2026 RAM 1500 is a new addition to the RAM 1500 pickup truck series. The low-profile Tradesman work truck is great for construction sites and hauling jobs, while the off-road-ready Rebel is perfect for people who like to go on adventures. The Longhorn and Tungsten trims are the most luxurious and include the best features for passengers.
UPDATE: The 2026 RAM 1500 lineup has some big news! The Express is back, along with some new and intriguing EV and Hybrid versions. You can now find out the latest prices and release dates.
For the 2026 RAM 1500, you may now choose among six-cylinder engines. These include a base V-6 and an enhanced turbocharged inline-six with two power output levels. There are also two body designs and two bed lengths, as well as rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive options.
The Ram can’t haul as much as the Ford F-150 or Chevy Silverado, but we think the trade-off is worth it because the Ram has a more advanced package.
2026 RAM 1500 is a car with unparalleled capability and comfort. It is expected to arrive in the coming year with several improvements to keep it in its segment. There’s no denying that this truck packs six-cylinder engines: a Basic V-6 or twin-turbo inline-six. The latter replaces the old Hemi V-8 but produces up to 540 horsepower.
Upscale trims like the Limited and the new Tungsten give the Ram the best impression of being an upscale vehicle while still delivering workhorse skills. The Ram can’t tow as much as rivals like the Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado, but its maximum capacity is still high enough that most buyers won’t complain.
Other than that, the changes expected to the truck’s exterior styling are small but will make it look more modern and handsome than ever. New lighting elements, wheel designs, and a fresher colour palette are all part of the refresh.
We’re sure the 2026 RAM 1500 will be the most luxurious truck on the road for the last few years, but the new top-of-the-line Tungsten model promises to up the ante with quilted leather seats, massage seats, and high-end features like a 23-speaker Klipsch stereo.
- With outstanding performance and power from the new turbocharged engine
- Capable of delivering a comfortable ride and a quiet cabin
- Availability of plenty of interior storage space for belongings
- Superior ride quality
- Available with a smooth and powerful twin-turbo inline-six engine
- Top trims offer a luxurious car cabin
What’s New
The new 2026 RAM 1500 Express trim is now part of the RAM 1500 portfolio for 2026. It is a model that focuses on low-cost and economical pricing. The Express has some unique design details, like black headlamp bezels and dark gray trim on the inside.
The new 2026 RAM 1500 also comes with either rear- or four-wheel drive and in either a Quad or Crew Cab body configuration. This year, there is now a new Black Express look option that may be added to the Quad and Crew Cab body models for $995. The package comes with a special Sport hood, black badges on the outside, 20-inch black wheels, and black fabric bucket seats, among other things.
The arrival of the 2026 RAM 1500 is expected to be a new chapter in the world of Automotive Truck Models with super powerful engines reaching six cylinders. However, there is information that the 5.7-liter V8 engine is no longer available on the RAM 1500, and the 2026 RAM TRX Off-Road has been discontinued along with the supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine. We believe both offer more power than the old V8: 420 horsepower for the standard version and 540 hp for the high-powered version.
What We Like
- Incredible engine. The only people who will miss the Hemi are those obsessed with the sound of a V-8 engine. Power delivery is smooth and plentiful.
- Excellent ride quality. Modern trucks have come a long way in ride comfort, but the Ram impressed me with its ability to absorb large shocks. Sure, you feel them. It is not very special, though. It is similar to the Ram TRX or F-150 Raptor but without the bulky suspension.
- Handy driver aids. Ram has perfected its driver assistance technology. Whether you use lane keep assist on secondary roads or hands-free on the highway, there’s enough leeway to ease the stress of the journey without the driver abusing the system. It’s a tricky balance, but the Ram holds its own.
2026 RAM 1500 Review
The 2026 Dodge RAM is one of America’s most talked-about full-size pickup trucks. Dodge authorities have made this car widely known for its 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 performance.
However, this time, the Dodge authorities have changed to a pair of twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter I-6 engines that replace the Hemi V-8, and batteries power the presence of RAM REV with a broader range of RAM Charger facilities than before.
