What’s New for the 2026 Ram 1500: The HEMI Returns, Express Trims Are Back, and More New Colors Are On The Way

The 2026 Ram 1500 arrives with meaningful updates that build on its award-winning formula of capability, comfort, and innovation. With the return of the legendary 5.7-liter HEMI® V8 eTorque, new and returning trims like the Ram 1500 Express and Black Express, updated exterior color options, and a powerful, flexible lineup of powertrains, the Ram 1500 continues to raise the bar for full-size pickups.

Let’s take a closer look at everything new for 2026.

HEMI eTorque Returns by Popular Demand

After its brief hiatus, the 5.7-liter HEMI® V8 with eTorque mild-hybrid assist returns to the Ram 1500 lineup in 2026, responding directly to customer demand and delivering 395 horsepower and 410 lb.-ft. of torque, the HEMI now comes standard with a GT Performance Exhaust, giving the truck even more attitude and enhancing its already-impressive sound.

Express and Black Express Trims Are Back

The Ram 1500 Express and Black Express trims make a welcome return for 2026, offering an affordable yet stylish entry point into the lineup. These trims are available across all cab and bed configurations, offering both budget-conscious appeal and visual flair with monochromatic blacked-out aesthetics in the Black Express variant.

New Exterior Colors

While we don’t have photos of these new colors yet, three bold new color options join the Ram 1500 palette for 2026:

• Molten Red Pearl-Coat

• Silver Zynith

• Serrano-Green Metallic (late availability)

These shades add fresh appeal across the lineup, including the off-road-ready Rebel and luxury-oriented Tungsten.

Powertrain Lineup: Something for Everyone

Ram now offers four distinct engine options to meet a wide range of performance, towing, and fuel efficiency needs:

All engines are mated to the TorqueFlite 8-speed automatic transmission, with calibrations varying by engine.

Ride Quality & Capability

• Best-in-class ride is delivered by the Ram’s standard five-link coil rear suspension, with available Active-Leveling Air Suspension improving fuel efficiency, load leveling, and off-road performance.

• RamBox® cargo management system, multifunction tailgate, LED bed lighting, and center bed step continue to offer class-leading utility.

• Towing technology includes a fully digital rearview mirror with tow mode, trailer reverse steering control, Blind Spot Monitoring with Trailer Detection, and power trailer-tow mirrors with convex auxiliaries.

Interior & Technology: Segment Leadership

The 2026 Ram 1500 maintains its reputation as a tech-forward pickup with these highlights:

• Largest screen coverage in the segment, including:

  • 14.5-inch Uconnect® 5 touchscreen (available)

  • Segment-first 10.25-inch passenger screen

  • 12.3-inch digital cluster

  • Full-color HUD with 10-inch field of view

• Available Level 2+ Hands-Free Driving Assist

• Class-exclusive dual wireless charging

• Available 24-way power front seats with massage, heat, and ventilation

• Best-in-class rear legroom with heated/cooled seats, reclining backrests, and under-seat storage

• Klipsch® Reference Premiere audio system with 1,228 watts and 23 speakers, best-in-class audio performance

Configurations & Model Lineup

Drivetrain Options:

• 4×2 or 4×4

Cab/Bed Options:

• Quad Cab with 6’4″ bed

• Crew Cab with 5’7″ or 6’4″ beds

Trims Available:

• Tradesman

• Express / Black Express

• Warlock

• Big Horn

• Laramie

• Rebel

• RHO

• Limited

• Limited Longhorn

• Tungsten

Final Thoughts

With its broad lineup of trims, newly enhanced powertrain choices including the returning HEMI V8, and a suite of tech and capability upgrades, the 2026 Ram 1500 is more refined, powerful, and versatile than ever. Whether you’re looking for a workhorse, a highway cruiser, or a luxurious daily driver with best-in-class tech, Ram offers a configuration for virtually every kind of truck buyer.

Check out our reviews of the 2026 Ram 1500 Warlock, 2026 Ram 1500 RHO, and HEMI-powered 2026 Ram 1500.