The legendary 5.7-liter Hemi V8 returns for 2026, answering customer demand after its controversial 2025 removal. The 2026 Ram 1500 introduces the value-focused Express trim, enhanced styling with the Black Express package, and maintains the powerful Hurricane inline-six engines that earned the 2025 model MotorTrend's Truck of the Year award. With best-in-class interior technology, commanding towing capacity, and refined luxury across all trim levels, both model years deliver exceptional capability for Clinton, IN and Terre Haute work trucks and family haulers. This comprehensive comparison reveals which Ram 1500 provides the best combination of power, technology, and value for your specific needs.

Table of Contents

• ❓ FAQ: Quick answers to Ram 1500 comparison questions
• ⚡ Quick comparison: 2026 vs 2025 at a glance
• 🏁 2026 Ram 1500 overview: Hemi returns and new Express trim
• ⭐ 2025 Ram 1500 review: Truck of the Year excellence
• ⚖️ 2026 vs 2025 Ram 1500: Head-to-head comparison
• 📊 2026 Ram 1500 specifications and features breakdown
• 💰 2026 vs 2025 Ram 1500 pricing analysis
• 🤔 Which Ram 1500 should you buy: 2026 or 2025?
• 🚗 Ram 1500 capability and real-world performance
• 🏪 Find your Ram 1500 at Pilson CDJR of Clinton

FAQ: Quick answers to Ram 1500 comparison questions

Quick comparison: 2026 vs 2025 Ram 1500 at a glance

2026 Ram 1500 overview: Hemi returns and new Express trim

The 2026 Ram 1500 answers overwhelming customer demand by bringing back the legendary 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine after its controversial removal for 2025. This iconic powerplant returns with 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, paired with Ram's eTorque mild hybrid system and available across multiple trim levels for Clinton and Terre Haute truck buyers who value V8 character and sound.

Key specifications and features summary

The newly introduced Express trim creates a value-focused entry point with distinctive styling including black 20-inch wheels, body-color bumpers, raised sport hood, black tubular side steps, and monochromatic exterior treatment. Starting at $44,495, the Express delivers contemporary truck aesthetics without luxury pricing while maintaining Ram's signature refinement and capability.

The Black Express appearance package extends the monochromatic theme with additional sport styling elements including unique badging, black exterior accents, and upgraded interior materials. Available on Quad and Crew Cab 4WD configurations for $995, this package appeals to buyers seeking modern, understated truck aesthetics.

Hemi V8 return and availability

The Hemi V8 becomes available as a $1,200 option on Tradesman, Express, Warlock, Big Horn, Lone Star, and Laramie trims, while serving as a no-cost alternative to the Hurricane engines on Limited and Longhorn models. Ram engineers recalibrated and validated 13 different modules to integrate the Hemi with the 2025 electrical architecture, ensuring seamless operation with modern truck systems.

Despite lower horsepower ratings compared to both Hurricane variants, the Hemi delivers visceral V8 character that enthusiasts demand. The engine's signature sound, linear power delivery, and high-rpm willingness provide emotional appeal that complements the Hurricane's superior torque and efficiency specifications.

Technology and safety enhancements

The 2026 Ram 1500 maintains the comprehensive technology suite introduced for 2025, including standard 12.0-inch Uconnect touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and available 14.5-inch display with 10.25-inch front passenger screen. The Tungsten trim exclusively offers the 23-speaker Klipsch Reference Premiere audio system delivering concert-quality sound reproduction.

Standard safety features include adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist. Available Active Driving Assist enables hands-free highway driving on approved roadways, though unlike competitors' systems, Ram's technology deactivates when towing.

2025 Ram 1500 review: Truck of the Year excellence

The 2025 Ram 1500 earned MotorTrend's Truck of the Year award following significant updates including refreshed exterior styling, enhanced interior technology, and the introduction of powerful Hurricane twin-turbocharged inline-six engines. The redesign eliminated the Hemi V8 in favor of advanced forced-induction powertrains delivering superior performance and efficiency for Clinton families and work truck users.

2025 Ram 1500 specifications breakdown

The Hurricane Standard Output engine produces 420 horsepower and 469 lb-ft of torque—significantly exceeding the Hemi's output while delivering improved fuel economy. The High Output variant generates class-leading 540 horsepower and 521 lb-ft of torque, providing supercar-level acceleration in a full-size pickup truck platform.

The luxury-focused Tungsten trim debuted as the new range-topping model, featuring quilted Nappa leather upholstery, 24-way power-adjustable massaging front seats, suede headliner, genuine carbon fiber trim, and premium materials throughout. Starting at $87,075, the Tungsten rivals luxury SUVs while maintaining authentic truck capability.

Powertrain options and efficiency

The base 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 with eTorque mild hybrid assistance produces 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque, providing adequate power for work truck duty while delivering improved fuel economy through regenerative braking and seamless start-stop operation. The eight-speed automatic transmission offers smooth, responsive shifts across all powertrains.

Hurricane engine fuel economy ratings reach 18/25 MPG city/highway with rear-wheel drive for Standard Output and 15/21 MPG for High Output configurations. All-wheel drive reduces efficiency by approximately 1 MPG city and highway, while the High Output variant in the Ram 1500 RHO achieves 495-mile range despite performance-oriented tuning.