We predict that the 2026 model year of the 2026 Ram 1500 will be a landmark year as the updates will be more exciting than ever. Expected updates are the exterior with a new high-strength steel frame, an expanded cabin with more interior space, a more spacious interior, luxurious design, and the best modern electronics in the entire lineup.
Other expected updates for the 2026 Ram 1500 include a better upgrade with a more prominent grille, a fresher bumper, updated front and rear lights, and LED-type lights on all truck types as standard models.
Ram Trucks Changes in the top trim levels, such as the 2026 Ram 1500 Tungsten, occur with a Quad or crew-cab configuration where the body measures 6 feet 4 inches or 5 feet 7 inches and two- or four-wheel drive. On Tradesman and Big Horn trim models, a smaller Quad cab is also available with axle ratios remaining the same at 3.21, 3.55, and 3.92 and an open differential, limited slip, and electronic locking.
In addition, the front axle suspension and five-link solid axle suspension at the rear facilitate a smooth ride. The multifunctional tailgate and tailgate-side storage box (RamBox) are exclusively designed, while a power lift function and a new lower tailgate have been added.
2026 RAM 1500 News
Ram is putting off plans to make an electric truck because the market for battery-powered pickup trucks is slowing down.
According to a report by Crain’s Detroit News, the carmaker has acknowledged that the release of its Ramcharger 1500 long-range electric hybrid pickup truck has been pushed back from this year to early 2026. The all-electric 1500 REV won’t be out until the summer of 2027.
Originally, the REV was supposed to be released before the end of 2024. But in December, Ram said it would shift the Ramcharger ahead of it and not release it until 2026.
The Ramcharger is a series hybrid. It always has an electric motor, but it also has a V6 engine that works as a generator during travels longer than 145 miles.
The vehicle can go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and has 647 hp and 610 lb-ft of torque. Ram says it can tow 14,000 pounds.
Ram had previously claimed that it would not make a 500-mile Ram 1500 REV and would instead start with a 350-mile range.
Ram explained that the latest delay was caused by fewer people wanting electric pickups. He also said it would give them more time to work on the series’ hybrid technology.
Later this year, Ram is anticipated to bring back the V8 to the 1500 lineup. They stopped making it in 2025 in favor of a turbocharged inline-six. The brand has already begun tantalizing fans with a major product release planned on June 8, with numerous more to follow through 2026.
Tim Kuniskis, the CEO of Ram, said in April, “Four months ago, I came back to the Ram brand with a clear mission: build compelling trucks.”
“Since then, we’ve been working on the next evolution of Ram, which is a daring new chapter that pays tribute to the brand’s past while changing its future. There will be 25 product introductions over the next 18 months, starting on June 8. I’m proud to be back, proud to be on this team, and more determined than ever to show the world that Ram can’t be stopped.
2026 RAM 1500 Engine
The new Ram 1500 has a V-6 or twin-turbo inline-six engine and a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. The base V-6, which makes 305 horsepower, is helped by a 48-volt hybrid system.
The 2026 RAM 1500 has a twin-turbo inline-six engine that Ram calls the Hurricane. It can make either 420 or 540 horsepower. We tried out the 540-horsepower engine in a Limited 4×4 crew-cab truck, and we know it’s more than enough power for a truck.
This is one of the machines. It is likewise very well-made. The 420 hp variant of this engine also has a lot of power. The rugged Rebel model is for people who like to go off-road. It looks tougher and can really go off-road.
The rear suspension of the 2026 Ram 1500 uses normal coil springs instead of the customary leaf spring configuration prevalent on domestic competitors. This makes for a smooth ride. Models with optional air suspension can change the height of the ride, which helps with fuel efficiency and off-road performance.\
The predicted 2026 RAM 1500 will offer more specific changes, with V-6 and twin-turbo inline-six gasoline engines paired with a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. The base V-6 engine, which produces 305 horsepower, is assisted by a 48-volt hybrid system.
The twin-turbo inline-six that Ram calls the Hurricane can produce 420 or 540 horsepower. The rugged Rebel model, an option for adventurous people, provides a more robust look and legitimate off-road capabilities.
