Ram 1500 Review 2026: Is the Best Truck Right Now?

from the experts at Invoice Pricing

2026

RAM

1500

Pickup Truck | Premium | RAM

In this 2026 Ram 1500 Review, you will find everything you need to know about the popular RAM Model.

There are more options for the 2026 Ram 1500 pickup truck than for most new cars on the market right now. Rebel, which can go off-road, is great for adventurers. Tradesman, a sleek work truck, is made for building sites and simple transporting jobs. Longhorn and Tungsten, two luxurious trims, are perfect for passengers. You can choose from three engines. A more powerful turbocharged inline-six engine is available in two power outputs: a base V-6 or a Hemi V-8 that has been brought back to life. You can choose between two body styles, two bed lengths, and rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The Ram’s more luxurious package compensates for the fact that it can’t tow as much as rivals like the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado.

What's New?

Stellantis believes that the Hemi will return in 2026, as many customers were upset that it was removed from the 2025 Ram 1500. The renowned 5.7-liter V-8 engine still delivers the same power: 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque. In the Tradesman, Express, Warlock, Big Horn/Lone Star, and Laramie trims, the V-8 engine costs $ 1,200. If you want it, though, it’s free in the Limited and Longhorn trims. Stellantis hasn’t provided a specific date, but the Hemi will also be available on the Rebel. A new, low-cost model called the Express trim will be added to the Ram 1500 lineup in 2026. The Express differs from other cars in its dark gray interior trim and blacked-out light bezels. It comes in either a quad or crew cab body style and is available with either rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. This year, the Black Express look option is also available. It costs $995 and can be added to both the Quad Cab and the Crew Cab body types. The Unique Sport hood, 20-inch black wheels, black cloth bucket seats, and black exterior badges are all included in the package.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The sound and video systems in Ram trucks have been some of the best in their class for a long time. The newest trucks continue this trend with a fast 12.0-inch tablet or an optional 14.5-inch screen that can be added. Both systems support Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and the larger tablet has a few extra knobs and buttons. There is also a 10.3-inch display for the passengers that can be used for guidance and entertainment.

Engine and Performance

The Ram 1500 now comes with a V-6, a V-8, and a twin-turbocharged inline-six. The eight-speed automatic gearbox in both of the six-cylinder cars shifts smoothly. With a 48-volt hybrid engine, the base V-6 makes 305 horsepower. The famous 5.7-liter Hemi is back after a short break. It produces 395 horsepower with a mild-hybrid setup. The Hurricane is what Ram calls the twin-turbo inline-six engine, and it makes 420 to 540 horsepower. After trying it in a crew-cab Limited 4×4, we are sure that this engine’s 540 horsepower is more than enough for truck work. Its engine is also very well made. The 420-horsepower version of this engine delivers significant power. For those who are brave, the tough Rebel model can really go off-road and appear more rugged. The rear suspension of every Ram 1500 features standard coil springs rather than the traditional leaf spring setups found on domestic rivals. This makes the ride more comfortable. Models equipped with available air suspension can adjust their ride height, enhancing off-road capabilities and reducing fuel consumption.

The 540-horsepower Hurricane inline-six engine in the Ram 1500 Limited 4×4 Crew Cab accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds during our tests. The 420-horsepower engine in the Ram 1500 Rebel we tried got the job done in 4.9 seconds. The normal V-6 and the Hemi have not been tested on the car yet, but we will let you know as soon as we get the results.

Fuel Economy

For the 2026 Ram 1500, the EPA has not yet released fuel economy numbers. However, the 2025 model achieved up to 20 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and an average of 23 mpg overall. At 75 mph on our highway fuel-economy test route, a truck with a high-output inline-six engine got 20 mpg.

Safety Features

The Ram 1500 features several driving assistance systems, including automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. Adaptive cruise control is a cutting-edge feature that comes standard on some Ram models. It lets you drive without using your hands. The following are important safety features:

Most automatic emergency brakes can tell who is on the road.
A backup camera, blind-spot tracking, hands-free driving, and adaptive cruise control are all standard features.

Cargo and Towing Capacity

The Ram 1500 can tow up to 11,580 pounds. Additionally, the 1500 can tow up to 2,300 pounds. With the Hemi V-8, the 1500 can pull up to 11,470 pounds. Competing trucks from Ford and Chevrolet weigh over 13,000 pounds. If you need your Ram to pull more, consider the new Ram charger plug-in hybrid, which can tow up to 14,000 pounds. Not only that, but the heavy-duty Ram HD models can pull up to 37,090 pounds.

Price and How to Choose

Numerous trims and options can affect the cost of the 2026 Ram 1500. The Ram 1500 is more of a luxury vehicle, featuring a suede headliner, 24-way adjustable seats with massage functions, and plush Tungsten trim paired with quilted leather seats. Doesn’t that sound great? It should be since it costs more than $90,000. The 1500 is best bought in the Laramie or Rebel trims. The Rebel trim comes with off-road features that let you take the 1500 off the main path. The Laramie comes standard with eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seats, heated and ventilated leather seats in both the front and rear, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power-folding mirrors, and 22-inch aluminum wheels. It is the most comfortable midsize car in the range. The Laramie is a great choice for Hemiheads because it comes with a free V-8 engine.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Our 2025 Truck of the Year carries its strengths into 2026
Choice of strong engines, including Hemi V-8 and Hurricane inline-six
Very quick acceleration with the high-output Hurricane engine
Smooth, comfortable ride thanks to coil spring rear suspension and available air suspension
Wide range of trims for work, off-road, and luxury use
High-quality interior in upper trims, with features like massage seats and premium materials
Excellent infotainment with large screens and good connectivity options