The Hemi Is Back: Ram 1500 Hemi V8 Buyer's Guide in Black River Falls, WI
395 hp. 410 lb-ft. Up to 11,320 lbs of towing. Hemi Ram 1500s are in stock and ready to order at Gross CDJR in Black River Falls.
Yes, the Hemi V8 is back in the Ram 1500. The 5.7-liter Hemi V8 returned for the 2026 model year as an available engine on eight Ram 1500 trims, and Hemi-powered trucks have been shipping to dealers since August 29, 2025. For 2027, Ram added more V8 choices, including a 6.4-liter 392 Hemi and a 777-horsepower supercharged Hemi. At Gross Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram in Black River Falls, you can drive a Hemi Ram 1500 off the lot today or order one built the way you want it.
This guide covers what changed, how the Hemi compares with Ram's other engines, which trims offer it, and how to find one in our inventory. Specs and prices are dated and sourced at the bottom of the page.
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Ram 1500 Hemi V8 at a Glance
The key facts, in plain numbers:
- Power: The 5.7L Hemi V8 makes 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque.
- Towing: A properly equipped 2026 Hemi Ram 1500 tows up to 11,320 lbs (4x2) or up to 9,590 lbs (4x4).
- Payload: Up to 1,650 lbs (4x2) or up to 1,630 lbs (4x4).
- Price: On 2026 models, the Hemi is a $1,200 option on most trims and a no-cost swap on Limited and Longhorn.
- Trims (2026): Tradesman, Big Horn, Express, Warlock, Laramie, Rebel, Limited and Longhorn.
- Extras that come with it: A performance-tuned sport exhaust and a 33-gallon fuel tank.
- Transmission: TorqueFlite 8-speed automatic.
- Where it's built: Sterling Heights Assembly Plant, Sterling Heights, Michigan.
- Demand: Ram took 10,000 Hemi orders in the first 24 hours after announcing its return.
Why the Hemi's Return Is a Big Deal
For the 2025 model year, Ram dropped the Hemi V8 from the Ram 1500 and went all-in on the twin-turbo Hurricane six-cylinder. Plenty of truck owners let Ram know what they thought of that. In June 2025, Ram reversed course and brought the V8 back. Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis said it plainly: "Ram screwed up when we dropped the HEMI — we own it."
Buyers responded fast. Ram reported 10,000 orders in the first 24 hours, and Ram 1500 sales in the third quarter of 2026 were up 73% compared with the same quarter in 2025, according to Stellantis.
For truck owners around Black River Falls, the takeaway is simple: if you've been holding onto an older Hemi truck because you didn't want to give up the V8, you no longer have to choose between a new truck and the engine you trust.
Hemi V8 vs. Hurricane vs. Pentastar: 2026 Ram 1500 Engine Comparison
Ram offers four engines in the 2026 Ram 1500. Here is how they compare on the numbers that matter for work and towing.
| Engine | Horsepower | Torque | Max towing 4x2 / 4x4 |
Max payload 4x2 / 4x4 |
EPA mpg (city/hwy) 4x2 / 4x4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.7L Hemi V8 eTorque | 395 hp | 410 lb-ft | 11,320 / 9,590 lbs | 1,650 / 1,630 lbs | See window sticker |
| 3.0L Hurricane Twin-Turbo I6 (Standard Output) | 420 hp | 469 lb-ft | 11,610 / 11,370 lbs | 1,930 / 1,910 lbs | 18/25 / 17/24 |
| 3.0L Hurricane Twin-Turbo I6 (High Output) | 540 hp | 521 lb-ft | — / 10,000 lbs | — / 1,490 lbs | — / 15/20 |
| 3.6L Pentastar V6 eTorque | 305 hp | 269 lb-ft | 8,130 / 7,470 lbs | 2,360 / 1,790 lbs | 20/25 / 19/24 |
Source: Ram Trucks, 2026 Ram 1500 4x2 and 4x4 engine & towing specifications, accessed October 2, 2026. Towing and payload vary by cab, bed, axle ratio and equipment. "—" means the figure is listed for 4x4 only.
How the Hemi stacks up, side by side
- The 5.7L Hemi V8 makes 395 hp; the standard-output Hurricane I6 makes 420 hp.
- The Hemi produces 410 lb-ft of torque; the standard-output Hurricane produces 469 lb-ft.
- A 4x2 Hemi Ram 1500 tows up to 11,320 lbs; a 4x2 standard-output Hurricane tows up to 11,610 lbs.
- The Hemi is naturally aspirated (no turbochargers); the Hurricane uses two turbochargers.
- The Hemi has eight cylinders and a V8 sound with a standard sport exhaust; the Hurricane is a six-cylinder.
- The Hemi is a $1,200 option on most 2026 trims; on Limited and Longhorn it replaces the standard engine at no cost.
Which engine is right for you?