The 2026 RAM 1500 will certainly have an impressive ride thanks to a rear suspension that uses standard coil springs compared to the traditional leaf spring setup found on domestic competitors. Models with the optional air suspension have an adjustable ride height, which helps with fuel efficiency and off-road performance.
Towing
The Ram 1500 can pull up to 11,580 pounds and hold up to 2,300 pounds. That is less than what Ford and Chevrolet’s pickups can carry, which is 13,000 pounds right now.
The new Ramcharger plug-in hybrid can tow 14,000 pounds, so if you want a Ram that can tow more, you should look into it. The heavy-duty Ram HD series can also tow up to 37,090 pounds.
Performance
The 2026 Dodge RAM 1500 features a pair of 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engines that replace the Hemi V-8 engine. Ram calls this the “SST” (Straight-Six Turbo) engine. Available in regular and high-output versions, the new engine produces 420 hp with 469 lb-ft of torque or 540 hp and 521 lb-ft. The old 5.7-liter Hemi eTorque V-8 only produced 395 hp and 410 lb-ft.
As far as we are concerned, this new type of RAM SST engine is an excellent piece of hardware. It was introduced in the Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer, which have lower output ratings.
The Hurricane engine family from which the SST is sourced has been built on a solid foundation. It starts with a sealed-deck aluminum block with cross-bolted main bearing caps, forged steel crankshaft, and forged steel connecting rods. Then, twin-scroll turbochargers are mounted to an exhaust manifold integrated with the cylinder head, with each unit fed by three cylinders, resulting in a faster-than-average spool-up.
Although they appear almost identical, the standard and high-power engines have some mechanical differences. Internally, the standard engine uses cast aluminum DLC-coated pistons. However, the high-power engine uses forged aluminum slugs. With the top-spec engine, the maximum boost pressure increases from 22 to 28 psi while the compression ratio drops from 10.4:1 to 9.5:1. The ignition coil and fuel injectors are also unique, along with slight changes to the valve train.
In addition, the high-power version features a larger exhaust pipe from the turbocharger. RAM recommends 91 octane fuel for the standard power engine and requires it to get the most out of high power.
For those more comfortable with the familiar, the 305-hp 3.6-liter Pentastar eTorque V-6 is standard equipment for the Tradesman and Big Horn models. A 3.0-liter SST with standard output is optional for the Tradesman and Big Horn and standard on the Rebel and Laramie trims. The high-output SST exclusively powers the Limited Longhorn, Limited, and Tungsten models.
2026 RAM 1500 Interior
The Ram 1500 features a lot of room for passengers and storage inside. The higher trims offer nicer materials and creature comforts, making the Ram feel more like a luxury car than a pickup truck, especially the top-of-the-line Tungsten model.
Most variants come with high-end luxuries like heated and cooled seats and a panoramic sunroof. The most expensive models have real wood accents and leather surfaces.
The 2026 RAM 1500 Tungsten variant has a 23-speaker Klipsch radio system, 24-way power-adjustable front seats with massage, and many other nice things. The Ram 1500 crew cab is very big, just like most full-size pickups. It also features a lot of storage space inside and a unique tailgate that splits and folds. There are cargo beds that are five feet seven inches and six feet four inches long, but the extended-cab body design only comes with the six-foot-four-inch bed.
The 2026 RAM 1500’s ride quality is distinct thanks to using coil springs for the rear suspension instead of traditional leaf springs. This truck has the best ride of any full-size truck, and none of its competitors can match it.
In addition, the 2026 RAM 1500 model makes a good impression with seats that provide excellent support and comfort for different body types. Wind and tire noise are also well contained, which adds to the sense of calm in the cabin that the suspension provides.
The 2026 RAM 1500 Interior delivers a comfortable driving position that fits easily, thanks to a good range of seats and steering wheel adjustments. The available complete digital cluster has a good level of customization and presents its information clearly and legibly at a glance.
The large windows around the truck help with visibility, but due to its high sides, seeing shorter items around it can be difficult.
