2026 Ram 1500 Makes a Comeback With 5.7-Liter HEMI V8 eTorque Engine

The Ram 1500 is all set to make a powerful comeback with its legendary 5.7-liter HEMI V8 eTorque engine for the 2026 model year. After shifting its focus from the 6-cylinder engine offered in the 2025 Ram 1500, the American automotive company has decided to offer a V-8 engine for its loyal customer base in global markets.

Tim Kuniskis, CEO of RAM Trucks, stated that the company screwed up when it dropped HEMI. He also confirmed the relaunch of the HEMI in new generation models, offering more freedom and power. Orders for the 2026 RAM 1500 with HEMI equipment are scheduled to begin in July for European customers, with deliveries expected to commence by the end of this year. However, the Ram’s efficient Hurricane Straight Six Turbo engine will also be offered in the lineup.

Every HEMI-powered Ram 1500 truck will have a new fender-mounted “Symbol of Protest Badge”, highlighting Ram’s head powered by a V-8 block. The HEMI option will be available in various trims, including Laramie, Sport, and Limited, making it more tailored for the target customer base and strengthening its aggressive product rollout strategy for the next 18 months.

2026 RAM 1500 HEMI Powertrain

The 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine produces 395 horsepower and 555 Nm of torque, featuring fuel-saving technologies such as variable camshaft timing and cylinder deactivation for improved fuel economy. It also features an eTorque mild-hybrid system, which enhances efficiency and performance by replacing the traditional alternator with a belt-driven motor-generator. The system ensures quick start and stop functions, torque assistance, and regenerative braking facilities.

Additionally, the engine features variable valve timing for optimized performance, along with an 850-watt electric cooling fan for precise temperature control and intelligent eTorque hybrid integration. With this capable powertrain, the new RAM 1500 boasts a maximum towing capacity of 5,200 kg and a maximum payload capacity of 793 kg.

The eTorque system of the new Ram engine uses a 430-watt-hour lithium-ion battery, which is intelligently cooled and virtually silent inside the cabin. There is also a 3-kilowatt DC-to-DC converter that supports a 12-volt system, while the conventional starter remains for cold starts. The eTorque system improves shift quality, reduces noise, and enhances driving smoothness.

Along with the new HEMI V8 eTorque, Ram has also announced that it will continue to offer Hurricane SO 3.0L and Hurricane HO 3.0L options. While the Hurian SO produces 420 horsepower and 636 Nm of torque, the Hurricane HO provides 540 hp of power delivery and 706 Nm of maximum torque.

Ram 1500 Market Positioning

The Ram 1500 is one of the most successful models in the pickup truck market, renowned for its cutting-edge technology, luxury features, and off-road capabilities. It has been regarded as the most technologically advanced pickup ever built, thanks to its over 50 inches of combined digital display, including a class-exclusive 10.25-inch passenger screen. It also features model-exclusive options, including the RamBox Cargo System, a multifunction tailgate, and active-level four-corner air suspension.

For the above luxury segment, the model features 24-way massage seats, a 23-speaker Klipsch audio system, and premium-grade cabin materials. In terms of off-road performance and speed, the Ram 1500 RHO boasts best-in-class off-road capabilities, featuring launch control and the ability to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds.