Hemi V-8 Makes a Comeback in the Ram 1500 Following Customer Feedback

Ram’s Return of the Hemi V-8

The automotive industry is rarely known for its willingness to admit mistakes. However, Ram has taken a bold step by reinstating one of its most iconic engines, the Hemi V-8, into the Ram 1500 lineup for the 2026 model year. Just a year after discontinuing the Hemi V-8 for 2025 in favor of a new line of six-cylinder engines, the company faced a significant backlash from loyal customers. In a move that underscores their commitment to listening to their buyers, Ram has reintroduced the Hemi V-8 and opened order books for it.

Details of the Hemi V-8 Engine

The 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 engine will not be a standard feature across all trims of the Ram 1500 but will be available as an option for various models. For customers eager to reclaim that distinctive V-8 roar, the cost to add the engine will vary, potentially reaching up to $1,200, depending on the selected trim. Tim Kuniskis, CEO of Ram, was transparent about the misstep, openly stating, “Ram made a mistake when we removed the Hemi—we acknowledge it, and now it’s back.” This candid admission reflects a responsiveness to the strong sentiments of the brand’s fan base regarding engine options.

Performance Specifications

The reinstated Hemi V-8 engine will deliver an impressive output of 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. To enhance efficiency and contribute to a seamless start-stop experience, it incorporates the eTorque mild-hybrid system. According to Kuniskis, the objective was to reintroduce the Hemi without incurring a lengthy redesign process. By retaining the engine’s existing specifications, Ram could avoid the extensive recalibrations and emissions approvals typically required for new engine configurations.

Trim Options and Features

Customers have the opportunity to equip the Hemi in a variety of trims, including Tradesman, Big Horn, Express, Warlock, Laramie, Rebel (available later), Limited, and Longhorn. Notably, the Limited and Longhorn trims are already equipped with Ram’s high-output 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, making the V-8 a complimentary upgrade at no additional cost. In contrast, for trims featuring the standard-output six-cylinder, the upgrade to the Hemi will incur the aforementioned fee of up to $1,200.

Distinctive Badging and Capability

To identify the trucks equipped with the Hemi, Ram plans to introduce a unique badge titled the “Symbol of Protest,” which features a ram’s head positioned on the front of a Hemi block. This badge will prominently appear on the front fenders, signaling that the truck possesses formidable capabilities. The Hemi configuration will provide a robust payload capacity of 1,750 pounds and a towing capability of up to 11,470 pounds, further solidifying its reputation as a dependable workhorse.

The Challenges of Re-Integration

Reintegrating the V-8 engine posed considerable challenges. When Kuniskis returned to Ram in December, he advocated for the Hemi’s revival, only to learn from the engineering team that it would take approximately 18 months to adapt the engine to the new electrical architecture that had been established for the 2025 model year. This architecture, designed with upcoming electrified models like the Ram 1500 Rev and Ramcharger in mind, was not originally compatible with an older V-8 engine.

A Swift Engineering Solution

Fortunately, Daryl Smith, the former chief engineer of SRT, was designated to lead a specialized task force known as codenamed F15. This team successfully figured out how to seamlessly integrate the Hemi into the new system within a record time of just six months. Kuniskis hinted that Smith’s extensive SRT background could indicate that this team might handle more revival projects in the future, potentially leading to more powerful engines making a comeback.

Future Plans for Ram

Ram’s revival of the Hemi is just the beginning. In April, Kuniskis confirmed that the company plans to roll out 25 new products over the upcoming 18 months. Among these offerings is a highly anticipated mid-size truck, and enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting news about the potential return of the TRX model. Despite the introduction of the high-output RHO last year, Ram clarified that it should not be viewed as a direct replacement for the TRX. Details concerning the possible reappearance of this beast remain under wraps for now.

The Horizon for Performance Fans

For those craving even more power, the 6.2-liter V-8 Hellcat engine remains an option, with its presence confirmed in the 2026 Durango Hellcat. If Smith and his team could reintroduce the Hemi in a mere six months, enthusiasts are hopeful that they might achieve something similar for the Hellcat-powered Ram 1500.

Conclusion

For aficionados of V-8 performance, there is now a sense of relief as the Hemi is back in action. Ram has recognized the importance of this powerful engine to its customer base and has taken decisive action to restore it to the lineup. This move not only acknowledges past errors but also reinforces Ram’s commitment to delivering vehicles that resonate with the desires of its passionate drivers. For now, fans can enjoy the rebirth of the Hemi, marking a new chapter in Ram’s storied history.