Technology
For a while now, the 2026 RAM 1500 truck has had one of the best infotainment systems and ways to access the Internet in its class. The newest vehicle still has a 12.0-inch or optional 14.5-inch touchscreen that responds to touch.
Both systems work with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The bigger touchscreen even has some extra buttons and knobs. There is also a 10.3-inch passenger display that lets you use navigation and entertainment features.
The 2026 RAM 1500 will have better and upgraded technology features, including the large and vertically oriented 12.0-inch Uconnect display. New RAM authorities will continue updating the truck’s electronics to the latest, fastest, and safest Atlantis electrical architecture.
In addition, we expect the 2026 RAM 1500 to have a good and safe steering system, of course, with a hands-free mode that will work on mapped roads. Once the hands-free feature is activated, the Truck will be fully capable of taking over the steering, including changing lanes to pass slower traffic and slowing down predictably for curves.
This feature also provides access in the event of driver intervention. The system can automatically resume control after verifying that the driver is actively driving. Furthermore, the Hands-Free Drive Assist is equally appealing in short sections of the highway, making it as simple and effective as GM’s Super Cruise and Ford’s Blue Cruise.
RAM authorities also noticed an upgrade in the 12.0-inch Uconnect setup with a higher resolution screen, now offering a larger 14.5-inch unit. This relatively large screen can replace some of the physical buttons capable of managing the truck’s navigation system, playing entertainment via the provided HDMI port, or switching between exterior camera views.
Last, we expect great audio, such as the ultra-premium, best-in-class 1,228-watt Klipsch Reference Premier. The 23-speaker system includes a 12-inch subwoofer, a pair of 1-inch titanium dome tweeters, and speakers in every possible location, including the back of the driver and front passenger seats.
RAM applied this system to deliver outstanding sound quality with perfect high range, more than necessary bass, and perfect clarity even at loud levels.
2026 RAM 1500 MPG
The EPA hasn’t revealed fuel economy numbers for the 2026 Ram 1500 yet, but the 2025 model gets up to 20 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the interstate, and 23 mpg overall.
Our 75-mph highway fuel efficiency test route showed that the 2026 RAM 1500, which has a high-horsepower inline-six engine, got 20 mpg.
The 540-horsepower version of the Hurricane inline-six in our test 2026 RAM 1500 Limited 4×4 Crew Cab should be able to go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, and the 420-hp version of the 2026 RAM 1500 Rebel we tested should be able to go from 0 to 60 in 4.9 seconds.
The 2026 RAM 1500 is expected to provide varying fuel economy based on the various powertrains. The best fuel economy is an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined with the base and RWD engines.
For the 4WD truck version with the turbo straight-six, the standard output engine is estimated at 19 mpg combined, and for the high-output engine, those numbers drop slightly to 17 mpg combined.
2026 RAM 1500 Payload
The 2026 RAM Trucks are expected to have a maximum payload capacity of 2,300 pounds and a maximum towing capacity of 11,580 pounds. This is less than what the Ford F-150 can do, but generally, the Ram 1500 has much going for it. The drive system is more than adequate for towing, and there is plenty of power to move larger trailers quickly.
We believe the Ram Pickup 1500 still has the same flavor of being a competent towing vehicle. RAM’s new push-button trailer steering knob assists the driver in backing the truck onto the trailer hook and backing up with the trailer attached.
Then, with the advanced payload technology that enables on-screen viewing of a graph with guidelines showing the direction and angle of the trailer. The most helpful function is the ability to automatically center the trailer and hold it in a straight line when backing up.
Some of the optional features on all trims are an integrated trailer brake controller, trailer tire pressure monitoring, a trailer light check system, an integrated trailer health monitor, a 360-degree trailer view, towing-specific navigation, a digital rearview mirror with towing mode, and the most functional towing rearview mirror. Self-leveling four-corner air suspension is also available on all but the Tradesman.
While Ram has not revealed all of its towing configurations, the truck is said to have a maximum towing capacity of 11,580 pounds and a maximum payload of 2,300 pounds.
