The 2026 Ram 1500 reintroduces the Hemi V8 engine, offering a louder, less efficient, and more expensive option compared to the turbo-six, with a focus on sound and traditional V8 appeal rather than performance gains.
The article reviews three popular trucks—Ram 1500, Ford F-150, and Chevrolet Silverado 1500—highlighting their potential drawbacks such as high repair costs, reliability issues, and long-term expenses, suggesting that buyers should consider practicality and long-term costs over flashy features or towing capacity.
The 2026 Ram 1500 is returning to offer the iconic Hemi V8 engine, despite its lower performance compared to the newer Hurricane inline-six, accompanied by a new 'Symbol of Protest' badge to appeal to customer demand and nostalgia, with Ram also reintroducing hybrid tech through the eTorque system.
Ram has reintroduced the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 engine for the 2026 Ram 1500, after a period of switching to a six-cylinder lineup in 2025 that was poorly received. The V-8, producing 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, will be available as an upgrade on most trims for $1,200, featuring a new badge called the 'Symbol of Protest Badge.' The engine's return was expedited from an 18-month plan to just six months, thanks to a dedicated team led by Daryl Smith. Ram plans further product announcements, including a mid-size truck, with potential future engines like the supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 Hellcat.
Stellantis has unveiled its STLA Frame platform, designed for large vehicles like trucks and SUVs, which supports multiple energy sources including battery-electric, hybrid, and hydrogen. The platform's electric version offers up to 500 miles of range, extendable to 690 miles with a gas range extender, and features fast charging capabilities. It is set to be used in vehicles like the Ram 1500 Ramcharger and Jeep SUVs, although some releases have been delayed. The announcement comes amid criticism from dealers about Stellantis' vehicle affordability and brand management.
The 2025 Ram 1500 high-output I6 engine requires premium fuel, unlike the standard V6 and Hurricane 3.0-liter engines, and is designed for performance and emissions rather than fuel efficiency, featuring high-pressure fuel delivery and turbocharging. Stellantis's move to the new engine in the midst of the industry's electrification push reflects a focus on power and emissions reduction rather than cost savings.
The new 2025 Ram 1500 trucks feature lighter and more efficient inline-six engines, but they may not be cheaper to run due to their requirement for higher octane gasoline. The Standard Output engine can run on 87-octane fuel while offering improved fuel economy, while the High Output version requires at least 91-octane fuel to unleash its full power. Despite minor improvements in fuel economy, the higher fuel costs associated with the High Output engine may offset any savings compared to the previous V8 model.