2025 vs. 2026 RAM 1500: What's New
What's new is not always truly "new." After a major redesign, vehicles tend to remain relatively unchanged from year to year, with a few minor upgrades or paint colors added to give the new model year a unique spin.
After a full-size facelift in 2025, it’s no surprise that the RAM 1500 for 2026 is largely unchanged.
But to keep the RAM 1500 the strongest pickup on the market, it has to listen to what the market wants.
Keep reading to see what changed between the 2026 vs. 2025 RAM 1500 models, how the trims measure up against each other, and the infamous return of the HEMI V8.
The 2026 RAM 1500 HEMI V8: Return of a Legend
The 2025 RAM 1500 received a facelift for the model year, complete with new lighting elements, updated wheel designs, a fresh color palette, and some new (and much larger) tech upgrades. However, no change was discussed more than the departure of the HEMI V8.
As Stellantis said goodbye to the HEMI in favor of a new twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, the feedback was loud and clear. So much so that when Stellantis released the 2026 RAM 1500, they had a surprise in store.
"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," RAM brand CEO Tim Kuniskis said in a Stellantis press release.
A year after its departure, RAM announced the return of the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with a new fender-mounted "Symbol of Protest Badge" created by the RAM design team to signal the power of pushing back.
Or pushing forward, depending on your perspective.
The 5.7-liter HEMI V8 is available on the Tradesman, Express, Warlock, Big Horn, and Laramie trims for an extra cost, and is a no-cost alternative on the Limited and Longhorn trims.
Additional changes for the 2026 RAM 1500 model include the new Express and BackCountry trims. The Express trim is a low-cost, value-focused trim featuring black-out headlamp bezels and a dark-gray interior, available in rear- or four-wheel drive.
The BackCountry trim is rugged in its appearance, featuring a one-inch suspension lift and underbody skid plates.
| 2026 RAM 1500 | 2025 RAM 1500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $42,025 | $40,275 |
| Engines | ||
| 5.7 L HEMI V8 | 395 HP/ 410 lb-ft | Unavailable |
| 3.6L Pentastar V6 | 305 HP/ 269 lb-ft | 305 HP/ 269 lb-ft |
| Hurricane Standard | 420 HP/ 469 lb-ft | 420 HP/ 469 lb-ft |
| Hurricane High-Output | 540 HP/ 521 lb-ft | 540 HP/ 521 lb-ft |
| Coverage, Trims & Capability | ||
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 yrs/ 100,000 miles | 5yrs/ 60,000 miles |
| Express Trim | New Value Trim | Not available |
| New Paint Colors | Forged Blue, Hydro Blue | Standard Palette |
| Max Towing Capacity | 11,550 lbs | 11,550 lbs |
| Max Payload Capacity | 2,360 lbs | 2,370 lbs |
Performance
Both 2026 and 2025 RAM 1500 models come equipped with the same three engines:
- High-Output 3.0L Hurricane I6
- 3.0L Hurricane I6
- 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine with eTorque
The main difference lies in the return of the HEMI V8 for the 2026 lineup. Both model years deliver the same high level of comfort behind the wheel, due in part to the rear suspension's coil-spring design and the smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission.
| Specs | 3.6L Pentastar V6 | 5.7L HEMI V8 | 3.0L Hurricane | 3.0L Hurricane High-Output |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration | V6 | V8 | Twin-Turbo I6 | Twin-Turbo I6 |
| Horsepower | 305 HP | 395 HP | 420 HP | 540 HP |
| Torque | 269 lb-ft | 410 lb-ft | 469 lb-ft | 521 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy (city/hwy MPG) | 20/25 | 17/22 | 18/25 | 15/21 |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 8,130 lbs | 11,320 lbs | 11,610 lbs | 10,000 lbs |
| Max Payload Capacity | 2,360 lbs | 1,790 lbs | 1,930 lbs | 1,490 lbs |
Interior & Technology
Both model years offer comfortable cabins and full tech suites. You’ll enjoy heated and ventilated seats and a panoramic sunroof, as well as leather surfaces and genuine wood accents on higher-end trims.