2026 RAM 1500 Models
The All-New 2026 RAM 1500 full-sized light pickup truck will be available in two main configurations: the four-door Quad Cab and the roomier Crew Cab.
The Quad Cab model features only a 6-foot-4 cargo bed, while the crew cab features a short 5-foot-7 bed or a long bed. Ram offers the Ram 1500 for trim levels in Tradesman, Bighorn (called Lonestar in Texas), Warlock, Laramie, Rebel, RHO, Limited, and Tungsten.
The engine lineup includes:
- 3.6-liter V6 engine (305 horsepower, 271 lb-ft of torque)
- 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, standard output (420 hp, 469 lb-ft)
- 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, high output (540 hp, 521 lb-ft)
Each is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Depending on the trim level, four-wheel drive is optional or standard.
All-New 2026 RAM 1500 Express
The 2026 Ram 1500 Express is the brand’s cheaper version of its full-size pickup truck. The spiritual successor to the Ram 1500 Classic costs $44,495, including shipping. The Express will be in the middle of the Ram 1500 lineup, between the Tradesman and Big Horn trims.
Tim Kuniskis, CEO of the Ram brand, said, “The Express is the newest product in the Ram line.” “We’re starting the 2025 model year with the new Ram 1500 and the new Ram Heavy Duty range. Now that the platform has been updated, we’re starting to make changes to the trim levels.
You may choose the Ram 1500 Express with either a Quad Cab or a Crew Cab body style. The base engine is a 3.6L V6 Pentastar that makes 305 horsepower. You can also have a 3.0L turbo I6 Hurricane engine. The standard features are 20-inch wheels, adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking, and LED headlights with black bezels. For an extra $995, you can have a Black Package that includes a sport hood, black alloys, side steps, and a better interior with black cloth bucket seats, a 7-inch instrument cluster, and a floor console.
“The end of the Ram 1500 Classic puts the Express in the lead. Kuniskis added, “Over the next 18 months, we plan to announce 25 more products, some of which will be mild and some of which will be wild, so there will be something for every truck buyer.”
The truck is probably meant for people who want a full-size pickup that costs less than $45,000.
You may have the Ram 1500 Express with a “Quad” cab and either rear- or four-wheel drive. You also get a 3.6-liter, 305-hp Pentastar V-6 engine, adaptive cruise control, 20-inch wheels, black bezel-surround LED headlights, and a choice of five monochromatic exterior colors (black, white, gray, and two blues). The front and rear bumpers are the same color as the body.
The Express takes the place of the Ram Classic, which is no longer available. It brings back a popular option that focuses on value and usefulness. You can now obtain pickup trucks that are as nice as the most expensive SUVs, but sometimes you just want a vehicle that does the job without any extras. This truck looks like the best option.
In 2013 and again in 2019, Ram sold the Black Express. We all love a pickup truck with a Hemi engine, but the 2026 Ram Express will definitely benefit from the model’s recent full mid-cycle makeover, which helped it win our 2025 Truck of the Year award.
This is the first of 25 product improvements that Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis plans to make over the following 18 months. We don’t know all of the launches yet, but the timeframe is really tight.
2026 RAM 1500 Hybrid and EV
The current Ram 1500 Light Duty will continue to be made at the Sterling Heights plant “through 2024” as part of the deal. However, the agreement also states that a “mid-cycle action” will be taken to update it in 2024.
The deal also states that the new Ram 1500 Light Duty will be available in two versions in 2024: BEV and REPB, both built on Ram’s STLA Frame platform.
The 2025 Ram Ramcharger was really unveiled today as the REPB (Range Electric Paradigm Breaker) extended range electric car. Its gas engine is just used to power the electric vehicle’s propulsion system. The REPB might be a good option for people who are still unsure about switching to BEVs because they are worried about range.
The small Jeep Cherokee will stop being made when the Belvidere facility closes in March 2023. It appears like it will never be made again. The union argued that the plant’s closing had hurt the local community and forced many UAW workers to move.
The UAW has been attempting to salvage the plant and get Stellantis to run it, but they know that Belvidere will need to make cars if there is any hope.
