Finding out what engines are available in the 2026 Ram 1500 helps you pick the right powertrain for your needs and budget. Ram offers multiple engine choices ranging from efficient twin-turbo sixes to a wild supercharged V8, each delivering different power levels and capabilities.

The 2026 lineup marks Ram’s full transition to turbocharged engines as the main option, with the Hurricane inline-six taking over from the legendary Hemi in most trims. Let’s break down every engine you can get and which one actually makes sense for how you’ll use your truck.

2026 Ram 1500 Engine Lineup at a Glance

Ram keeps things simpler for 2026 by focusing on the Hurricane twin-turbo engines across most of the range. The old days of Hemi V8s in every trim are basically done.

You’re picking between two main Hurricane versions in most 2026 Rams, with the supercharged TRX engine living in its own crazy world.

Complete Engine Options for 2026

Here’s every engine Ram offers in the 2026 Ram 1500:

Main engines:

• 3.0L Hurricane Standard Output Twin-Turbo I6
• 3.0L Hurricane High Output Twin-Turbo I6
• 6.2L Supercharged Hemi V8 (TRX only)

Limited availability:

• 5.7L Hemi V8 (possibly Classic models only)

The two Hurricane engines handle nearly all Ram sales for 2026. Unless you’re dropping $100k on a TRX or hunting down a rare Classic with the Hemi, you’re getting a turbo six.

3.0L Hurricane Standard Output Engine Details

The Hurricane Standard Output serves as the base engine across most 2026 Ram 1500 models. Don’t let “standard” fool you—this thing makes serious power.

Hurricane SO Power Specs

Here’s what the base Hurricane puts down:

Performance numbers:

• Horsepower: 420 hp @ 5,350 rpm
• Torque: 469 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm
• Displacement: 3.0 liters (183 cubic inches)
• Configuration: Inline-six with twin turbochargers
• Fuel type: Regular 87 octane
• Fuel economy: 19 city / 25 highway / 21 combined (2WD)

That torque number crushes what the old 5.7L Hemi delivered. And it hits peak twist at just 3,000 rpm, giving you instant grunt right off idle.

What Makes Hurricane SO Special

The standard Hurricane packs modern tech to deliver big power efficiently:

Key technologies:

• Twin turbochargers for quick response
• Aluminum block and heads (lighter than iron)
• Direct fuel injection for efficiency
• Variable valve timing on both cams
• Cylinder deactivation saves fuel
• Runs on cheap regular gas

This engine proves you don’t need eight cylinders to get V8-level power. The turbos make all the difference in the world.

Hurricane SO Towing Capability

The base Hurricane handles serious towing despite being the entry engine:

Towing specs:

• Max towing capacity: Up to 11,560 lbs (properly equipped)
• Max payload: Up to 2,300 lbs
• Low-end torque perfect for trailers
• Eight-speed auto transmission pairs perfectly
• Integrated tow/haul mode

Most people towing boats, campers, or work trailers will never need more than this engine delivers.

3.0L Hurricane High Output Engine Breakdown

The Hurricane High Output cranks everything up for buyers wanting maximum capability. This is Ram’s muscle truck engine for 2026.

Hurricane HO Performance Numbers

The high-output version delivers wild numbers:

Power specs:

• Horsepower: 540 hp @ 5,100 rpm
• Torque: 521 lb-ft @ 3,250 rpm
• Displacement: 3.0 liters (same block as SO)
• Configuration: Inline-six with twin turbos
• Fuel type: Premium 91 octane required
• Fuel economy: 16 city / 23 highway / 19 combined (2WD)

That’s 120 more horses than the SO version from the same basic engine. Ram cranks up the boost pressure and tunes everything more aggressively to get there.

Hurricane HO Performance Upgrades

The HO engine gets beefed-up internals to handle the extra power:

Upgraded components:

• Higher boost pressure from turbos
• Forged pistons and connecting rods
• Upgraded high-flow fuel system
• Enhanced cooling capacity
• Stronger transmission calibration
• Performance exhaust tuning

This engine requires premium 91 octane fuel to avoid knock. That’s a few extra bucks per tank but worth it for the crazy performance.

Hurricane HO Towing Power

The high-output Hurricane delivers class-leading towing numbers:

Towing capabilities:

• Max towing: Up to 12,750 lbs (best in class)
• Max payload: Up to 2,300 lbs
• Pulls mountain grades loaded without sweating
• More passing power than any competitor
• Perfect for heavy travel trailers and equipment

If you regularly tow over 8,000 lbs, this engine makes life way easier. That torque curve is absolutely addictive once you experience it.

