In what has been the worst kept secret in the automotive industry in recent years, Ram has officially announced that the legendary 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine will be returning to its light-duty Ram 1500 pickup for the 2026 model year.

“Ram will continue to offer the more powerful and more efficient Hurricane Straight Six Turbo, but we heard loud and clear from consumers: there is no replacement for the iconic HEMI V8. At the end of each month, we count sales to customers, not statisticians or ideologues. Data be damned — we raise our flag and let the HEMI ring free again!” said Ram Brand CEO Tim Kuniskis.

New HEMI V8 Symbol of Protest Badge

How Did We Get Here?

The demise of the Gen III HEMI V8 engine began in earnest back in 2022. Last Call editions of popular sports cars and muscle trucks started rolling out as the company’s electrification and engine downsizing plans came into full swing. For horsepower-loving off-road fanatics like us, this meant that 2024 was the final year for not only the 702-horsepower, supercharged V8-powered Ram TRX, but standard-issue 5.7-liter HEMI V8-powered Ram 1500 as well. A collective wail was heard across the nation.

2026 Ram 1500 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with eTorque

Same “Old” Gen III 5.7-liter HEMI V8

To ease the transition back to V8 power, Ram opted to utilize its long-running Gen III 5.7-liter HEMI. This is the same family of engines that Ram first introduced in 2003. For 2026 the engine will retain the same performance ratings as it did in 2024. This includes 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. Fuel saving technologies include variable camshaft timing and cylinder deactivation. The V8 engine is backed by a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission.

Trucks equipped with the HEMI V8 can expect a maximum tow rating of up to 11,470 pounds and a maximum payload rating of up to 1,750 pounds.

Intelligent eTorque System Returns

Being the same engine that left the lineup after the 2024 model year, it’s only natural that the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 returns with the company’s intelligent eTorque system. The system replaces the traditional engine-mounted alternator with a belt-driven motor generator unit. This unit works with a 48-volt battery pack to provide quick and seamless engine start/stop along with providing additional torque directly to the engine’s crankshaft in certain driving situations. The eTorque system is able to deliver up to 130 lb-ft of torque on initial throttle tip-in. The benefit of this additional torque is enhanced shifts, smoother transitions under acceleration and braking, and an improved cylinder deactivation experience.

The eTorque system stores energy in a compact, 430 watt-hour lithium-ion battery. This battery is housed in a noise-insulated enclosure behind the rear seat. It is air-cooler and internally vented. A 3-kilowatt DC-to-DC converter steps down the 48 volts to charge the truck’s conventional 12-volt battery, along with powering accessories.

The 5.7-liter HEMI V8 retains a traditional starter motor for improved cold-weather starting.

Why Does The Retrun Of The 5.7-liter HEMI Matter?

It’s no secret that Americans value choice. This especially rings true for truck buyers. Regardless of the fact that Ram’s new 3.0-liter Hurricane twin-turbocharged I6 engines make more power (significantly more in the case of the high-output variant) and received higher EPA fuel economy ratings, buyers were outraged at the loss of the HEMI V8 option. With between 71 and 84 percent of truck owners admitting that they are loyal to a brand, losing those owners can be a big blow to a brand.

“Everyone makes mistakes, but how you handle it defines you. Ram screwed up when we dropped the HEMI — we own it and we fixed it,” said Kuniskis. “We’re not just bringing back a legendary V8 engine, we’re igniting an assertive product plan and expanding the freedom of choice in powertrain for our customers.”

Each HEMI-powered 2026 Ram 1500 will wear a new fender-mounted “Symbol of Protest Badge,” which as created by the Ram design team. The badge replaces the traditional block letter HEMI emblem and instead offers the outline of a Ram’s head pushing forward, powered by a HEMI V8 block with eight zoomie headers.

Bringing back the HEMI is not just a motion to appease the “cylinder counters,” either. Ram estimates that it could see a take rate of between 25 and 40 percent, noting that even in its crowded EcoBoost lineup Ford still sells about 25 percent of F-150 pickups with its 5.0-liter V8.

When Can I Get A 5.7L HEMI Ram?

Ram 1500 pickups with the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 will begin arriving on dealer lots this summer. Ram officials have stated that the initial rollout will likely be slow, ramping up as the year progresses. The HEMI V8 will be available as an option for Tradesman, Big Horn, Express, Warlock, Laramie, Limited, and Longhorn. Rebel will get the engine as well; however, it will be late availability. As of now, RHO and Tungsten models will not offer the HEMI option.

The 5.7-liter HEMI V8 will be a $1,200 option over the Standard-Output 3.0-liter I6 (which itself is a $1,695 upcharge over the base 3.6-liter V6). There will be no charge for the V8 option on Limited and Longhorn model as they come standard with the premium High-Output 3.0-liter I6.

Additionally, all HEMI V8 Rams will receive a sport exhaust system similar to the G/T Package offered by Ram on past V8 trucks. This package cost about $3,000 at the time. A cat-back exhaust system from Mopar currently costs about $1,800. Use this information as you see fit.

Wait, Didn’t The HEMI Never Actually Leave?

Yes, the light-duty Ram 1500 was left without a V8 option after the 2024 model year. However, contrary to what the loud voices on the internet might say, the HEMI V8 engine never really left the Mopar stable. In 2025 you can still purchase a Jeep Wrangler 392, which comes fit with the 6.4-liter HEMI. Also still available is the Dodge Durango Hellcat with its supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI. And we be remiss if we didn’t at least mention the Ram Heavy Duty and its big gas engine option, a 6.4-liter HEMI built specifically for heavy-duty applications.

2026 Ram Rebel with HEMI V8

But… But… TRX?

We know what everyone is wondering… If the 5.7-liter HEMI is returning, does this mean that the TRX will be back as well? In a recent chat with a group of automotive journalists, Kuniskis tiptoed around questions of whether the extinct super truck would be revived. Without directly answering anything, he casually alluded to the fact that the 5.7-liter HEMI was only the first V8 the company is bringing back, and that we should all be on the watch for “more than 25” product announcements from the Ram Brand in the coming months.