2026 Ram 1500 Review

Stellantis believes that the Hemi will return in 2026, as many customers were upset that it was removed from the 2025 Ram 1500. The renowned 5.7-liter V-8 engine still makes the same amount of power: 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque. In the Tradesman, Express, Warlock, Big Horn/Lone Star, and Laramie trims, the V-8 engine costs $ 1,200. If you want it, though, it’s free in the Limited and Longhorn trims. Stellantis hasn’t provided a specific date, but the Hemi will also be available on the Rebel. A new, low-cost model called the Express trim will be added to the Ram 1500 lineup in 2026. The Express differs from other cars in its dark gray interior trim and blacked-out light bezels. It comes in either a quad or crew cab body style and is available with either rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. This year, the Black Express look option is also available. It costs $995 and can be added to both the Quad Cab and the Crew Cab body types. The Unique Sport hood, 20-inch black wheels, black cloth bucket seats, and black exterior badges are all included in the package.

Pros: 

• This is our 2025 Truck of the Year.
• Hemi V-8 or Hurricane I-6 the choice is yours.
• There are many features and trims to choose from.

Cons: 

• The engine isn’t very strong.
• When towing, you can’t use tools that help the driver.
• It’s unfortunate that the “Symbol of Protest Badge” is there.

The Ram 1500 now comes with a V-6, a V-8, and a twin-turbocharged inline-six fuel engine. The eight-speed automatic gearbox in both of the six-cylinder cars shifts smoothly. With the help of a 48-volt hybrid engine, the base V-6 makes 305 horsepower. The famous 5.7-liter Hemi is back after a short break. It makes 395 horsepower with a mild hybrid setup. The Hurricane is what Ram calls the twin-turbo inline-six engine, and it takes 420 to 540 horsepower. After trying it in a crew-cab Limited 4×4, we are sure that this engine’s 540 horsepower is more than enough for truck work. Its engine is also very well made. The 420-horsepower version of this engine produces a significant amount of power. For those who are brave, the tough Rebel model can really go off-road and appear more rugged. The rear suspension of every Ram 1500 features standard coil springs rather than the traditional leaf spring setups found on domestic rivals. This makes the ride more comfortable. Models equipped with available air suspension can have their ride height adjusted, enhancing their off-road capabilities and reducing fuel consumption.

The Ram 1500 features several driving assistance systems, including automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist.Adaptive cruise control is a cutting-edge feature that comes standard on some Ram models. It lets you drive without using your hands. The following are important safety features:

•  Most automatic emergency brakes can tell who is on the road.
•  A backup camera, blind-spot tracking, hands-free driving, and adaptive cruise control are all standard features.

The interior of the Ram 1500 is spacious and offers ample storage space. The higher-grade levels, especially the top Tungsten model, incorporate high-quality materials and comfort features that make the Ram appear more like a luxury car than a pickup truck.  Real wood details and high-end leather surfaces are found on the most expensive models. Most models come equipped with luxury features, such as heated and cooled seats, as well as a panoramic sunroof. The Tungsten version features a 23-speaker Klipsch sound system, adjustable front seats with 24 positions, massage functions, and additional amenities. The Ram 1500’s crew cab is very roomy, as is the case with most full-size pickup trucks. It also features a unique door that folds in half and ample storage space inside. The extended cab body style is available with either a six-foot-four-inch or a five-foot-seven-inch cargo bed.

For the 2026 Ram 1500, the EPA has not yet released fuel economy numbers. However, the 2025 model achieved up to 20 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and an average of 23 mpg overall. At 75 mph on our highway fuel-economy test route, a truck with a high-output inline-six engine got 20 mpg.  

The sound and video systems in Ram trucks have been some of the best in their class for a long time. The newest trucks continue this trend with a fast 12.0-inch tablet or an optional 14.5-inch screen that can be added. Both systems work with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and the bigger tablet has some extra knobs and buttons. There is also a 10.3-inch display for the passengers that can be used for guidance and entertainment.

The 540-horsepower Hurricane inline-six engine in the Ram 1500 Limited 4×4 Crew Cab accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds during our tests. The 420-horsepower engine in the Ram 1500 Rebel we tried got the job done in 4.9 seconds. The normal V-6 and the Hemi have not been tested on the car yet, but we will let you know as soon as we get the results.

The Ram 1500 can pull a maximum weight of 11,580 pounds. Additionally, the 1500 can carry up to 2,300 pounds of cargo. With the Hemi V-8, the 1500 can pull up to 11,470 pounds. Competing trucks from Ford and Chevrolet have weights exceeding 13,000 pounds. If you need your Ram to pull more, consider the new Ramcharger plug-in hybrid, which can tow up to 14,000 pounds. Not only that, but the heavy-duty Ram HD models can pull up to 37,090 pounds.

Numerous trims and options can affect the cost of the 2026 Ram 1500. The Ram 1500 is more of a luxury vehicle, featuring a suede headliner, 24-way adjustable seats with massage functions, and plush Tungsten trim paired with quilted leather seats. Doesn’t that sound great? It should be since it costs more than $90,000. The 1500 is best bought in the Laramie or Rebel trims. The Rebel trim comes with off-road features that let you take the 1500 off the main path. The Laramie comes standard with eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seats, heated and ventilated leather seats in both the front and rear, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power-folding mirrors, and 22-inch aluminum wheels. It is the most comfortable midsize car in the range. The Laramie is a great choice for Hemiheads because it comes with a free V-8 engine.