6.2L Supercharged Hemi V8 (TRX Only)

The Ram TRX keeps its insane supercharged Hemi for 2026. This engine exists in a completely different universe from normal truck engines.

TRX Supercharged Specs

The TRX motor is absolutely bonkers:

Insane numbers:

• Horsepower: 702 hp @ 6,000 rpm
• Torque: 650 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm
• Displacement: 6.2 liters (376 cubic inches)
• Configuration: V8 with 2.7L IHI supercharger
• Fuel type: Premium 91 octane required
• Fuel economy: 10 city / 14 highway / 12 combined

That’s legitimate supercar territory in a pickup truck body. The supercharger whine is absolutely intoxicating if you’re into performance.

TRX Engine Technology

The supercharged beast gets everything needed to handle 702 hp reliably:

Performance features:

• IHI 2.7-liter roots-type supercharger
• Forged internals throughout engine
• Massive cooling system for sustained power
• High-flow fuel delivery system
• Custom exhaust with active bypass valves
• Heavy-duty everything under the hood

This engine guzzles premium gas like there’s no tomorrow. Budget $120+ per tank if you actually use that power regularly.

Who Actually Needs TRX Power

The TRX engine is total overkill for normal truck duties:

TRX makes sense if you:

• Want ultimate performance bragging rights
• Love desert pre-running and off-road racing
• Money is genuinely no object for you
• Need the fastest production truck made
• Regularly attend track days or performance events

For actual towing and daily driving, the Hurricane HO delivers 95% of the capability for literally half the price and way better fuel economy.

5.7L Hemi V8 Availability in 2026 Ram 1500

The traditional 5.7L Hemi V8 is basically extinct for 2026. Ram might offer it in extremely limited configurations but don’t count on finding one.

Where You Might Find a Hemi

Here’s the reality of Hemi availability:

Limited Hemi options:

• Possibly continues in Classic models (previous generation body)
• Maybe available in base Tradesman work trucks
• Not offered in current-generation luxury trims
• Availability varies wildly by region
• Check with actual dealers for confirmation

If you absolutely wanted a Hemi, 2025 was probably your last real chance. Ram is moving forward hard with the Hurricane lineup as the future.

Why Ram Ditched the Hemi

The Hurricane engines just make more sense for modern trucks:

Reasons for the switch:

• More power and torque than Hemi
• Better fuel economy across the board
• Meets stricter emissions standards easier
• Lighter weight improves handling and efficiency
• Lower manufacturing costs for Ram

The Hemi had an amazing 20+ year run, but turbocharged sixes are simply the future. They’re objectively better engines for what modern truck buyers need.

Hurricane Engines vs Traditional Hemi Comparison

Let’s compare what you’re getting with the new Hurricane versus the outgoing Hemi V8 head-to-head.

Raw Power Comparison

The Hurricane engines absolutely smoke the Hemi in output:

Power numbers side-by-side:

• Hurricane SO: 420 hp / 469 lb-ft
• Hurricane HO: 540 hp / 521 lb-ft
• Hemi V8: 395 hp / 410 lb-ft

Even the base Hurricane beats the Hemi by 25 hp and a huge 59 lb-ft of torque. The HO version isn’t even in the same ballpark—it’s playing a different sport.

Fuel Economy Battle

The turbo sixes also win decisively on efficiency:

MPG comparison (2WD models):

• Hurricane SO: 19/25/21 mpg (combined 21)
• Hurricane HO: 16/23/19 mpg (combined 19)
• Hemi V8: 15/22/17 mpg (combined 17)

The base Hurricane saves about 4 mpg combined versus the Hemi. Over 15,000 miles yearly, that’s roughly $400-500 in fuel savings annually.

Sound and Character Differences

This is where opinions split hard. The Hemi’s V8 rumble is absolutely legendary, while the Hurricane sounds totally different.

Sound comparison:

• Hemi: Deep V8 burble, classic American muscle sound
• Hurricane: Aggressive turbo whistle, modern performance tone
• Totally subjective personal preference here

Some truck buyers genuinely want that V8 soundtrack. If exhaust sound matters heavily to you, the Hurricane won’t satisfy you the same way a Hemi does.

Long-Term Reliability Considerations

The Hemi has over 20 years proving it lasts forever. The Hurricane is too new to have that track record established yet.

