Ram Hemi Returns

Ram’s Hemi Comeback

Here’s a twist for all the Ram truck fans out there. Remember when Ram decided to opt-out the good old Hemi V-8 for the 2025 Ram 1500 lineup? Yep, that didn’t sit well with folks, and it seems Ram heard them loud and clear. So, for 2026, the beloved 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 is making a comeback. It’s a move that shows Ram knows how to listen and pivot when they need to. Buyers can rejoice because the order books for the 2026 models are now wide open.

Engine Options

The 5.7-liter Hemi V-8, producing 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, won’t be a fixture under every 2026 Ram 1500 hood, but it is back as an option on most of the trims. If the Hemi’s throaty rumble is something to crave, it will cost an additional $1,200 on certain models. However, in the higher-spec Limited and Longhorn trims, which come with the high-output 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, switching to the Hemi will be at no extra cost.

Models

Ram is savvy about their choices, letting buyers secure the Hemi in trims like the Tradesman, Big Horn, Express, Warlock, Laramie, Rebel, Limited, and Longhorn. While other trims require a bit of extra cash for the Hemi upgrade, owners of Limited and Longhorn trims get this option for free thanks to their already high-output engines. This retains Ram’s value proposition by maintaining a competitive edge.

The Drive

The Hemi engine’s comeback maintains its marriage with the eTorque mild-hybrid system, ensuring smoother start-stop operations. For those curious about performance, these Hemi trucks can handle 1,750 pounds of payload and tow up to 11,470 pounds. This muscle keeps them firmly grounded as workhorses in the segment.

Look & Feel

The Hemi-equipped Rams also get a distinctive “Symbol of Protest” badge, marking territory on the front fenders. It’s a bold declaration that says this truck means business with a design flair that adds a robust character. One can spot the Ram’s head on the Hemi block—a little extra touch that lets onlookers know this is no ordinary pickup.

The Comeback Story

Executing this engine return wasn’t a cakewalk. It took some clever engineering work by a skunkworks group codenamed F15, led by former SRT chief engineer Daryl Smith. They managed to get the Hemi integrated into the 2025 electrical architecture in just six months—a system initially set up for electrified models like the Ram 1500 Rev.

Smith’s SRT experience suggests this team’s work might not end here, hinting at potential future developments for other beloved powertrains. For now, at least, Ram’s commitment to bring the Hemi back underscores its responsiveness to customer sentiment.

Looking Ahead

What’s next for Ram? The company has 25 new products to debut over the next year and a half, including a mid-size truck. As for the Ram TRX? That beast isn’t replaced by last year’s high-output RHO, leaving fans eagerly waiting. While an official timeline remains elusive, the buzz isn’t dying down. For those wanting even more power, the supercharged Durango Hellcat is another exciting option this year.

Ultimately, for drivers who still want to hear the growl of a V-8, Ram’s revived Hemi offers just the fix, affirming its timeless appeal and resilience in the evolving landscape of automotive technology.