Is the HEMI Engine Back for the 2026 Ram 1500?
There aren’t many sounds that make a truck fan’s heart race like the growl of a HEMI. And soon, that sound is back where it belongs—under the hood of the 2026 Ram 1500. After taking a short (and controversial) hiatus for the 2025 model year, the 5.7L HEMI V8 returns to the Ram lineup by popular demand. If you’re in Willoughby or anywhere near Cleveland and you’ve been holding out for the return of raw V8 power—your patience just paid off.
Why the HEMI Came Roaring Back
This is a course correction. Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis said the quiet part out loud—dropping the HEMI was a mistake. Customers spoke up about their love of the HEMI, loudly. Truck loyalists across the country—especially here in truck-loving Northeast Ohio—weren’t about to settle for less. The result is a triumphant return that feels less like a comeback and more like restoring order to the universe.
What Makes the 2026 HEMI Better Than Ever?
Ram’s been very deliberate about keeping heritage alive while modernizing everything under the hood. The 2026 HEMI comes with updates that balance brains with brawn:
- 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque deliver classic muscle with modern efficiency.
- eTorque hybrid assist gives the engine smoother performance and better fuel economy—ideal for Cleveland’s stop-and-go traffic or long highway hauls.
- A sport-tuned exhaust system adds the kind of throaty growl that reminds you why you chose a Ram in the first place.
- Trim-select availability keeps the engine exclusive, making it feel even more special if you’re lucky enough to own one.
Ram’s giving drivers what they love, with smarter engineering to match today’s standards.
More Than Muscle: 2026 Ram 1500 Updates You’ll Notice Every Day
Ram didn’t stop at powertrain upgrades. The 2026 Ram 1500 rolls in with better tech and more flexible options that make daily driving, trailering, and commuting feel first-class:
- Massive Touchscreen Tech: A new available 14.5-inch touchscreen—the largest in its class—offers customizable widgets, split-screen multitasking, and a layout that’s as intuitive as your smartphone.
- Smarter Safety Suite: Standard across trims, you’ll get advanced features like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and parking sensors that take the stress out of daily drives.
- Bold New Look: A refreshed front fascia, sculpted body lines, and redesigned headlights give the 2026 model a stronger visual punch from every angle.
- New Express Trim: For drivers looking for Ram performance at a more accessible price, the new Express trim delivers unique styling and solid value.
- Black Express Appearance Package: Add a stealthier vibe with this package’s sport hood, blacked-out wheels, and murdered-out badging—perfect for standing out without shouting.
From the driveway to the job site, Ram’s made sure the 2026 lineup feels as upgraded as it looks.
Ready to Hear That HEMI Growl Again? The 2026 Ram 1500 Is Here!
At CDJR of Willoughby, we’re already seeing demand for the 2026 HEMI-powered Ram 1500 take off. If you’ve been waiting for that perfect mix of modern refinement and old-school muscle, this is your moment. Stop by or call us now at (440) 201-9940 and come feel the difference. And in the meantime, view our 2026 inventory online.