2026 RAM 1500

Ram's 2026 full-size pickup arrives with an expanded powertrain roster that includes the return of the 5.7-litre HEMI V-8 eTorque engine. Available in Quad Cab and Crew Cab body styles with rear-wheel or four-wheel drive, this truck delivers towing capacity reaching 5,203 kg (11,470 lbs) when equipped with the HEMI V-8. The lineup spans work-ready Tradesman models through luxury-appointed Tungsten versions, with off-road Rebel and high-performance RHO variants filling out the range. Ram backs the 2026 model year with a 10-year/160,000-kilometre limited powertrain warranty for retail customers in Canada.

Your Guide to the 2026 RAM 1500

Exterior

Two cargo box lengths address different hauling requirements in the 2026 Ram 1500. The shorter 1,711 mm box provides 1.5 cubic metres of volume with a floor length of 1,711 mm when the tailgate closes. The longer 1,937 mm box expands capacity to 1.7 cubic metres with a 1,937 mm floor. Both boxes share a 1,687 mm width and maintain 1,295 mm between wheelhouses. Tailgate opening width measures 1,525 mm on both sizes. Box depth sits at 543 mm for the short bed and 545 mm for the long bed. Double-wall steel construction reinforces the cargo area against damage.

Physical proportions change with cab selection and drivetrain. Crew Cab models with the short bed stretch 5,903 mm overall, while long-bed versions reach 6,129 mm. Width remains at 2,062 mm across the lineup. Height varies from 1,923 mm to 2,079 mm depending on trim and suspension type. The RHO performance model extends width to 2,235 mm to cover its wider track. Ground clearance starts at 196 mm on two-wheel-drive models and reaches 239 mm on four-wheel-drive RHO. Air suspension on select trims adjusts ride height across four settings, from 169 mm in Entry/Exit mode to 272 mm in Off Road 2 mode.

2026 RAM 1500

Interior

Quad Cab seating accommodates six people across front and rear bench seats. Front headroom measures 1,038 mm with 1,040 mm of legroom. The rear bench offers 995 mm of headroom and 896 mm of legroom. Shoulder room reaches 1,676 mm up front and 1,668 mm in back. Hip room sits at 1,610 mm in both rows. Front seats travel through 220 mm of adjustment and recline across 71 degrees--18 degrees forward and 53 degrees rearward. Interior volume totals 1.8 cubic metres in front and 1.5 cubic metres at the rear.

Crew Cab models expand rear-seat space significantly. Rear passengers gain 1,013 mm of headroom and 1,138 mm of legroom, making long trips more comfortable for adults. Front dimensions match the Quad Cab layout. Total interior volume measures 1.8 cubic metres forward and 1.9 cubic metres in back. The extra legroom proves useful for families or work crews who spend considerable time in the truck. Rear doors open wider than Quad Cab rear-hinged doors, simplifying entry and exit.

2026 RAM 1500

Features

2026 RAM 1500

Powertrain

The base 3.6-litre Pentastar V-6 eTorque generates 234 kW (305 hp) at 6,500 rpm and 365 N•m (271 lb-ft) of torque at 4,900 rpm. This 60-degree V-6 uses variable valve timing, chain-driven dual overhead cams, and 24 valves with hydraulic end-pivot roller rockers. The eTorque hybrid system adds a 48-volt, 0.43 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and a 9 kW belt-starter generator that contributes 90 lb-ft of launch torque. Fuel Saver Technology deactivates cylinders under light loads. An 850RE eight-speed automatic transmission routes power through available axle ratios of 3.21 or 3.55.

Ram reinstated the 5.7-litre HEMI V-8 eTorque for 2026 after customer demand. This 90-degree V-8 puts out 291 kW (395 hp) at 5,600 rpm and 556 N•m (410 lb-ft) of torque at 3,950 rpm. The pushrod design features variable cam timing and 16 valves with hydraulic lifters using roller followers. A deep-skirt cast-iron block with cross-bolted main bearing caps supports the rotating assembly. Aluminum-alloy heads use hemispherical combustion chambers. The eTorque system here employs a 12 kW generator providing 130 lb-ft of launch torque. A 125-litre fuel tank pairs with the performance-tuned exhaust. The 8HP75 eight-speed automatic transmission handles shifting duties.

Two inline-six configurations join the lineup. The standard 3.0-litre Straight-Six Turbo delivers 313 kW (420 hp) at 5,200 rpm and 635 N•m (469 lb-ft) of torque at 3,500 rpm. Twin turbochargers force air into centrally located direct injectors fed by a single high-pressure pump pushing fuel up to 350 bar. Dual overhead cams operate 24 valves through roller finger followers with hydraulic lash adjusters. The deep-skirt cast-aluminum block uses plasma spray-bore coated cylinders and cross-bolted steel main bearing caps. Recommended fuel is premium 91-octane.

