by Return of the Hemi V8 to the Ram 1500
The first Ram 1500 pickups with the Hemi engine have already left the Sterling Heights plant and are heading to dealerships across the country. Demand is expected to be high, as the brand received over 10,000 orders within 24 hours of the model’s presentation in June.
Mistake and Quick Correction
As reported earlier, Ram removed the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 in 2025, which led to a sharp drop in sales. Although the situation was more complex, the company realized its mistake and quickly reversed the decision.
It’s Got A Hemi! 5.7-Liter V8 Returns In 2026 Ram 1500
Swift actions led to the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 returning for the 2026 model year. It will be available in the Big Horn, Express, Laramie, Limited, Longhorn, Rebel, Tradesman, and Warlock trims.
Comparison with Other Engines
The engine develops 395 hp (295 kW / 400 PS) and 410 lb-ft (555 Nm) of torque. This is significantly better than the base 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 but falls short of the turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six Hurricane engine.
The Hurricane lives up to its name, producing 420 hp (313 kW / 426 PS) and 460 lb-ft (623 Nm) of torque. Theoretically, this makes the Hemi less attractive, as the inline engine is more powerful and costs $1,200 less than the V8 in most trims.
Buyer Psychology and Competition
However, as Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis explained this summer, some customers are “cylinder counters” and adore the V8. The fear of losing them to competitors forced the company to spend 18 months bringing back the Hemi, which required a lot of hard work behind the scenes.
Pricing Policy and Availability
Despite significant demand, Ram seems to be holding back on price markups. This could change as pickups start arriving at dealers, but a quick search shows that most V8 models are offered at MSRP or below.
This is an encouraging sign, so if your local dealer tries to inflate the price, don’t hesitate to look for other options.
The return of the Hemi V8 to the Ram 1500 demonstrates how important the traditional eight-cylinder engine remains for a certain category of buyers, even despite the technological advantages of new engines. It also underscores that automakers must consider not only efficiency but also the emotional preferences of customers, especially in a competitive market like pickups.
