI V-8 for the 2025 model year didn’t go down well with customers, causing a significant drop in sales. Fortunately, the company acted fast, announcing the return of the HEMI engine for the 2026 Ram 1500. Over 10,000 orders for the new V-8 model were received within just 24 hours of its launch.

Pricing for the HEMI V-8 starts at $2,895 more than the V-6 model and $1,200 more than the standard-output Hurricane, though Limited and Longhorn trims get the V-8 at no extra cost. Every HEMI-powered 2026 Ram bears the Symbol of Protest Badge — a nod to customer demand for the V-8’s return. For local buyers who’ve missed that signature V-8 rumble, the wait is finally over.

5.7-Liter HEMI V-8: Classic Power Meets Modern Efficiency

The returning 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 packs a punch, delivering 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque and going from 0 to 60 mph in 6 seconds. A mild-hybrid setup adds 130 lb-ft of instant torque when you hit the gas, thanks to a 430-watt-hour lithium-ion battery. This means you get that classic V-8 growl with the smoother performance that HEMI fans crave.

Importantly for Bayside buyers, towing capacity maxes out at 11,330 pounds with a payload capacity of 1,750 pounds. That’s more than enough for hauling boats to Long Island Sound or moving construction gear around Queens.

3.0-Liter Hurricane Twin-Turbo I-6: Advanced Forced Induction

On paper, Ram’s Hurricane twin engines outperform the HEMI. The standard-output version makes 420 horsepower and 469 lb-ft of torque, while the high-output option delivers 540 horsepower and 521 lb-ft of torque, putting it in the same league as specialty sport trucks.

These engines are fast. Car and Driver clocked both Hurricanes hitting 60 mph in under 5 seconds. Towing capacity stays strong, too, with the standard-output models pulling a class-leading 11,610 pounds with 1,930 pounds of payload. High-output versions manage 9,990 pounds of towing capacity and 1,390 pounds of payload.

Fuel economy is solid for a truck of this size, with the standard-output model getting 17 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway, and 19 mpg combined, while the high-output version returns 15 mpg in the city, 21 mpg on the highway, and 17 mpg combined. These figures compare favorably with the HEMI V-8’s 16 mpg in the city, 20 mpg on the highway, and 18 mpg combined.

3.6-Liter Pentastar V-6 With eTorque: Proven Reliability

Don’t dismiss the base engine in the 2026 Ram 1500. This 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 with eTorque makes a solid 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque while carrying the best payload rating of any 2026 Ram at 2,360 pounds. The system includes smart stop-start technology, variable valve timing, and two-step valve lift for smooth operation.

With 8,130 pounds of towing capacity, Bayside owners can pull smaller boats and campers without issue. The eTorque system provides extra torque for better acceleration and helps save gas during typical stop-and-go New York traffic. It’s a smart combination that performs better than the specs suggest.

Transmission Pairings and Drivetrain Options

All 2026 Ram 1500 engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Shifts are buttery smooth whether you’re crawling through city traffic or hauling a trailer upstate.

Rear-wheel-drive models offer better gas mileage, while four-wheel-drive setups are ideal for New York winters and weekend adventures. Crew Cab models offer the optional Active-Level Four Corner Air Suspension that automatically lowers the truck at highway speeds to reduce drag.

What Else Is New for 2026?

A new budget-friendly Express trim joins the Ram 1500 lineup for 2026, featuring fresh styling with black accents and a dark-grey interior trim. A new Black Express Package is also on offer, featuring 20-inch black aluminum wheels, body color bumpers, a sport performance hood, and black cloth front bucket seats.

Find Your Perfect 2026 Ram 1500 Engine in Cortlandt, NY

The 2026 Ram 1500 lineup gives you more choices again. If you want maximum performance and capability, go with the Hurricane, but if you miss that classic V-8 rumble, opt for the HEMI.

Want to try these trucks for yourself? Contact us at Bill Volz Westchester Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Cortlandt and schedule a test-drive to get behind the wheel of each one.

Images from ramtrucks.com

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