Written byKey Points:
- Ram brought back the 5.7L HEMI V8, and over 10,000 people jumped on it within just 24 hours (no joke).
- It’ll cost $1,200 extra on most trims, but comes free on Laramie and Longhorn—plus you get that GT exhaust growl and a massive 33-gallon tank.
- Ram also dropped a surprise: a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty, making this comeback even sweeter for long-term buyers.
- With sales already up 5%, this move could shake up the full-size truck war hard—Chevy and Ford better be watching.
Shaking up the full-size truck segment, Ram has made it official: the 2026 Ram 1500 will once again feature the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine—and enthusiasts didn’t hesitate to chime in. Dealers quickly placed more than 10,000 orders for the V8-powered trucks within the first 24 hours after the reveal.
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Why the HEMI’s Return Matters
Ram had already phased out the iconic V8 from the 1500, instead nudging buyers toward the turbocharged Hurricane inline-six and hybrid possibilities. The choice, made in the name of emissions targets and efficiency aspirations, didn’t go over with buyers. The response was immediate, and the diesel-free lineup drew criticism online, with many arguing that without the buzz, the truck didn’t feel like a Ram. Company CEO Tim Kuniskis said the company read the tea leaves wrong and reversed course, bringing the HEMI back in full force.
As another Reddit user put it:
“Water is wet.”
— People realizing how obvious the HEMI’s return should have been.
Key Specs: Power, Performance & Pricing
The reintroduced engine is similar to the one found in the pre-facelift model:
- Engine: 5.7L HEMI V8
- Output: 395 hp / 410 lb-ft
- Hybrid Help: 48-volt eTorque mild hybrid system and cylinder deactivation
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Exhaust: GT performance exhaust – loud and proud.
- Fuel Capacity: Big 33-gallon tank for long range
Trim Pricing:
- Laramie & Longhorn: V8 included with no additional charge
- Other trims: Add-on is $1,200
10-Year/100,000-Mile Warranty: A Groundbreaking Offer
Rocking a pair of shade-covered mirrors to help bring the V8 back in the spotlight, Ram also landed a segment-exclusive 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty for all of the 2026 stable (EVs excluded). This includes vital areas such as the engine, transmission, transfer case, drive shafts, differentials, and axles. Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis defended the jump by citing longer financing terms — as high as 80% of truck loans extend beyond five years — and the desire for extended warranty coverage throughout the ownership period.
It is not the case with competitors Ford and GM: Those companies’ gas-powered trucks have 5-year, 60,000-mile warranties, or 5-year, 100,000-mile coverage for their diesel models. Ram’s extended coverage is now the new benchmark.
Able to turn the full-size truck wars upside down, this warranty applies to retail, lease, and business users, though it’s not available to fleet buyers or second owners.
Sales Impact & Market Shake-up
Ram had momentum anyway: 98,915 Ram 1500s were sold in the first half of 2025, representing a 2% year-over-year increase; total Ram sales were up 5% in Q2 compared to Q2 2024. The reintroduction of the HEMI and that big warranty bump suggest growing momentum.
One source noted:
“The bottom line is that owners ought to be able to not only score the V8 trucks they want, but hopefully be able to savor them for a longer time.”
Autoweek said the warranty represented a strategic gamble to win back customers who had reservations about Ram’s reliability.
Competitive Pressure On Chevy & Ford
With the roar of the V8 and the reassuring warranty, Ram is raising the ante. Chevy and Ford might need to react, either by following suit on warranty terms or adding their coveted powertrains. Ram is also making a return to NASCAR’s Truck Series for some marketing payoff to go with its V8-era resurgence.
Trends in that market suggest that Ford, which saw its F-150 sales fall 5 percent in 2024, could lose further ground in 2025, while Ram, whose sales increased 5 percent during the same period. Ram seems all set not just to meet, but to exceed competitors’ expectations in a sizzling segment showdown to come.
The Bottom Line
Ram’s decision to reintroduce the 5.7L HEMI V8 for its 2026 1500—and add a segment-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty on top of it—is a calculated course correction driven by customer demand and savvy marketing.
- 10,000+ orders in 24 hours, the HEMI still commands respect
- Free V8 on higher trims $1,200 option pocketbook manipulation.
- Segment-best warranty, peace of mind during long loan terms
- Top line momentum returning into growth mode with distinct competitive advantages
Ram’s rivals will have to up their game — or risk finishing second. Power, function, and protection don’t just apply to the Ram Trucks on the road in 2026; they also apply to the 2026 Ram 1500’s development itself – because back to the future, it is!
Source: Stellantis Media
