2026 Ram 1500: What's New

Built on the proven fifth-generation foundation launched in 2019, the 2026 Ram 1500 pushes boundaries once again. Designed for those who demand strength and refinement, this truck delivers rugged performance for demanding jobs while offering comfort and versatility for everyday driving. Whether you choose the capable V6 or the revived 5.7-liter HEMI® V8 engine, you’ll experience commanding power and confident handling on any road or terrain.

Over the years, the Ram 1500 has earned its reputation as a class leader, claiming Motor Trend’s Truck of the Year title three times.

For 2026, Ram continues to refine that winning formula. The ride remains smooth and composed, while steering feels sharp and responsive. Inside, premium trims elevate the experience with advanced digital displays, upscale materials, and thoughtful craftsmanship that rival luxury SUVs.

While Ram’s driver-assist technologies offer plenty of convenience, there’s still room for improvement as the brand works to perfect its hands-free driving system. Even so, the all-new 2026 Ram 1500 stands tall as a dominant force, built for those who want a truck that works as hard as they play.

Recognition

The 2026 Ram is still being reviewed, yet some notable accolades it’s already earned include:\

• Truck of the Year (Motor Trends)

• 10/10 Car and Driver Rating (Car and Driver)
  

• Scored 4.4 / 5 Stars Consumer Rating (Kelley Blue Book)
  

  
  

Additional accolades the Ram 1500 has been awarded throughout recent years:

• #1 Full-Size Pickup Truck in 2025 (Cars.US.News)

• #1 Full-Size Pickup Truck in 2023 (Cars.US.News)

• #1 Full-Size Pickup Truck in 2022 (Cars.US.News)

• #1 Best Full-Size Pickup Trucks (Car and Driver)

• 2025 Best Trucks for the Money (Cars.US.News)

• 2025 Ram 1500 Scored 81/100 Consumer Rating (J.D. Power)

• 2024 Ram 1500 Scored 81/100 Consumer Rating (J.D. Power)

• 2023 Ram 1500 Earned Top Safety Pick Award (IIHS)

• 2022 Ram 1500 Earned Top Safety Pick Award (IIHS)
  

New Features

Engines & Performance

• 5.7L HEMI V8 Returns
• Back by popular demand after being removed in 2025
• Produces 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque
• Includes eTorque mild hybrid system for better fuel efficiency

Other Engine Options Still Available

• 3.6L V6 engine
• Two versions of the Hurricane turbocharged I-6

Availability & Pricing

HEMI V8 Availability

• Offered on Tradesman, Express, Warlock, Big Horn/Lone Star, and LaRamie trims for $1,200
• No extra cost on Limited and Longhorn trims
• Will be available later on the Rebel trim (release date not yet announced)

New Trim Option

New Express Trim

Budget-friendly model with a focus on value

Features include:

• Black headlamp bezels
• Dark gray interior trim
• Offered in rear-wheel or four-wheel drive
• Available in Quad Cab or Crew Cab body styles

Appearance & Styling

“Symbol of Protest” Fender Badge

Exclusive to HEMI engine models

Black Express Package (Optional – $995)

Available on Quad and Crew Cab 4WD models

Includes:

• Sport hood
• Black exterior badging
• 20-inch black wheels
• Black cloth bucket seats

Express Trim Color Options

Choice of five exterior colors

Best Trim

The Express trim is considered the best overall choice for 2026. Starting under $50,000, the Ram 1500 Express returns after a few years, offering a balance of features, performance, and value. Highlights include:

Engine Options

• 3.6L V6 mild-hybrid (standard)
• 5.7L HEMI V8
• 3.0L Hurricane turbocharged inline-six

Key Features

• Black bezel-surround LED headlights
• Body-colored front and rear bumpers
• 20-inch wheels
• Adaptive cruise control
• Laser-etched interior trim accents

Color Options

• Diamond Black
• Bright White
• Granite Crystal
• Forged Blue
• Hydro Blue

Optional Black Express Package (For Quad and Crew 4WD Models)

• Sport hood
• Black exterior badging
• 20-inch black wheels
• LED fog lights
• Running boards
• Black cloth bucket seats
• 7.0-inch digital driver display