Interior technology and refinement

The 2025 redesign upgraded base models from 8.4-inch to 12.0-inch Uconnect touchscreens, while higher trims gained optional 14.5-inch displays with faster processing and improved graphics. The available 10.25-inch front passenger screen provides independent infotainment control including climate adjustment, media selection, and seat massage programming.

Ram claims more than 50 inches of combined digital display area in fully loaded configurations—the most in the full-size truck segment. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster provides configurable displays for navigation, vehicle performance, towing metrics, and driver assistance status information.

2026 vs 2025 Ram 1500: Head-to-head comparison

Direct comparison reveals minimal mechanical differences between model years, with the 2026's primary distinction being Hemi V8 availability and new Express trim introduction rather than comprehensive engineering changes affecting core truck performance and capability.

Trim level comparison table

Engine performance and efficiency comparison

The 2026 Hemi V8 produces 25 fewer horsepower and 59 fewer lb-ft of torque compared to the Hurricane Standard Output engine, while consuming more fuel and delivering less towing capacity. However, the Hemi provides intangible qualities including authentic V8 sound, linear throttle response, and high-rpm enthusiasm that turbocharged engines cannot replicate.

Testing reveals the Hurricane SO accelerates more quickly than the Hemi, with Ram's 2025 long-term test vehicle achieving 0-60 MPH in 4.9 seconds despite weighing 155 pounds more than a comparable Hemi truck. The Hurricane's forced induction provides instant torque delivery and stronger mid-range acceleration during real-world passing and merging situations.

Safety and driver assistance feature comparison

Technology and infotainment updates

Both model years offer identical infotainment hardware including 12.0-inch standard touchscreen, available 14.5-inch display, and optional 10.25-inch passenger screen. The Uconnect 5 system provides wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, integrated navigation with voice recognition, and over-the-air software updates maintaining currency throughout ownership.

The digital rearview mirror displays camera feed replacing the traditional glass mirror, expanding visibility while towing and when cargo blocks conventional mirror views. The available heads-up display projects critical information onto the windshield including speed, navigation instructions, adaptive cruise status, and driver assistance alerts.

2026 Ram 1500 specifications and features breakdown

Detailed engine specifications

Standard features by trim level

2026 vs 2025 Ram 1500 pricing analysis

Value analysis across trim levels

The 2026 pricing strategy reveals minimal increases across most trims, with Tradesman HFE, Warlock, Laramie, Rebel, RHO, Limited, and Tungsten maintaining identical MSRPs despite inflation and increased content. Only the base Tradesman increases $2,095, Big Horn gains $595, and Longhorn rises $1,300—representing restrained pricing discipline compared to industry trends.

The new Express trim positioned at $44,495 creates compelling value delivering contemporary styling, 12-inch touchscreen, and distinctive appearance elements previously unavailable at this price point. For Clinton and Terre Haute buyers seeking modern truck aesthetics without luxury pricing, the Express provides exceptional equipment levels.

Which Ram 1500 should you buy: 2026 or 2025?

The decision between model years depends primarily on Hemi V8 preference, with both offering identical Hurricane engine performance, technology features, and towing capability that defines Ram 1500 excellence.

Ram 1500 capability and real-world performance

The Ram 1500 excels across diverse missions from work truck duty to luxury transportation, delivering commanding towing capacity, refined ride quality, and class-leading interior technology that surpasses competitor offerings.

Towing and trailer capability

Properly equipped Ram 1500 models with Hurricane Standard Output engine achieve maximum towing capacity of 11,550 pounds—sufficient for travel trailers, boat trailers, and equipment haulers popular in the Clinton and Terre Haute area. The available trailer brake controller, trailer reverse guidance, and trailer tire pressure monitoring simplify towing operations.

Real-world fuel economy

Testing demonstrates Hurricane Standard Output regularly achieves 24-26 MPG highway during steady-state cruising and 19-21 MPG combined. Hurricane High Output delivers 19-21 MPG highway despite 540 horsepower output. The Hemi V8 provides expected fuel economy around 21-23 MPG highway with light-footed driving.

Payload and bed utility

Maximum payload capacity reaches 2,370 pounds in properly configured models, while available 67-inch or 76-inch bed lengths provide 53.9 or 61.5 cubic feet cargo volume. The innovative RamBox cargo management system integrates lockable storage bins into bedsides, protecting tools and equipment while maintaining full bed width.

Passenger comfort and technology

The Ram 1500's unibody-inspired construction delivers car-like ride quality isolating passengers from road imperfections. Crew Cab models provide class-leading rear legroom accommodating adult passengers comfortably during long drives between Clinton and Terre Haute. Available Active-Level air suspension automatically lowers at highway speeds reducing wind resistance and improving efficiency.

Find your Ram 1500 at Pilson CDJR of Clinton

Whether you choose the Hemi-equipped 2026 Ram 1500 or value-focused 2025 model with Hurricane engines, Pilson Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Clinton provides the expertise and service excellence that makes your truck ownership experience exceptional. Our Clinton, Indiana location serves drivers throughout Western Indiana and Eastern Illinois, including Terre Haute, Mattoon, Charleston, and surrounding communities.

Our factory-trained technicians specialize in Ram truck service and maintenance, utilizing genuine Mopar parts to preserve your pickup's performance, reliability, and warranty coverage. From routine oil changes to Hurricane engine service and Hemi maintenance, trust your investment to the certified professionals at Pilson CDJR of Clinton.