James River Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM
Whether you spend your weeks tackling job-site loads or your weekends pulling your boat to the lake, the 2026 Ram 1500 lineup gives you four distinct powertrain options to match your driving demands. The lineup spans a refined V6 engine, two twin-turbo inline six-cylinder (I6) engine options, and the return of the legendary HEMI® V8 engine, with each engine paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Compare horsepower, torque, towing capacity, payload ratings, and engine availability by trim with this 2026 Ram 1500 engine and towing guide prepared by the team at James River CDJR. For a wider look at standard and available features across the lineup, visit our Ram 1500 review and Ram 1500 trims guide.
Browse our inventory to see which 2026 Ram 1500 trims are on the lot, then schedule a test drive at our Ram dealership in Ozark, MO. Pair your favorite truck with our current Ram 1500 lease offer for an attractive monthly rate. If you have any questions, you can contact us online or by calling (417) 275-2485.
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Each of the four 2026 Ram 1500 engines is paired with a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission, helping you keep consistent shift quality regardless of your powertrain choice. The standard 3.6L Pentastar® V6 includes an eTorque belt starter-generator system for responsive acceleration off the line. The available 3.0L Hurricane twin-turbo I6 leads the Ram 1500 lineup in towing capacity, while the high-output version delivers the most horsepower and torque in the lineup and is exclusive to 4×4 configurations. Returning for the 2026 model year, the 5.7L HEMI® V8 also pairs with eTorque for added launch performance.
View the following engine specifications for more details and trim availability.
| 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. |
| MPG (City/Hwy) | 20 / 25 | 16 / 20 | 18 / 25 | 15 / 21 |
| Tradesman® | Standard | Available | Available | – |
| Express | Standard | Available | Available | – |
| Big Horn® | Standard | Available | Available | – |
| Warlock | Standard | Available | Available | – |
| Laramie® | – | Available | Standard | – |
| Rebel® | – | – | Standard | – |
| RHO | – | – | – | Standard |
| Limited | – | Available | – | Standard |
| Limited Longhorn® | – | Available | – | Standard |
| Tungsten | – | – | – | Standard |
The 2026 Ram 1500 is offered with both 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains across the lineup, with 4×4 standard on the Warlock, Rebel, RHO, Limited, Limited Longhorn, and Tungsten trims. The 5.7L HEMI V8 and high-output 3.0L Hurricane I6 engines are paired with 4×4 for capable handling on the back roads of the Ozarks, while the 3.6L Pentastar V6 and standard-output Hurricane I6 are offered in either drivetrain. For drivers who want a dialed-in ride on the highway, the available Active-Level™ Four-Corner Air Suspension system uses air springs at all four corners and automatically adjusts ride height based on load, driving mode, and terrain. The system is offered on Crew Cab models on select trims, including the Rebel, Limited, Limited Longhorn, and Tungsten.
| Engine | 3.6L Pentastar V6 | 5.7L HEMI V8 | 3.0L Hurricane twin-turbo I6 | High-output 3.0L Hurricane twin-turbo I6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | Eight-speed automatic | |||
| Drivetrain | 4×2 / 4×4 | 4×4 | 4×2 / 4×4 | 4×4 |
When properly equipped with the 3.0L Hurricane twin-turbo I6 engine, the 2026 Ram 1500 has an 11,610-pound towing capacity, leading the lineup in maximum hauling power. The 5.7L HEMI V8 engine follows close behind at 11,320 pounds. A Class IV receiver hitch with a seven-pin connector comes standard across the lineup, and available trailering technology like trailer reverse guidance, a trailer surround view camera system, and an integrated trailer brake controller help take the guesswork out of hitching and traveling. The available trailer reverse steering control system handles steering adjustments to keep your trailer on track.
View the following maximum towing capacities 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. |
The 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine offers the maximum payload capacity in the 2026 Ram 1500 lineup at 2,360 pounds, giving you plenty of room in the bed for tools, mulch, gravel, and other heavy materials. The 3.0L Hurricane twin-turbo I6 engine follows at 1,930 pounds. Whether you’re hauling supplies to a job site or loading up for a weekend getaway, the Ram 1500 is built to carry the gear that comes with both work and play.
View the following maximum payload capacities 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. Payload | 2,360 lbs. | 1,650 lbs. | 1,930 lbs. | 1,490 lbs. |
James River CDJR is where you’ll find the 2026 Ram 1500 for sale that matches your towing, payload, and powertrain priorities. Browse our inventory to see what’s currently available at our Ram dealership in Ozark, MO, then schedule a test drive at a time that fits your schedule. Still have questions? Contact our expert team online or by calling (417) 275-2485, and we’ll be happy to help.
