2026 Ram 1500 Sport HEMI Review: Does the V8 Still Have a Place?

2026 Ram 1500 Sport HEMI Review: Does the V8 Still Have a Place?

The 5.7-litre HEMI V8 is back in the Ram 1500, but it returns to a market that has changed considerably. Turbocharged six-cylinder engines now make more power and torque, full hybrids promise greater efficiency, and a well-equipped half-ton can cost nearly as much as a luxury vehicle. Our 2026 Ram 1500 Sport Crew Cab 4x4 was assembled at the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant in Michigan. It started at $76,695, with the 5.7-litre HEMI V8 adding $2,600. Our heavily optioned tester reached $98,800 before taxes. At that price, the question is no longer simply whether the Ram is a good truck. At that price, the question is no longer simply whether the Ram is a good truck, but whether this particular configuration offers enough value to justify nearly six figures.

The HEMI Versus the Hurricane

The 5.7-litre HEMI produces 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Those numbers remain respectable, but they no longer lead the Ram lineup. The standard-output 3.0-litre Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six produces 420 horsepower and 469 lb-ft. In comparison, the high-output version reaches 540 horsepower and 521 lb-ft, which are available in the RHO and the Tungsten. On paper, the Hurricane is the obvious winner. It accelerates harder, develops more torque and represents the newer engineering solution.

The HEMI’s appeal is more emotional. Its throttle response feels natural, power builds progressively, and the exhaust note gives the Ram a character the six-cylinder cannot fully reproduce. It is not as quick as the Hurricane, but it never feels underpowered. The eight-speed automatic suits it well, keeping the engine in the right part of its powerband without constantly searching for gears. The result is a relaxed and predictable drivetrain that feels particularly well suited to highway cruising and towing. The experience is not completely polished, though. The brake pedal can feel somewhat on-or-off at low speeds, making smooth stops harder than expected.

What Does eTorque Actually Do?

Ram calls its mild-hybrid system eTorque, but it should not be confused with a hybrid. This is a 48-volt belt-driven motor-generator that replaces the traditional alternator and assists the HEMI during initial acceleration. It can provide up to 130 lb-ft of temporary low-end assistance during initial throttle application and certain gear changes. That assistance isn’t directly added to the engine’s rated 410 lb-ft to create a combined peak output. The engine itself still produces 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque; the eTorque system briefly assists for a smoother transition at low speeds.

The benefit is most noticeable when pulling away from a stop. eTorque fills in the HEMI’s low-end response and helps the truck launch more smoothly, especially in traffic or with a trailer attached. The system recovers some energy while slowing down and makes the stop-start function unusually smooth when it stops. The restart, on the other hand, can feel surprisingly abrupt. The first time the HEMI fired back to life, the sound was sharp enough to resemble a small explosion and genuinely made us jump. You quickly get used to it, but it is not the seamless restart expected from a mild-hybrid system.

Does the V8 Still Make Sense for Towing?

The HEMI remains a capable towing engine, but it is no longer automatically the strongest choice. Depending on configuration, the standard-output Hurricane can tow slightly more than the V8 while also producing more torque. The less expensive 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 costs less to operate, but its lower towing capacity makes it better suited to lighter trailers. The HEMI sits between them. It may not win the specification comparison, but its naturally aspirated power delivery is easy to manage. Torque builds smoothly rather than arriving in a sudden turbocharged surge, and the transmission keeps the engine settled under load. For a family pulling a boat, camper or enclosed trailer, the HEMI remains more than capable. Buyers seeking the highest possible towing rating should still compare exact configurations rather than assuming the V8 is automatically best.

Better Fuel Economy Than Expected

Over approximately 915 kilometres, we averaged 13.1 L/100 km (17.95 MPG). Highway driving generally settled around 11 L/100 km (21.38 MPG), and under favourable conditions we briefly dipped as low as 10 L/100 km (23.52 MPG). Those are respectable results for a large four-wheel-drive pickup with a naturally aspirated V8. Still, 13.1 L/100 km is only efficient within the context of a V8-powered full-size pickup. Urban driving, towing or frequent hard acceleration will quickly raise consumption. The Hurricane may return better numbers under some conditions, but its turbocharged performance also makes fuel economy highly dependent on the driver. The HEMI’s consumption felt relatively predictable. Drive gently, and it can deliver surprisingly reasonable highway numbers. Use its capability regularly, and it consumes fuel like the large V8 it is.

Would a Full Hybrid Make More Sense?

A full-hybrid system like Ford’s F-150 PowerBoost would deliver more meaningful electrification than eTorque. A larger electric motor and battery could improve city fuel economy, provide stronger low-speed assistance and supply onboard power for tools or camping. The trade-offs would be added weight, complexity and cost. eTorque is lighter and preserves the HEMI’s character, but on a $98,800 truck, it feels more like a refinement feature than a true efficiency solution.

