Ram's Hurricane Six Outshines The Hemi V8 In Every Quantifiable Aspect | Carscoops

      The soundtrack of the Hemi still has its appeal, but Ram’s Hurricane six excels in performance and value.

      The base Hurricane delivers quicker acceleration and is more affordable than the V8 option.

      Purchasers of the larger engine find themselves paying more for less performance.

      The Hemi V8, an American legend in any vehicle, saw strong sales when Ram reintroduced it after a short break, and our recent test confirmed its appeal. However, compared to Ram's new Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six, it feels outdated, and this becomes evident on a drag strip.

      According to tests by Car And Driver, a 2026 Ram 1500 with the 395-hp Hemi V8 takes 6.0 seconds to reach 60 mph (97 km/h), which is commendable until the Hurricane engines are considered. The standard-output 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six, producing 420 hp, completes the sprint in just 4.8 seconds.

      When upgrading to the 540-hp high-output Hurricane, the same truck accelerates to 60 mph in a mere 4.2 seconds—nearly two seconds faster than the V8. This time was noted in a Limited 4WD model with a longer bed, a setup not available with the Hemi, highlighting the difference even further.

      It's essential to note that these times include one foot of rollout, an industry norm in the U.S., emphasizing how innovative and efficient the Hurricane is compared to the traditional Hemi.

      The benefits are not limited to horsepower, as the standard-output Hurricane generates 469 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Hemi’s 410 lb-ft, and delivers that torque earlier in the powerband.

      What is particularly disappointing for Hemi enthusiasts is the price difference. Depending on the trim and setup, choosing the V8 can add almost $3,000 over the standard-output Hurricane, which itself is already a $1,695 upgrade from the base Pentastar V6. The Hurricane not only offers faster performance but, in many configurations, is also slightly more fuel-efficient.

      EPA estimates indicate that the standard-output Hurricane provides 19 mpg combined in 4WD, while the Hemi follows closely at 18 mpg.

      Ultimately, the reality is that the engine many fans clamored for is slower, generally more expensive, and frequently consumes more fuel. Nonetheless, as pointed out in our comprehensive review of the Ram 1500 Hemi, long-term reliability might outweigh these factors.

      The Hurricane's engine note isn't perceived as the standout either. The Hemi produces a more robust sound, reaching 81 decibels at wide-open throttle, giving it a distinctive presence.

      Conversely, when equipped with the optional 3.92 axle ratio, the turbocharged six can even surpass the V8 in towing capacity, underscoring Ram's current priorities.

      For buyers prioritizing acceleration, towing capability, or upfront value, the Hurricane clearly comes out on top.

      Stephen Rivers for Carscoops