Ram Made a Mistake by Discontinuing the V8, So They've Reintroduced It | Carscoops

      It’s back with a Hemi! The 5.7-liter V8 makes its return in the 2026 Ram 1500.

      Just 14 hours ago

      by Michael Gauthier

      Ram reinstates the 5.7L Hemi V8 in the 2026 1500 after discontinuing it last year.

      As a $1,200 option on most trims, it delivers 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque.

      The truck is now available for ordering, with deliveries set to begin this summer.

      Not too long ago, the Hemi V8 seemed to be on the verge of extinction. It was removed from the Jeep Grand Cherokee and was not included in the redesigned Dodge Charger. The 5.7-liter engine was also absent from the 2025 Ram 1500, which was only available with six-cylinder engines.

      Fans voiced their opinions on this decision, and none were positive. Ram is now acknowledging its mistake, with CEO Tim Kuniskis admitting that the company “screwed up” by dropping the Hemi.

      Fortunately, this isn't just an apology, as we attended the unveiling of the 2026 Ram 1500 earlier this week. The 5.7-liter V8 is being reinstated in various trims, including the Big Horn, Express, Laramie, Limited, Longhorn, Rebel, Tradesman, and Warlock.

      The Hemi costs $1,200 for most variants of the truck and remains unchanged, producing 395 hp (295 kW / 400 PS) and 410 lb-ft (555 Nm) of torque. While this is a significant upgrade over the base 3.6-liter V6, it falls short compared to the twin-turbo 3.0-liter Hurricane inline-six.

      The Hurricane engine offers an impressive 420 hp (313 kW / 426 PS) and 460 lb-ft (623 Nm) of torque. Additionally, there’s a high-output version that generates 540 hp (403 kW / 548 PS) and 521 lb-ft (706 Nm).

      The high-output Hurricane is standard on the Limited, Longhorn, Tungsten, and RHO trims. When asked about the possibility of the RHO featuring Hemi power, Kuniskis downplayed the idea, suggesting that the RHO is already an excellent package and that a V8 might not be suitable for that trim, though he didn't completely dismiss it.

      Returning to the Hemi, it remains “exactly” as it was before, as Ram prioritized getting it back into production. Therefore, it retains a range of familiar features, such as variable valve timing, cylinder deactivation technology, and an eTorque hybrid system. Customers can also look forward to a payload capacity of 1,750 lbs (794 kg) and a towing capacity of up to 11,470 lbs (5,203 kg).

      A New Symbol of Hemi Power

      While the V8’s comeback brings a sense of nostalgia, there is one significant change. The traditional “HEMI” badges on the front fenders have been replaced with a new “Symbol of Protest.”

      This striking addition is reminiscent of the Hellcat and Demon badges and features a Ram's head at the front of a Hemi engine block, accompanied by pronounced exhaust tips that emphasize performance.

      We will have more insights about the Ram 1500 and the Hemi’s return, but the V8-equipped truck is expected to hit dealerships this summer. It is currently open for orders, and the company anticipates substantial initial interest.