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The 2026 Ram 1500 is roaring back with the iconic 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine, a move that’s leaving our truck fans buzzing. It’s got original HEMI power reimagined with a modern twist, the eTorque mild hybrid system. Add that to Ram’s new “Never Stop Being American” campaign, the return of the value-packed 1500 Express trim, and an industry-leading powertrain warranty, and you’ve got a pickup that’s as much heart as it is innovation! Let’s break down these exciting updates for our Ram lovers.
The Classic HEMI V-8 Comes Back
Yes, the Ram 1500 has won MotorTrend’s Truck of the year three times, most recently in 2025. But the 2026 model? This is the truck that’ll haul your trailer through Apopka and smoke your cousin’s Silverado at the red light on US-441. Because for Ram fans, the HEMI V-8 isn’t just an engine. It’s a lifestyle.
Since 2003, its deep growl and power have defined the Ram 1500, and after fans pushed back against its absence last year, Ram brought it back for 2026 with all the muscle we love and expect. Paired with a performance-tuned exhaust and a 33-gallon fuel tank, the HEMI’s rumble is as iconic as ever.
- 395 horsepower + 410 lb.-ft. of torque
- Up to 11,470 pounds of towing
- 1,750-pound payload
This engine will be offered across trims like the Tradesman, Big Horn, Express, Warlock, Laramie, and the Rebel (late availability). It’s a $1,200 option on most trims but comes at no extra cost on Limited and Longhorn models.
The return of the HEMI is also a direct response to customer demand, intended to expand the customer’s freedom of choice. Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis even admitted, “We screwed up when we dropped the HEMI—we own it, and we fixed it.”
To celebrate the occasion, every HEMI-equipped 2026 Ram 1500 sports a “Symbol of Protest” badge. This is a Ram’s head charging over a stylized HEMI V-8 block, a nod to the fans who made the revival happen. Over 10,000 orders poured in within 24 hours of the announcement.
Celebrating with Never Stop Being American
Ram’s new “Never Stop Being American” marketing campaign launched shortly after the engine announcement, which captures the brand’s unapologetic, patriotic spirit. Paired with the tagline “Nothing Stops Ram,” it salutes the HEMI’s return and Ram’s commitment to its roots. The video series also shares not just the return of the HEMI, but Ram’s comeback to NASCAR racing. This is all for the truck fans who see their Ram as a symbol of hard work, freedom, and American pride.
What is the HEMI Engine?
“HEMI” gets its name from ‘hemispherical.’ The engine’s hemispherical combustion chambers, shaped like a half-circle, allows for air and fuel to mix better inside of the chamber so that it burns more efficiently. That provides the engine with more power, and is a popular choice in trucks and muscle cars for that reason.
The Twist with eTorque Hybrid Technology
What sets this HEMI adaptation apart from the original model is the eTorque mild hybrid system. This is an upgrade that improves performance without losing any raw grit or power. And, you’re still buying a gas-powered Ram. The eTorque system just improves the engine’s efficiency in ways you’ll notice during everyday driving and towing.
Do you plug in the eTorque System?
Nope! There’s no plugging in or charging stations involved. The eTorque system on this Ram 1500 is not built like a traditional hybrid or electric car. It’s just a mild hybrid, which uses a 48-volt battery and a belt-driven motor-generator to help with engine functions. Everything charges automatically as you drive and no extra steps are required for the driver.
What are the benefits of the eTorque on the 2026 Ram 1500?
The eTorque system basically takes the place of the truck’s alternator. Instead of charging the battery like a traditional alternator, it uses a belt-driven generator and a battery pack (which is air-cooled, holds 430 watt-hours, and sits behind the rear seat). This setup helps with a few key things:
- Quick Start/Stop: Fast engine stop-start at traffic lights or in traffic, saving fuel without the clunky feel of older systems.
- Torque Boost: Up to 130 lb.-ft. of extra torque on initial acceleration, making the truck feel punchier off the line.
- Regenerative Braking: Captures energy during braking to recharge the battery.
- Smoother Drive: Improves gear shifts, smooths transitions during acceleration and braking, and reduces noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH).
- Fuel-Saving Tech: While exact MPG figures for 2026 are pending, prior HEMI eTorque models achieved EPA-estimated 18/23 MPG (city/highway) in 2WD. Combined with variable camshaft timing and cylinder deactivation (shutting off four cylinders under light loads), eTorque makes the HEMI thriftier without less power.
Overall, the eTorque adds enough technology to make the engine more responsive on the road while keeping the HEMI’s classic V-8 character intact.
The Best Powertrain Warranty at 10 Years/100,000 Miles
Ram also announced a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty for the 2026 models on June 18, 2025. This covers major parts like the engine, transmission, transfer case, driveshafts, differentials, and axles. It applies to the Ram 1500 (including HEMI eTorque models), 2500, 3500, Chassis Cab, and ProMaster vans (excluding full EVs). This new warranty will outpace Ram’s competitors like Ford, GM, and Toyota, who offer the typical 5-year/60,000-mile coverage.
Affordable Style Returns with the Ram 1500 Express
Ram also reintroduced the 1500 Express trim in May. This trim is a value-focused option starting at $44,495 (including destination). Slotting between the Tradesman and Big Horn, it’s the successor of sorts to the Ram 1500 Classic, offering aggressive, edgy styling and sleek features at a price below the average new-car cost.
Available in Quad Cab or Crew Cab with 2WD or 4WD, the Express comes standard with a 305-hp 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6, but the HEMI V-8 eTorque is an option for those craving V-8 power. The $995 Black Express package also adds a sport hood, black badging, 20-inch black wheels, LED fog lights, and cloth bucket seats for a monochromatic look. Orders are open with deliveries expected in Q3 2025.
Come Test Drive Your New Ram Truck
The 2026 Ram 1500 HEMI V-8 eTorque is a love letter from Ram. After the 2025 shift to Hurricane twin-turbo I-6 engines, fans demanded a bring back of the V-8. Now, Ram expects 25-40% of buyers to choose the HEMI, and compared to the Ford F-150’s 5.0L V-8 or Chevrolet Silverado’s 5.3L V-8, we believe that the HEMI eTorque offers an amazing blend of classic power and hybrid efficiency, backed by the best warranty in the game.
Pair this all with Ram’s powerful features like air suspension, 50+ inches of digital displays, and luxurious trim offerings like the Tungsten, and you’ve got a truck that’s as bold as you are. We love that Ram’s doubling down on its identity as the truck for those who live big, work hard, and never back down. Do you? Let’s fire up that HEMI.
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