Over a year ago, Ram was going in a bold new direction. The refresh of the 1500 marked a pivotal moment for the brand famous for its classic V8 engines. It featured new trim structures, updated tech, and a transition away from the Hemi to the new Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six. Ram made it clear: this was the engine of the future.
The 3.0-liter engine gained attention, too. It was, and still is, powerful. It’s fuel efficient (compared to the V8), and it’s refined on the road. On paper, that sounds like a win-win. In reality, it left plenty of fans complaining about what they saw as part of the brand’s identity getting thrown in the garbage.
Read: We Drove The New Ram RHO And Everyone Asked One Thing
For the 2026 model year, Ram is back to listening to those fans as it has returned the legendary Hemi to the lineup. In fact, we just finished a week of testing it underneath the hood of a Ram 1500 Limited Longhorn. Our test truck had a base price of $89,380, and that includes destination and delivery.
Quick Facts
SWIPE
Over the week, we loaded up the bed, hauled plenty of building materials, and shuttled friends and family around town. We even took it off the pavement and onto some dirt and gravel.
At this point, it’s clear that having the option of a Hemi V8 will be good for Ram because that’s what its customers want. Is it actually worth selecting for anything other than nostalgia’s sake? Read on to find out.
Styling
Photos Stephen Rivers / Carscoops
If you’ve read our other reviews on the latest version of the Ram, you’ll know most of what there is to know about how this truck looks. The brand didn’t switch things up visually just yet for this relatively young generation of the 1500. Compared to the last version, this truck features subtle tweaks and refinements rather than wholesale design changes.
The front fascia now has a cleaner appearance with a slightly reshaped grille and more purposeful lighting elements. In particular, the headlamps and signature daytime running lights appear sharper. From the side, the profile remains familiar: long, muscular, and assertive. The prominent wheel arches and squared-off lines give the 1500 a purposeful stance, while subtle brightwork on select trims adds visual relief.
For anyone who has spent time around other full-size pickups, the 2026 Ram maintains instant recognition without looking dated.
At the rear, the taillights feature similar detailing to what we see in the headlights. Dual exhaust tips are standard on the Hemi but are also abundant throughout the inline-six lineup, as well. Ram has also incorporated updated plastic fender cladding for a more seamless appearance with the sheet metal.
Across the entire truck, there are only two subtle nods to the V8 under the hood. Each fender features a small badge that Ram calls the “symbol of protest.” It incorporates a Ram’s head into a V8 engine motif. These two spaces are the only ones that reveal that this is a Hemi and not a Hurricane.
Interior
Photos Stephen Rivers / Carscoops
Step inside, and the 2026 Ram 1500 Hemi continues a tradition that has made Ram one of the leaders in full-size pickup interiors. The materials are a step above the standard expectation, with soft-touch panels, leather-wrapped surfaces, and well-integrated stitching that communicates quality without feeling showy.
The switchgear is logical, tactile, and easy to operate, even in low light. The center stack has been minimally revised, but the updates improve functionality rather than aesthetics alone. The seating is good, too. Our test truck had eight-way adjustable buckets, but Ram will sell you versions with a massage function if you’re willing to pay for it.
More: Get Ready For A New Ram Hemi Street Truck
Rear passengers enjoy heated seats, ample legroom, and good headroom. In line with other high-trim 1500 models, the rear seats can comfortably accommodate adults on extended trips, and storage is plentiful throughout the cabin.
The center console, glovebox, and door pockets are intelligently laid out, giving drivers and passengers multiple options for stowing daily essentials.
Tech continues to dominate the interior experience. Our Hemi-equipped test truck came with a 14.4-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen as the centerpiece of Ram’s Uconnect infotainment system. It’s still quick, responsive, and highly functional.
The front passenger benefits from a dedicated secondary screen, allowing independent media control or navigation input.
A digital gauge cluster provides a wealth of configurable information, and a heads-up display offers useful data without taking attention away from the road. Steering wheel controls, now paired with leather and in this case, genuine wood accents, make interacting with these systems intuitive.
