2026 Ram 1500 Engine Options & Towing | Mount Pleasant, IA
When you need a proven workhorse on the job or want to explore beyond the ordinary on a weekend getaway, the 2026 Ram 1500 delivers the bold performance and relentless capability to meet your demands. Handling tough hauling needs and taking on unpredictable terrain is all in a day’s work for this full-size pickup truck, designed to outperform expectations at every turn. Four dynamic engine options are available for the Ram 1500, which include the 3.6L Pentastar® V6, the 3.0L Hurricane twin-turbo inline six-cylinder (I6), the high-output 3.0L Hurricane twin-turbo I6, and the return of the iconic 5.7L HEMI® V8.
Learn more about the towing and payload capabilities of the 2026 Ram 1500 with this in-depth engine and tow specifications guide prepared by the team at Mount Pleasant Chevrolet GMC Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.
View our inventory to find the 2026 Ram 1500 model that can take on your specific performance needs. Schedule a test drive to get a feel for its power and grit for yourself at our Ram dealership in Mount Pleasant, IA. Match your preferred trim with an attractive Ram 1500 finance and lease offer. Get in touch with our Ram professionals with any questions you may have. Call us at (319) 552-7200 or contact us online.
Quick Jump
Navigate to a specific research section to learn more:
2026 Ram 1500 Engine Differences
Harness raw capability with the 2026 Ram 1500 powertrain lineup. From refined efficiency to unrelenting strength, four distinct engine options are available to get the job done. Choose from the proven 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine or the adrenaline-charged 3.0L Hurricane twin-turbo I6 engine. Opt for the ferocity of the high-output 3.0L Hurricane twin-turbo I6 engine or the legendary power of the 5.7L HEMI V8 engine. The TorqueFlite® eight-speed automatic transmission is standard on all four engines.
Learn more about each engine configuration below.
3.6L Pentastar® V6
Bringing confident power and the highest payload capacity to your daily endeavors, the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine balances responsiveness and efficiency, generating 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. The mild-hybrid eTorque assist supplies enhanced low-end torque for quicker launches and improved overall efficiency without compromising drivability. The advanced stop/start system limits fuel consumption during idle moments, while advanced valve timing and dual-stage valve lift deliver steady, confident performance.
View 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine specifications in the accompanying table.
| Engine | 3.6L Pentastar V6 with eTorque |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 305 HP |
| Torque | 269 lb.-ft. |
| Transmission | Eight-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | 4x2 / 4x4 |
| 4x2 MPG | 20 city / 25 hwy |
| 4x4 MPG | 19 city / 24 hwy |
3.0L Hurricane I6
For consistent strength without compromise, the 3.0L Hurricane twin-turbo I6 engine brings a commanding 420 horsepower, 469 pound-feet of torque, and the highest towing capacity of the lineup to handle everyday demands confidently. Its precision-tuned performance provides controlled capability whether you’re on the road or traversing a patch of rough terrain. True to its workhorse nature, the 3.0L Hurricane I6 is built to keep up with your driven spirit.
View 3.0L Hurricane I6 engine specifications in the accompanying table.
| Engine | 3.0L Hurricane I6 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 420 HP |
| Torque | 469 lb.-ft. |
| Transmission | Eight-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | 4x2 / 4x4 |
| 4x2 MPG | 18 city / 25 hwy |
| 4x4 MPG | 18 city / 24 hwy |
High-Output 3.0L Hurricane Twin-Turbo I6
Producing 540 horsepower and 521 pound-feet of torque, the high-output 3.0L Hurricane twin-turbo I6 is tuned for serious output. Its advanced engineering provides unwavering performance for your more intense workload needs. From long days to heavy pulls, this powerhouse engine delivers dependable strength mile after mile.
View high-output 3.0L Hurricane I6 engine specifications in the accompanying table.
| Engine | High-output 3.0L Hurricane I6 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 540 HP |
| Torque | 521 lb.-ft. |
| Transmission | Eight-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | 4x4 |
| MPG | 15 city / 21 hwy |
5.7L HEMI® V8
Ram brings back the legendary 5.7L HEMI V8, restoring a cornerstone of its legacy of dynamic muscle and potent performance. Powering your drive through the workday or on the trails with up to 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque, the 5.7L HEMI V8 takes on tough challenges with confidence and bold fortitude.