Trim Level MSRP

• Tradesman 2WD Quad Cab – $41,025 MSRP
• Tradesman 2WD Short Bed Crew Cab – $43,775 MSRP
• Tradesman 4WD Quad Cab – $44,425 MSRP
• Big Horn 2WD Quad Cab – $46,280 MSRP
• Tradesman 2WD Long Bed Crew Cab – $46,915 MSRP
• Tradesman 4WD Short Bed Crew Cab – $47,175 MSRP
• Big Horn 2WD Short Bed Crew Cab – $49,030 MSRP
• Big Horn 4WD Quad Cab – $49,680 MSRP
• Tradesman 4WD Long Bed Crew Cab – $50,315 MSRP
• Warlock 4x4 Crew Cab 5'7" – $51,865 MSRP
• Big Horn 2WD Long Bed Crew Cab – $52,170 MSRP
• Big Horn 4WD Short Bed Crew Cab – $52,430 MSRP
• Big Horn 4WD Long Bed Crew Cab – $55,570 MSRP
• LaRamie 2WD Short Bed Crew Cab – $60,780 MSRP
• LaRamie 4WD Short Bed Crew Cab – $64,180 MSRP
• Rebel 4WD Crew Cab – $64,445 MSRP
• LaRamie 4WD Long Bed Crew Cab – $64,625 MSRP
• RHO 4x4 Crew Cab 5'7" – $72,495 MSRP
• Limited 4WD Short Bed Crew Cab – $75,405 MSRP
• Limited 4WD Long Bed Crew Cab – $75,705 MSRP
• Limited Longhorn 4x4 Crew Cab 5'7" – $75,900 MSRP
• Limited Longhorn 4x4 Crew Cab 6'4" – $76,200 MSRP
• Tungsten 4x4 Crew Cab 5'7" – $87,800 MSRP

Performance

Engine Lineup

3.6L V6 with Mild Hybrid System (Standard Engine)

• 305 horsepower / 271 lb-ft torque
• 0–60 mph: about 8.1 seconds
• Assisted by Ram’s eTorque system for better efficiency and smoother performance

5.7L HEMI V8 with eTorque Mild Hybrid System

• 395 horsepower / 410 lb-ft torque
• Includes cylinder deactivation, sport exhaust, and 33-gallon fuel tank
• Offers stronger acceleration and towing capability

3.0L Hurricane Twin-Turbo I-6 (Two Versions)

• Standard Output (SO): 420 horsepower / 469 lb-ft torque
• 0–60 mph: about 4.8–5.2 seconds
• High Output (HO): 540 horsepower / 521 lb-ft torque
• 0–60 mph: about 4.2–4.6 seconds

Transmission & Drivetrain

• 8-speed automatic transmission standard on all engines
• Rear-wheel drive (RWD) standard; four-wheel drive (4WD) available or standard on select trims

Fuel Efficiency & Range (Estimates)

• 3.6L V6: 19–20 mpg city / 24–26 mpg highway
• Driving range: 483–529 miles
• Hurricane SO: 17–18 mpg city / 24–25 mpg highway
• Driving range: 437–546 miles
• Hurricane HO: 14–15 mpg city / 16–21 mpg highway
• Driving range: 495–561 miles, depending on tank size (26 or 33 gallons)
• HEMI V8: Expected to have the lowest fuel economy, but similar range due to the 33-gallon tank

eTorque Mild Hybrid System (Simplified Explanation)

• Uses a belt-driven electric motor instead of a traditional alternator
• Works with a 48-volt battery to:

• Improve start/stop performance
• Add extra torque during acceleration
• Increase overall fuel efficiency

Ride & Handling

• Coil-spring rear suspension for smoother rides compared to leaf-spring setups on rival trucks
• Optional air suspension allows:

• Adjustable ride height
• Better fuel efficiency
• Improved off-road performance

0–60 mph Times (Motor Trend & Testing Results)

• Hurricane HO (540 hp): 4.2 seconds (Limited 4x4)
• Hurricane SO (420 hp): 4.9 seconds (Rebel)
• HEMI V8: 6.0 seconds
• V6: 8.1 seconds (estimated)

Technology

Infotainment & Displays

Standard System:

• 8.4-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Available Upgrades:

• 12.0-inch or 14.5-inch touchscreen on higher trims
• Passenger touchscreen (10.3-inch) for entertainment and navigation
• Digital gauge cluster options:

• 3.5-inch display (base models)
• 7.0-inch display (mid trims)
• 12.0-inch all-digital display (high-end trims)

• Digital rearview mirror and head-up display available
• Multiple USB ports throughout the cabin
• Dual wireless charging pads available
• Phone-as-key feature lets you unlock and start the truck with your smartphone

Audio Systems

• Standard: 6-speaker system
• Mid-Level Upgrade: 9-speaker system
• Premium Options:

• 19-speaker Harman Kardon system
• 23-speaker Klipsch system for top-tier sound quality

Camera & Safety Technology

• 360-degree camera system available
• Provides front, rear, and side views
• Helps with parking, towing, and tight-space maneuvering

Appearance

Exterior Styling

Updated Front Design:

Redesigned front fascia and trim-specific grille styles.

