2026 Ram 1500 Laramie
When Ram introduced the fifth generation Ram 1500 back in late 2018, it changed expectations in the half ton pickup segment. This was no longer just a work truck. It felt like a luxury SUV that happened to have a usable bed.
Fast forward to 2025 and Ram gave the truck a major update. New electrical architecture. New tech. A massive 14.5 inch display. And under the hood, the familiar 5.7L Hemi V8 disappeared, replaced by the twin turbo Hurricane inline six.
That decision did not sit well with a lot of Ram buyers.
For 2026, Ram has corrected course. The Hemi V8 is back. And not quietly either. The engine is now available on seven out of the ten trims. This article focuses on the 2026 Ram 1500 Laramie with the Night Appearance Package, tested with the returning Hemi V8.
The big question is simple. Does the Ram 1500 get better with the V8 back under the hood?
The Return of the 5.7L Hemi V8
The headline change for 2026 is the return of the 5.7L naturally aspirated pushrod V8. This engine has been part of the Ram and Dodge lineup in some form since 2003, so most buyers already know what it is about.
In this application, the engine produces:
• 395 horsepower
• 410 lb ft of torque
The output matches the 2024 version. What is new is that eTorque mild hybrid assist is now standard.
How the eTorque System Works
The eTorque system does not increase peak engine output. Instead, it adds:
• An induction motor
• Around 16 horsepower and 130 lb ft of assist during initial takeoff
• A 0.4 kWh battery pack mounted behind the rear seats
• A 48 volt system that replaces the traditional alternator
Ram still keeps a traditional starter motor for cold weather starts. The system mainly improves start stop smoothness and low speed response.
Power goes through an 8 speed ZF sourced automatic transmission, with a choice of rear wheel drive or full time four wheel drive. The test truck uses the full time four wheel drive system, which costs an extra 3,400 dollars.
Fuel Economy and Range
The V8 does come with a fuel efficiency trade off compared to the Hurricane inline six.
EPA ratings for the V8:
• 16 mpg city
• 20 mpg highway
• 18 mpg combined
That is about one mpg better in combined driving compared to the highest output Hurricane, although the Hurricane can reach up to 17 city and 24 highway in certain configurations.
All V8 models come standard with a massive 33 gallon fuel tank. On a full tank, real world range lands between 520 and 590 miles using regular grade fuel.
That range is excellent. The downside is expensive fill ups.
Performance Numbers That Still Matter
Ram does not publish official 0 to 60 mph figures for the V8. Real world testing tells the story.
Observed performance figures:
• 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds with brake torque
• Around 6.0 seconds without brake torque
• Top speed just under 110 mph
Maximum towing capacity with the V8 is 11,320 lbs. Payload is just over 1,600 lbs.
Curb weight for this configuration sits around 5,800 lbs, making it slightly lighter than Hurricane powered versions. Still, the Hurricane offers between 420 and 540 horsepower, so outright performance favors the turbo six.
But numbers are not the reason buyers want the Hemi back.
Exterior Design and Night Appearance Package
The test truck is finished in Forged Blue, a color that costs an extra 295 dollars. Combined with the Night Appearance Package, it works extremely well.
The Night Appearance Package, priced at 3,500 dollars, includes:
• Blacked out grille and trim
• Body colored bumpers and wheel arch trim
• Sport hood with functional and non functional vents
• Black Ram badging
• 22 inch matte black wheels
This is not an off road focused package. It is about visual impact. With low profile 285 45 R22 tires, this truck is built for the street.
Lighting and Front End Details
Standard features include:
• Full LED headlights
• Reflector style housings
• Incandescent front turn signals
• LED fog lights
At this price point, the lack of projector LED headlights feels like a miss. Upper trims get a more upscale lighting setup.
The refreshed electrical architecture from 2025 continues into 2026 and was reworked to accommodate the V8. The bold RAM lettering across the grille remains a strong design element.