View 5.7L HEMI V8 engine specifications in the accompanying table.
| Engine | 5.7L HEMI V8 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 395 HP |
| Torque | 410 lb.-ft. |
| Transmission | Eight-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | 4x2 / 4x4 |
| 4x4 MPG | 16 city / 20 hwy |
2026 Ram 1500 Engine Availability
Harness formidable power in each of the 2026 Ram 1500 trim configurations with each of its four engine options. Whether your need is for standard daily driving, confident trail capability, or serious towing might, each powertrain brings consistent performance to your daily endeavors.
Learn more about which trims are available with each engine option.
- 3.6L Pentastar V6 Trim Availability: Tradesman, Express, Big Horn, Warlock
- 3.0L Hurricane Twin-Turbo I6 Trim Availability: Tradesman, Express, Big Horn, Warlock, Laramie, Rebel
- High-Output 3.0L Hurricane Twin-Turbo I6 Trim Availability: RHO, Limited, Limited Longhorn®, Tungsten
- 5.7L HEMI V8 Trim Availability: Tradesman, Express, Big Horn, Warlock, Laramie, Limited, Limited Longhorn
2026 Ram 1500 How Much Can a Ram 1500 Tow?
When the job demands serious towing power, the 2026 Ram 1500 answers the call. The standard 3.6L Pentastar V6 delivers dependable towing muscle of up to 8,130 pounds. Take hauling prowess to the next level with the colossal 11,610-pound towing capacity of the 3.0L Hurricane I6. The 11,320-pound tow rating of the 5.7L HEMI V8 shows off that classic V8 attitude.
View towing and payload capacities in the accompanying table.
| Engine | Max. Towing Capacity | Max. Towing Configuration | Max. Payload Capacity | Max. Payload Configuration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6L Pentastar V6 with eTorque | 8,130 lbs. | Quad cab, 6-ft.-4-in. bed, 4x2, 3.55 axle ratio | 2,360 lbs. | Quad cab, 6-ft.- 4-in. bed, 4x2 |
| 3.0L Hurricane twin-turbo I6 | 11,610 lbs. | Quad cab, 6-ft.-4-in. bed, 4x2, 3.92 axle ratio | 1,930 lbs. | Quad cab, 6-ft.- 4-in. bed, 4x2 |
| High-output 3.0L Hurricane twin-turbo I6 | 10,000 lbs. | Crew cab, 6-ft.-4-in. bed, 4x4, 3.92 axle ratio | 1,490 lbs. | RHO crew cab, 5-ft.-7-in. bed, 4x4 |
| 5.7L HEMI V8 | 11,320 lbs. | Crew cab, 5-ft.-7-in. bed, 4x2, 3.92 axle ratio | 1,650 lbs. | Crew cab, 5-ft.-7-in. bed, 4x2 |
2026 Ram 1500 Towing Technology
The Ram 1500 lineup offers an array of advanced trailering technologies to enhance your tow capabilities. These include a standard Class IV hitch with a seven-pin connector and available trailering and guidance technologies like integrated trailer brake controls, trailer tow mirrors, and a full surround-view camera.
Available 2026 Ram 1500 trailering features include:
- Class IV receiver hitch
- Trailer hitch line-up assist
- Trailer brake controller
- Trailer reverse guidance
- Surround view camera system
- Power trailer tow mirrors
- Trailer Camera Wiring Prep Package by Mopar®
- Trailer reverse steering control
- Trailer tire pressure monitoring system
Learn More About the Ram 1500
To further assist in your research, the Ram experts at Mount Pleasant Chevrolet GMC CDJR have prepared a selection of informative reference tools. For an extensive overview of key features, including interior amenities, cutting-edge technologies, and exterior color options, refer to our comprehensive Ram 1500 review. For a detailed look at the standard features, check out our Ram 1500 trims guide.
Questions? Give us a call at (319) 552-7200 or message us online.
All prices exclude estimated taxes, title, licensing, and some dealer fees. Payments include $368 dealer fee. Available to well-qualified buyers on approved credit by Group Financial Services. Not all buyers may qualify. Offer assumes 10% down payment. $14.75 per month $1000 Financed at 1.99 APR for 72 months. Please see dealer for details. Please add tax, title, license, and doc fee to all prices/payments. All offers with approved credit.