Choose the Hemi V8 if…
you want the sound and feel of a V8, prefer a naturally aspirated engine without turbos, already know and trust the Hemi from a previous truck, or want the 33-gallon tank for long drives between fill-ups.
Choose the Hurricane I6 if…
your top priority is the highest towing and torque numbers in the half-ton lineup, or you want the 540-hp High Output version for the most power short of the supercharged trucks.
Choose the Pentastar V6 if…
you mainly haul payload rather than tow heavy, want the best EPA rating in the lineup (up to 20 city / 25 highway mpg, 4x2), or want the highest payload rating at up to 2,360 lbs.
Not sure? Bring your trailer weight and how you use your truck, and our sales team will walk you through the trade-offs. Test-driving a Hemi and a Hurricane back to back is the fastest way to decide.
2026 vs. 2027 Ram 1500 Hemi: What Changed
The 2027 Ram 1500 started arriving at dealers in late summer 2026, so both model years are on the market right now. Here's what's different.
| Hemi engine | Model year | Horsepower / torque | Key details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.7L Hemi V8 eTorque | 2026; limited early 2027 builds | 395 hp / 410 lb-ft | 48-volt mild-hybrid system adds up to 130 lb-ft at tip-in; includes auto start/stop |
| 5.7L Hemi V8 (non-eTorque) | 2027 | 395 hp / 410 lb-ft | No mild-hybrid system and no auto start/stop; keeps cylinder deactivation (MDS) |
| 6.4L 392 Hemi V8 | 2027 (Rumble Bee 392; first half of 2027) | 470 hp / 455 lb-ft | New to the Ram 1500 lineup |
| 6.2L Supercharged Hemi V8 | 2027 (Rumble Bee SRT, TRX) | 777 hp / 680 lb-ft | Most powerful Ram 1500 engine |
Sources: Stellantis Media, 2026 Ram 1500 Hemi press kit; Stellantis Media, 2027 Ram 1500 Rumble Bee release (May 20, 2026); Ram statement on 5.7L eTorque phase-out as reported by Mopar Insiders. Accessed October 2, 2026.
What the change means for buyers
- The 2026 Hemi is a mild hybrid. Its eTorque system replaces the alternator with a belt-driven motor-generator and a 48-volt battery that adds up to 130 lb-ft of torque when you first step on the throttle.
- Most 2027 Hemis drop the eTorque system and auto start/stop. Ram is phasing out the 5.7L eTorque early in the 2027 model year. Horsepower and torque ratings stay at 395 hp and 410 lb-ft.
- If you dislike auto start/stop, a non-eTorque 2027 Hemi removes it entirely.
- If you want the extra low-end shove from eTorque, a 2026 Hemi in stock is the surest way to get it.
- 2026 models on the lot may carry model-year-end offers as 2027 trucks arrive. See current New Vehicle Specials.
Meet the Ram 1500 Rumble Bee
New for 2027, the Rumble Bee is a street-focused "muscle truck" built only as a Quad Cab with a 5-foot-7-inch bed and a widebody look. It comes with three Hemi choices: the 5.7L (395 hp, 0–60 mph in 6.1 seconds), the 6.4L 392 (470 hp, 0–60 in 5.2 seconds) and the supercharged 6.2L SRT (777 hp, 0–60 in 3.4 seconds). Every version tows up to 8,890 lbs. The 5.7L Rumble Bee arrives in late 2026, with the 392 and SRT versions following in the first half of 2027. Stellantis reported the initial 2026 allocation of the 5.7L Rumble Bee sold out in 90 minutes, so ask us about ordering early.
Which Ram 1500 Trims Offer the Hemi V8?
On the 2026 Ram 1500, the 5.7L Hemi V8 eTorque is available on eight trims. It is a $1,200 option on most of them and a no-cost substitute on Limited and Longhorn.
| 2026 trim | Best for |
|---|---|
| Tradesman | Work trucks, farm and fleet use |
| Express | Value-minded buyers who want body-color styling |
| Big Horn | The all-around family and work truck |
| Warlock | Blacked-out styling with an off-road lean |
| Laramie | Leather, tech and comfort |
| Rebel | Off-road trails and two-tracks |
| Limited | Luxury and highway comfort |
| Longhorn | Western-themed luxury |
Sources: Stellantis Media; MotorWeek (July 8, 2025). Option pricing is manufacturer pricing and excludes destination, tax, title and fees; dealer pricing may vary.
Built for Black River Country
Trucks around here earn their keep. Whether you're running the back roads between Black River Falls, Neillsville and Tomah, pulling a camper up I-94, or heading into the Black River State Forest's 67,070 acres with an ATV on the trailer, a Hemi Ram 1500 is built for the way people in Jackson County use a truck.
- Deer season: Wisconsin's nine-day gun deer season runs November 21–29, 2026. A Hemi Ram with a 33-gallon tank means fewer stops on the way to camp.
- Farm, marsh and woods work: Wisconsin grows more than 60% of America's cranberries, and Jackson County's marshes, dairy farms and timber stands need trucks that haul and tow all year.
