Why the 2026 Ram 1500 HEMI V8 Return Matters to Madawaska County Truck Owners
January 30 2026,
The 2026 Ram 1500 brings back the 5.7L HEMI V8 engine after a one-year absence, marking a significant shift in Ram's powertrain strategy. This return addresses feedback from truck owners across northwestern New Brunswick who depend on proven, naturally aspirated engines for their operations.
Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis acknowledged the reversal directly: "Ram screwed up when we dropped the HEMI — we own it and we fixed it." The 2026 model year reintroduces the 5.7L HEMI V8 with eTorque mild-hybrid technology, offering 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque across nine trim levels.
The Symbol of Protest Badge
Each HEMI-powered 2026 Ram 1500 features a distinctive fender-mounted "Symbol of Protest" badge. Created by Ram's design team, the badge depicts the Ram's head pushing forward, powered by a HEMI V8 block. This badge serves as a visible identifier for trucks equipped with the returned V8 engine.
HEMI V8 Specifications and Technology
The 5.7L HEMI V8 delivers power through a smooth, broad band enhanced by fuel-saving technologies. Variable camshaft timing adjusts valve operation based on driving conditions, while Fuel Saver Technology uses cylinder deactivation to improve efficiency during light-load driving. An 850-watt electric cooling fan with Pulse Width Modulation tailors energy draw to cooling demand.
The eTorque hybrid system replaces the traditional engine-mounted alternator with a belt-driven motor generator unit. This system works with a 48-volt, 430 watt-hour lithium-ion battery housed behind the rear seat. The motor generator unit provides quick engine start/stop functionality, adds torque to the engine crankshaft in certain driving situations, and captures brake energy for regeneration.
eTorque enables up to 130 lb-ft of torque on initial throttle tip-in, improving responsiveness when accelerating from a stop. The system also enhances shift quality, smooths transitions during cylinder deactivation, and reduces noise and vibration.
Performance Capabilities for Northwestern New Brunswick
The 2026 Ram 1500 with the 5.7L HEMI V8 offers towing capacity up to 5,130 kilograms (11,310 pounds) and maximum payload capacity of 794 kilograms (1,750 pounds). These figures address the demands of forestry operations, construction companies, and agricultural work in Madawaska County.
The HEMI V8 is packaged with a performance-tuned exhaust system and 125-litre (33-gallon) fuel tank, providing extended range between fill-ups on remote job sites.
HEMI V8 vs. Hurricane Twin-Turbo I-6
|
Specification |
5.7L HEMI V8 eTorque |
3.0L Hurricane S.O. I-6 |
3.0L Hurricane H.O. I-6 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Horsepower |
395 hp @ 5,600 rpm |
420 hp |
540 hp @ 5,700 rpm |
|
Torque |
410 lb-ft @ 3,950 rpm |
469 lb-ft |
521 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm |
|
Configuration |
V8, naturally aspirated |
I-6, twin-turbo |
I-6, twin-turbo |
|
Hybrid System |
eTorque (48V) |
eTorque (48V) |
eTorque (48V) |
|
Max Towing |
11,310 lb (5,130 kg) |
11,570 lb (5,248 kg) |
9,920 lb (4,500 kg) |
|
Fuel Requirement |
89 octane recommended, 87 acceptable |
Premium recommended |
Premium required |
The Hurricane engines offer higher output figures, but the HEMI V8 provides a different power delivery characteristic. The naturally aspirated V8 delivers linear acceleration without turbo lag, while the turbocharged I-6 engines provide peak torque at lower engine speeds.
Trim Availability
The 2026 Ram 1500 HEMI V8 is available on:
- Tradesman
- Big Horn
- Express
- Warlock
- Sport
- Laramie
- Rebel (late availability)
- Limited
- Longhorn
The Hurricane H.O. engine remains exclusive to Limited, Longhorn, RHO, and Tungsten trims. The Hurricane S.O. engine is standard on Sport, Laramie, and Rebel, with the HEMI V8 available as an option on these trims. Entry-level Tradesman, Big Horn, Express, and Warlock models receive the 3.6L Pentastar V6 as standard, with both the HEMI V8 and Hurricane S.O. available as upgrades.
Who Benefits from the HEMI V8
Operators who prefer naturally aspirated engines for simplicity and cold-weather reliability find value in the HEMI V8's design. The engine's proven track record in Canadian winters, combined with the absence of complex turbocharging systems, appeals to those working in remote forestry sites or construction zones where service access is limited.
The HEMI V8 also serves buyers who prioritize familiar engine architecture. The pushrod-operated overhead valve design with hemispherical combustion chambers represents a straightforward mechanical layout that many technicians understand thoroughly.
For towing in varying weather conditions, the HEMI V8's power delivery provides consistent performance. The engine produces its peak torque at 3,950 rpm, accessible during typical towing scenarios on northwestern New Brunswick's logging roads and highway grades.
Fuel Efficiency Considerations
The eTorque system improves the HEMI V8's efficiency compared to previous non-hybrid versions. The 48-volt battery enables extended engine-off periods during stop-and-go driving, while regenerative braking captures energy typically lost during deceleration. Cylinder deactivation operates more smoothly with eTorque assistance, reducing the perception of transitions between four- and eight-cylinder operation.
Experience the 2026 Ram 1500 at Rendez-Vous Chrysler
The return of the HEMI V8 gives truck buyers in Edmundston more powertrain choices. Our team at Rendez-Vous Chrysler can demonstrate the differences between the HEMI V8 and Hurricane engines, helping you determine which powertrain aligns with your operational requirements. Contact us to schedule a test drive and discuss configuration options for your 2026 Ram 1500.
