Highlights of the 2026 Ram 1500 Lineup

If you’ve been considering a Ram 1500, this could be your year with a host of exciting upgrades making the new model one of the best in recent memory. The Ram 1500 is already regarded as one of the most versatile full-size trucks on today’s market with a wide range of available trims, and things are only looking brighter as the pickup powers into 2026.

The brand’s bestselling model has long been known for its stout performance and premium trims, but a new, affordable option enters the fray for the new model year as Ram unveils the Express model. Designed to fit within any budget, the Ram 1500 Express defies its modest price with a stylish exterior that’s sure to turn some heads.

While the new trim would normally take top billing, the return of the storied HEMI V8 might be the most exciting aspect of the 2026 Ram 1500. Discontinued following the 2024 model year, the HEMI now roars back onto the scene to give drivers the V8 power they loudly demanded. Let’s look into both aspects of the new Ram 1500 and learn how the hard-working pickup continues to push the envelope in the full-size segment.

The Return of the HEMI

Many major brands started moving away from the classic V8 design in recent years, with Ram, Ford, and Toyota all dropping their larger engines in favor of new turbocharged six-cylinder options. This decision led to some strong reactions and no shortage of public outcry, but Ram is nothing if not responsive to the needs of its loyal customers.

While some other automakers are still placing their bets on a six-cylinder future, Ram quickly recanted after just one year to bring the legendary HEMI V8 back into the fold. The results speak for themselves, with Ram Trucks CEO Tim Kuniskis reporting that the HEMI-equipped Ram 1500 earned more than 10,000 orders in the first day when it was first announced back in June.

Utilizing the eTorque Hybrid System

The Ram 1500’s HEMI V8 isn’t just a retread of the same-old design; Ram made some important adjustments to the engine’s modules to make the motor compatible with the truck’s new electric architecture that it picked up in 2025. Speaking of electric, the HEMI also features the eTorque mild hybrid system found on pre-2025 models, allowing it to offer improved acceleration and smoother shifts while also increasing the engine’s efficiency thanks to an integrated stop/start function.

The eTorque system sees the standard alternator replaced with a belt-driven generator designed to capture the energy that would otherwise be lost when coasting or braking. This power is stored in a 48-volt battery pack, and then redistributed throughout the Ram 1500 to improve almost every aspect of the truck’s performance profile.

Horsepower, Torque, and Towing Capacities

HEMIs are known for their power, and the Ram 1500’s 5.7-liter model doesn’t disappoint with 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque to its name. The engine distributes its power through an eight-speed automatic transmission and can be equipped with a range of rear gear ratios to help drivers find the sweet spot between torque and efficiency.

The HEMI is also a standout in terms of towing, trailing only the new turbocharged Hurricane with 11,330 lbs on offer. Most importantly, at least in the eyes of some truck traditionalists, the V8 brings the famous HEMI growl back into the equation, producing a throaty roar that loudly announces its presence clear down the block thanks to its larger size and dual-exhaust system.

The 3.0L Hurricane Engine

While there are plenty of good reasons to celebrate the HEMI’s return, drivers shouldn’t be quick to dismiss the benefits of the Ram’s new range-topping engine, the Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six. The Hurricane might lack the HEMI’s high-performance pedigree, but it actually outpaces the V8 in a few important areas that are difficult to ignore. The turbocharged engine produces 420 hp and 469 lb-ft of torque right out of the gate—not to mention up to 25 MPG on the highway—but an available high-output version sees those numbers elevate to 540 hp and 521 lb-ft.

The Hurricane is also more affordable than the HEMI and a little quicker off the line, with a zero-to-60-mph time that’s around 1.1 seconds faster than the V8 version. Drivers will have a difficult decision to make when choosing an engine for their 2026 Ram 1500, but it’s ultimately a win-win scenario that most buyers are sure to appreciate.

The Debut of the Express Trim

The popularity of the pickup segment and the introduction of new trims, features, and optional equipment packages have seen the price of a new truck rise by more than $10,000 in just the last five years, but Ram is doing its part to make the 1500 just a little more accessible with the debut of the new Express trim.

New for 2026, the Express slots in just above the entry-level Tradesman trim, offering drivers an enticing new option defined by its value and stylish design. The Express replaces the discontinued Ram 1500 Classic model, but makes some important aesthetic updates that are sure to broaden the trim’s appeal among drivers looking for a full-size pickup that can put in some hard work and look good doing it.

A Head-Turning Exterior

Available in both Quad and Crew Cab formats, the Ram 1500 Express offers a range of unique styling elements that go a long way towards setting it apart from the rest of the lineup. Ram fully embraces the blacked-out approach that has become so popular in today’s truck segment, outfitting the 1500 Express with a gloss-black grille surround, black headlamp bezels, dark gray interior trim, and a monochromatic exterior featuring body-colored front and rear bumpers. Drivers will have five eye-catching colors to choose from, including Diamond Black, Bright White, Granite Crystal, Forged Blue and Hydro Blue, and the Express 1500 even gains a set of 20-inch wheels that lend the trim a distinctive appearance.

Engine Options

Pop the hood on the 2026 Ram 1500 Express and you’ll be met with either the standard  305-hp 3.6-liter V6 or Ram’s Hurricane twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six that represents the current peak of Ram performance. The V6 represents a very economical option that’ll save you some serious money at the pump with an EPA-estimated 25 MPG on the highway, but the Hurricane blows the rest of the lineup away in terms of towing with 11,610 lbs of pure pulling power.

The Express is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, can be had with either RWD or 4WD, and includes a generous array of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like an Intersection Collision Assist System and Evasive Steering Assist.

The Black Express Package Offers a Sharp, Darkened Style

The Express is certainly worth a closer look if you’re the type of driver that can’t resist a good deal, but many of the trim’s features can be added to any 2026 Ram 1500 thanks to the revived Black Express package. Last offered in 2019, the affordable upgrade also includes a set of 20-inch wheels, as well as black exterior badging, black cloth bucket seats, and a sport hood that will give any trim an aggressive, race-ready look.

The Black Express package also includes black-bezel LED headlamps, LED fog lamps, a floor console, and a seven-inch digital gauge cluster, bringing a new level of convenience and customization to the dashboard.

Experience the 2026 Ram 1500 With Us Today

Ram has put in the work to keep the 1500 right at the top of the full-size segment, and the results speak for themselves. While the industry is moving towards a more sustainable future with the advent of new turbocharged engines, hybrid, and all-electric models, Ram is giving the people what they want with the return of the beloved HEMI V8. That’s not to say that Ram doesn’t know how to change with the times—the HEMI’s mild-hybrid system and powerful turbocharged Hurricane engines prove that much—but every good full-size pickup deserves a hearty V8, and that’s just what drivers will get when they choose the Ram 1500.

The new Express trim helps to bring the Ram 1500 into the modern era from a style perspective, and also helps to combat the unfortunate trend towards pricier pickups. Ready to experience the 2026 Ram 1500 for yourself? Zimmer Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is here to help guide you through every step of the process and ensure that you end up with a full-size truck that can keep pace with your busy lifestyle.