Photos Stephen Rivers / Carscoops
Storage innovation hasn’t been neglected. Ram’s 60/40 split tailgate is a standout feature, allowing flexibility in bed loading. The bed itself accommodates up to 1,520 pounds of payload, and buyers can option RamBox compartments with lockable storage and external power access.
Even small touches, like hidden spaces beneath the rear seats and clever interior nooks, elevate the truck beyond purely utilitarian expectations.
Drive Impressions
The star of this truck, of course, is the 5.7-liter naturally aspirated Hemi V8. On paper, it produces 395 hp (295 kW) and 410 lb-ft (556 Nm) of torque, slightly lower than the high-output Hurricane variants, but the numbers tell only part of the story.
Unlike turbocharged engines, which require some ramp-up to hit peak torque and horsepower, the Hemi’s response is immediate and predictable. Every press of the throttle translates directly into motion, with no lag, no artificial build-up, and no reliance on electronics to manage boost.
The V8 feels particularly strong at low RPM, where city driving, merging, and towing scenarios benefit most. While it doesn’t deliver the same peak numbers as the inline-six, the Hemi’s linear power delivery and immediate response give it a confidence-inspiring character that turbocharged setups can’t quite replicate. Acceleration is smooth and sustained, making merging onto highways or overtaking slower traffic effortless.
The Hemi’s exhaust note further distinguishes it from the Hurricane. The engine offers a low, muscular growl that’s particularly satisfying under moderate load. It’s not loud or intrusive, but it provides audible feedback that enhances the driver’s connection with the truck.
Unlike the inline-six, which is more refined and less expressive, the Hemi reminds occupants that this is a traditional V8 at its core—a subtle, visceral presence that appeals to enthusiasts.
Fuel economy is modest by modern standards. The EPA estimates 15 mpg combined, with 14 mpg city and 16 mpg highway. In our mix of city and highway driving, we averaged around 14.4 mpg, slightly below the official ratings but consistent with a truck of this size and capability.
For buyers focused on performance and driving enjoyment rather than efficiency, and there are plenty of them, the tradeoff is likely acceptable.
As for handling, this is a full-size truck, so it’s not exactly a joy to pilot. It’s big and can feel a bit oversized for many roads and parking lots. That said, of all the full-size trucks out there, Ram’s coil-spring front and five-link rear suspension is the best of the bunch. It handles road imperfections gracefully, keeps the truck from rolling and pitching to an uncomfortable degree, and offers good feedback.
With a crew cab and the 67-inch bed, maximum towing reaches 11,490 pounds, while the payload rating peaks at 1,520 pounds (689 kg). Those numbers put it in line, albeit lower than the Hurricane-powered variants, proving that buyers don’t sacrifice much work capability when choosing the traditional V8.
Competition
With the return of the Hemi, Ram can go toe to toe with Ford and Chevrolet on equal footing. Sadly, it doesn’t exactly shine on paper. Both Ford and Chevrolet boast higher maximum towing figures with their V8 offerings.
In addition, Ram charges customers at least $46,315 to get the Hemi, which is more than Chevrolet’s Silverado with the 5.3-liter V8. Notably, Ford’s V8 F-150 is the most expensive of the bunch at over $50,000.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Ram 1500 Hemi demonstrates that even in a world of high-output turbocharged six-cylinder trucks, there is still a place for a traditional naturally aspirated V8.
It doesn’t produce as many peak numbers as the inline-six, but it delivers an engaging character, predictable throttle response, and a driving experience that feels inherently connected. It’s linear, confident, and remarkably well-suited to daily use, with enough towing and payload capacity to satisfy most buyers.
The reality is that it’s a downgrade on paper, but an upgrade from the driver’s seat. It won’t break performance records against the twin-turbo trucks, but it may well be the most satisfying pickup to drive for those who understand what a proper V8 brings to the table.
Speaking of breaking, it’s hard to break turbochargers, wastegates, and intercoolers when they’re not on the engine to begin with. Maybe that’ll be the legacy of the Hemi more than anything else. Simple, strong functionality in the face of ever more complicated engines.
Photos Stephen Rivers / Carscoops
