2026 Ram 1500 vs 2025 Ram 1500
The big bosses over at Stellantis shook things up for the Ram 1500 in the last two model years. While 2025 felt like a massive departure from tradition, the 2026 model year seems to be a bit of a "return to form" based on what owners wanted. If you're trying to decide which year is the better buy, find out what changed from the 2025 Dodge Durango to the 2026 model.
Key Takeaways
- The legendary Hemi V8 makes a surprise comeback for the 2026 model year.
- Ram is introducing a new Express trim for 2026 to give buyers a sportier look for less.
- New 2026 pricing ranges from $44,000 to $90,945, while remaining 2025 models are between $42,370 and $89,170 as of February 17, 2026.
What Changed for the 2026 Ram 1500?
It turns out people really missed the V8. Ram listened to the feedback and brought the 5.7-liter Hemi back for 2026. You can add it to the Tradesman, Express, Warlock, Big Horn, or Laramie trims for an extra $1,200, and it's a no-cost option if you're stepping up to the Limited or Longhorn. There's even a V8-powered Rebel in the works for later in the year.
The other big addition is the Express trim. It's perfect if you want your truck to look a bit more blacked-out with dark headlamp bezels and gray interior accents. If you want to go even further, the Black Express package tosses in a Sport hood, 20-inch black wheels, and blacked-out badging.
2026 model prices are:
- HFE: $44,000 (est)
- Tradesman: $44,620
- Express: $46,745
- Lone Star: $49,875
- Big Horn: $49,875
- Warlock: $55,460
- Laramie: $64,075
- Rebel: $67,645
- Limited: $79,000
- Longhorn: $79,495
- Tungsten: $91,395
The 2025 model year was actually a much bigger technical overhaul. That was the year Ram initially ditched the V8 to make room for the turbocharged "Hurricane" inline-six. They also refreshed the exterior with new lights and wheels and completely gutted the interior tech. The old 8.4-inch screen was tossed out for a 12.0-inch or a massive 14.5-inch display, and they even added a screen just for the passenger. 2025 also saw the birth of the Tungsten trim--the absolute peak of luxury with massaging seats and a 23-speaker Klipsch sound system.
Pricing for 2025 is:
- 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
| 2026 Ram 1500 | 2025 Ram 1500 |
|---|---|
| 5.7-liter Hemi V8 makes return on on Tradesman, Express, Warlock, Big Horn/Lone Star, and Laramie trims as an option; it's standard on Limited and Longhorn | Discontinued Hemi V8 for turbocharged inline-six |
| Rebel V8 debuts later in 2026 | Upgrade to standard 12.0-inch touchscreen, available 14.5-inch display, and optional 10.3-inch passenger screen |
Power, Towing, and Efficiency of the Ram 1500
The Ram 1500 offers a number of great powertrain choices. the base 3.6-liter V6 with a hybrid boost (305 hp), the returning 5.7-liter Hemi V8 (395 hp), and the high-tech twin-turbo "Hurricane" inline-six. That Hurricane engine is the speed demon of the bunch, putting out either 420 or 540 horsepower depending on configuration.
As for working, the Ram 1500 is still a powerhouse. It can tow up to 11,580 pounds, and even if you opt for the Hemi V8, you're still looking at a solid 11,470-pound capacity. While we're still waiting on official 2026 fuel economy numbers, the 2025 models averaged around 23 mpg combined, so expect the new ones to stay in that same ballpark.
Choosing Between Ram 1500 Model Years
If you felt like the 2025 lineup was missing that V8 soul, the 2026 model is your best bet. But if you're more into the latest tech and want to save a few thousand in the process, a 2025 model is a fantastic value. Either way, you're getting one of the smoothest-riding trucks on the road. Reach out to Alan Jay CDJR in Wauchula today for a test drive!