What Are the Most Popular Upgrades in the 2026 Ram 1500?
You’d think after all these years, the Ram 1500 would run out of ways to surprise us. It hasn’t. For the 2026 Ram 1500, it’s less about reinvention and more about refinement. Ram knows its audience—especially here in Willoughby and Cleveland, OH—and this year’s upgrades will make your life easier. Here’s what this new truck got right, and why these upgrades are worth it.
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The Return of the HEMI V8
Let’s start with the thunder. The 5.7L HEMI V8 is back, and it’s better than ever. After a short hiatus in 2025, Ram brought this fan-favorite engine roaring back into the lineup—with eTorque mild-hybrid tech, a 33-gallon tank, and a sport exhaust system that delivers pure, unmistakable muscle.
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Luxury But With Ram Style
If your idea of roughing it includes Klipsch audio, massaging leather seats, and a suede headliner, the Tungsten trim is where you’ll want to be. This ultra-premium upgrade goes all-in with 22-inch aluminum wheels, 24-way power seats, and a vibe that feels more executive jet than pickup. The 23-speaker sound system doesn’t just play your playlist—it turns your cab into a rolling concert hall. In Cleveland, OH, where the weather can change by the hour, all that extra comfort goes a long way.
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Screens Are Everywhere
Ram knows that today’s truck owner wants more than raw power. You want control, visibility, and customization, and the 2026 Ram delivers all of it on three available massive screens:
- A 14.5-inch vertical touchscreen (available).
- A 12.0-inch center display (standard on most models).
- A 10.3-inch passenger-side screen, so your co-pilot can play DJ or monitor trail cams while you focus on the road.
Each one of them are modern, clean, and shockingly easy to use—even with gloves on.
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Electrified Options With Real Muscle
For drivers chasing power and efficiency, the Ramcharger PHEV is getting attention for all the right reasons. With a total range of 690 miles and 14,000-pound towing capacity, this plug-in hybrid setup is eco-minded and work-ready. You don’t sacrifice muscle for mileage; you just get both.
The same goes for the 3.0L Hurricane I6, which replaces the HEMI in some trims. With up to 540 hp, it’s a legitimate beast in its own right.
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Styling That Actually Says Something
We’d argue that the most stylish package for the 2026 Ram 1500 is the Black Express. This new-for-2026 aesthetic package brings black badging, 20-inch black wheels, and a sport hood that gives the Ram a stealthy, sinister edge. And if you want your truck to greet you like royalty, you’ll love the available LED walk-up animation—a custom light carpet that projects the Ram logo on the pavement as you approach.
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Features Made for Ohio Winters (and Everything Else)
Whether you’re navigating Cleveland snowbanks or heading off-grid for the weekend, the Rebel and RHO off-road trims are more capable than ever. Expect:
- Lifted suspensions
- Bilstein shocks
- Skid plates
- All-terrain tires
And for any Willoughby drivers serious about towing, upgrades like trailer reverse guidance, digital tow-mode mirrors, and the RamBox cargo system turn your truck into a mobile command center.
Willoughby’s Favorite Truck Just Leveled Up—See for Yourself!
The 2026 Ram 1500 has truly evolved—smoother and stronger than ever, with enough high-end polish to make luxury SUVs nervous. If you’re in Willoughby or Cleveland, OH and ready to experience these upgrades firsthand, CDJR of Willoughby is the place to do it. Stop by today or call us at (440) 201-9940 to book your test drive. And in the meantime, check out our inventory online.