There are few names in the truck world that carry as much weight as HEMI®. For the past two decades, it’s been the badge of honor under the hood of Dodge and Ram vehicles, the soundtrack of muscle and muscle trucks alike. After being discontinued in 2024, fans weren’t sure if they’d ever hear that unmistakable rumble in a half-ton Ram again. But this week at Chelsea Proving Grounds in Michigan, I had the chance to see firsthand what it took to bring the 5.7-liter (345 cubic-inch) HEMI V8 back to the 2026 Ram 1500 lineup.
The Ram team, who pushed to make it happen, made one thing clear: the return of the HEMI wasn’t just about nostalgia. It’s about giving customers what they ask for, while improving efficiency and performance with modern tech.
Available Across the Lineup –
The 5.7-liter HEMI V8 won’t be limited to just one trim. Customers will be able to spec it in a wide range of 2026 Ram 1500 models, including Tradesman, Big Horn, Express, Warlock, Laramie, Rebel (late availability), Limited, and Longhorn. That means whether you’re after a no-frills work truck or a luxury hauler, the HEMI will be an option. This move is part of Ram’s aggressive product cadence planned over the next 18 months, ensuring there’s something for every kind of truck buyer.
Proven Power –
On paper, the HEMI still delivers the numbers that made it a legend: 395 horsepower and 410 lb.-ft. of torque. The quickest way to reintroduce the HEMI to the Ram 1500 lineup was to revive it in the same form it left: paired with the eTorque mild-hybrid system. Just like in 2024, the 5.7-liter HEMI returns with eTorque as the standard setup. This decision enabled Ram engineers to accelerate development and certification, while providing customers with a proven, production-ready package from the outset.
This class-exclusive system replaces the traditional alternator with a belt-driven motor-generator unit that operates in conjunction with a 48-volt battery pack. The setup can provide up to 130 lb.-ft. of instant torque right off the line, making launches feel stronger and smoother.
But eTorque is about more than just a quicker jump at the stoplight. It improves start/stop performance, helps during gear shifts, enhances fuel-saving cylinder deactivation, and even smooths out braking. By storing energy in a compact 430-watt-hour lithium-ion battery located behind the rear seat, the system enhances efficiency without compromising cabin space or comfort. A 3-kilowatt DC-to-DC converter maintains the standard 12-volt battery and truck accessories, while a traditional starter motor ensures reliability during cold-weather starts.
Real Truck Capability –
Ram didn’t forget what matters most to truck buyers—capability. The HEMI V8 option equips the 2026 Ram 1500 with a towing capacity of up to 11,320 pounds and a maximum payload rating of 1,650 pounds (as per SAE J2807). That’s the kind of muscle that makes the HEMI more than just a nostalgic option—it’s still a workhorse in today’s truck market.
Better Value for 2026 –
Not only is the HEMI back, but it’s coming in at a better deal than before. In 2024, the HEMI carried a price tag of $3,045. For 2026, it’s actually cheaper. On entry-level trims, such as the Tradesman, Express, Warlock, and Big Horn, the HEMI costs $2,895 more than the standard Pentastar V6 with eTorque. On trims where the twin-turbo 3.0-liter HURRICANE I6 standard-output (S/O) engine comes standard, the HEMI is offered as a $1,200 option. And on higher-end trims, such as Longhorn, Limited, and Tungsten, the HEMI is a no-cost option.
But Ram didn’t stop there. To sweeten the deal, every HEMI-powered truck now comes with the Mopar cat-back exhaust system that was previously only standard on the 2024 Rebel G/T and Laramie G/T. That system carried a $1,700 price tag when sold through Mopar’s catalog, but for 2026, it’s now included in every HEMI truck from the factory.
Additionally, Ram is also including a 33-gallon fuel tank as standard with every HEMI truck. That’s a $445 option on the HURRICANE models, but HEMI buyers won’t have to pay extra. Between the lower cost, the free Mopar exhaust, and the bigger tank, the 2026 HEMI package delivers far more value than before.
Listening to Customers –
Bringing back the HEMI wasn’t an easy decision for Stellantis. With emissions regulations tightening and the industry shifting toward electrification, many thought the days of a naturally aspirated V8 in a mainstream pickup were over. But Ram heard the calls from its customers loud and clear.
During my time at Chelsea Proving Grounds, it was obvious that this was a passion project for the team. From Amy Augustine (Director of Product and Brand, Ram 1500) to Marty Jagoda (VP, Strategic Technology Partnerships, Stellantis), along with engineers like Dan Stagner and sales leaders like Brant Combs, everyone emphasized the importance of delivering to Ram buyers what they wanted.
