The 2026 Ram 1500 HEMI V8 comeback drove over 10,000 orders in a day. Specs, consumer buzz, and its impact on the truck market.
Ram has lit up the automotive world by reintroducing the legendary 5.7-liter HEMI V8 in its 2026 Ram 1500 lineup. Within just 24 hours of the announcement, more than 10,000 eager buyers placed orders—a clear testament to the enduring demand for V8 power in an increasingly electrified market.
The announcement comes after a noticeable dip in Ram’s truck sales in 2024, and this high-octane update could be just the spark the brand needed.
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2026 Ram 1500 Engine
The 5.7-liter V-8, paired with Ram’s eTorque hybrid system, delivers 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, striking the perfect balance between power and efficiency. It now sits comfortably between the 305-hp Pentastar V-6 and the Hurricane twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six, which comes in two variants—420-hp and 550-hp for those seeking extreme performance.
Ram trucks have built a reputation for towing strength and durability, and the return of the Hemi reinforces this legacy. The 2026 Ram 1500 equipped with the Hemi offers: Up to 11,470 pounds of towing capacity and 1,750 pounds of payload capacity.
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New 10-Year/100,000-Mile Warranty
In a bold move to upstage competitors, Ram is offering an unmatched 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty with its 2026 models. This puts Ram at the top of the reliability game, eclipsing warranty offers from both Ford and GM.
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Ram’s strategic reintroduction of the V8 isn’t just a nod to heritage—it’s a tactical move to claw back market share. With pickup culture still thriving in the U.S., and interest building in India’s luxury utility segment, the HEMI’s return could create ripples across both markets.