Whitten Brothers of Ashland
RAM 1500 fans around central Virginia rejoiced when RAM announced that it was bringing back the HEMI® V8 engine for the 2026 model year. In 2025, the brand shifted away from the V8 in favor of six-cylinder engines. While these engines performed well, people around the world missed the power of a V8. The call for its return was loud enough for RAM to hear and make changes for this model year.
“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,” Tim Kuniskis, CEO, RAM brand, said in a press release. “We’re not just bringing back a legendary V8 engine, we’re igniting an assertive product plan and expanding the freedom of choice in powertrain for our customers.”
Now that the 2026 RAM 1500 HEMI® V8 engine is officially back, Whitten Brothers CDJR of Ashland shares what you need to know.
1. This RAM 1500 engine is 5.7 liters. It generates 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of maximum torque.
2. With the 5.7-liter HEMI® V8 engine, the RAM 1500 towing capacity is a maximum of 11,320 pounds.
3. The RAM 1500 HEMI® V8 engine includes a class-exclusive eTorque mild hybrid system. This system uses a belt-driven motor generator unit in place of a standard engine-mounted alternator.
A 48-volt battery pack used by the motor generators starts and stops the engine quickly. The battery is charged via regenerative braking. RAM 1500 trucks with the V8 engine will still have a traditional motor to more easily start in colder weather.
“Nothing beats the cold start of a HEMI,” said Mark Trostle, senior vice president of Mopar and Ram exterior design, in a MotorTrend article.
4. The 2026 RAM Tradesman, Big Horn/Lone Star, Express, Warlock, Laramie, Limited, and Longhorn trim levels will have the HEMI® V8 engine available.
5. Every RAM 1500 equipped with the HEMI® V8 engine features a new “Symbol of Protest Badge” on the fender. The badge features the RAM’s head logo pushing forward, powered by a HEMI® V8 block.
The 2026 RAM 1500 starts at $42,025 MSRP for the base trim, the RAM 1500 Tradesman. There are 10 available trim levels. The top trim level, the RAM 1500 Tungsten, starts at $89,095 MSRP.
The RAM 1500 is made 98% steel frame construction, so it’s sturdy but moves easily. This RAM truck features an available class-exclusive Active-Level™ Four Corner Air Suspension System on crew cab models, which lowers automatically to provide maximum efficiency and help reduce drag.
RAM continues to set benchmarks and outperform competitors. The RAM 1500 is the most technologically advanced pickup truck ever, with more than 50 inches of combined digital displays. This includes a class-exclusive 10.25-inch front passenger screen.
The 1500 also offers an array of segment-exclusive features like the RamBox® Cargo Management System and multifunction tailgate.
This RAM truck features the most available towing technology ever, and more than 100 standard and available vehicle safety features.
While the exterior is made for hard work and rugged off-road driving, the RAM 1500 interior is designed for total comfort. You can even experience true luxury. The RAM 1500 Tungsten trim, for example, sets a new standard for luxury for pickup trucks.
It features a 23-Speaker Klipsch® Reference Premiere Sound System, 20-way adjustable massage seats, ventilated front seats, heated and ventilated second-row seats, premium leather bucket seats, and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof.
For best-in-class off-road capabilities, the RAM 1500 RHO has a launch control feature and can go from 0-60 mph in about 4.6 seconds.
“[W]e heard loud and clear from consumers: there is no replacement for the iconic HEMI V8…we raise our flag and let the HEMI ring free again!” Kuniskis said in a press release. If you’re ready to hear the thunder of your own V8 engine, turn to Whitten Brothers of Ashland, your local RAM dealership.
We have the 2026 RAM 1500 in stock with the HEMI® V8 engine. Explore our inventory online or visit our Ashland showroom to test drive this RAM truck and experience the V8 power for yourself. Contact us to get started!
