2026 Ram 1500 Express vs. Big Horn: Which Entry-Level Trim Works Harder for New Brunswick Buyers?
March 20 2026,
The 2026 Ram 1500 lineup gives truck buyers in New Brunswick more powertrain choices than any recent model year. The return of the 5.7-litre HEMI V-8 with eTorque, alongside the standard 3.6-litre Pentastar V-6 and the available 3.0-litre Hurricane Standard Output inline-six, means the Express and Big Horn trims now share access to three distinct engines. The question for buyers in Madawaska County is no longer just about which engine to pick — it is about which trim delivers the right balance of work-ready capability, daily comfort, and long-term value.
Both the Express and Big Horn sit at the entry-to-mid range of the Ram 1500 lineup. They share the same steel frame, the same powertrain options, and the same fundamental towing and payload architecture. The differences show up in standard equipment, interior finish, and available technology packages. For agricultural operators, construction crews, and daily commuters around Edmundston, those differences can shape how well the truck fits into a working routine.
At a Glance: Express vs. Big Horn
|
Feature |
2026 Ram 1500 Express |
2026 Ram 1500 Big Horn |
|---|---|---|
|
Standard Engine |
3.6L Pentastar V-6 eTorque (305 hp / 269 lb-ft) |
3.6L Pentastar V-6 eTorque (305 hp / 269 lb-ft) |
|
Available Engines |
3.0L Hurricane SO (420 hp / 469 lb-ft), 5.7L HEMI V-8 eTorque (395 hp / 410 lb-ft) |
3.0L Hurricane SO (420 hp / 469 lb-ft), 5.7L HEMI V-8 eTorque (395 hp / 410 lb-ft) |
|
Max Towing (HEMI V-8) |
Up to 5,203 kg (11,470 lbs) |
Up to 5,203 kg (11,470 lbs) |
|
Max Towing (Hurricane SO) |
Up to 5,248 kg (11,570 lbs) |
Up to 5,248 kg (11,570 lbs) |
|
Max Payload (V-6) |
Up to 1,075 kg (2,370 lbs) |
Up to 1,075 kg (2,370 lbs) |
|
Positioning |
Work-oriented, sport-truck styling |
Comfort-focused, daily-driver refinement |
|
Target Buyer |
Job site first, commute second |
Daily driving first, work capability on demand |
Powertrain Options: Same Engines, Same Numbers
The mechanical heart of both trims is identical. The standard 3.6-litre Pentastar V-6 with eTorque produces 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque, delivering a maximum towing capacity of 3,679 kg (8,110 lbs) and a maximum payload of 1,075 kg (2,370 lbs). For lighter-duty hauling — small trailers, ATV transport, or regular supply runs — the V-6 handles the job while keeping fuel costs lower.
Buyers who need more pulling power have two upgrade paths. The 3.0-litre Hurricane Standard Output inline-six produces 420 horsepower and 469 lb-ft of torque, pushing maximum towing to 5,248 kg (11,570 lbs) with a payload capacity of 898 kg (1,980 lbs). The returned 5.7-litre HEMI V-8 with eTorque delivers 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, with towing capacity reaching 5,203 kg (11,470 lbs) and payload rated at 794 kg (1,750 lbs). The HEMI also features variable camshaft timing and cylinder deactivation technology to reduce fuel consumption during steady-speed cruising. Each HEMI-equipped 2026 Ram 1500 carries a fender-mounted Symbol of Protest badge — a new design element from the Ram team marking the engine's return.
- 3.6L Pentastar V-6 eTorque: 305 hp / 269 lb-ft — max towing 3,679 kg (8,110 lbs)
- 3.0L Hurricane SO: 420 hp / 469 lb-ft — max towing 5,248 kg (11,570 lbs)
- 5.7L HEMI V-8 eTorque: 395 hp / 410 lb-ft — max towing 5,203 kg (11,470 lbs)
Where the Express Stands Out
The Express is positioned as the sport-styled, work-ready entry point in the Ram 1500 lineup. Its exterior treatment leans toward a blacked-out, streamlined look that prioritizes function over chrome trim. For buyers who use their truck primarily on job sites — hauling materials between construction projects in Grand Falls or running equipment across Madawaska County farmland — the Express is designed to get the job done without excess.
The Express also carries an accessible starting price. According to Ram's Canadian positioning, pricing begins at $42,400, making it one of the most affordable routes into a full-size pickup with access to the HEMI V-8 and Hurricane SO powertrains.
Where the Big Horn Stands Out
The Big Horn adds a layer of daily-driving refinement that becomes noticeable during longer commutes and highway trips. It builds on the Express with additional comfort and convenience features, including upgraded interior materials, enhanced infotainment options, and more available technology packages. For New Brunswick buyers who split their time between job site work and weekend family driving — trips along the Trans-Canada between Edmundston and Fredericton, for example — the Big Horn's additional equipment adds comfort without stepping into the mid-premium trims.
The Big Horn also serves as the foundation for buyers who want to configure a Ram 1500 with the 3.0-litre Hurricane Standard Output as the standard engine on Sport and Laramie trims, but prefer the Big Horn's more traditional truck character with the Hurricane available as an upgrade.
Which Trim Is Right for You?
The choice between Express and Big Horn comes down to how you use your truck most days. If your Ram spends the majority of its time hauling loads, parking on gravel, and serving as a mobile workstation, the Express delivers the powertrain access and capability you need at the lowest entry point. If your truck doubles as a family vehicle, a highway commuter, and a weekend hauler, the Big Horn's added comfort features earn their keep over the length of ownership.
Both trims share the same frame, the same five-link rear suspension with coil springs (a segment-exclusive design for ride quality), and the same available towing technology — including Trailer Auto Hitch Assist and Trailer Reverse Guidance. The capability gap between them is minimal. The comfort and equipment gap is where your decision lives.
Experience the 2026 Ram 1500 at Rendez-Vous Chrysler
The 2026 Ram 1500 Express and Big Horn are at dealerships with the 3.6-litre Pentastar V-6, 3.0-litre Hurricane Standard Output, and the returned 5.7-litre HEMI V-8 eTorque. Book your test drive at Rendez-Vous Chrysler in Edmundston to compare both trims side by side and find the configuration that fits your work and driving needs across northwestern New Brunswick.
