Canada, the Wait Is Over: 5.7-Litre HEMI® V8 Available to Order on the 2026 Ram 1500

Canadian truck buyers have spoken, and Ram has listened.

Canadians can finally get in on the V8 action that opened a few months ago in the United States. Starting today, the legendary 5.7-litre HEMI® V8 is once again available to order on the 2026 Ram 1500 in Canada, bringing back one of the most requested powertrains in the full-size pickup segment. The return of the HEMI gives buyers renewed freedom of choice, pairing proven V8 performance with modern efficiency technology and long-term warranty confidence.

The engine is available now on nine 2026 Ram 1500 Crew Cab 4×4 trims with the 5’7” bed, marking a significant expansion of the Canadian Ram 1500 lineup.

A Legendary V8, Back by Popular Demand

The return of the HEMI V8 underscores Ram’s commitment to listening to Canadian customers who value traditional V8 capability alongside modern features.

“The HEMI’s return is a clear message from Ram brand that we are listening,” said Trevor Longley, president – Canada, Stellantis. “You wanted it, it’s back, and it’s now protected by the best full-size truck limited powertrain warranty in Canada.”

For 2026, the Ram 1500 lineup now offers four distinct powertrain options, giving buyers more flexibility than ever to choose the engine that best suits their needs — whether that’s towing, payload, daily driving, or long-term ownership.

5.7-Litre HEMI® V8 Performance Highlights

The 5.7-litre HEMI V8 returns with eTorque mild hybrid technology, blending classic V8 power with smarter efficiency and smoother operation.

Key specifications include:

• 395 horsepower

• 410 lb-ft of torque

• Up to 4,613 kg (10,170 lb) of maximum towing

• Up to 748 kg (1,650 lb) of maximum payload (SAE J2807)

All HEMI-powered 2026 Ram 1500 models also come standard with a performance-tuned exhaust system, adding a deeper, more aggressive sound to match the engine’s capability.

How eTorque Enhances the HEMI Experience

The eTorque mild hybrid system plays a key role in modernizing the HEMI without compromising its character.

Instead of a traditional alternator, the system uses a belt-driven motor generator unit paired with a 48-volt battery to provide:

• Seamless engine start/stop operation

• Up to 130 lb-ft of supplemental torque during launches

• Smoother shifts and acceleration transitions

Energy is stored in a 430-watt-hour lithium-ion battery, housed behind the rear seat in a noise-insulated enclosure. The system is air-cooled, internally vented, and designed to remain acoustically transparent to passengers.

A 3-kilowatt DC-to-DC converter steps down voltage to support the traditional 12-volt system, while a conventional starter motor is retained for reliable cold-weather starts — an important consideration for Canadian climates.

Beyond efficiency, eTorque also improves:

• Fuel Saver cylinder deactivation performance

• Noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) reduction

• Overall drivability during acceleration and braking

Standard Four-Wheel Drive and Serious Capability

In Canada, the HEMI option comes with four-wheel drive as standard, reinforcing the Ram 1500’s role as a year-round workhorse.

With the combination of V8 torque, eTorque assistance, and standard 4×4, HEMI-powered Ram 1500 models are positioned for:

• Heavy towing

• Confident winter driving

• Work and recreation use across varied terrain

2026 Ram 1500 HEMI® V8 Pricing in Canada

HEMI-equipped 2026 Ram 1500 models start at $68,185, which includes $65,490 MSRP plus $2,595 destination and additional fees.

Canadian Pricing by Trim

MSRP plus freight of $2,595 and A/C tax of $100

Configuration: All models are offered as Crew Cab 4×4 with a 5’7” bed.

Backed by Canada’s Best Full-Size Truck Powertrain Warranty

Like the rest of the 2026 Ram 1500 lineup, the 5.7-litre HEMI V8 with eTorque is backed by Canada’s best full-size truck limited powertrain warranty:

• 10 years or 160,000 kilometres

This extended coverage reinforces Ram’s confidence in the durability of its powertrains and aligns with longer vehicle ownership and financing trends among Canadian truck buyers.

Why the HEMI’s Return Matters

The return of the HEMI V8 is more than just a nostalgic nod — it’s a strategic move that restores choice in a segment where buyers still value displacement, sound, and long-term capability.

By pairing the HEMI with modern eTorque technology, standard four-wheel drive, and class-leading warranty coverage, Ram is giving Canadian buyers a full-size truck that blends tradition with modern expectations — without compromise.

The wait is over. The HEMI is back.