Ram 1500 HEMI V8 Returns For 2026 Model Year

Ram has announced the return of the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine, starting with the 2026 Ram 1500 model year. Orders for the HEMI-powered Ram 1500 will begin in Europe in July. The first V8-powered pickup trucks arrive in dealerships next winter.

“Everyone makes mistakes, but how you deal with them defines you. Ram made a mistake when we dropped the HEMI – we own it, and we’ve fixed it,” said Tim Kuniskis, CEO of the Ram brand. “We’re not just bringing back the iconic V8 engine; we’re launching an assertive product plan and expanding powertrain choice for our customers.”

The Ram 1500 lineup switched to a six-cylinder engine for the 2025 model year. However, consumer sentiment for the legendary engine has created the conditions for the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 to return to the Ram 1500 lineup.

“Ram will continue to offer the more powerful and efficient six-cylinder Hurricane Turbo, but we’ve heard clearly from consumers: there is no replacement for the iconic HEMI V8. At the end of each month, we count sales to customers, and now we’re raising our flag and releasing HEMI again!” added Kuniskis.

Every MY 2026 Ram 1500 with a HEMI engine also includes a new fender-mounted badge created by the Ram design team. The HEMI will be available in Europe in the 2026 model year as the Ram 1500, Laramie, Sport and Limited.

The 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine delivers 395 horsepower and 555 Nm of torque in a smooth, wide powerband, enhanced by fuel-saving technologies that include cylinder deactivation.

The new engine option offers a towing power of up to 5200 kg (European homologation up to 3500 kg) and a maximum payload of 793 kg.