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.
“Everyone makes mistakes, but how you handle it defines you. Ram screwed up when we dropped the HEMI—we own it, and we fixed it,” said Kuniskis. “We’re not just bringing back a legendary V8 engine; we’re igniting an assertive product plan and expanding the freedom of choice in powertrain for our customers.”
-Tim Kuniskis, Ram Brand CEO
A New Era for the 5.7-liter HEMI V8
The returning HEMI stays true to its roots, delivering 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. However, it now features added refinement thanks to Ram’s eTorque system—technology that was previously used in select trims and is now standard for all HEMI-equipped 2026 Ram 1500 models. The eTorque hybrid system replaces the traditional alternator with a belt-driven motor-generator, working alongside a compact 48-volt lithium-ion battery pack. This configuration supports a smooth engine start/stop experience, adds torque during low-speed acceleration, and recaptures energy during braking. As a result, up to 130 lb-ft of additional torque is available right off the line, enhancing responsiveness without sacrificing the traditional HEMI character. At a recent press event, Kuniskis described the challenges engineers faced in bringing the HEMI back to the Ram 1500 lineup. He stated that while many people thought it would be simple to reintroduce the HEMI, it wasn’t. Upon his return to Ram in December, the engineering team indicated that adapting the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 to the new Atlantis electrical architecture would take 18 months, as it hadn’t originally been planned for that.
“So, we put together a special team of guys codenamed F-15,” he said. “That team was led by Darryl Smith, who was the Chief Engineer of the SRT Group.” “Darryl was able to turn 18 months into 6 months.”
-Tim Kuniskis, Ram Brand CEO
A Hybrid That Doesn’t Feel Like One
What makes this version of the HEMI particularly unique is how seamlessly the hybrid system integrates with the truck’s everyday driving experience. The eTorque battery system, housed behind the rear seat in a sound-insulated enclosure, operates silently while actively cooling itself with dual fans. A 3-kilowatt DC-to-DC converter bridges the 48-volt system with the truck’s traditional 12-volt electrical system, charging the standard battery and powering onboard accessories.
In cold climates, the HEMI still utilizes a traditional starter motor to ensure reliable ignition, while the hybrid components continue to assist in smoothing transmission shifts, and improving low-speed drivability.
Performance You Can Use
Despite the hybrid tech, Ram hasn’t forgotten what truck buyers care about most. The 5.7-liter HEMI V8 in the 2026 Ram 1500 offers a maximum towing capacity of 11,470 pounds and a payload capacity of up to 1,750 pounds. Each HEMI-equipped truck comes standard with a factory-installed performance-tuned exhaust system previously standard on Laramie and Rebel G/T models designed to deliver the throaty, unmistakable growl that enthusiasts crave. All Hemi powered 2026 Ram 1500 models also feature a standard 33-gallon fuel tank to support extended driving range.
Trim Availability and Pricing
Ram is making the HEMI widely available across the 2026 Ram 1500 lineup. Trims including the Tradesman, Big Horn (or Lone Star in Texas), Express, Warlock, Laramie, Rebel (late availability), Limited, and Longhorn will all offer the 5.7-liter Hemi V8. For Limited and Longhorn models, the HEMI will be offered as a no-cost alternative to the standard high-output Hurricane I6 engine. On most other trims where a six-cylinder is standard, the HEMI will be available as a $1200 upgrade.
The 2026 Ram 1500 Tungsten and RHO performance off-road models will remain exclusive to Hurricane powertrains and will not offer the V8 option.
A Badge That Says It All
To commemorate the return of the HEMI, every V8-equipped 2026 Ram 1500 will feature a new fender-mounted emblem known as the “Symbol of Protest.” Designed by the Ram Product Design Office, the badge displays the Ram’s head charging forward, underscored by a stylized HEMI V8 block. It’s a statement of purpose, for the brand, and for the drivers who asked to be heard.
A Customer-Driven Comeback
Ram’s reintroduction of the HEMI V8 marks a significant philosophical shift. Where the brand previously followed the industry’s march toward downsized, turbocharged engines, it’s now reinforcing the value of customer choice.
“Ram will continue to offer the more powerful and more efficient Hurricane Straight Six Turbo, but we heard loud and clear from consumers: there is no replacement for the iconic HEMI V8,” said Kuniskis. “At the end of each month, we count sales to customers—not statisticians or ideologues. Data be damned—we raise our flag and let the HEMI ring free again!”
Ordering Now Open
Dealers are now accepting orders for the 2026 Ram 1500 with the 5.7-liter HEMI V8, and the first trucks are expected to arrive this summer. For loyalists who missed the unmistakable sound and feel of a naturally aspirated V8, this isn’t just a comeback—it’s a statement.
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