The HEMI V8 Is Back: 2026 Ram 1500 Brings Power and Choice

[themoparjunkie]

The HEMI V8 Is Back: 2026 Ram 1500 Brings Power and Choice​

2026 Ram 1500 HEMI V8 Returns With eTorque And Bold New Strategy​

Ram is officially bringing back one of the most iconic engines in modern truck history. After widespread backlash over discontinuing the 5.7-liter HEMI® V8 for the 2025 model year, Ram has announced the return of the legendary engine for the 2026 Ram 1500 lineup.

The decision to reinstate the HEMI wasn’t made in a boardroom vacuum; it was sparked by overwhelming demand from loyal customers. According to Ram brand CEO Tim Kuniskis, the brand is not only acknowledging the mistake of removing the V8 but also turning that misstep into a rallying point.

The HEMI V8 Is Back: 2026 Ram 1500 Brings Power and Choice

Ram brings back the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 for 2026 with eTorque hybrid tech, aggressive new features, and wide availability across Ram 1500 trims.

5thgenrams.com

 

[themoparjunkie]

 

[Dewey]

I like how they hype up the eTorque like it’s something new.

Hey at least we get a special “protest” badge.

 

[ramhouston]

they should have just brought back the standard hemi V8..
the etorque is more parts that's gonna break down the road

 

[SD Rebel]

they should have just brought back the standard hemi V8..
the etorque is more parts that's gonna break down the road

There was a point in 2024 that I think etorque Hemi was your only option, phased out the V8 only. Interesting choice, V8 e-Torque or I6TT.

I'm happy with the fact the Hemi will be available again on the Rebel trims (late availability), worried they were only going to make available on the most basic trims from earlier reports.

Cool that they all come with GT exhaust, so everyone can clearly hear you have the Hemi.

 

[Dewey]

$1200 upgrade charge for the Hemi?

If the Hurricane is the more efficient and powerful motor shouldn’t that get the $1200 charge instead?

I’m guessing that’s because they wouldn’t sell anymore Hurricanes if they did that.

On the plus side getting a GT exhaust with the Hemi’s pretty much takes care of that $1200.

 

[1791]

just freaking stop forcing ET down are throats man !!!! why not make it a option? oh because you can't sell that system it's trash. it's like we got some good news and some bad news.

 

[jimothy]

Thank goodness we still have something to complain about!

Interesting choice, V8 e-Torque or V6TT.

By the way, the Hurricane is a straight six.

 

[HSKR R/T]

$1200 upgrade charge for the Hemi?

If the Hurricane is the more efficient and powerful motor shouldn’t that get the $1200 charge instead?

I’m guessing that’s because they wouldn’t sell anymore Hurricanes if they did that.

On the plus side getting a GT exhaust with the Hemi’s pretty much takes care of that $1200.

Has to do with cafe/spa regulations and carbon credits. Costs them more to out a Hemi in a vehicle than the Hurricane.

 

[2021QCBH]

Hopefully they end up offering the automotive 6.4 without E torque. If that’s the case I could be swayed into another new 1/2 ton once the new canbus system is sorted. Otherwise, 3/4 ton it is.

 

[silver billet]

Thank goodness we still have something to complain about!

Until they bring out the 6.4 ... there is always something left to complain about!

Does anyone understand that decision? They stuff that 6.4 in the Jeep GC, Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Charger, Dodge Challenger, Dodge Durango, Chrysler 300. The WRANGLER gets it, the most useless engine upgrade ever.

But the 1500 .... crickets ....

 

[Phoon]

Until they bring out the 6.4 ... there is always something left to complain about!

Does anyone understand that decision? They stuff that 6.4 in the Jeep GC, Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Charger, Dodge Challenger, Dodge Durango, Chrysler 300. The WRANGLER gets it, the most useless engine upgrade ever.

But the 1500 .... crickets ....

6.4 is cool but has plenty of problems due to MDS. Tons of the SRT jeeps and Durangos already have rebuilt motors. If you want a fast truck get an HO, its way faster than the 6.4 would be anyway. If you dont care if its fast but want hemi noises get the 5.7. If you buy with your head not with some random idea that turbo motors are all junk then get the S.O hurricane. Having had 5 hemi trucks and now a S.O it would be a hard sell to get me back into a HEMI.

 

[HSKR R/T]

6.4 is cool but has plenty of problems due to MDS. Tons of the SRT jeeps and Durangos already have rebuilt motors. If you want a fast truck get an HO, its way faster than the 6.4 would be anyway. If you dont care if its fast but want hemi noises get the 5.7. If you buy with your head not with some random idea that turbo motors are all junk then get the S.O hurricane. Having had 5 hemi trucks and now a S.O it would be a hard sell to get me back into a HEMI.

That's a hard sell to get most people to think turbo gas engines are reliable. I don't get it, but most people have unfounded fears of early turbo failures and blowing motors.

 

[Phoon]

That's a hard sell to get most people to think turbo gas engines are reliable. I don't get it, but most people have unfounded fears of early turbo failures and blowing motors.

Totally, I am all for them offering the choice. Now we wait until the 8th to see what they drop then!

 

[ramhouston]

$1200 upgrade charge for the Hemi?

according to a journalist, tim kuniskis said RAM needed to recoup costs for the expedited R&D and retooling for the HEMI reintroduction.

 

[ramhouston]

Has to do with cafe/spa regulations and carbon credits. Costs them more to out a Hemi in a vehicle than the Hurricane.

yep

 

[ramhouston]

Hopefully they end up offering the automotive 6.4 without E torque. If that’s the case I could be swayed into another new 1/2 ton once the new canbus system is sorted. Otherwise, 3/4 ton it is.

6.4 hemi with etorque do not exist in the first place lol

 

[ramhouston]

On the plus side getting a GT exhaust with the Hemi’s pretty much takes care of that $1200.

for a enthusiast like myself i am excited! minority of the consumers may not be happy with it though lol.

 

[SD Rebel]

Thank goodness we still have something to complain about!


By the way, the Hurricane is a straight six.

Oops, I just wrote V6 out of habits.

 

[Grape_Ape]

As an owner of a 2020 with an E-torque this makes me happy. Means parts are gonna be available longer.