Reliability thoughts:

• Hemi: Proven to 300,000+ miles regularly in real-world use
• Hurricane: Unknown long-term durability (too new)
• Turbos add complexity and eventual replacement costs
• Time will tell how Hurricanes hold up long-term

If you’re keeping your truck 15+ years and 200,000+ miles, the Hemi’s proven track record offers more confidence. But the Hurricane uses proven turbo tech from Stellantis.

What Engines Come in Different 2026 Ram Trims

Different Ram trim levels come with different standard engines. Here’s what you’ll find across the lineup.

Tradesman and Express Trims

Base work truck trims start with the Hurricane SO:

• Standard: 3.0L Hurricane SO (420 hp)
• Optional: 3.0L Hurricane HO (540 hp)
• Possible: 5.7L Hemi (Classic models only)

These trims focus on capability over luxury, so the base Hurricane makes perfect sense here.

Big Horn and Lone Star Trims

Mid-range trims offer both Hurricane options:

• Standard: 3.0L Hurricane SO (420 hp)
• Optional: 3.0L Hurricane HO (540 hp)
• Hemi: Not available

The HO engine usually comes bundled with option packages on these trims rather than as a standalone choice.

Rebel Off-Road Trim

The Rebel comes standard with the Hurricane HO:

• Standard: 3.0L Hurricane HO (540 hp)
• Optional: Nothing (HO is only engine)
• Focus: Off-road performance needs the power

Rebel buyers want performance, so Ram doesn’t even offer the base Hurricane here. You’re getting 540 horses whether you want them or not.

Laramie Luxury Trims

Upper luxury trims also get the HO standard:

• Standard: 3.0L Hurricane HO (540 hp)
• Optional: Nothing
• Philosophy: Luxury deserves maximum power

Laramie, Longhorn, and Limited buyers expect the best engine, so the HO comes standard across these higher trims.

Ram TRX Performance Trim

The TRX is its own animal entirely:

• Standard: 6.2L Supercharged Hemi V8 (702 hp)
• Optional: Nothing else available
• Purpose: Ultimate performance at any cost

The TRX exists solely as a performance truck. You don’t get engine choices—you get the supercharged monster or you buy something else.

Real-World Fuel Economy Expectations

EPA numbers tell one story, but actual driving delivers different results. Here’s what real owners report seeing.

Hurricane SO Real-World MPG

Drivers with the standard Hurricane report these actual numbers:

Real-world economy:

• Highway cruising: 23-27 mpg (better than EPA)
• City driving: 17-20 mpg
• Combined: 19-22 mpg
• Towing trailers: 12-15 mpg depending on weight

Light-footed drivers beat EPA estimates easily. Aggressive driving or heavy towing drops numbers significantly but that’s expected.

Hurricane HO Real-World MPG

The high-output version drinks more but still beats most V8 trucks:

HO real-world numbers:

• Highway cruising: 21-24 mpg
• City driving: 14-17 mpg
• Combined: 17-20 mpg
• Heavy towing: 10-13 mpg

Remember this requires premium 91 octane fuel. Factor the roughly 15% cost difference into your fuel budget calculations when comparing to the SO.

Which 2026 Ram 1500 Engine Should You Choose

Your perfect engine depends entirely on how you’ll actually use the truck day-to-day.

Best for Daily Commuting

Winner: 3.0L Hurricane Standard Output

The base Hurricane delivers plenty of power for normal driving while achieving the best fuel economy. Regular gas keeps operating costs low too.

Daily driver reasons:

• Best MPG saves significant money
• 420 hp is plenty for everything normal
• Quiet, smooth, refined operation
• Cheapest to run long-term
• Regular gas versus premium

Best for Heavy Towing

Winner: 3.0L Hurricane High Output

If you’re pulling big trailers regularly over 8,000 lbs, the HO engine absolutely justifies its premium cost. That 521 lb-ft makes hauling heavy loads genuinely effortless.

Heavy towing reasons:

• Max 12,750 lbs towing capacity (class-leading)
• Massive low-end torque from 3,000 rpm
• Pulls mountain grades loaded easily
• Way more confidence when passing
• Better transmission cooling for sustained towing

Best for Pure Performance

Winner: 6.2L Supercharged Hemi V8 (if budget allows)

Nothing remotely touches 702 hp if you want the absolute ultimate performance truck experience. The TRX engine lives in its own league entirely.

