The RAM 1500: Award-Winning, Capable, and Comfortable

In the battle of the full-size pickup trucks, the RAM 1500 consistently comes out on top. This
exceptional truck consistently wins top awards for its power, capability, and comfort features. For
2026, drivers can expect much of the same with a few new trims, appearance packages, and
equipment changes.

The RAM 1500 is so popular with drivers that Stellantis is offering it in a value-centered trim.
Drivers around Lake City, Live Oak, and High Springs can learn more about the RAM 1500 and take
one for a test-drive at Lake City Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM. Our team can also tell you more about
the latest incentives and offers that make this truck an even better buy.

Let’s take a close look at what’s new in the 2026 RAM 1500.

What’s New in the 2026 RAM 1500 Full-Size Pickup Truck?

For 2026, the top new feature is an oldie and a goodie. The automaker originally planned to cut the
legendary 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine in 2026, but Stellantis decided to keep the powerful engine as
an option in the 2026 model. This engine can be added as an optional feature to several trim levels:

• Tradesman
• Express
• Warlock
• Big Horn
• Lone Star
• Laramie

RAM has made a subtle change to the V8. Rather than bringing back the original HEMI engine,
Stellantis added the eTorque hybrid system to the powerful engine. Thanks to a motor generator
unit with a 48-volt battery pack, the new HEMI engine will be more fuel efficient.

Additional changes to the 2026 lineup include a few new trims and optional appearance packages.
The new Express trim will be an entry-level option other than the Tradesman. It will have special
styling accents like blacked-out headlamps and a dark gray interior. Drivers can choose the Express
trim with rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, a Quad Cab, or a Crew Cab. It will also have a special
styling package. The Black Express package will have black accents, badging, 20-inch wheels, and
cloth bucket seats.

What Engine Options are Available in the 2026 RAM 1500?

While the return of the HEMI V8 is an exciting announcement for 2026, the other engine options are
powerful and capable, too. The entry-level engine is the 3.6-liter V6, also paired with a 48-volt mild
hybrid eTorque system. This engine has 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque. This engine is
standard in these trims:

• Tradesman
• Tradesman HFE
• Big Horn

The other options are twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six V6 Hurricane engines. The first is tuned
to deliver 420 horsepower and 469 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard in the Laramie and Rebel. The
second is tuned to deliver 540 horsepower and 521 lb-ft of torque and is standard in the Limited,
Limited Longhorn, and Tungsten.

The standard drivetrain is rear-wheel drive, but many models have optional or standard four-wheel
drive. All engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and some trims have
optional air suspension for an incredibly smooth ride. The RAM 1500 has a maximum towing
capability of 11,560 pounds, when properly configured and equipped, and the full-size pickup truck
can haul a maximum of 2,300 pounds, but only with certain configurations.

What Interior Features Are Standard in the Award-Winning RAM 1500?

The RAM 1500 is available in several trims, but only two cab and bed options. The Quad Cab seats
four and has a small back door, while the Crew Cab seats five and has a full-size back door and
roomy second row. The bed options are the short 5’7” bed and the long 6’4” bed. Most trims come
standard with the Crew Cab and the short bed, while the Tradesman and Tradesman HFE have
several available configurations.

The Tradesman and Tradesman HFE live up to their names and come with work-ready features like
vinyl seats, an 8.4-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay® and Android™ Auto, Bluetooth®, and
several USB ports, as well as cargo tie-down loops, push-button start, and door scuff pads.

The new Express trim has seating for six with two big bench seats. It has cloth seats and the same
tech features as the Tradesman. Drivers have to choose the Big Horn trim to get a larger 12.0-inch
touchscreen, heated front seats and steering wheel, power-adjustable front seats, a nine-speaker
sound system, and convenient adjustable pedals.

The Laramie trim is the first with luxurious optional features. Drivers can add leather upholstery to
make the heated and ventilated front seats even more comfortable. Optional features also include a
14.4-inch touchscreen, 12.0-inch digital gauge cluster, 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system,
dual-pane panoramic sunroof, and a front-passenger touchscreen.

RAM offered the top Tungsten trim as a new option in 2025. This trim is back for 2025 and comes
with 22-inch wheels, a 14.4-inch infotainment screen with a 23-speaker Klipsch sound system. It
also has a rear camera mirror, a suede headliner, a digital key, and hands-free highway driving
assist for a truly posh ride.

What Safety Tech Comes Standard in the 2026 RAM 1500?

The capable, luxurious, versatile truck is also loaded with safety technology. The entry-level
Tradesman models come standard with Forward Collision Warning, Forward Automatic Emergency
Braking, Lane-Keep Assist, Stop-and-Go Adaptive Cruise Control, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Blind-
Spot Monitoring, and Front and Rear Parking Sensors.

Drivers can upgrade the safety tech as the trims move up the ladder. For example, the Big Horn has
an available Surround-View Camera System, while the Laramie trim has optional safety tech like:

• Head-up Display
• Evasive-Steering Assist
• Park Assist
• Hands-free Highway Driving System
• Traffic-Sign Recognition

Test-Drive the 2026 RAM 1500 at Lake City Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM in Lake
City, FL

When you’re ready to drive the award-winning RAM 1500, we invite you to visit Lake City Chrysler
Dodge Jeep RAM in Lake City to explore the full-size truck and take one for a test-drive. Our team
can help you value your trade and share details about the financing options available for the
impressive RAM 1500.