I spent a long weekend with the newest half-ton from Ram Trucks, and I came away thinking it’s the most well-rounded full-sizer on sale right now. Below is everything I learned, broken out by the topics people keep searching for.
Quick-hit highlights
| Spec | 2026 Ram 1500 |
|---|---|
| Engines | 3.6 L Pentastar V6 (eTorque) · 3.0 L Hurricane I-6 (420 hp) · 5.7 L HEMI V8 returns! |
| Max horsepower | 540 hp (HO Hurricane) |
| Tow / payload | 11,610 lb / 2,360 lb |
| Bed choices | 5-ft-7 or 6-ft-4 boxes |
| Release window | Late 2025–early 2026 deliveries |
| MSRP range | ~$42 k (Express) – ~$91 k (Tungsten) |
Exterior & color choices
Ram gave the 1500 a cleaner, more aerodynamic nose and slimmer LED lighting. New hues such as Hydro Blue, Canyon Lake Green, and Diamond Black Crystal join classics like Flame Red, so there’s plenty of personality whether you’re speccing a work-ready Tradesman, a trail-tackling Rebel, or the head-turning Tungsten flagship. Blacked-out “Vintage”–style appearance packages (Express & Rebel) nod to earlier generations without feeling gimmicky.
Bed talk: both box lengths keep their ingenious split tailgate, LED bed lighting, and handy RamBox storage, so hauling gear or groceries is drama-free.
Interior: luxury meets utility
Open the door and it feels more like a premium SUV than a pickup:
- Up to 50 inches of combined digital real-estate (14.5-in main touchscreen + 12-in cluster + optional 10.25-in passenger screen).
- Flagship Tungsten trim brings quilted leather, real wood, and 24-way massage seats.
- Even work-oriented trims get clever cubbies, flat-fold rear seats, and the brilliant under-floor bins.
In my Rebel press truck, the black-mesh seats, red accent stitching, and rubberized mats survived a muddy trail and wiped clean in minutes.
Powertrains & performance (including that HEMI)
| Engine | Output | Best use-case |
|---|---|---|
| 3.6 L V6 eTorque | 305 hp / 273 lb-ft | Everyday commuting, fleet duty |
| 3.0 L Hurricane I-6 | 420 hp / 469 lb-ft | All-rounder; balances punch & mpg |
| 3.0 L Hurricane HO | 540 hp / 521 lb-ft | Heavy towing, highway passing |
| 5.7 L HEMI V8 | 395 hp / 410 lb-ft | Classic V-8 thrum, fan favorite (returning by demand) |
Every motor pairs with the buttery eight-speed auto, rear- or 4-wheel-drive, and optional adaptive air suspension. My Rebel’s Hurricane hauled serious pace — 0-60 mph in 4.9 s is wild for a rig this big .
Trim guide & what’s new for 2026
| Trim | Personality | What’s new |
|---|---|---|
| Express | Budget-minded, blacked-out look | All-new value trim; 20-in wheels, dark-gray interior |
| Tradesman | Job-site basics | HEMI now optional for $1,200 up-charge |
| Laramie | Leather & chrome | V-8 offered at no extra cost |
| Rebel | Off-road flair, lifted suspension | New color palette, bead-lock-ready wheels |
| Limited | Plush ranch-owner spec | Passenger display now standard |
| Tungsten | Range-topper luxury | Massage seats, Klipsch 23-spkr audio |
Pros & cons table
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Silky ride quality (coil-spring rear) | Max tow falls about 1,500 lb short of F-150 |
| Broad engine lineup with HEMI comeback | Bigger touchscreens mean more fingerprint cleaning |
| Cabin finishes outclass rivals | High-end trims can nudge $90 k |
| 10-yr/100k-mi powertrain warranty | Steering still lighter than some may prefer |
My thoughts
After driving nearly every competitor this year, the 2026 Ram 1500 feels like the sweet spot between work ethic and everyday comfort. The Hurricane HO makes merging effortless, and that Tungsten interior could convince SUV shoppers to go pickup. Unless you need to tow five-digit poundage daily, this Ram is the truck to beat.
FAQ
When can I buy the 2026 Ram 1500?
Dealer arrivals start late 2025, with Express models landing first and Tungsten inventory ramping in Q1 2026.
How much will it cost?
MSRP runs from about $42,000 (Express) to roughly $91,000 (Tungsten); most shoppers will land around $55-$65 k in a nicely optioned Laramie or Rebel.
Is the HEMI really back?
Yes. Customer outcry pushed Ram to re-list the 5.7-L V-8 after its 2025 gap year. It’s a $1,200 option on lower trims or free on Limited/Tungsten.
What are the key interior upgrades?
Think 14.5-in Uconnect 5 touchscreen, 23-speaker Klipsch audio, and available 24-way massaging seats — all best-in-class numbers.
Which trim is the best value?
I’d pick Laramie: luxury touches, standard 22-in wheels, and the V-8 option for free.
Will there be a “Vintage” edition?
Ram hasn’t confirmed a formal Vintage package, but dealers are listing blacked-out Express & Rebel builds inspired by classic 1990s Rams, starting just over $44 k.