Performance reasons:

• Most power by absolutely huge margin
• Supercharger delivers instant boost response
• Stupid-fast acceleration for a truck
• Ultimate bragging rights at car meets
• Factory warranty on crazy power

Best Overall Value

Winner: 3.0L Hurricane Standard Output

The base Hurricane offers the absolute best balance of power, economy, and cost. Most buyers genuinely won’t miss the HO engine’s extra grunt in real-world driving.

Value reasons:

• Thousands cheaper than HO upgrade
• Good enough power for 90% of uses
• Better fuel economy than HO
• Regular gas versus premium requirement
• Lower insurance costs typically

Engine Upgrade Costs for 2026 Ram 1500

Stepping up to better engines adds substantially to your purchase price. Here’s what those upgrades actually cost.

Hurricane SO to HO Upgrade Cost

Moving from standard to high-output Hurricane typically adds:

HO upgrade pricing:

• Direct engine upgrade: $2,500-3,500 depending on trim
• Often bundled within option packages
• Required standard equipment on some trims
• Worth it if you tow over 8,000 lbs regularly

The HO comes standard on Rebel, Laramie, and all higher trims. It’s optional on Big Horn depending on what package you choose.

Expected 2026 Base Pricing

The 2026 Ram 1500 pricing should stay similar to 2025 models:

Estimated pricing (MSRP):

• Tradesman SO: $40,000-45,000
• Big Horn SO: $48,000-52,000
• Rebel HO: $60,000-65,000
• Laramie HO: $55,000-60,000
• TRX: $95,000-100,000+

Add destination fees and options to these numbers. But they give you solid ballpark figures for budget planning purposes.

Conclusion

So what engines are available in the 2026 Ram 1500? Most buyers choose between two Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six engines—either the 420-hp Standard Output or the 540-hp High Output version. The legendary Hemi V8 is basically gone except possibly in Classic models, while the TRX keeps its wild 702-hp supercharged motor for performance junkies.

The Hurricane SO makes the most sense for daily drivers who want solid power and good fuel economy. Heavy towers should absolutely step up to the Hurricane HO with its class-leading 12,750-lb towing capacity and 521 lb-ft of torque. The TRX remains the ultimate performance option if money genuinely isn’t a concern for you.

Both Hurricane engines deliver objectively more power and better efficiency than the Hemi they replace. Test drive both if your dealer has them available and pick based on your actual towing needs and budget. The standard Hurricane handles most truck duties without breaking a sweat, while the HO version delivers supercar-level performance in a genuinely practical package.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the base engine in the 2026 Ram 1500?

A: The base engine is the 3.0L Hurricane Standard Output twin-turbo inline-six making 420 hp and 469 lb-ft of torque. It runs on regular 87 octane gas and achieves 19/25/21 mpg city/highway/combined in 2WD configuration. This engine comes standard in most 2026 Ram 1500 trims below Rebel level.

Q: Can you still get a Hemi V8 in the 2026 Ram 1500?

A: The 5.7L Hemi V8 has extremely limited availability for 2026, possibly only in Classic models or very select work truck configurations. Ram has moved almost entirely to Hurricane twin-turbo engines as standard. Check with local dealers, but don’t expect to find Hemi options in current-generation Rams easily.

Q: How much horsepower does the 2026 Ram 1500 have?

A: It depends on which engine you choose. The Hurricane Standard Output makes 420 hp, the Hurricane High Output produces 540 hp, and the TRX’s supercharged V8 cranks out 702 hp. Most buyers will have either the 420 or 540 horsepower Hurricane twin-turbo engines in their trucks.

Q: Does the 2026 Ram 1500 require premium gas?

A: Only the Hurricane High Output and TRX engines require premium 91 octane fuel. The Hurricane Standard Output runs perfectly fine on regular 87 octane gas, just like the old Hemi V8 did. Using regular in the HO engine reduces power output and triggers knock sensors to protect the engine.

Q: What is the towing capacity of the 2026 Ram 1500?

A: Maximum towing capacity reaches 12,750 lbs with the Hurricane High Output engine when properly equipped with the right axle ratio and towing package. The Hurricane Standard Output maxes at 11,560 lbs. Actual capacity depends heavily on cab style, bed length, drivetrain choice, and axle ratio selected.

Q: Which 2026 Ram 1500 engine is most reliable?

A: It’s too early to know definitively since the Hurricane engines are relatively new to the market. They use proven turbocharger technology from Stellantis, but don’t have the 20+ year track record of the Hemi V8. Early reports show minimal issues, but true long-term reliability won’t be clear for several more years and higher mileages.