Ram 1500 Engine Power, Performance, Specs & More
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Ram 1500 Engines at a Glance
- The 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 is standard, providing a solid foundation with 305 horsepower and up to 8,130 pounds of towing capacity.1
- Returning by popular demand, the available 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 ups the ante with 395 horsepower and an 11,310-pound maximum tow rating.1
- An available 3.0-liter Hurricane twin-turbo I-6 achieves maximum towing power, offering 420 horsepower and up to an 11,610-pound towing capacity.1
- Optimized for fun, the available High-Output Hurricane engine offers 540 horsepower and a 10,000-pound maximum towing capacity.1
- The explosive climax comes from the 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V-8: it makes 777 horsepower and lets the Ram 1500 TRX SRT go from zero to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds.
No matter which Ram 1500 engine you have at your side, powerful hauling, smooth acceleration, and legendary dependability will come standard. The five Ram 1500 engines create an iconic lineup filled with proper performance. So, which one is the best option for your needs and wants? Find out below; our Vermont-based truck experts are here to help. See details about the Ram 1500 engine lineup in this guide, and don't hesitate to contact us here at McGee CDJR of Barre if you'd like further assistance selecting a powertrain based on your preferences.
Discover The 5 Ram 1500 Engine Options for 2026
See what kind of utility and power you can get from each of the 2026 Ram engines below. Then, consult our chart for a side-by-side comparison.
3.6-liter Pentastar V-6
Serving as the robust and well-balanced entry-level 2026 Ram 1500 engine, the Pentastar V-6 is a time-tested unit that blends affordability and capability with ease. It provides the highest Ram 1500 payload capacity – a maximum of 2,360 pounds2 – and delivers the best fuel efficiency out of every Ram 1500 engine, offering up to an EPA-estimated 20/25/22 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).3
5.7-liter HEMI V-8
Returning for 2026 by popular demand, the legendary 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 is perhaps the most iconic Ram 1500 engine. Its smooth performance, rumbling sound, and strong capabilities make it an excellent package all around, offering the second-highest Ram 1500 tow rating at a maximum of 11,320 pounds,1 along with the satisfaction of traditional eight-cylinder power.
3.0-liter Hurricane Twin-Turbo I-6
Despite the smaller engine size here, the Hurricane engine is the top choice for towing, delivering an 11,610-pound maximum towing capacity1 and more power and MPGs than the HEMI V-8 thanks to its efficient six-cylinder, twin-turbocharged design. Comparing the towing capacity of all Ram trucks, this engine is an easy choice for those who value maximum strength in a versatile light-duty pickup.
High-Output 3.0-liter Hurricane Twin-Turbo I-6
Upgrading the Hurricane engine specs with pure performance in mind, this High-Output Hurricane takes the top Ram 1500 trims to new heights, making a hearty 540 horsepower while also delivering up to 10,000 pounds of towing potential.1 While that is lower than the other Hurricane, it offers 120 more horsepower for a more thrilling ride that's still plenty practical.
Supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V-8
This supercharged monster of a HEMI V-8 is the very pinnacle of the Ram 1500 truck's engine upgrades, found only in the TRX SRT trim, plus select configurations of the Rumble Bee special-edition model. With 777 horsepower and a 3.5-second 0-60 mph time, it's unmatched for pure muscle, leading all Ram trucks for sale in performance thrills.
| 3.6L Pentastar V-6 | 5.7L HEMI V-8 | 3.0L Hurricane Twin-Turbo I-6 | High-Output 3.0L Hurricane Twin-Turbo I-6 | 6.2L Supercharged HEMI V-8 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 305 | 395 | 420 | 540 | 777 |
| Torque | 269 lb-ft | 410 lb-ft | 469 lb-ft | 521 lb-ft | 680 lb-ft |
| Max. Towing Capacity | 8,130 lbs1 | 11,320 lbs1 | 11,610 lbs1 | 10,000 lbs1 | TBD |
| Max. Payload Capacity | 2,360 lbs2 | 1,650 lbs2 | 1,930 lbs2 | 1,490 lbs2 | TBD |
| Max. EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy / Comb) | 20 / 25 / 223 | 17 / 22 / 194 | 18 / 25 / 215 | 15 / 21 / 176 | 10 / 14 / 127 |
Ram 1500 Configurations: Engine by Trim
You can see our guide – all Ram 1500 trim levels explained – for an in-depth review, but the chart below shows a snapshot of each engine's availability.
