2026 Ram 1500: What’s New?
After its revamping last year, the Ram 1500 continues into 2026 with all the power and swagger that fans have come to love. It’s been heaped with numerous accolades, including a #1 ranking in the J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study and a flawless 10 out of 10 rating from Car and Driver, making it one of the best trucks in the world, according to the experts.
So, how can the perfect pickup continue to improve for shoppers in Kansas City? Boy, do we have news for you. Read on to discover what’s new in the 2026 Ram 1500.
2026 Ram 1500 Updates
The big news for the 2026 model year is that, after a brief hiatus, the HEMI® V8 engine returns to the fold. Cue the trumpets.
When Ram decided to drop the HEMI® engine, many longtime fans were understandably upset. Luckily, the company was listening—they recognized their mistake and corrected course immediately, proving that sometimes, complaining on the internet actually can accomplish something.
The HEMI® does not come standard, but it’s available as an upgrade in almost every trim, aside from the top-spec Tungsten and RHO trims.
Apart from this excellent news, the 2026 Ram 1500 also sees the return of the Express trim and Black Express package. These models are positioned at the more affordable end of the lineup, providing frugal shoppers with new options to trick their truck out without breaking the bank. New paint color options also join the party.
2026 Ram 1500 Engines
Aside from the beloved HEMI®, the Ram 1500 has three other available engines, each with their own unique specs and capabilities.
3.6-liter Pentastar® V6
Standard in Tradesman, Express, Warlock, & Big Horn/Lone Star
- 305 horsepower
- 269 pound-feet of torque
- 8,130 pounds max towing
5.7-liter HEMI® V-8
Available in Tradesman, Express, Warlock, Big Horn/Lone Star, Laramie, Rebel, Limited, & Limited Longhorn
- 395 horsepower
- 410 pound-feet of torque
- 11,320 pounds max towing
3.0-liter Hurricane Standard-Output I6
Standard in Laramie, Rebel, Limited, & Limited Longhorn; available in Tradesman, Express, Warlock, & Big Horn/Lone Star
- 420 horsepower
- 469 pound-feet of torque
- 11,610 pounds max towing
3.0-liter Hurricane High-Output I6
Standard in Tungsten & RHO
- 540 horsepower
- 521 pound-feet of torque
- 10,000 pounds max towing
2026 Ram 1500 Capability
With multiple available engines, the Ram 1500 gives fans plenty of options in terms of power and towing standards. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Other features include:
- A choice between 4x2 and 4x4.
- Multiple off-road specific trims and packages, including the Warlock, Rebel, RHO trims, and the new BackCountry package.
- Available Selec-Speed® Control low-speed off-road cruise control.
- Five-link coil rear suspension for excellent standard smoothness on and off the road.
- Available active leveling air suspension to improve ride quality even further.
- Class-exclusive RamBox cargo system, located on the sides of the bed, provides a well-lit and protected storage solution. It also includes a 115-volt AC outlet for good measure.
- Robust exterior lighting, including an available customizable walk-up light animation setting.
- Next-level towing technology, including a Trailer Tow Detection System and a digital rearview mirror with Tow Mode.
2026 Ram 1500 Dimensions
Like most other popular pickups, the Ram 1500 has multiple cab and bed configurations to choose from—in total, there are two cab sizes and two bed lengths, which can be combined in the following ways:
- Quad Cab / 6-foot, 4-inch bed
- Crew Cab / 5-foot, 7-inch bed
- Crew Cab / 6-foot, 4-inch bed
Here are their respective dimensions compared:
Ram 1500 Cab Dimensions:
| Quad Cab | Crew Cab | |
|---|---|---|
| Head room (front/rear) | 40.9 / 39.2 in | 40.9 / 39.8 in |
| Shoulder room (front/rear) | 66.0 / 65.7 in | 66.0 / 65.7 in |
| Leg room (front/rear) | 40.9 / 35.6 in | 40.9 / 45.2 in |
| Max interior cargo volume | 53.3 cu ft | 68.5 cu ft |
Ram 1500 Bed Dimensions:
| 5’ 7” Bed | 6’ 4” Bed | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 67.4 in | 76.3 in |
| Width | 66.4 in | 66.4 in |
| Depth | 21.4 in | 21.5 in |
| Total volume | 53.9 cu ft | 61.5 cu ft |
2026 Ram 1500 Interior
Ram’s claim that the current-gen 1500 is the “most luxurious ever” has certainly proven to be true. Base-level models come with an 8.4-inch screen with Uconnect® 5 for a slick interface and lightning-fast responsiveness—in most trucks, that’d be high-tech enough, but it’s just the beginning. Upper-level trims come with a cornucopia of available features, including a larger 14.5-inch center touch screen, a head-up display, 12.0-inch digital gauge screen, and a 10.25-inch co-pilot touch screen inserted into the passenger dashboard, which totals over 40 inches of collective screen presence.
Other available features include an insanely powerful Klipsch® Reference Premiere Audio System with 23 speakers, a dual wireless charging pad, 24-way power front seats with massage, heat, and ventilation settings for a truly lavish experience, and much more.
2026 Ram 1500 Trims and Price
- Tradesman: $42,025
- Express: $44,445
- Big Horn: $47,575
- Warlock: $54,560
- Laramie: $61,775
- Rebel: $65,345
- RHO: $74,090
- Limited: $76,700
- Limited Longhorn: $78,195
- Tungsten: $89,095
Aside from these trims, the 2026 Ram 1500 offers a variety of available upgrade packages, including the new BackCountry, Black Express, and limited-run 250th Anniversary Editions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the max towing capacity of the 2026 Ram 1500?
When equipped with the HEMI® engine, the Ram can tow up to 11,320 pounds.
What is the max payload of the 2026 Ram 1500?
When properly equipped, the Ram can haul as much as 2,360 pounds. Of course, if you need that number to be higher, you can always check out the Ram 2500 or Ram 3500.
What colors are available for the 2026 Ram 1500?
Exterior paint colors include Forged Blue Metallic, Serrano Green Metallic, Granite Crystal Metallic Clear-Coat, Bright White Clear-Coat, Diamond Black Crystal Pearl-Coat, Hydro Blue Pearl-Coat, Molten Red Pearl-Coat, Silver Zynith, Canyon Lake, Ivory White, and Tank. The RHO trim also comes with an exclusive two-tone black color.
Find the New Ram 1500 for Sale in Belton, MO
By now, we’re sure you’re excited to check out the latest Ram 1500 for yourself. Lucky for you, at Molle Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we have an excellent selection, with dozens to choose from so you can find your dream truck right here in Belton, MO. We also have exclusive monthly specials, as well as Ram lease and finance offers so you can save big-time.
Ready to take a test drive? Contact us online or call us at 816-282-1567.