The high-output SST HO variant raises power to 403 kW (540 hp) at 5,700 rpm and 707 N•m (521 lb-ft) of torque at 3,500 rpm. This version requires premium 91-octane fuel and runs a 9.5:1 compression ratio to handle increased boost. Forged aluminum alloy pistons with DLC-coated pins connect to forged steel rods. A dual 76 mm straight-through exhaust system with 127 mm black tips handles flow. Both SST engines use the 8HP75 transmission with available axle ratios including 3.21, 3.55, and 3.92. Assembly occurs at Saltillo North Engine Plant in Mexico.

2026 RAM 1500

Technology

Electrical architecture uses the Atlantis platform with a 230-amp alternator on most models, upgrading to 240 amps with the 3.0-litre SST. A Group 94R H7 730 CCA battery provides cranking power. The 48-volt batteries on eTorque models sit in insulated enclosures behind the rear seat, cooled by dual internal fans. A 3-kilowatt DC-to-DC converter steps voltage down to charge the 12-volt system and power accessories. All 5.7-litre HEMI V-8 engines retain a traditional starter motor for cold-weather starts.

Four-wheel-drive models use one of three transfer cases. The BW 48-12 part-time unit offers 2WD High, 4WD High Locked, Neutral, and 4WD Low Locked modes with a 2.64 low-range ratio. The BW 48-11 on-demand case adds 4WD Auto mode for automatic engagement. The BW 48-13 full-time transfer case on SST HO models provides variable torque distribution: 40/60 Auto, 45/55 Wet/Snow, 45/55 Tow, 25/75 Baja, and 50/50 Off-road in 4WD Low. All units shift electronically.

Front axles measure 215 mm across the lineup. Rear axles come in 235 mm or 260 mm sizes depending on trim level and intended capability. Rear differential options include open, limited-slip, and electronic-locking types. Front suspension uses upper and lower A-arms with twin-tube shock absorbers and a stabilizer bar. The rear employs a five-link setup with track bar, stabilizer bar, twin-tube shocks, and a solid axle. RHO models upgrade to Bilstein e2 Blackhawk active performance dampers at all four corners, adjusting automatically to driving conditions.

Versions

The 2026 Ram 1500 offers ten trim levels with different equipment, styling, and capability focus. Engine choices vary by trim to match buyer needs.

  • Tradesman -- Work-focused base model with vinyl or cloth interior, standard 3.6-litre V-6 eTorque, and optional 3.0-litre SST or 5.7-litre HEMI V-8 eTorque engines.
  • Express -- Value trim adding chrome exterior pieces, upgraded cloth seating, and enhanced audio over Tradesman, with identical engine options.
  • Warlock -- Blacked-out appearance package featuring dark exterior trim, unique badges, and sport styling, available with 3.6-litre V-6 eTorque, 3.0-litre SST, or 5.7-litre HEMI V-8 eTorque.
  • Big Horn -- Mid-level trim with leather-trimmed seats, improved technology, and chrome accents, offering all four base engines including the 3.0-litre SST HO.
  • Sport -- Performance styling with unique wheels, body-colour exterior elements, and sport interior treatment, using the 3.0-litre SST standard or optional 3.0-litre SST HO.
  • Laramie -- Luxury model featuring full leather seating, wood interior trim, and advanced technology, powered by 3.0-litre SST, 3.0-litre SST HO, or 5.7-litre HEMI V-8 eTorque.
  • Rebel -- Off-road specialist with lifted suspension, protective skid plates, and rugged styling, available with 3.0-litre SST, 3.0-litre SST HO, or 5.7-litre HEMI V-8 eTorque (arriving later in model year).
  • Longhorn -- Western-inspired luxury trim with unique leather seating, wood accents, and chrome details, equipped with 3.0-litre SST HO or 5.7-litre HEMI V-8 eTorque.
  • Limited -- Premium luxury model with full leather interior, latest technology, and extensive chrome exterior trim, using 3.0-litre SST HO or 5.7-litre HEMI V-8 eTorque.
  • RHO -- Performance off-road model with 540 hp SST HO engine, Bilstein e2 Blackhawk active damping, widened track, and 33-inch tires.
  • Tungsten -- Range-topping luxury trim featuring 24-way massage seats, air suspension, and 540 horsepower SST HO engine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What warranty does Ram provide on the 2026 model?

Ram provides Canada's best full-size truck limited powertrain warranty at 10 years or 160,000 kilometres on 2026 model-year retail purchases and leases. Coverage includes the engine, transmission, transfer case, driveshafts, differentials, and axles. This warranty is non-transferable except where required by applicable law. Fleet purchases receive separate 5-year/160,000-kilometre powertrain coverage. The warranty reflects Ram's commitment as loan terms extend beyond traditional limits.

How much can the 2026 Ram 1500 tow?

Maximum trailer weight capacity reaches 5,203 kg (11,470 lbs) with the 5.7-litre HEMI V-8 eTorque in specific configurations. The 3.0-litre SST achieves up to 5,217 kg (11,610 lbs) when properly equipped. Maximum payload varies by configuration, reaching up to 1,071 kg (2,360 lbs) in certain Quad Cab 4x2 models. Actual ratings depend on cab type, bed length, drivetrain, engine, axle ratio, and installed equipment.

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