Ram is making another move to keep its half-ton pickup lineup within an affordable range, and recent spy shots confirm the return of a Pentastar-powered Warlock for 2026. Our spy photographers caught a prototype Ram 1500 Warlock Crew Cab 4×4 testing on the streets of Metro Detroit, sporting eTorque badging and a single exhaust outlet—clear indicators that the award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 is making a comeback.
Pentastar Returns to the Warlock –
While the updated 2025 Ram 1500 Warlock debuted with the powerful twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter HURRICANE I6 standard-output (S/O) engine, this upcoming model offers a more budget-friendly alternative. The Pentastar V6, which last appeared in the Warlock for the 2024 model year, is expected to reduce the price by $2,695 compared to the HURRICANE-powered version. The HURRICANE I6 comes at an additional cost over the Pentastar, and with the return of the V6, the Warlock should become a more accessible off-road truck for budget-conscious buyers.
The 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 eTorque delivers 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 850RE 8-speed automatic transmission. The mild-hybrid system replaces a traditional alternator with a belt-driven motor generator unit, improving efficiency and adding electric assist during launches and gear shifts. This system, combined with a 48-volt lithium-ion battery, has been proven to increase fuel economy by around 19% compared to the 5.7-liter HEMI® V8.
Same Tough Warlock Package –
As a more affordable version of the Ram 1500 Rebel, the Warlock maintains its off-road-ready features, including a black grille with bold R-A-M lettering, a 1-inch factory lift, Bilstein shocks, skid plates, and Goodyear Duratrac tires. Styling remains aggressive, with LED headlights, tow hooks, black badging, and available Warlock decals on the hood and bedsides.
Inside, the Warlock package offers an 8.4-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen, a 7-inch driver’s display, Selec-Speed Control, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), and class-exclusive second-row in-floor storage. Additional premium touches include black cloth seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, LED bed lighting, and power-folding mirrors. Heated seating, side steps, and a spray-in bedliner remain optional.
Expanding Affordability in the Ram Lineup –
Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis has been vocal about the need for more sub-$50,000 truck options, and the return of the Pentastar-powered Warlock aligns with that goal. While the HURRICANE-powered model offers class-leading power, the Pentastar V6 brings an economical choice for buyers looking for an off-road-ready truck without breaking the bank. By offering the Pentastar, Ram is giving customers a lower entry price for the Warlock, making it one of the most accessible off-road trucks in its segment.
With a lineup that includes multiple engine options and rugged capabilities, the 2026 Ram 1500 Warlock is shaping up to be a strong contender in the budget off-road pickup segment. Expect more details, including official pricing, to emerge closer to its launch.
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