Additional features include:
- 24-way adjustable front seats with massage
- 23-speaker Klipsch stereo system
- Car and Driver reports that with rear seats stowed, the RAM 1500 can fit 25 carry-on suitcases inside its cabin
- 12- or 14.5-inch touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 10.3-inch passenger display
2026 vs. 2025 RAM 1500 Trim Levels Comparison
The same heavyweight hitters we came to love in 2025 carried on into 2026, including the Tradesman, Laramie, Rebel, Big Horn, Warlock, Limited, Longhorn, and Tungsten. However, 2026 also introduced the Express and BackCountry trims, each offering its own unique elements to the legendary lineup:
2026 RAM 1500 Tradesman
Starting MSRP $42,025
- Standard 3.6L Pentastar V6 with eTorque
- Heavy-duty vinyl upholstery
- 18-inch steel wheels
- Maximum towing capacity up to 11,610 lbs when properly equipped
2026 Ram 1500 Express
Starting MSRP $44,150
- 20-inch wheels with body-color bumpers and grille
- Black-bezel LED headlamps
- Five exterior paint colors
- 12-inch touchscreen and digital cluster
2026 RAM 1500 Big Horn
Starting MSRP $47,280
- Chrome front and rear bumpers with grille surround
- Painted fender flares
- Quad cab or crew cab body styles
- 18-inch aluminum wheels
- Cloth seats and leather-wrapped steering wheel
2026 RAM 1500 Warlock
Starting MSRP $52,865
- Standard four-wheel drive
- All-terrain tires
- Raised ride height and locking rear differential
- Black exterior accents
- Underbody protection
2026 RAM 1500 Laramie
Starting MSRP $61,480
- Heated and ventilated front leather seats
- 12- or 14-inch Uconnect 5 NAV display
- 9-speaker Alpine sound system
- 20-inch painted and polished aluminum wheels
2026 RAM 1500 BackCountry
Starting MSRP $62,410
- One-inch suspension lift
- Skid plates for underbody protection
- Black 18-inch wheels
- 32-inch off-road tires
- Electronic locking rear differential
- Front tow hooks
- Heated front seats and steering wheel
2026 RAM 1500 Rebel
Starting MSRP $67,790
- All-terrain tire package
- Electronic locking rear differential
- Skid plates and underbody protection
- Front and rear tow hooks
- Sport-tuned suspension system
2026 RAM 1500 RHO
Starting MSRP $73,795
- 11.8 inches of ground clearance
- Launch Control Mode
- Nine selectable drive modes, including Baja and Rock
- Beadlock-capable 18-inch wheels
- Max payload of 1,510 lbs when properly equipped
- 35-inch off-road tires
2026 RAM 1500 Limited
Starting MSRP $76,900
- Genuine leather seating materials
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Panoramic sunroof availability
- Standard High Output Hurricane I6 engine
2026 RAM 1500 Limited Longhorn
Starting MSRP $78,195
- Unique Longhorn badging and interior detailing
- Premium leather with special stitching patterns
- Western-inspired design elements
2026 RAM 1500 Tungsten
Starting MSRP $88,095
- 24-way adjustable front seats with massage functionality
- Premium leather surfaces with genuine wood accents
- 22-inch wheels
- 23-speaker Klipsch Reference Premier Audio system
- 14.5-inch Uconnect 5 NAV touchscreen
- Dual-pane panoramic sunroof
Explore the RAM 1500 Lineup at Santee CDJR!
Ready to see the RAM lineup for yourself? Visit Santee Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram! We have a great selection of RAM 1500 models waiting for you, with more arriving regularly. Check out our inventory online, then visit us for your test drive.
You can also learn more about the 2025 RAM 1500 trim levels and 2026 RAM 1500 trim levels from our team!