Lighting:

LED headlights, taillights, fog lamps, and signature LED daytime running lights.

Body Options:

• Quad Cab: 6'4" bed
• Crew Cab: 5'7" or 6'4" bed

Tailgate Design:

Optional Multifunction Tailgate with 60/40 split swing-away doors.

Wheels:

18-, 20-, and 22-inch aluminum wheels depending on trim.

Side Profile:

Optional power-deployable running boards.

Cargo Styling:

Optional RamBox® Cargo Management System with lockable, illuminated bins.

Exterior Color Options:

• Diamond Black
• Bright White
• Granite Crystal
• Forged Blue
• Hydro Blue

Interior Styling

Dashboard & Displays:

• Available 8.4-, 12.0-, or 14.5-inch touchscreens
• Optional 12.0-inch digital driver display and 10.25-inch passenger screen

Seating Design:

• 24-way power front seats with heating, cooling, and massage (Tungsten trim)
• Heated and ventilated rear seats available
• Optional reclining rear seats

Materials & Finishes:

• Premium leather upholstery, metallic accents, contrast stitching, and laser-etched trim accents

Lighting & Ambience:

• Ambient interior lighting
• Clean, organized console with hidden storage

Interior Color Options:

• Black
• Dark Gray
• Tungsten (premium trim option)

Safety

Standard Safety Features

• Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)

Detects potential collisions with vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists

Alerts driver and can automatically apply brakes

• Blind-Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert

Warns if vehicles are in blind spots or approaching while reversing

• Lane-Keeping Assist

Alerts and gently steers the truck to stay centered in its lane

• Rear Parking Sensors

Beeps to warn about obstacles when backing up

• Rearview Camera

Displays live video of the area behind the truck for safer reversing

• Automatic High-Beam Headlamps

Adjusts headlights between high and low beams automatically

• Reverse Brake Assist

Detects obstacles while reversing and can automatically apply brakes

• Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go

Maintains safe distance from vehicles ahead

Can slow down or stop automatically in traffic

• Stability and Traction Control

Helps maintain control on slippery or uneven surfaces

• Hill Start Assist

Prevents rollback when starting on inclines

Available / Optional Safety Features

• 360-Degree Camera System

Provides bird’s-eye view for parking and maneuvering

• Intersection Assist

Monitors cross traffic and pedestrians when turning; alerts driver and can brake if needed

• Exit Warning

Alerts passengers of approaching vehicles or cyclists when opening doors

• Hands-Free Active Driving Assist (available on higher trims)

Advanced semi-autonomous driving support on highways

Vehicle Safety & Security

• High-Strength Steel Frame

Protects occupants in crashes

• Airbag System

Multiple airbags throughout the cabin for protection

• SOS Post-Crash Alert System

Automatically sounds horn and flashes hazard lights after a collision

• Anti-Theft Alarm & Engine Immobilizer

Security system prevents theft and unauthorized engine start

Ram Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Basic Warranty

3 years/36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty

5 years/60,000 miles

Corrosion Perforation Warranty

5 years/unlimited miles

24/7 Roadside Assistance

5 years/60,000 miles

Hybrid/Electric Unique Components Warranty

8 years/100,000 miles

This covers specific hybrid components like the battery and electric motor.

Note: Some regional requirements or specific models may have longer coverage, such as 10 years/150,000 miles for California emissions vehicles on some hybrid batteries.)

View Warranty: The Ram Warranty

Ready to Test Drive the All-New 2026 Ram 1500 in Red Wing, Minnesota? Shop House Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Today!

Discover the unmatched power and capability of the 2026 Ram 1500 at House Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Red Wing, Minnesota.

Our team is ready to help you find the perfect truck that fits both your lifestyle and budget. With a wide selection of 2026 Ram 1500 models, competitive pricing, and flexible financing options, there’s never been a better time to upgrade your ride.

Visit us today to explore available trims, take a test drive, and drive home the 2026 Ram 1500 built to handle every job and adventure. Don’t wait! Your next journey starts now. Stop by our showroom or browse our inventory online today!

Sources: MotorTrend.com/Cars/Ram/1500/2026 & CarandDriver.com/Ram/1500-2026.