Stellantis, the parent company of the Ram 1500, made some massive changes that consumers will definitely notice in 2026. But how do those changes rival upgrades made in 2025? Let's break down the details in this 2025 vs 2026 Ram 1500 comparison,
Key Takeaways
- The Hemi V8 returns to the Ram 1500 in 2026.
- Stellantis adds the Express trim to the lineup for 2026.
- 2026 Ram 1500 trims are priced from $44,000 to $90,945 as of December 29, 2025. 2025 models are between $42,370 and $89,170.
2026 vs. 2025 Ram 1500 Lineup Changes and Pricing
Customers spoke, and Stellantis acted by bringing the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 back for 2026. It's a $1,200 option on the Tradesman, Express, Warlock, Big Horn/Lone Star, and Laramie trims and is freely available on the choice of the Limited and Longhorn trims. A Rebel version of the V-8 will debut later in the year.
The Express trim is new to the lineup and features a darker, more aggressive look with blacked-out headlamp bezels, dark gray interior accents, and Quad or Crew Cab layouts. A Black Express appearance package is an option that adds a Sport hood, black exterior badging, 20-inch black wheels, and cloth bucket seats.
There are plenty of trims to choose from at every price point:
- Tradesman: $43,620
- HFE: $44,000
- Express: $45,745
- Lone Star: $48,875
- Big Horn: $48,875
- Warlock: $54,460
- Laramie: $63,375
- Rebel: $67,040
- Limited: $78,000
- Longhorn: $78,495
- Tungsten: $90,395
Stellantis dropped the Hemi V-8 to make room for a new turbocharged inline-six and added new lighting elements, wheel designs, and a refreshed color palette on the outside. Inside, it replaced a smaller 8.4-inch touchscreen with a 12.0-inch system and an even larger 14.5-inch display. There's even the option of a 10.3-inch passenger-side screen. A new top trim, the Tungsten, offers quilted-leather upholstery, massaging seats, and a 23-speaker Klipsch stereo.
Prices for 2025 are:
- Tradesman: $42,370
- HFE: $43,155
- Big Horn: $47,030
- Warlock: $56,355
- Laramie: $62,125
- Rebel: $66,290
- Limited: $77,250
- Longhorn: $77,745
- Tungsten: $89,170
Model Year Changes
| 2026 Ram 1500 |
2025 Ram 1500 |
| 5.7-liter Hemi V8 returns, offered as a $1,200 option on Tradesman, Express, Warlock, Big Horn/Lone Star, and Laramie trims, and standard on Limited and Longhorn |
Hemi V8 discontinued in favor of a new turbocharged inline-six engine |
| Rebel V8 model scheduled to debut later in the model year |
Interior tech upgraded with standard 12.0-inch touchscreen, available 14.5-inch display, and optional 10.3-inch passenger screen |
| Express trim added with blacked-out headlamp bezels, dark gray interior accents, and Quad or Crew Cab layouts |
Tungsten trim introduced with quilted leather upholstery, massaging front seats, and a 23-speaker Klipsch audio system |
Engines, Mileage, and Towing Capacity of the Ram 1500
You get three gas-engine options with the Ram 1500--a V-6, a V-8, and a twin-turbo inline-six. The base 3.6-liter V-6 cranks out 305 horses with the addition of a 48-volt hybrid system. The 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 delivers 395 horsepower and pairs with a hybrid system for better efficiency. Both six-cylinder engines mate with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Want even more punch? The Ram's twin-turbo "Hurricane" inline-six makes 420 or 540 horsepower, depending on the drivetrain configuration.
2026 EPA ratings are not yet available for the Ram 1500 as of this writing, but the 2025 1500 got 20 mpg city, 26 highway, and 23 combined. The new model year will likely be in the same ballpark.
The Ram 1500 has a towing capacity of 11,580 pounds and a max payload of 2,300 pounds. With the newly available Hemi V-8 once again under the hood, towing capacity is 11,470 pounds.
Will You Take the Ram 1500 Home?
If last year's lineup felt like it was missing something, 2026 quietly fills that gap. But if none of the newer changes interest you, 2025 models are more affordable and well worth considering. Stop by Coleman Motors today for a test drive!