Wheels, Suspension, and Ride Height
The Night Package brings 22 inch wheels paired with:
• 15 inch front and rear brake rotors
• Independent front suspension
• Coil spring rear with live axle
The test truck also includes the optional four corner air suspension for 2,000 dollars.
Air suspension benefits include:
• Five ride height settings
• Ground clearance range from about 7 inches to nearly 10 inches
• Improved ride comfort and highway composure
This setup reinforces why the Ram still delivers the best ride quality in the segment.
Hemi Badging and the Rambox System
One of the most interesting details is the new Hemi badge. Ram calls it the Symbol of Protest badge, designed to celebrate the return of the V8. It features the Ram head with a V8 block graphic behind it.
It is playful, slightly cheeky, and very on brand.
The truck also includes the Rambox system, priced at 1,000 dollars.
Rambox highlights:
• Lockable storage on both sides of the bed
• Weather resistant design
• Integrated power outlet inside the box
The trade off is reduced bed width, but the added utility makes it worthwhile for many buyers.
Bed and Tailgate Functionality
The crew cab short bed measures 5 feet 7 inches. It remains very usable for most needs.
Features include:
• Spray in bedliner
• LED bed lighting
• Tie down hooks
• Power opening and closing tailgate
The multifunction tailgate is not equipped on this truck. Bed steps integrated into the bumper are also missing.
The V8 models now come standard with the GT Sport exhaust, previously optional. Dual chrome exhaust tips are well integrated and sound excellent.
Interior Overview and First Impressions
The Laramie trim sits in the middle of the Ram lineup but feels far from basic.
The Night Edition forces a black leather interior. Lighter interiors are not available with this package.
Front seat highlights:
• Leather and Alcantara upholstery
• Heated and ventilated seats
• 10 way power adjustment with memory
• Strong bolstering and long distance comfort
Massage seats are not available on Laramie. Those require stepping up to Limited, Longhorn, or Tungsten trims.
Cabin Materials and Layout
Material quality remains one of the Ram 1500’s strongest points.
You will find:
• Soft touch dashboard surfaces
• Contrast stitching
• Wood look trim
• Alcantara inserts
• Padded door panels
Only the front windows are one touch up and down. Rear windows lack one touch operation, which feels out of place at this price.
Infotainment and Screens
This truck is equipped with the Level 2 equipment group, which adds the massive 14.5 inch vertical touchscreen running Uconnect 5.
Key tech features include:
• Wireless Apple CarPlay
• Wireless Android Auto
• Built in navigation
• Physical knobs for volume and tuning
• Integrated trailer brake controller
Ram also offers a 10.25 inch passenger display, the only one in the segment. It includes a privacy filter and HDMI input, though its usefulness feels limited.
Uconnect 5 is functional but not perfect. Initial startup lag is noticeable. Once running, response improves.
Storage and Charging Options
Storage is everywhere in this cabin.
You get:
• Dual wireless charging pads
• Multiple USB A and USB C ports
• HDMI port
• 115V power outlet
• Deep center console with multiple levels
• Hidden storage compartments
These small details make the Ram easy to live with day to day.
Rear Seat Space and Comfort
Rear seat space is class leading.
Measurements and features include:
• Up to 45 inches of legroom
• Completely flat floor
• Heated rear seats
• Rear air vents
• USB charging ports
• Power outlet
The standout feature is the reclining rear seat, which can tilt back up to 8 degrees. No other truck offers this. Combined with the massive legroom, it feels closer to a luxury SUV than a pickup.
Driving Experience and Ride Quality
On the road, the Ram 1500 continues to set the benchmark for ride comfort.
The air suspension smooths out rough pavement. Wind and road noise stay low. The cabin feels isolated in a good way.
The Hemi V8 delivers:
• Linear power delivery
• Smooth acceleration
• Excellent throttle response
• A deep, muscular exhaust note
This is the only mild hybrid V8 in the segment. No competitor offers that combination.
