New Buyer Ram Engine Preference Survey: V8 vs. 6 Cyl. Turbo, or Std 6 Cyl

[Driver]

What's your preference?

 

[Driver]

According to a lead article in this forum, Ram may resume offering the Hemi v8 in 2026 1500s. Other articles have said that the Hemi might just be offered in Tradesman or other lower end models like Big Horn . It also may be that Ram comes out with an all new V8 as an alternative.
It's all speculation, it seems, and of course may never happen.

 

[WXman]

The people voting I-6TT haven’t gotten to high miles yet. Just wait until those very expensive out of warranty costs start piling up and then let’s do this poll.

BTW… credible sources are talking about the 5.7 coming back to BOTH trucks, the Ram and the Jeep. Although, it’s interesting because Gladiator has to meet SAE J2807 and with its smaller engine bay heat was an issue, which is why we got the 3.6 only for that truck. So it’ll be interesting to see how they approach the 5.7 packaging.

 

[Biga]

I would like to see a new V8. Given the choice I would stick with the Hurricane over the 20 year old hemi. It was a good motor but I had two of them and I like change.

 

[arod412]

Voted for the i6 turbo. Lighter weight, more power. Simple folks.

V8 in a light duty is pretty much dead. Heavy duty is a different story because of how it’s used. Most light duty folks just get it for the people/truck option and don’t use the truck part (bed and towing).

Those that worry about longevity….thats what a warranty is for. After warranty is over trade it in or sell it. Folks don’t keep cars and trucks for a long time anyway.

 

[SD Rebel]

Voted for the i6 turbo. Lighter weight, more power. Simple folks.

V8 in a light duty is pretty much dead. Heavy duty is a different story because of how it’s used. Most light duty folks just get it for the people/truck option and don’t use the truck part (bed and towing).

Those that worry about longevity….thats what a warranty is for. After warranty is over trade it in or sell it. Folks don’t keep cars and trucks for a long time anyway

If the RAM rumors are true, then the V8 in light duty is far from dead. The only full size truck that will have no V8 in the 1500 class will be the Toyota Tundra.

GM not only has the 5.3L & 6.2L, they invested to keep them compliant into the next gen, with the first next-gen small block coming out in 2028. You still have the 5.0L in the F150, though that may end sometime in the future once the ICE Mustang goes away, but even Ecoboost loving Ford is still advertising they are pro-V8s in 1500 trucks on their website.

Then you have RAM likely to continue the 5.7L in the lower trims of the 1500. So, while the ancient dinosaur Hemi isn't competitive with the current gen turbo-six engines, the segment is clearly not going away anytime soon, with GM still investing and innovating their NA V8s far into the future.

 

[Scap]

I voted I6TT, but only because V8TT wasn't a choice.

 

[BowDown]

The people voting I-6TT haven’t gotten to high miles yet. Just wait until those very expensive out of warranty costs start piling up and then let’s do this poll.

BTW… credible sources are talking about the 5.7 coming back to BOTH trucks, the Ram and the Jeep. Although, it’s interesting because Gladiator has to meet SAE J2807 and with its smaller engine bay heat was an issue, which is why we got the 3.6 only for that truck. So it’ll be interesting to see how they approach the 5.7 packaging.

What expensive out of warranty costs are you talking about?

 

[RebellionisDuty]

I6TT because it's what I have. It's what I'll have until I don't.

I have tired of the comparisons. If you like your V8, fine. If you like your i6, fine. Way too many threads on this topic. A simple search will provide all the preferences you need.

 

[LOWRMPG]

I6TT. Not worried at all about cost of fixing the motor 100K miles from now.

 

[PetePA]

These threads about touchy topics like this remind me of the comments on fox news articles

 

[Driver]

Here's some impartial comparisons, some may find interesting. I'm not taking a side...

V8 engines typically produce more power and torque compared to a 6-cylinder turbocharged engine, especially at lower RPMs. This is due to the larger displacement and more cylinders, which allow for greater air and fuel intake.
- **Throttle Response:** V8 engines often have better throttle response because they naturally aspirate (no turbo lag) and can deliver power more linearly.
- **Sound:** V8 engines are known for their distinctive, deep exhaust note, which is often preferred by enthusiasts.

- **6-Cylinder Turbo Engine:**
- **Power and Torque:** A turbocharged 6-cylinder engine can produce power and torque figures that are competitive with or even exceed those of a V8, especially at higher RPMs. The turbocharger forces more air into the engine, allowing it to burn more fuel and produce more power.
- **Throttle Response:** Turbocharged engines can suffer from turbo lag (a delay in power delivery when the throttle is pressed), but modern turbo technology has significantly reduced this issue.

V8 engines are generally less fuel-efficient than turbocharged 6-cylinder engines, especially in city driving or under light loads. This is because they have larger displacements and more cylinders, which consume more fuel.
- **Emissions:** V8 engines tend to produce higher emissions compared to smaller, turbocharged engines.

Durability:** V8 engines are often praised for their durability and longevity, especially in naturally aspirated form. They tend to have fewer moving parts compared to turbocharged engines, which can reduce the likelihood of failure.

- **6-Cylinder Turbo Engine:**
- **Durability:** Turbocharged engines can be very reliable, but the added complexity of the turbo system (including intercoolers, wastegates, and additional plumbing) can introduce more potential points of failure. However, modern turbo engines are designed to be very robust.

### 6. **Driving Experience:**
- **V8 Engine:**
- **Smoothness:** V8 engines are known for their smooth power delivery and balanced operation, which can provide a more refined driving experience.
- **Towing and Hauling:** V8 engines are often preferred for towing and hauling due to their high torque output at low RPMs.