The UAW’s agreement with Stellantis will move the production of the midsize truck to the Belvidere Assembly Plant. The UAW says the vehicle will start being made in 2027 and that it will make between 80,000 and 100,000 units. There aren’t many details available. The deal doesn’t say what the vehicle is, but we think it could be the Ram Dakota that people have been talking about.
2026 RAM 1500 Competitors
The competitors in the full-size pickup truck class that compete directly with the Ram are:
- Ford F-150
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- GMC Sierra 1500
- Toyota Tundra
All of these advantages suit your needs.
Safety
The 2026 RAM 1500 also has a lot of driver-support features, like lane-keeping assist and automatic emergency braking. Some models come with Ram’s innovative adaptive cruise control technology, which includes a mode for driving without using your hands.
Some important safety elements are:
- Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian recognition is standard.
- Standard rear cross-traffic warning and blind spot monitoring
- Adaptive cruise control that lets you drive without using your hands
2026 RAM 1500 Price
The price of the 2026 Ram 1500 is likely to start at about $43,000 and go up to $90,000, depending on the trim and options. The Ram 1500 shows off its elegance with a Tungsten trim that has leather-trimmed seats, 24-way power-adjustable seats with massaging, and a suede top.
The RAM 1500 costs about $90,000, and it should. The Laramie and Rebel trims are the greatest options in the lineup. The Rebel trim comes with off-road features that make it easier to take the 1500 off the main path. The 2026 Ram 1500 Express is returning, and it starts at $44,495.
Ram is bringing back the 2026 Ram 1500 Express to offer customers a great deal. It starts at $44,495, which is less than the average price of a new automobile. This makes it one of the cheapest Ram 1500 variants. For an extra $1,695, you can have a variant of the Hurricane’s 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine that makes less power. This engine makes 420 hp and lets the Quad Cab with rear-wheel drive tow up to 11,550 pounds.
Want to seem more striking? The Ram 1500 Black Express Package comes with a Sport hood, black badges, 20-inch wheels, LED fog lights, foot rungs, black cloth bucket seats, and a 7-inch cluster. It is only available for Quad Cab and Crew 4WD vehicles and costs $995.
Below is all the data about the beginning price of the entire 2026 Ram 1500 Express:
- $44,495 for the Kabin Quad 2WD
- Crew Cab with 2WD: $47,245
- $48,345 for the Cabin Quad 4WD
- $51,095 for Cabin Crew 4WD
With the expected significant changes, considering the additional features and upgrades, and the ever-increasing cost of new trucks, we predict the latest price with the powerful turbocharged six-cylinder engine to be $44,025 – $88,075.
| Tradesman | $42,270 |
| HFE | $44,055 |
| Big Horn | $47,930 |
| Warlock | $57,255 |
| Laramie | $63,025 |
| Rebel | $67,190 |
| Limited | $78,150 |
| Longhorn | $78,645 |
| Tungsten | $90,070 |
2026 RAM 1500 Release Date
The truck is a cheap pickup truck from the Ram brand. Stellantis’ Belvidere plant in Illinois is getting ready to start making the mid-size Ram truck, which could be an Americanized version of the unibody Ram Rampage offered in Brazil.
You can now order the 2026 Ram 1500 Express, and delivery will start in the third quarter of this year.
Competitor
The Chevy Silverado 1500 in Work Truck and Custom trims and the GMC Sierra 1500 Pro trim are GM’s closest challengers to the Ram 1500 Express. You can also get it in a crew cab or extended cab body type, and the prices are around the same. You may have already ordered the 2026 Ram 1500 Express. Deliveries will start in the third quarter of 2025.
Verdict
Conclusion of RAM 2026: The powerful turbocharged six-cylinder engine on the RAM Truck improves power and performance. Moreover, the RAM’s interior is top-notch, delivering quality and refinement that sets it apart from some of its fiercest competitors. We are confident that the new 2026 RAM 1500 model will be a reliable truck capable of carrying more stuff for work.
We’ll keep you updated with more developments regarding the 2026 RAM 1500, so be sure to bookmark our website for more RAM 1500 news and coverage of exciting Dodge information constantly.
