Skip the Hemi V8 in the 2026 Ram 1500

Curiosity about Ram’s direction has been a topic of discussion among automotive enthusiasts over recent years. Following their announcement to discontinue the Hemi V8, hopes were high for the Hurricane inline-6 engine. I previously evaluated a Ram 1500 Warlock equipped with the Hurricane and found it impressively powerful despite having two fewer cylinders.

However, Ram has reversed its decision, reintroducing the Hemi. This engine option is available in selected trims, including the 2026 Ram 1500 Laramie, which occupies a middle position in the lineup: above the basic Tradesman but below the more rugged Rebel and the luxurious Longhorn and Tungsten models. Essentially, it serves as a truck suitable for everyday commutes.

Taking on the role of an everyday Ram truck owner, I felt that the Laramie offered a balanced experience—neither overly stripped-down nor excessively upscale, making it a practical choice for suburban use.

This specific Hemi V8 features a 5.7-liter displacement, producing 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque. It is equipped with Ram’s eTorque system, a mild hybrid technology that employs a 48-volt starter generator. Although nearly 400 horsepower in a truck is respectable, it comes at a $1,200 premium over the Hurricane inline-6, yet the inline-6 delivers more power and torque—420 horsepower and 469 pound-feet, respectively. Thus, despite the allure of the Hemi, the stats clearly favor the inline-6.

While a difference of 25 horsepower might seem negligible, the driving experience unfortunately does not impress. Acceleration with the Hemi comes with a lot of noise but little substance; it’s a classic case of style over substance. The initial boost from the hybrid system offers some vigor, but it lacks the sustained enthusiasm found in the Warlock’s engine. Driving the Hemi Laramie turns out to be rather underwhelming, with its excessive noise, particularly from the optional sporty exhaust package, leaving it feeling less engaging.

After a concert in Philadelphia featuring the talented David Byrne, I found the truck experience itself disappointing. Its sizable frame made it cumbersome to navigate city streets, and while it performed adequately on the highway, my observed fuel efficiency of 17 mpg fell shy of the EPA’s estimate of 18 mpg. The mild hybrid setup did little to enhance fuel economy, especially when the inline-six is expected to achieve 20 mpg.

On the inside, the experience remains firmly in the realm of satisfactory. The front seats feature heating and ventilation, paired with a robust 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. It even boasts an air suspension system that, while not particularly exciting, does provide a comfortable ride. However, the black leather interior—highlighted by a massive touchscreen replacing many physical controls—fails to create a memorable impression. Overall, it’s functional but lacks distinctive flair.

Interestingly, I discovered a unique feature in the passenger area: an optional screen positioned above the glove compartment with HDMI input capabilities for streaming. However, the screen’s polarization makes it unreadable from the driver’s perspective, a safety feature, but I would have preferred a set of exterior running boards to aid entry into the high cabin.

When it comes to utilitarian performance, the Hemi variant can handle a maximum payload of 1,630 pounds and tow up to 9,590 pounds. These figures are notably lower than the Hurricane’s maximum hauling capacity of 11,420 pounds. Across all aspects—fuel economy, horsepower, and towing capacity—the Hemi V8 falls short when compared to the inline-six. For those considering a Hemi, one must weigh whether these shortcomings overshadow the appeal of the brand name.

Similar to other recent trucks, the Ram is priced on the higher end, especially considering this vehicle’s extensive list of options. At the time of evaluation, the starting price for the 2026 Ram 1500 Laramie was $64,130. Customizations included a “Forged Blue Metallic” paint job for $295, along with a $595 spray-in bed liner. The towing technology package and trailer tow group both come with additional costs, while the “Night” package adds $3,445, introducing features such as larger 22-inch wheels and a more athletic hood design. Building upon this, the Laramie Level 2 group bundles enhancements like a 14.4-inch display at a price of $2,745, alongside further options for a rear axle ratio and numerous comfort upgrades, leading to a total of $81,675 when including destination fees.

In terms of value, there are numerous superior trucks available at lower price points, which is a fact that cannot be overlooked. Even within Ram’s own offerings, the models not equipped with a Hemi stand out as more appealing options. Additionally, several electric trucks, such as the Ford F-150 Lightning or GMC Sierra EV, outclass the Ram in both towing and hauling capabilities when fitted with the correct options. Despite Ram’s current lack of electric offerings, future plans reportedly include introducing a range-extended plug-in hybrid.

My stance on V8 engines is one of admiration; their appeal is timeless, and I still cherish the thrilling presence of classic muscle cars. The legendary 426 cubic-inch Hemi V8 of the 1960s and 70s remains a symbol of automotive excellence. Yet, the contemporary iteration of the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 found in current Ram models does not live up to its illustrious predecessors. Faced with choosing a Ram truck today, the Hurricane engine becomes not merely the better option—it stands as the only logical choice.