Ram 1500 Engines And Towing
2026 Ram 1500 Engine Options & Towing in Branson, MO
Whether you're towing a boat to the lake, tackling a worksite hauling job, or chasing weekend trails, the 2026 Ram 1500 lineup has the powertrain to match. Four distinct engine options span a balanced V6 engine, two twin-turbo inline six-cylinder (I6) engine configurations, and the return of the legendary 5.7L HEMI® V8 engine, giving you flexibility across the lineup. Compare horsepower, torque, towing capacity, and engine availability by trim with this 2026 Ram 1500 engine and towing guide from Tri-Lakes CDJR. For a wider look at standout features and trim-level breakdowns, head over to our Ram 1500 review and Ram 1500 trims guide.
Browse our inventory to find a 2026 Ram 1500 with the engine and towing power you need, then schedule a test drive at our dealership in Branson, MO. Pair your favorite model with a current Ram 1500 lease offer for an attractive monthly rate. If you have any questions, contact us online or by calling (417) 334-7543.
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2026 Ram 1500 Engine Differences
Each of the four available 2026 Ram 1500 engines is paired with a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission, giving you consistent shift quality across the lineup. The standard 3.6L Pentastar® V6 engine produces 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, with an eTorque belt starter-generator system adding 90 pound-feet of initial launch torque to support responsive acceleration.
For drivers who need more pulling power, the available 3.0L Hurricane twin-turbo I6 engine steps up to 420 horsepower and 469 pound-feet of torque, leading the lineup in towing capacity. The high-output version of the Hurricane I6 engine leads the lineup in raw power, delivering 540 horsepower and 521 pound-feet of torque exclusively in 4x4. Returning for the 2026 model year, the 5.7L HEMI V8 engine puts down 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque, with an eTorque system contributing 130 pound-feet of launch torque. The V8 engine is offered across seven trims, giving you the option to pair classic V8 power with a wide range of cab and feature configurations.
View the following engine specifications for more details.
| Engine | 3.6L Pentastar V6 | 5.7L HEMI V8 | 3.0L Hurricane twin-turbo I6 | High-output 3.0L Hurricane twin-turbo I6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 305 HP | 395 HP | 420 HP | 540 HP |
| Torque | 269 lb.-ft. | 410 lb.-ft. | 469 lb.-ft. | 521 lb.-ft. |
| Transmission | Eight-speed automatic | |||
| Drivetrain | 4x2 / 4x4 | 4x4 | 4x2 / 4x4 | 4x4 |
| MPG (City/Hwy) | 20 / 25 | 16 / 20 | 18 / 25 | 15 / 21 |
2026 Ram 1500 Engine Model Availability
The 2026 Ram 1500 lineup includes ten trim options, and engine availability varies by trim. The 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine is standard on three entry- to mid-level trims, the 3.0L Hurricane twin-turbo I6 engine is offered as standard equipment on the Warlock, Laramie®, and Rebel®, and as an available option on three other trims, and the 5.7L HEMI V8 engine can be optioned on eight trims across the lineup. The high-output 3.0L Hurricane twin-turbo I6 engine is reserved for the top performance and luxury trims, including the RHO, Limited, Limited Longhorn®, and Tungsten.
View the following engine availability specifications for more details.
| Engine and Trim Availability | 3.6L Pentastar V6 | 5.7L HEMI V8 | 3.0L Hurricane twin-turbo I6 | High-output 3.0L Hurricane twin-turbo I6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tradesman® | Standard | Available | Available | |
| Express | Standard | Available | Available | |
| Big Horn® | Standard | Available | Available | |
| Warlock | Available | Standard | ||
| Laramie | Available | Standard | ||
| Rebel | Available | Standard | ||
| RHO | Standard | |||
| Limited | Available | Standard | ||
| Limited Longhorn | Available | Standard | ||
| Tungsten | Standard |
2026 Ram 1500 Towing Capacity & Capability
When properly equipped with the 3.0L Hurricane twin-turbo I6 engine, the 2026 Ram 1500 tows up to 11,610 pounds, leading the lineup in towing capacity. The 5.7L HEMI V8 engine follows close behind at 11,320 pounds, and the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine delivers the maximum 2,360-pound payload rating for hauling tools, mulch, or work-site cargo.
A Class IV receiver hitch with a seven-pin connector is standard on every Ram 1500 trim, and a slate of available trailering technology helps take the guesswork out of hookup and travel. The available trailer reverse steering control system handles steering adjustments via a knob to keep your trailer on a clean line in reverse, while the trailer surround view camera system widens your visibility around hitches and tight turns.
View the following towing and payload specifications for more details.
| Engine | 3.6L Pentastar V6 | 5.7L HEMI V8 | 3.0L Hurricane twin-turbo I6 | High-output 3.0L Hurricane twin-turbo I6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max. Towing | 8,130 lbs. | 11,320 lbs. | 11,610 lbs. | 10,000 lbs. |
| Max. Payload | 2,360 lbs. | 1,650 lbs. | 1,930 lbs. | 1,490 lbs. |
Learn More About the New Ram 1500
Looking for more details on the Ram 1500? Browse our Ram 1500 review and our Ram 1500 trims guide for a closer look at standard and available features across the lineup. The Tri-Lakes CDJR team in Branson, MO, is happy to walk you through engine choices, trim differences, and towing setups. If you have questions about which configuration fits your needs best, contact us online or by calling (417) 334-7543.
May not represent actual vehicle. (Options, colors, trim and body style may vary)
Max payload/towing estimate ratings shown. Additional options, equipment, passengers, and cargo weight may affect payload/towing weights. See dealer for details.