The Ram 1500 Hemi V8 Is Returning This Summer

The Hemi’s hiatus is over.

Ram has announced that the 2026 model year 1500 pickup will once again be available with a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine option.

Ram stopped offering the Hemi V8 and the supercharged 6.2-liter “Hellcat” V8 for 2025 as it shifted its attention toward a new Hurricane turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder engine and upcoming hybrid and electric models.

Recent changes to the business and regulatory landscape opened the door for the V8 to return and Ram fast-tracked the project. Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis said the project normally would’ve taken 18 months, but they were able to get it down to six.

It achieved that by basically bringing back the same eTorque powertrain that was available in 2024. The mild hybrid setup is rated at an unchanged 395 hp and 410 lb-ft. Ram will be offering it in every 1500 trim level except for the high performance RHO and luxury Tungsten, but they may be added to the list in the future. It’s priced $1,200 above the standard output 420 hp Hurricane, which is the same as the 540 hp Hurricane option.

Despite being less powerful, Kuniskis said a large number of “cylinder counters” simply prefer the sound and feel of the V8 and won’t even consider the turbocharged engine. A sport exhaust system that used to be optional is now standard with the V8 to enhance its appeal to this market. The V8 trucks will feature a new badge called the “Symbol of Protest” that features the Ram’s head logo with a V8 body.

Ram continues to offer a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 in its heavy duty pickups.

Ram hasn’t released full pricing and specifications for the Michigan-built 2026 1500 lineup yet, but there will be a V8-powered configuration with a maximum towing capacity of 11,470 pounds, which compares to 11,550 for the standard output Hurricane today. Their maximum payload ratings are 1,750 pounds and 1,980 pounds, respectively.

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Kuniskis said to stay tuned as the brand plans to make more than two dozen announcements through the end of 2026 including additional models and trims.