Why Are People So Excited About the 2026 Ram 1500?

Whether you’re already looking for a Ram 1500 for sale or are simply interested in what’s happening in the auto industry, this is a great year to check out Ram’s iconic pickup. The legendary HEMI V8 engine returns from a brief hiatus. When you combine that with a new Express trim that’s a great option for shoppers on a budget, plus everything else that makes this pickup a favorite of so many drivers each year, you get a model destined to make headlines. Let’s take a closer look at what so many people are saying about this hard-working pickup truck. 

Return of the HEMI V8 Engine

Although there are plenty of things about the 2026 Ram 1500 that people are excited about, we’d undoubtedly put the return of the HEMI V8 at the top of the list. For a long time, the HEMI V8 engine has been a hallmark of the Ram pickup and the impressive power and capabilities it brings to the road. From the performance it provides to how it sounds when you hit the gas, so much about this engine is tied to the essence of the Ram 1500 for many drivers. It’s not the only engine that’s been available, and Ram has improved it over time, but a lot of folks see the Ram pickup and HEMI V8 as just about synonymous.

Ram had announced that the HEMI V8 was going away starting with the 2025 model year, leaving only smaller engines in its place. Drivers made it pretty clear that wasn’t the right choice, so just one year later, Ram is bringing the HEMI back, and we couldn’t be happier. It’s a 5.7L HEMI V8 mild hybrid engine that delivers 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque, ensuring plenty of power under the hood. Ram fans will quickly notice that this is the same engine that was available for the 2024 model year, so there is nothing new to worry about or any changes to watch for, providing a great driving experience that folks have come to count on year after year. 

The All-New Ram 1500 Express Trim

One thing we find to be pretty universal is that people like having many options when shopping for a vehicle. A large selection of trim levels makes it easier to look at different models and find everything you need, without having to compromise or miss out on things you want. The 2026 Ram 1500 has an incredible selection of different trim levels, including a new option: the Express. Rather than providing another high-end option, the Ram 1500 Express is a low-tier trim that’s perfect for anyone shopping on a budget or needing to keep costs down.

This isn’t a new entry-level trim. The Tradesman remains ideal for fleets and similar situations, but is not always the right pick for daily driving and personal use. The new Express trim has some distinct styling elements, like a black interior and accents, with sleek styling around the headlamps. Ram offers it with two- or four-wheel drive and two different cab sizes, so you can choose the right truck to help you get your job done on a budget. While the starting Tradesman has black bumpers, a black grille, and vinyl seating, the Express comes with body-color front and rear bumpers and grille, cloth seating, and much more, offering both style and comfort at a more affordable price.

Is the Ram 1500 TRX Making a Comeback Too? 

The HEMI V8 engine wasn’t the only thing that Ram recently discontinued. Although the off-road-ready and performance-focused Ram 1500 TRX is a niche pickup, it set a new standard for what trucks can do that only the Ford F-150 Raptor R could match. Ram discontinued the TRX after the 2024 model year, but Autoweek confirms it will return for 2026. The return of the TRX is part of Ram’s larger effort to show they know their fans are passionate about V8 engines, so although we don’t know for sure, it is likely that a supercharged Hellcat V8 engine will power the resurrected TRX. The engine in the previous TRX provided 702 hp, which Ford surpassed with the Raptor R and its 720 hp. We’re curious if Ram will strike back by delivering even more power to reclaim the top spot.

Great Engines and Impressive Capabilities

It’s only fair, as we’re talking about what people love about the 2026 Ram 1500, that we also point out great features that aren’t necessarily new but continue to demonstrate what this pickup offers. Along with the impressive HEMI V8, two other bold engines are available for the Ram 1500 that deliver great power and performance. The standard powertrain is a 3.6L Pentastar V6 mild hybrid engine that provides 305 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque, ensuring every Ram 1500 is ready to get some serious work done.

Anyone interested in more power, including performance beyond what the legendary HEMI V8 offers, should check out the Hurricane engine, which was supposed to replace it. The available 3.0L Hurricane turbocharged I-6 engine provides 420 hp and 469 lb-ft of torque, making it a fantastic choice for a lot of drivers. There’s also a High Output version of this engine available that delivers an incredible 540 hp and 521 lb-ft of torque, taking performance to the next level. With that kind of power, it’s understandable that Ram assumed drivers would forget about the HEMI, even though that was not the case. 

A Stunning Selection of Trims

The new Express trim is a welcome addition to the selection of Ram 1500 models available, but it’s only one of many options. In fact, there are ten different trims to choose from with the 2026 Ram pickup, starting with the Tradesman and Express that we looked at earlier, and then Warlock and Big Horn models that provide more impressive features inside and out. Moving up to the Laramie trim gives you access to a 12-inch Uconnect 5 system or a 14.4-inch display, the largest available touchscreen in this truck class.

The Rebel trim comes with a standard 420-hp Hurricane engine (the HEMI V8 is optional), a 12-inch programmable Digital Cluster Display, a one-inch lifted suspension, and 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac all-terrain tires. The RHO is a remarkable off-road pickup with Bilstein Black Hawk e2 shocks, available 18-inch beadlock-capable wheels, and more standard horsepower than the F-150 Raptor. Topping things off is the Tungsten trim, which comes only with the High Output Hurricane engine, 24-way power front seats with massage functionality, and a 23-speaker Klipsch Reference Premiere sound system that delivers unbelievable audio. 

See What Has Folks So Excited

We can spend all day talking about the 2026 Ram pickup and everything it brings to the road, but nothing beats experiencing it all for yourself. From hearing the resurrected HEMI V8 engine or feeling the power of the Hurricane High Output engine, to melting into the incredibly comfortable seating, driving the Ram 1500 is an experience unlike anything else. That’s why we love providing this truck and showing our customers what it brings to the road. No matter what you’re looking for in a full-size, light-duty truck, you’ll find that the Ram 1500 is ready to deliver, with power and capabilities to help you get your job done.

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