In a bold reversal that blends engineering heritage with modern performance demands, Ram has officially confirmed that the iconic 5.7-litre HEMI® V8 engine will return to the 2026 Ram 1500 lineup. After retiring the engine in favour of smaller six-cylinder options for the 2025 model year, strong consumer feedback has driven Ram to bring back the HEMI—a decision that reinforces the brand’s commitment to offering meaningful choice and capability to its loyal customer base.
The 5.7L HEMI V8 had long been a staple of the Ram lineup, offering proven durability, performance, and a sound that resonated with truck enthusiasts. Its sudden removal in 2025 marked a controversial shift towards six-cylinder engines, including the more powerful and efficient Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six. While the new engine offered enhanced efficiency, many customers still missed the rumble, linear power delivery, and emotional connection of the V8.
According to Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis, the decision to bring the HEMI back wasn’t just about numbers—it was about listening. “We’re not just bringing back a legendary V-8 engine, we’re igniting an assertive product plan and expanding the freedom of choice in powertrain for our customers,” Kuniskis said. “Data be damned — we raise our flag and let the HEMI ring free again.”
Returning to the 2026 Ram 1500, the 5.7-litre HEMI V8 delivers 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. This version features Ram’s eTorque mild hybrid system, which uses a belt-driven motor generator and a 48-volt battery to assist with engine start/stop functionality, add torque during acceleration, and regenerate braking energy. It’s the only V8 engine in the segment with a hybrid configuration, designed to blend the traditional character of a large-displacement engine with the efficiency demands of today’s market.
The eTorque system adds up to 130 lb-ft of torque on tip-in, enhancing responsiveness when accelerating from a stop. Beyond performance, it supports cylinder deactivation and smooths gear changes to reduce noise and vibration in the cabin, adding refinement without sacrificing power.
The V8 engine comes equipped with a variety of efficiency and performance-enhancing technologies, including variable valve timing and Ram’s Fuel Saver Technology, which allows the engine to deactivate half its cylinders under light loads. Cooling is managed via an 850-watt electric fan controlled by pulse width modulation for improved energy efficiency.
From a utility standpoint, the 5.7L HEMI remains a strong performer. In the 2026 Ram 1500, this engine delivers a maximum towing capacity of 11,470 pounds (5,203 kilograms) and a payload capacity of 1,750 pounds (794 kilograms). It also comes paired with a 125-litre (33-gallon) fuel tank, enhancing long-haul towing capability.
Ram isn’t limiting the HEMI to just a few high-end models. It will be widely available across much of the 2026 Ram 1500 lineup, giving buyers multiple ways to configure their ideal truck. The engine will be optional on the Tradesman, Big Horn, Express, Warlock, Sport, Laramie, Limited, and Longhorn trims. Rebel models will get the V8 at a later date. However, it will not be offered on higher-end RHO or Tungsten variants, which will focus on the Hurricane high-output six-cylinder engine.
This widespread availability underlines Ram’s renewed commitment to powertrain diversity, allowing customers to choose between the standard 3.6-litre Pentastar V6, the 3.0-litre Hurricane inline-six (in both standard and high-output variants), and now the returning 5.7-litre V8.
To visually signal the return of the HEMI, Ram is introducing a new fender-mounted badge called the “Symbol of Protest.” Designed by Ram’s styling team, the badge shows the Ram head pushing forward—literally powered by a HEMI engine block. This visual cue serves as a statement of intent, celebrating both the defiant decision to reintroduce the V8 and the brand’s alignment with customer passion.
The eTorque system’s seamless integration is a key part of this reintroduction. The motor generator unit is mounted where the traditional alternator would be and connects to a 430 watt-hour lithium-ion battery located behind the rear seat. This compact unit is cooled by dual fans and packaged to be acoustically neutral, ensuring that cabin quietness isn’t compromised.
The system also features a 3-kilowatt DC-to-DC converter that allows the 48-volt battery to charge the traditional 12-volt system, supporting truck accessories and cold-weather starts. The result is a V8 that feels familiar in sound and response, but subtly modernized to meet today’s driving expectations.
Looking Ahead: Why the Return of the HEMI Matters
A Response to Real Customer Demand
The return of the 5.7-litre HEMI V8 is a direct reaction to overwhelming customer feedback. While Ram’s new lineup of six-cylinder turbocharged engines delivered on efficiency and innovation, many long-time Ram owners felt that something was missing—namely, the deep rumble and proven performance of the HEMI. By responding to this input, Ram is showing that it values loyalty and understands the emotional connection many buyers have to their trucks.
Defying Industry Trends
At a time when many automakers are eliminating V8 engines in favour of smaller, forced-induction powertrains or electrified options, Ram’s decision to bring the HEMI back bucks the trend. This move is not about rejecting innovation, but about preserving choice. Ram continues to offer the Hurricane inline-six and V6 options, but the HEMI fills a gap that no turbocharged six-cylinder can replace: raw, naturally aspirated V8 power that feels traditional and timeless.
A HEMI for the Modern Era
This is not the same HEMI of old. The integration of eTorque mild hybrid technology means buyers get enhanced torque at low speeds, improved fuel efficiency, and smoother operation, without sacrificing the distinctive character of the V8. With cylinder deactivation, variable valve timing, and regenerative braking, this powertrain combines muscle with modern engineering in a way that elevates both performance and refinement.
A Complete Package with Real Capability
Beyond nostalgia and engine sound, the 5.7L HEMI still delivers where it counts. With a maximum towing capacity of 11,470 pounds (5,203 kg) and up to 1,750 pounds (794 kg) of payload, this engine doesn’t just sound powerful—it is powerful. Paired with a large 125-litre fuel tank and available across a broad range of trims, the HEMI-equipped Ram 1500 is ready for work, play, and everything in between.
A Statement of Identity
The addition of the “Symbol of Protest” badge underlines the importance of this decision. Ram is positioning the HEMI’s return as more than a technical update—it’s a declaration of brand identity. It’s a nod to the drivers who want their truck to reflect their values: strength, confidence, independence, and performance without compromise.
Key Specs of the 5.7L HEMI V8 with eTorque in the 2026 Ram 1500:
The decision to bring back the 5.7-litre HEMI V8 comes as part of a larger product cadence from Ram, which plans to roll out numerous powertrain and product enhancements over the next 18 months. While the Hurricane engines will remain a core part of the brand’s strategy, particularly in premium trims, the return of the HEMI signals that emotion, tradition, and real-world customer preference still have a place in the modern truck market.
In a segment where loyalty runs deep and engine sound still stirs the soul, the 2026 Ram 1500’s 5.7-litre HEMI V8 ensures that buyers no longer have to choose between nostalgia and capability—they can have both.
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