Ram’s upcoming range-extended electric 1500 takes a more ambitious approach. Its electric motors will drive the truck, while a 3.6-litre V6 acts as a generator when more range is needed. Ram projects up to 647 horsepower, 610 lb-ft of torque and 690 miles of total range. It will likely be heavier and more expensive, but it also shows that mild-hybrid assistance alone is not Ram’s long-term answer.

Comfortable, Composed and Easy to Live With

Ride quality remains one of the Ram 1500’s greatest strengths. Its coil-spring rear suspension gives it a more composed ride than many traditional pickups, with less bouncing over broken pavement and good body control over larger bumps. The steering is light and does not communicate much, but that makes the Ram easier to manage in parking lots. The 360-degree camera system is especially useful because the tall hood, wide body and long wheelbase require attention in tight spaces. Despite its size, the Ram feels less cumbersome than expected once you become familiar with its dimensions.

A Proper Family Cabin

The Crew Cab provides enormous rear-seat space. Adults can sit behind other adults without compromise, and a rear-facing child seat can be installed without forcing the front passenger against the dashboard. The nearly flat rear floor creates useful space for bags and boots, while the rear seat bottoms fold upward to provide a tall, weather-protected cargo area. That is ideal for luggage, groceries, strollers or camera equipment that should not be left in the bed.

The front seats are broad, soft and almost sofa-like. They are comfortable over long distances, but the lack of lateral support may not suit everyone, particularly smaller drivers who can feel less securely held in place. Rear passengers benefit from similarly generous cushioning and a natural seating position. Storage is plentiful throughout the cabin. The centre console is deep and configurable, the door pockets are genuinely useful, and there are several smaller trays for phones, keys and cables. The panoramic roof also helps the otherwise dark interior feel brighter and more open.

Uconnect and the Harman Kardon System

Our truck was equipped with a 14.4-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen, navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual wireless charging pads and a passenger display. The large vertical screen can show two functions at once, allowing navigation to remain visible while controlling audio or vehicle settings. Menus are easy to understand, responses are quick and physical volume, tuning and climate controls remain within reach. That combination matters. The Ram delivers the technology expected in an expensive modern truck without forcing every basic function into the touchscreen. The passenger display is less essential, but it can control media or navigation without interrupting the main screen. The 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was one of the cabin’s highlights. It delivers a broad soundstage with strong low-frequency output. There is plenty of bass, but vocals and instruments remain clear when the equalizer is adjusted properly. It also performs well at lower volumes and has enough power to overcome road and wind noise on the highway. The presentation may be slightly bass-heavy for listeners seeking a neutral sound, but it suits the size and character of the Ram.

Is an Almost Six-Figure Sport Too Expensive?

At $98,800 before taxes, our Ram 1500 Sport is difficult to call good value. The truck feels substantial, rides extremely well and offers impressive space and technology. However, nearly $100,000 creates expectations normally associated with luxury vehicles, and some interior materials do not feel sufficiently special at that price. The cost comes from the accumulation of desirable options rather than one extravagant addition. Most improve the truck, but together they push the Sport into a range where buyers should also consider a stronger Hurricane, a more luxurious trim or a full-hybrid competitor. A more restrained Sport may be the smarter configuration. The HEMI, towing equipment and upgraded infotainment contribute more to the ownership experience than some of the appearance-focused options.

Why We’d Buy It

• Smooth HEMI power delivery and genuine V8 character

• eTorque provides useful low-speed assistance

• Excellent ride quality and family-friendly space

• 10-year/160,000-km limited powertrain warranty adds considerable long-term peace of mind

Why We’d Skip It

• Nearly $100,000 is difficult to justify for a Sport

• The Hurricane makes more power and torque

• eTorque improves refinement more than efficiency

• A full hybrid would deliver greater fuel savings

Final Thoughts

The 2026 Ram 1500 Sport HEMI is not the strongest, fastest or most efficient Ram available. The Hurricane wins the numbers comparison, while a full hybrid would provide more meaningful electrification. The V8 still has a place because it delivers smooth response, familiar character and an exhaust note that makes the truck more memorable. eTorque improves launch response and stop-start refinement, but it does not transform fuel economy.

Our 13.1 L/100 km average and 11 L/100 km highway result were better than expected. Add the spacious cabin, comfortable seats, polished ride and excellent technology, and the Ram remains easy to live with as a family vehicle. Ram’s new 10-year/160,000-km limited powertrain warranty is another significant advantage, particularly for buyers planning to keep their truck long-term. The biggest obstacle is the price. At nearly six figures, buyers need to value the HEMI experience as much as the truck’s capability. It may no longer be the logical choice, but for the right buyer, it remains the more satisfying one.

One final note: at the time of writing, Ram has announced that it is phasing out eTorque from the 5.7-litre HEMI for 2027, replacing it with a non-hybrid version of the V8, making the system tested here a short-lived return.