- Winter driving: 4x4 Hemi Ram 1500 models tow up to 9,590 lbs, with four-wheel drive for snow-packed county roads and icy boat landings.
- Fishing and boating: From Lake Arbutus to the Black River, there's plenty of reason to keep a trailer hitch busy.
We serve drivers across Black River Falls, Hatfield, Neillsville, Tomah, Sparta, Osseo, La Crosse, Eau Claire, Marshfield, Stevens Point and Waupaca.
How to Find a Hemi Ram 1500 at Gross CDJR
- Shop in-stock Hemi trucks. Our V8 inventory filter shows every Ram 1500 with a Hemi engine. On any vehicle details page, look for "5.7L HEMI" in the engine line.
- Order one built your way. Pick your trim, cab, bed, color and the Hemi option through our custom factory order page, and we'll keep you posted until it arrives.
- Value your trade. Many Hemi buyers are trading in an older Hemi truck. Get a trade-in value online before you visit.
- Talk to us. Call 715-284-5425 or stop by 1009 Commerce Drive, Black River Falls. Sales hours are Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–6 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m.–3 p.m.
Already own a Hemi? Our service department works on Hemi engines every day. Schedule Service
Ram 1500 Hemi FAQ
Is the Hemi back in the Ram 1500?
Yes. The 5.7L Hemi V8 returned to the Ram 1500 for the 2026 model year and has been shipping to dealers since August 29, 2025. It continues for 2027, joined by a 6.4L Hemi and a supercharged 6.2L Hemi.
How much does the Hemi option cost on a Ram 1500?
On 2026 models, the 5.7L Hemi V8 is a $1,200 option on most trims and a no-cost substitute on Limited and Longhorn. Pricing is manufacturer pricing and excludes destination, tax and fees.
Which Ram 1500 trims can I get with the Hemi?
For 2026, the Hemi is available on Tradesman, Big Horn, Express, Warlock, Laramie, Rebel, Limited and Longhorn. The 2027 Rumble Bee also offers three Hemi V8 choices.
How much horsepower does the Ram 1500 Hemi have?
The 5.7L Hemi V8 makes 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. The 2027 6.4L 392 Hemi makes 470 hp, and the supercharged 6.2L Hemi makes 777 hp.
How much can a Hemi Ram 1500 tow?
A properly equipped 2026 Ram 1500 with the 5.7L Hemi tows up to 11,320 lbs in 4x2 form and up to 9,590 lbs in 4x4 form. Actual capacity depends on cab, bed, axle ratio and equipment.
Is the Hemi or the Hurricane better for towing?
On paper, the standard-output Hurricane I6 tows slightly more, up to 11,610 lbs versus 11,320 lbs for the Hemi (both 4x2). Many buyers still pick the Hemi for its V8 sound, naturally aspirated design and familiarity.
Does the 2027 Ram 1500 Hemi still have eTorque?
Most do not. Ram is phasing out the 5.7L Hemi eTorque mild-hybrid system early in the 2027 model year in favor of a non-hybrid 5.7L Hemi with the same 395 hp and 410 lb-ft. A limited number of early 2027 trucks still have eTorque.
Does the Hemi Ram 1500 have auto start/stop?
The 2026 Hemi eTorque does. The non-eTorque 2027 5.7L Hemi does not have auto start/stop.
What is the Ram 1500 Rumble Bee?
The Rumble Bee is a new 2027 Ram 1500 muscle truck built as a Quad Cab with a short bed and widebody styling. It offers a 395-hp 5.7L Hemi, a 470-hp 6.4L Hemi or a 777-hp supercharged Hemi.
Does Gross CDJR have Hemi Ram 1500s in stock?
Yes, Gross Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram in Black River Falls has Hemi-equipped Ram 1500s in stock. Look for "5.7L HEMI" on the vehicle details page, or call 715-284-5425 to check a specific truck.
Can I order a Ram 1500 with the Hemi?
Yes. You can custom order a Hemi Ram 1500 through Gross CDJR, choosing your trim, cab, bed, color and options. Use our custom factory order page or call 715-284-5425.
Where is the Hemi Ram 1500 built?
The Ram 1500 Hemi is built at Stellantis' Sterling Heights Assembly Plant in Sterling Heights, Michigan.
Ready to Get Back Behind a V8?
The Hemi is back, and it's here in Black River Falls. Shop our in-stock Hemi Ram 1500s, order one built your way, or call 715-284-5425 to set up a test drive. Gross Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram, 1009 Commerce Drive, Black River Falls, WI 54615.
Specifications are manufacturer estimates for properly equipped vehicles and vary by configuration. Towing and payload ratings depend on cab, bed, axle ratio, equipment, passengers and cargo. Pricing shown is manufacturer option pricing and excludes destination, tax, title, license and dealer fees. Vehicle availability is subject to prior sale. HEMI is a registered trademark of FCA US LLC.