Pros: Powerful V8 engine, high-quality interior, instant throttle response.
Cons: Lower rated towing capacity, fuel-hungry engine, high cost.
The Legend Returns
Over a year ago, Ram was moving in a bold new direction. The 1500 model refresh was a pivotal moment for the brand known for its classic V8 engines. It included a new trim structure, updated technology, and a shift from the Hemi engine to the new turbocharged inline-six Hurricane engine. Ram made it clear: this was the engine of the future.
The 3.0-liter engine also made an impression. It was and remains powerful. It is fuel-efficient (compared to the V8) and refined on the road. On paper, it sounds like the perfect option. In practice, it sparked numerous complaints from fans who felt a part of the brand’s identity was being tossed aside.
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For the 2026 model year, Ram is listening to those fans again, bringing the legendary Hemi back to the lineup. We just completed a week-long test of this engine under the hood of the Ram 1500 Limited Longhorn. The base price of our test pickup was $89,380, including destination.
Key Specifications
Over the week, we loaded the bed, hauled construction materials, and drove friends and family around town. We even ventured off asphalt onto dirt and gravel roads.
It’s already clear that having the Hemi V8 engine option will be beneficial for Ram, as it’s what its customers want. But is it worth choosing over anything else besides nostalgia? Read on to find out.
Exterior
If you’ve read our other reviews of the latest Ram, you know almost everything about what this pickup looks like. The brand hasn’t made any visual changes yet for this relatively young generation 1500. Compared to the previous version, this pickup has subtle refinements and improvements, not radical design changes.
The front end now has a cleaner look with a slightly reshaped grille and more expressive lighting elements. In particular, the headlights and signature daytime running lights look sharper. The side profile remains familiar: long, muscular, and expressive. Pronounced wheel arches and crisp lines give the 1500 a sturdy stance, while subtle chrome accents on certain trims add visual lightness.
For those who have spent time with other full-size pickups, the 2026 Ram retains instant recognizability without looking dated.
At the rear, the taillights have similar detailing to the front headlights. Dual exhaust tips are standard for the Hemi, but are also common in the inline-six lineup. Ram has also fitted updated plastic fender flares for a more integrated look with the body.
There are only two subtle markings on the entire pickup indicating the V8 engine under the hood. There’s a small badge on each fender that Ram calls a “protest symbol.” It combines a ram’s head with a V8 engine motif. These two spots are the only ones that give away the presence of the Hemi, not the Hurricane.
Interior
Inside, the 2026 Ram 1500 Hemi continues the tradition that has made Ram a leader in the full-size pickup segment. The materials are a step above standard expectations: soft-touch panels, leather-trimmed surfaces, and well-executed stitching that conveys quality without ostentation.
The switches are logical, tactile, and easy to use, even in low light. The center console has been minimally reworked, but the updates improve functionality, not just aesthetics. The seats are also good. Our test pickup had eight-way adjustable bucket seats, but Ram will sell you versions with massage functions if you’re willing to pay for it.
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Rear passengers get heated seats, ample legroom, and good headroom. As with other high-end 1500 trims, the rear seats can comfortably accommodate adults on long trips, and there is plenty of in-cabin storage.
The center console, glovebox, and door pockets are thoughtfully placed, providing the driver and passengers with numerous options for storing small items.
Technology continues to dominate the interior. Our Hemi-powered test pickup had a 14.4-inch vertical touchscreen as the centerpiece of the Uconnect infotainment system. It is fast, responsive, and highly functional.
The front passenger benefits from a separate additional screen, allowing for independent control of media or inputting navigation data.
The digital instrument cluster provides a wealth of customizable information, and the head-up display shows useful data without distracting from the road. Steering wheel controls, now combined with leather and, in this case, real wood, make interacting with these systems intuitive.
Storage innovations haven’t been forgotten either. The Ram’s 60/40 split-folding tailgate is a standout feature, providing flexibility when loading the bed. The bed itself can handle up to 1,520 lbs of payload, and buyers can order RamBox sections with lockable compartments and external power access.
Even small details, like hidden spaces under the rear seats and clever interior niches, elevate the pickup beyond purely utilitarian expectations.
Driving Impressions
The star of this pickup, of course, is the 5.7-liter naturally aspirated Hemi V8 engine. On paper, it produces 395 hp (295 kW) and 410 lb-ft (556 Nm) of torque, slightly less than the high-output Hurricane variants, but the numbers only tell part of the story.
Unlike turbocharged engines, which need time to reach peak torque and power, the Hemi’s response is instantaneous and predictable. Every press of the throttle pedal translates directly into motion, without lag, without artificial boost buildup, and without relying on electronics to manage boost.
The V8 engine feels particularly potent at low RPMs, where it’s most useful in city driving, merging with traffic, and towing. While it doesn’t produce the peak figures of the inline-six engine, the Hemi’s linear power delivery and instant response give it a confidence-inspiring character that turbocharged systems can’t fully replicate. Acceleration is smooth and steady, making highway merges or passing slow traffic effortless.
The Hemi’s exhaust sound also sets it apart from the Hurricane. The engine produces a low, muscular growl that is especially pleasing under moderate load. It’s not loud or intrusive, but provides audible feedback that enhances the driver’s connection to the pickup.
Unlike the inline-six engine, which is more refined and less expressive, the Hemi reminds passengers that it’s a classic V8—a subtle, visceral presence that appeals to enthusiasts.
Fuel economy is modest by modern standards. EPA estimates are 15 mpg combined, 14 mpg city, and 16 mpg highway. In our mixed driving, we averaged about 14.4 mpg, slightly below the official ratings, but in line with a pickup of this size and capability.
For buyers focused on performance and driving enjoyment, not efficiency—and there are many—this compromise is likely acceptable.
As for handling, this is a full-size pickup, so it’s not exactly like a sports car. It’s big and can feel oversized for many roads and parking lots. Nevertheless, of all the full-size pickups on the market, the Ram’s suspension with front coil springs and a five-link rear is the best. It gracefully absorbs road imperfections, prevents excessive body roll and pitch, and provides good feedback.
With the Crew Cab and a 67-inch bed, the maximum towing capacity reaches 11,