Ram 1500 Introduces New Budget-Friendly Trim Level for 2026, Yet V8 Remains Absent
Stellantis
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It seems like only yesterday that Ram discontinued the Hemi engine with the launch of the 2025 Ram 1500 lineup, but believe it or not, changes are already on the way. For 2026, Ram is revamping the trim structure of the pickup, introducing a new (though not entirely) model called Express. This model will fit into the lineup between the Tradesman and the Big Horn, offering buyers the chance to add a bit of exterior flair without opting for a more upscale pickup. However, one rumored enhancement for 2026 is missing: Sorry, no Hemi is available—at least not yet.
The standard Express mirrors the base Tradesman model in terms of features. Add a set of 20-inch wheels and a monochromatic exterior, remove the badges, and there you have it. For those looking for a bit more style, there's the Black Express package (shown), which does pretty much what you’d expect. One limitation is that it’s only available on 4WD models, but it does come with LED fog lights and an upgraded interior for an additional $995.
You might wonder what the starting price is. The base price for a 2026 Ram 1500 Express Quad Cab is $44,495, which is around $4,500 more than the 2025 Ram 1500 Tradesman. Since we haven't seen pricing for the rest of the 2026 Ram lineup, it’s difficult to determine the overall value. Here’s the pricing breakdown based on cab size and drivetrain:
Quad Cab 2WD – $44,495
Crew Cab 2WD – $47,245
Quad Cab 4WD – $48,345
Crew Cab 4WD – $51,095
Stellantis
Opting for the Express won’t limit buyers to a stripped-down truck. As shown in the price list above, it’s available in both Quad and Crew cab configurations, and you can even upgrade from the standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 to the 3.0-liter turbocharged Hurricane I6. When paired with the Quad Cab, this configuration can tow 11,550 lbs, according to Ram.
While there are no updates regarding the Hemi, the announcement of the Express's return adds credibility to a dealer leak we received in March about the potential revival of a V8-powered Ram 1500.
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Ram 1500 Introduces New Budget-Friendly Trim Level for 2026, Yet V8 Remains Absent
The 2026 Ram 1500 Express adds a touch more style to the standard Tradesman package, priced at approximately $45,000.