2026 Ram 1500: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

2026 Ram 1500

The biggest change for the 2026 Ram 1500 is the return of the available 5.7-liter HEMI V8 on most trims. The Express also rejoins the regular lineup, but the truck otherwise largely carries over from the 2025 refresh.

Shop 84 in stock at Carvana

About the 2026 Ram 1500

5th generation Ram 1500 (DT, 2019-present), second year after the 2025 refresh.

Ram positions the 1500 as the full-size pickup that blends serious truck capability with a noticeably more upscale cabin and ride than many rivals. The brand keeps emphasizing three ideas across the site: strong powertrain choices, luxury-grade comfort, and heavy use of modern tech. In practice, the model’s identity is a broad-range truck family that can serve as a work truck, family daily driver, luxury pickup, or off-road toy without leaving the same nameplate.

The 2026 lineup stretches from the work-focused Tradesman and mainstream Big Horn to the leather-lined Laramie and luxury-focused Tungsten. Rebel and RHO emphasize off-road driving, with the RHO pairing a 540-hp Hurricane six-cylinder engine with adaptive performance suspension. The Tungsten stands out inside with a 14.5-inch touchscreen, massaging front seats and a 23-speaker Klipsch audio system.

What changed, by category

Powertrain
The available 5.7-liter HEMI V8 returns to most trims after being dropped for 2025. The V6 and Hurricane six-cylinder engines continue.
Trim lineup
Express returns as a regular trim, while HFE leaves the lineup.

2026 Ram 1500 specs and features by trim

Feature
2026 Ram 1500RHO3 in stock
2026 Ram 1500Rebel12 in stock
2026 Ram 1500Express7 in stock
2026 Ram 1500Laramie8 in stock
2026 Ram 1500Limited12 in stock
2026 Ram 1500Warlock2 in stock
2026 Ram 1500Big Horn23 in stock
2026 Ram 1500Tungsten1 in stock
2026 Ram 1500Lone Star4 in stock
2026 Ram 1500Tradesman8 in stock
2026 Ram 1500Limited Longhorn4 in stock
Engine6-Cyl, Hurricane, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter6-Cyl, Hurricane, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter / V8, HEMI, eTorque, 5.7 LiterV6, VVT, eTorque, 3.6 Liter / 6-Cyl, Hurricane, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter / V8, HEMI, eTorque, 5.7 Liter6-Cyl, Hurricane, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter / V8, HEMI, eTorque, 5.7 Liter6-Cyl, Hurricane, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter / V8, HEMI, eTorque, 5.7 LiterV8, HEMI, eTorque, 5.7 Liter / V6, VVT, eTorque, 3.6 Liter / 6-Cyl, Hurricane, Twin Turbo, 3.0 LiterV6, VVT, eTorque, 3.6 Liter / 6-Cyl, Hurricane, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter / V8, HEMI, eTorque, 5.7 Liter6-Cyl, Hurricane, Twin Turbo, 3.0 LiterV6, VVT, eTorque, 3.6 Liter / 6-Cyl, Hurricane, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter / V8, HEMI, eTorque, 5.7 LiterV6, VVT, eTorque, 3.6 Liter / 6-Cyl, Hurricane, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter / V8, HEMI, eTorque, 5.7 Liter6-Cyl, Hurricane, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter / V8, HEMI, eTorque, 5.7 Liter
TransmissionAutomatic, 8-Spd 8HP75Automatic, 8-Spd 8HP75Automatic, 8-Spd 850RE / Automatic, 8-Spd 8HP75Automatic, 8-Spd 8HP75Automatic, 8-Spd 8HP75Automatic, 8-Spd 8HP75 / Automatic, 8-Spd 850REAutomatic, 8-Spd 850RE / Automatic, 8-Spd 8HP75Automatic, 8-Spd 8HP75Automatic, 8-Spd 850RE / Automatic, 8-Spd 8HP75Automatic, 8-Spd 850RE / Automatic, 8-Spd 8HP75Automatic, 8-Spd 8HP75
Drivetrain4WD4WD2WD / 4WD4WD / 2WD4WD4WD4WD / 2WD4WD4WD / 2WD4WD / 2WD4WD
Fuel TypeGasGasGasGasGasGasGasGasGasGasGas
MPG City14 mpg16–18 mpg17–20 mpg17–18 mpg16–18 mpg16–19 mpg17–19 mpg18 mpg17–19 mpg17–19 mpg16–18 mpg
MPG Highway16 mpg20–24 mpg22–25 mpg22–24 mpg20–24 mpg20–24 mpg22–25 mpg24 mpg22–25 mpg22–25 mpg20–24 mpg
Horsepower540 hp395–420 hp305–420 hp395–420 hp395–540 hp305–420 hp305–420 hp540 hp305–420 hp305–420 hp395–540 hp
Torque521 lb-ft410–469 lb-ft271–469 lb-ft410–469 lb-ft410–521 lb-ft271–469 lb-ft271–469 lb-ft521 lb-ft271–469 lb-ft271–469 lb-ft410–521 lb-ft
Max Towing11140 lb11610 lb11150–11210 lb9740–10050 lb11200 lb11260–11370 lb9150 lb11260–11370 lb11310–11430 lb9740–10050 lb
Rear Legroom44.8 in44.8 in35.3–44.8 in44.8 in44.8 in44.8 in35.3–44.8 in44.8 in35.3–44.8 in35.3–44.8 in44.8 in
Seats5565665665
Doors44444444444
Adaptive Cruise Control
Alarm System
Automatic Emergency Braking
Automatic High Beams
Blindspot Sensors
Lane Departure Warning
Park Assist
Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers
Rear View Camera
360 Camera
Alloy Wheels
Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors
Fog Lights
LED Headlights
LED Tail Lights
Memory Exterior Mirrors
Panorama Moon Roof
Power Folding Exterior Mirrors
Power Liftgate/Trunk Release
Power Side Steps
Remote Control Liftgate/Trunk Release
Side Steps
Tow Hooks
Navigation System
Premium Audio
Satellite Radio
Smartphone Interface
Subwoofer
Touch Screen Monitor
115V Power Outlet
Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror
Dual Power Front Seats
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Heated Front Seats
Heated Rear Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
Integrated Garage Door Opener
Leather Seats
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
Massage Front Seat
Memory Driver's Seat
Memory Pedals
Power Adjustable Pedals
Power Driver Seat
Proximity Keyless Entry
Push-Button Engine Start
Reclining Rear Seats
Remote Start
Ventilated Front Seats
Ventilated Rear Seats

Frequently asked questions

What is the biggest change to the 2026 Ram 1500?

The biggest change is the return of the available 5.7-liter HEMI V8 on most trims. Ram had dropped V8 engines as part of the 2025 refresh.

Does the 2026 Ram 1500 have a HEMI V8?

Yes. The 5.7-liter HEMI V8 returns as an available engine on most 2026 Ram 1500 trims, including Tradesman, Express, Big Horn, Laramie, Rebel and Limited.

Is the 2026 Ram 1500 a redesign?

No. The 2026 Ram 1500 is not a redesign; it is the second model year after the 2025 refresh. The newer exterior design, cabin updates and Hurricane six-cylinder engines carry over.

Which Ram 1500 trims changed for 2026?

Express returns to the regular Ram 1500 lineup for 2026, while HFE is dropped. Most other trims continue, and many regain access to the HEMI V8.

Is the 2026 Ram 1500 worth considering over the 2025 model?

The 2026 is most appealing over the 2025 model if you want the HEMI V8 or the returning Express trim. Otherwise, the two years are closely related because the 2026 truck largely carries over the 2025 styling, cabin technology and engine lineup.