You Gotta See Jack
You Gotta See Jack
The 2026 Ram 1500 is a rugged full-size pickup truck with four powerful engine options for you to choose from. Whether you plan on towing or heading off-road, the Ram 1500 has an engine sure to impress. Continue reading this 2026 Ram 1500 engines and towing guide created for you by the team at Jack Phelan Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Countryside, IL, to see what each engine is capable of.
Browse through our inventory, and find your ideal Ram 1500 model and engine option. Experience the Ram 1500 performance firsthand by scheduling a test drive. We’re always more than happy to help, so feel free to contact us online or over the phone at (708) 352-5300.
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Each 2026 Ram 1500 engine brings impressive power to your drives, whether you’re towing, hauling, or taking on the open roads and trails. There are four powertrain options to choose from, including the 3.6L Pentastar® V6, 3.0L Hurricane inline six-cylinder (I6), high-output 3.0L Hurricane I6, and 5.7L HEMI® V8 engines. Each offers unique performance, so be sure to see their differences and choose the right engine for your pickup truck needs.
The 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine delivers balanced performance, outputting a respectable 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, and maintaining up to 25 highway MPG. It can achieve this efficient power thanks to a wide-range variable valve timing and two-step variable valve lift design. The 3.6L Pentastar V6 also features the eTorque system, which is a 48-volt (V) mild hybrid system designed to enhance torque output. Both 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains are available, and an eight-speed automatic transmission is standard.
View engine specifications in the following table.
If you’re looking for enhanced performance, consider the twin turbo 3.0L Hurricane I6 engine. Harness up to 420 horsepower and 469 pound-feet of torque, and achieve up to 25 highway MPG. The 3.0L Hurricane I6 engine is available with either a 4×2 or 4×4 drivetrain and utilizes an eight-speed automatic transmission.
View engine specifications in the following table.
Unleash muscular performance with the high-output 3.0L Hurricane I6, which brings a mighty 540 horsepower and 521 pound-feet of torque to every drive. This potent, twin turbo engine is focused on performance, and puts thrilling power under the hood of your 2026 Ram 1500. The high-output 3.0L Hurricane I6 engine is only available with a 4×4 drivetrain, achieves up to 21 highway MPG, and uses an eight-speed automatic transmission.
View engine specifications in the following table.
Returning for the 2026 model year, the 5.7L HEMI V8 brings classic power to every outing, and is sure to impress with up to 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque. Bringing balanced efficiency and performance wherever the terrain demands it, this engine boasts innovative features like fuel saver technology, variable valve timing, and the eTorque mild hybrid system. The 5.7L HEMI V8 engine is available with 4×2 or 4×4, and achieves up to 20 highway MPG. It’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
View engine specifications in the following table.
The 2026 Ram 1500 brings impressive towing and payload capabilities to your hauling jobs, helping you tackle trips to the work site or weekends on the trails or the campsite. Find the highest towing capacity with the 3.0L Hurricane twin-turbo I6 engine, which can handle up to 11,610 pounds, closely followed by the 5.7L HEMI V8 engine, which can tow up to 11,320 pounds. If you need to load up your bed, consider the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine, which has the highest payload capacity of 2,360 pounds.
View towing and payload specifications in the following table.
| Engine | Max. Towing Capacity | Max. Towing Configuration | Max. Payload Capacity | Max. Payload Configuration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6L Pentastar V6 | 8,130 lbs. | Quad cab, 6-ft.-4-in. bed, 4×2, 3.55 axle ratio | 2,360 lbs. | Quad cab, 6-ft.- 4-in. bed, 4×2 |
| 3.0L Hurricane twin-turbo I6 | 11,610 lbs. | Quad cab, 6-ft.-4-in. bed, 4×2, 3.92 axle ratio | 1,930 lbs. | Quad cab, 6-ft.- 4-in. bed, 4×2 |
| High-output 3.0L Hurricane twin-turbo I6 | 10,000 lbs. | Crew cab, 6-ft.-4-in. bed, 4×4, 3.92 axle ratio | 1,490 lbs. | RHO crew cab, 5-ft.-7-in. bed, 4×4 |
| 5.7L HEMI V8 | 11,320 lbs. | Crew cab, 5-ft.-7-in. bed, 4×2, 3.92 axle ratio | 1,650 lbs. | Crew cab, 5-ft.-7-in. bed, 4×2 |
Depending on which 2026 Ram 1500 trim you select, you’ll have access to different engine options. Choosing the right engine and trim are key for making sure your Ram 1500 has the features and capabilities you’re looking forward to. Engine and trim availability includes:
The raw power of the 2026 Ram 1500 is complemented by a suite of sophisticated towing features to enhance every haul. The available tow drive mode tailors your performance for hauling, while trailer sway damping and a trailer brake controller help you tow with greater safety and control. For help backing up, consider trailer reverse guidance and trailer reverse steering control. You can elevate your vision with the available surround view camera system or the power trailer tow mirrors.
Available towing features include:
If you’d like to see what else the new Ram 1500 has to offer, the team at Jack Phelan CDJR has prepared additional resources to aid in your research. See key features and exterior colors with our Ram 1500 review, or get a full breakdown of each model with our Ram 1500 trims guide.
When you’re ready to take the next step, see what Ram 1500 offers we have for you to choose from, and find one that fits your budget. Should you have any questions on your truck-buying journey, you’re welcome to contact us online or over the phone at (708) 352-5300.