- **6-Cylinder Turbo Engine:**
- **Flexibility:** Turbocharged 6-cylinder engines offer a good balance between performance and efficiency, making them versatile for a variety of driving conditions.

- **6-Cylinder Turbo Engine:**
- **Fuel Economy:** Turbocharged 6-cylinder engines are typically more fuel-efficient than V8s, particularly in real-world driving conditions. The turbocharger allows the engine to achieve higher power outputs from a smaller displacement, improving efficiency.

Conclusion:
- **Choose a V8** if you prioritize raw power, a distinctive engine sound, and smooth power delivery, especially for towing or high-performance applications. (some may disagree)
- **Choose a 6-Cylinder Turbo** if you want a balance of performance and efficiency, with the added benefit of lower weight and potentially lower cost.

Both engine types have their strengths and are suited to different driving needs and preferences.

 

[Jimmy07]

What expensive out of warranty costs are you talking about?

He’s probably referring to cracked exhaust manifolds, broken exhaust manifold bolts, eaten cams, failed lifters…. Things like that…

 

[BowDown]

He’s probably referring to cracked exhaust manifolds, broken exhaust manifold bolts, eaten cams, failed lifters…. Things like that…

The new hurricane has those issues too?

 

[arod412]

These threads about touchy topics like this remind me of the comments on fox news articles

You can tell on those... the stubborn folks that think anything new is automatically bad.

It is a touchy subject, for those that reject change.

Lighter engine, more power....it's what we wanted. Now we got it, folks always want to complain about something. They will drop the price and they will still complain.

 

[Mc1502]

I think it’s funny how there are so many posters who find any angle they can to try to shed a negative light on the inline 6. So many citing that it’s the first year for the engine so surely it will prove unreliable over Time. —— it’s not the first year, in fact it’s been out for several years. Citing that a turbo can never hold up —— I’m coming to ram from a 93 octane performance tuned ecoboost f150 that had 276,000 miles on the clock with zero problems. It’s like hating on something just because it’s different.

This is my first Ram, so I have no vested interest in the hemi vs hurricane debate other than having invested hundreds of hours researching the hurricane before I purchased my Tungsten. I would have not purchased this truck had I found material instances of people having issues with the HO hurricane.

I just don’t get the hate. Is it really a matter of people not liking the inability to get the hemi, rather than real hate for the hurricane?

 

[SD Rebel]

I think it’s funny how there are so many posters who find any angle they can to try to shed a negative light on the inline 6. So many citing that it’s the first year for the engine so surely it will prove unreliable over Time. —— it’s not the first year, in fact it’s been out for several years. Citing that a turbo can never hold up —— I’m coming to ram from a 93 octane performance tuned ecoboost f150 that had 276,000 miles on the clock with zero problems. It’s like hating on something just because it’s different.

This is my first Ram, so I have no vested interest in the hemi vs hurricane debate other than having invested hundreds of hours researching the hurricane before I purchased my Tungsten. I would have not purchased this truck had I found material instances of people having issues with the HO hurricane.

I just don’t get the hate. Is it really a matter of people not liking the inability to get the hemi, rather than real hate for the hurricane?

You (and I) came from Ford which has been putting six cylinder turbos in their 1500 for a long time now. However, RAM has been marketed as the V8 "Hemi" truck for a long time, it's been their identity, so it's ownership and fans are not going to handle the change without some hesitation. Also, as with most forums being enthusiast populated, expect some more extreme opinions than the general population

Plus, the Hurricane engine specifically in the RAM 1500 has had clear issues, likely due to recent cost cutting either on the parts side or programming side, it has been mentioned specifically by Tim Kuniskis himself when he recently took over the reins at RAM.

As for worries about turbos, you want to see unrestrained hate, go to a Tacoma or 4Runner site and watch how they are responding to their dinosaur 3.5L & 4.0L naturally aspirated V6 being replaced by 4-banger turbos.

 

[Jimmy07]

The new hurricane has those issues too?

No known mechanical issues on the hurricane yet in its fourth model year in production vehicles.
I was referring to the hemi, which was still trying to “work out the kinks” at the time it was yanked from the Rams.

 

[Mc1502]

You (and I) came from Ford which has been putting six cylinder turbos in their 1500 for a long time now. However, RAM has been marketed as the V8 "Hemi" truck for a long time, it's been their identity, so it's ownership and fans are not going to handle the change without some hesitation. Also, as with most forums being enthusiast populated, expect some more extreme opinions than the general population

Plus, the Hurricane engine specifically in the RAM 1500 has had clear issues, likely due to recent cost cutting either on the parts side or programming side, it has been mentioned specifically by Tim Kuniskis himself when he recently took over the reins at RAM.

As for worries about turbos, you want to see unrestrained hate, go to a Tacoma or 4Runner site and watch how they are responding to their dinosaur 3.5L & 4.0L naturally aspirated V6 being replaced by 4-banger turbos.

I get the fact that the hemi has a dedicated following, but I don’t get the hate on the hurricane, or at least the hate on the HO version. I agree that the SO version has had issues with misfires, but not the HO version. Regardless, I just don’t get the hate. Just because I love my wife, I don’t have to hate yours.

 

[SD Rebel]

I get the fact that the hemi has a dedicated following, but I don’t get the hate on the hurricane, or at least the hate on the HO version. I agree that the SO version has had issues with misfires, but not the HO version. Regardless, I just don’t get the hate. Just because I love my wife, that doesn’t mean I have to hate yours.

This is a forum, you get the more extreme opinions than the general population, try reading the comments section on a TFL video covering the new RAM Hurricane, you will be shell shocked.

Also, there are quite a few RHO owners reporting issues with the HO. I don't believe this is a design flaw on the Hurricane at all, once they figure out the niggles I suspect it will be an excellent engine.