The ZF 8 speed automatic remains one of the best transmissions available. Shifts are quick and well timed.
Real World Fuel Economy Results
After a week of testing:
• Average city economy was around 16 mpg
• Highway economy peaked near 18 mpg
• Real world range exceeded 520 miles
The mild hybrid system helps most in stop and go traffic. Efficiency differences compared to the Hurricane are smaller than expected.
Pricing and Value Breakdown
Base pricing for the 2026 Ram 1500 Tradesman starts around 41,500 dollars.
A well optioned Laramie with:
• Night Appearance Package
• Air suspension
• Level 2 equipment group
• Tow package
• Forged Blue paint
Pushes the price close to 82,000 dollars as tested.
Adding advanced tech and safety packages can raise the total to around 85,000 dollars. At that point, stepping up to a Limited trim becomes an easier decision.
Final Thoughts
The return of the Hemi V8 matters. Not because it is the fastest option. Not because it is the most efficient. It matters because it gives buyers choice.
The Hurricane inline six is quicker. It offers better performance numbers. But it does not sound like this.
The Ram 1500 still delivers:
• Best ride quality in the segment
• One of the most spacious interiors
• Class leading rear seat comfort
• Excellent daily usability
The V8 makes it more emotional. More character driven. More Ram.
Would the Hemi be my pick? Probably not if it costs extra. But if you are shopping higher trims where it becomes a no charge option, the decision gets a lot easier.
Ram listened to its customers. And for a brand built on loyalty, that matters just as much as horsepower numbers.
2026 Ram 1500 Laramie Hemi V8 FAQs
Is the 5.7L Hemi V8 back in the 2026 Ram 1500?
The 5.7L naturally aspirated Hemi V8 has returned for the 2026 Ram 1500 after being discontinued in 2025. Ram now offers this engine on seven out of ten available trims.
Why did Ram bring the Hemi V8 back?
Many long time Ram buyers and Mopar enthusiasts strongly reacted to the removal of the Hemi in 2025. Ram responded by bringing the V8 back for 2026 to give customers more powertrain choice.
How much power does the 5.7L Hemi V8 make in the 2026 Ram 1500?
The 5.7L Hemi V8 produces 395 horsepower and 410 lb ft of torque. These figures match the previous version of the engine from the 2024 model year.
Does the 2026 Ram 1500 Hemi use a mild hybrid system?
Yes. The Hemi V8 now comes standard with the eTorque mild hybrid system. It improves start stop smoothness and adds electric assist during initial acceleration.
What is the fuel economy of the 2026 Ram 1500 with the Hemi V8?
The V8 powered Ram 1500 is rated at 16 mpg in the city, 20 mpg on the highway, and 18 mpg combined. Real world testing showed similar results, especially in city driving.
How far can the Ram 1500 Hemi drive on a full tank?
All Hemi V8 models come standard with a 33 gallon fuel tank. On a full tank, the driving range can reach between 520 and 590 miles using regular fuel.
What is the 0 to 60 mph time of the 2026 Ram 1500 Hemi?
Ram does not publish official acceleration figures, but real world testing showed a 0 to 60 mph time of about 5.6 seconds when brake torqued.
How much can the 2026 Ram 1500 Hemi tow?
The 5.7L Hemi V8 allows the Ram 1500 to tow up to 11,320 pounds with a payload capacity of just over 1,600 pounds.
What is special about the Ram 1500 Night Appearance Package?
The Night Appearance Package adds black exterior trim, body colored bumpers, a sport hood, 22 inch black wheels, and a darker overall look. It is focused on street style rather than off road use.
Is the Hemi V8 worth the extra cost over the Hurricane engine?
The Hemi V8 costs about 1,200 dollars more on certain trims and offers less performance than the Hurricane inline six. Buyers mainly choose it for the sound, smooth delivery, and traditional V8 character.
