2026 Ram 1500 Model Review with Prices, Photos, & Specs
Key Features
About the Ram 1500
The Ram 1500 has long been a favorite of critics and customers alike, offering incredible capability while simultaneously giving you ride and interior comfort that is previously unheard of in the world of pickup trucks. The split-folding tailgate and lockable bed boxes give you advantages over competing trucks and a huge list of configuration options makes it easy to dial in exactly the truck you want.
There are three engines available for the Ram 1500. The standard power plant is a 3.6-liter Pentastar® V6 that produces 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque. For more power, you can move up to the 3.0-liter Hurricane I6 engine which produces 420 horsepower and 469 lb-ft of torque. A high-output version of the Hurricane is available as well with 540 horsepower and 521 lb-ft of torque. The middle option delivers the highest towing capacity, at 11,610 pounds, while the base V6 still delivers the highest payload capacity of 2,360 pounds. Of course, we can’t forget to mention the iconic 5.7-liter HEMI V8 and its unmistakable rumble and roar. As you’ve probably come to expect from the Ram 1500, it comes with the most comfortable and refined interior you can find in a full-size half-ton pickup.
What the Critics Say
What’s New For 2026
Drum roll, please! Full-size truck enthusiasts are celebrating the triumphant return of the iconic 5.7-liter HEMI V8 to the Ram 1500 engine lineup for the 2026 model year. Buyers can now opt for this workhorse of an engine on nearly all trim levels to experience its signature rumble along with 395 horsepower. Additionally, a new Express trim level debuts for 2026 with aggressive exterior and interior design cues. For an even bolder look, buyers can also opt for a new Black Express appearance package. Included in this package are great features like an exclusive Sport hood, black 20-inch wheels, black badging, and black cloth bucket seats.
Ram 1500 Features
Full-Sized Functionality
Since the Ram 1500 is built with a frame made of 98% high-strength steel, toughness is built into its DNA. That’s why you’ll find a maximum payload of 2,360 pounds and a maximum towing capacity of 11,610 pounds, making it a standout in its segment. But it doesn’t end there, the 1500 has advantages that can’t be expressed in raw numbers. The 60/40 split multifunction tailgate and lockable bed boxes give you cargo storage and access options that you don’t find elsewhere. 4-corner air suspension as a factory option is a huge advantage over the competition along with the option for selectable ride height that makes off-roading easier.
Luxurious Interior
There are a number of factors that go into the Ram 1500 having the best interior in its class. Some of this is obvious when you look at it, like the excellent materials that go into its construction. More subtle features include things like active noise cancellation. The Ram 1500 also has the most available speakers of any truck in its class thanks to an available 23-speaker Klipsch® Ultra Premium Audio System. Also available is a stunning panoramic sunroof with a full 10 square feet of glass, allowing you to fill the cabin with natural light. The back seat has the most leg room, 45.2 inches, of any truck in this class. Best of all, the back seat even has a reclining option which is another feature you won’t find elsewhere in this class.
Revolutionary Technology
Advanced technology has gone into making every aspect of Ram 1500 ownership better. With available Uconnect® 5 NAV and a 12-inch or 14.4-inch touchscreen, as well as an available 12-inch digital instrument cluster, navigation and the other infotainment functions couldn’t be easier. Options like Trailer Reverse Steering Control and towing-specific navigation make towing so much easier than it was in the past. Available Selec-Speed® Control makes it easy to maintain a consistent speed across all sorts of off-road terrain, previously an incredibly difficult thing to achieve. Available wireless charging and a Wi-Fi hotspot give the Ram 1500 an extra boost in connected functionality.
Ram 1500 Night Edition
Searching for a more aggressive look for your Ram 1500? Opt for the availabe Night Edition package to receive an impressive list of imressive equipment including agressive blacked-out styling cues. Examples of these exclusive exterior accents include a black grille emblem, door handles, power mirrors, headlamp bezels, exterior badging, tailgate handle, exhaust tips, wheels and much more. The interior receives a similar treatment with sinister-looking appointments like blacked-out cabin trim and leather seats that further complement the sleek look of the exterior. For those who refuse to blend in with the crowd, the Ram 1500 Night Edition is the ultimate choice.
Trims & Specs
Tradesman
- Starting at $40,275 MSRP*
- 3.6L Pentastar® V6 Variable Valve Timing (VVT) with eTorque/8-speed automatic
- Uconnect® 5 with 12.0-Inch Touch Screen Display
- Heavy-Duty Vinyl 40/20/40 Split Bench Seat
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go
- Remote Keyless Entry with Push-Button Start
Express
- Starting at $42,645 MSRP*
- 20-Inch x 9.0-Inch Aluminum Polished Painted Wheels
- Black badging, mirrors, door handles, and front grille
- Cloth High-Back Bucket Seats
- Wheel-to-Wheel Side-Steps
- Ram Clean-Air System
Big Horn
- Starting at $45,825 MSRP*
- Cloth 40/20/40-split front bench seat and 60/40-split rear bench seat
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- 3 USB ports—2 located on lower left and 1 in upper lid of bench seat
- 18-inch aluminum painted wheels
- 3.5-inch monochrome cluster
Warlock
- Starting at $51,565 MSRP*
- Available 3.0L Hurricane Twin-Turbo Inline-6 Engine
- 7-Pin Wiring Harness and Class IV Receiver-Hitch
- Electronic Shift-on-the-Fly Part-Time Transfer-Case
- Warlock Decal
- Black Mesh Grille with Chrome “RAM” Lettering
Laramie
- Starting at $60,325 MSRP*
- Leather-trimmed heated and ventilated front seats with memory functions
- Uconnect® 5 Nav with 12.0-inch touchscreen display
- Dual-Zone Automatic Temperature Control
- LED ambient interior lighting
- LED headlamps and taillamps with chrome bezels
Rebel
- Starting at $64,440 MSRP*
- 1-inch raised ride height
- “Rebel” Exterior Side Graphics by Mopar®
- Black-surround unique grille, Sport Performance Hood, and Powder-coated bumpers
- Cloth / Vinyl Low-Back Bucket Seats
- Cluster with 12-Inch TFT Color Display
RHO
- Starting at $69,995 MSRP*
- High-Output 3.0L Hurricane Inline-6 with Electronic Full-Time 4WD-Mode-Only Transfer Case
- Leather-Trimmed Bucket Seats
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Wireless Charging-Pad
- Off-Road Fender-Flares
Limited
- Starting at $75,450 MSRP*
- Power Tailgate
- Power Deployable Running Boards
- RamBox® Cargo-Management System
- Rain-Sensitive Windshield Wipers
- Premium Quilted Leather Bucket Seats
Limited Longhorn
- Starting at $76,445 MSRP*
- Premium Leather Seats with Filigree
- Heated & Ventilated Second-Row Seats
- 19-Speaker Harman Kardon® Premium Sound
- Front Passenger Interactive Display
- Bright Front / Mold-in-Color Rear Door Sill Plates
Tungsten
- Starting at $87,320 MSRP* 4-Corner Air-Suspension
- 22-Inch x 9.0-Inch Polish/Painted Wheels w/ Inserts
- 20-Way Power Adjustable Front Passenger Seat
- Uconnect® 5 Nav with 14.4-Inch Touch Screen Display
- Dual-Pane Panoramic Sunroof
*MSRP excludes destination, taxes, title and registration fees. Starting at price refers to the base model, optional equipment not included. A more expensive model may be shown. Pricing and offers may change at any time without notification. To get full pricing details, see your dealer.