| 3.6L Pentastar V-6 | 5.7L HEMI V-8 | 3.0L Hurricane I-6 | High-Output 3.0L Hurricane Twin-Turbo I-6 | 6.2L Supercharged HEMI V-8 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tradesman | Standard | Available | Available | N/A | N/A |
| Express | Standard | Available | Available | N/A | N/A |
| Big Horn | Standard | Available | Available | N/A | N/A |
| Warlock | Standard | Available | Available | N/A | N/A |
| Laramie | N/A | Available | Standard | N/A | N/A |
| Rebel | N/A | Available | Standard | N/A | N/A |
| RHO | N/A | N/A | N/A | Standard | N/A |
| Limited | N/A | Available | N/A | Standard | N/A |
| Limited Longhorn | N/A | Available | N/A | Standard | N/A |
| Tungsten | N/A | N/A | N/A | Standard | N/A |
| TRX SRT | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | Standard |
Ram 1500 Engine Availability & Power by Year
Finally, we know that many drivers in New England and beyond consider used Ram 1500 trucks, as they are typically more affordable while still providing comparable power. Check which engines were offered by model year, along with their outputs. You can also find more info by comparing Ram 1500 cab options and drivetrain configurations on our website.
| 3.6L Pentastar V-6 with eTorque | 5.7L HEMI V-8 with eTorque | 3.0L EcoDiesel V-6 | 6.2L Supercharged HEMI V-8 | 3.0L Hurricane V-6 | HO 3.0L Hurricane V-6 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 |
|
|
| N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2021 |
|
|
| N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2022 |
|
|
|
| N/A | N/A |
| 2023 |
|
|
|
| N/A | N/A |
| 2024 |
|
| N/A |
| N/A | N/A |
| 2025 |
| N/A | N/A | N/A |
|
|
| 2026 |
|
| N/A |
|
|
|
2026 Ram 1500 Engine & Powertrain FAQ
What is the best Ram 1500 engine?
The best Ram 1500 engine is a subjective matter. For some, the Pentaster V-6 is the best, as it is more affordable and efficient than the others. Test-drive the lineup to discover which one aligns with your preferences.
What engines are available in a Ram 1500?
- 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6
- 5.7-liter HEMI V-8
- 3.0-liter Hurricane I-6
- High-output 3.0-liter Hurricane I-6
- Supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V-8
How much can a 5.7-liter HEMI engine in a Ram 1500 tow?
The 2026 Ram 1500 can tow up to 11,320 pounds with a 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 under its hood.1 The 3.0-liter Hurricane I-6 tows a bit more: up to 11,610 pounds.1 Payload ratings are a similar story, with the HEMI delivering up to 1,650 pounds2 vs. the 1,930-pound maximum payload rating of the Hurricane.2
What Our Customers Have To Say About Their RAM 1500
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1When properly equipped. See dealer for details.
2When properly equipped. Max payload ratings shown for base configuration. Additional options, equipment, passengers, and cargo weight may affect payload weights. Contact dealer for details.
3EPA-estimated 20 city/25 hwy/22 comb MPG with 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 and eight-speed automatic transmission. Actual mileage may vary.
4EPA-estimated 17 city/22 hwy/19 comb MPG with 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 and eight-speed automatic transmission. Actual mileage may vary.
5EPA-estimated 18 city/25 hwy/21 comb MPG with 3.0-liter Hurricane I-6 and eight-speed automatic transmission. Actual mileage may vary.
6EPA-estimated 15 city/21 hwy/17 comb MPG with high-output 3.0-liter Hurricane I-6 and eight-speed automatic transmission. Actual mileage may vary.
7EPA-estimated 10 city/14 hwy/12 comb MPG with supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V-8 and eight-speed automatic transmission. Actual mileage may vary.