2026 RAM 1500 is a car with unparalleled capability and comfort that is expected to arrive in the coming year with several improvements for the coming year to keep it in its segment. There’s no denying that this truck packs six-cylinder engines: 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 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 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 Ram 1500 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 the presence of RAM REV powered by batteries with a broader range of RAM Charger facilities than before.
We predict that the 2026 model year of the 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 and 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.
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 Engine
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.
Performance
The 2026 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.
There are some mechanical differences between the standard and high-power engines, although they appear almost identical. 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 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
The 2026 RAM 1500 will have better and upgraded technology features, including the large and vertically oriented 12.0-inch Uconnect display. 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 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 1500 is 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 2026 Ram 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.
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.
2026 RAM 1500 Price
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 Range: $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’s release schedule is expected to hit dealerships in the spring, with the RHO, Ramcharger, and REV coming in the fall.
Verdict
Conclusion 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.
