How fast will a Ram 1500 5.7 Hemi go?
In typical factory trim, a Ram 1500 with the 5.7-liter Hemi can reach about 110–125 mph, with 0–60 mph times around six seconds. The exact top speed and acceleration depend on year, drivetrain, gearing, and tire choice.
Engine fundamentals and performance outlook
The 5.7-liter Hemi V8 has been a staple in the Ram 1500 lineup for years, delivering strong torque and a broad torque band that helps with overtaking, towing, and daily driving. Most modern Ram 1500s with this engine pair it to an eight-speed automatic transmission, though earlier configurations used different gearing. Horsepower is typically around 395 hp with torque near 410 lb-ft, with minor variations by model year and configuration. Drivetrain—2WD versus 4x4—along with final-drive gearing and tire size all influence top speed and acceleration. Heavier payloads and added off-road equipment can reduce the vehicle’s top speed, while aerodynamic drag also plays a role at highway speeds.
What determines how fast it can go
Several factors determine the Ram 1500's top speed and acceleration in practice. The following list highlights the most influential elements.
- Horsepower and torque; the 5.7 Hemi delivers a strong mid-range and peak output that supports competent highway passing and highway cruising.
- Transmission type and gear ratios; most recent models use an eight-speed automatic, which helps optimize power delivery across speeds.
- Final-drive gearing and axle ratios; common setups range from around 3.21 to 4.10 in various trims, affecting the theoretical top speed.
- Drivetrain configuration; 2WD typically provides slightly better acceleration due to weight distribution and traction management, while 4x4 reduces top speed a bit due to added driveline mass and torque distribution.
- Tire size and aerodynamic factors; larger tires raise the effective final-drive ratio and can lower top speed, while payload and roof/bumper equipment influence aerodynamics.
In practice, these factors combine to place the factory top speed for most Ram 1500s with the 5.7 Hemi in a broad range, commonly around 110–125 mph depending on the exact build and year.
Real-world performance numbers you might see
Before looking at the numbers, note that there can be variation between model years, trims, and testing conditions. The following figures reflect typical results reported by owners and independent tests.
- 0–60 mph: about 6.0–6.7 seconds for 2WD configurations; 4x4 variants can be slightly slower, roughly 6.3–7.0 seconds depending on payload and options.
- Top speed (electronically limited): generally in the 110–125 mph range, varying with year, gearing, and tire size.
Across the board, the Ram 1500 with a 5.7 Hemi emphasizes mid-range response and towing capability more than narrow top-end speed, which aligns with its design as a full-size pickup rather than a sports car.
Considerations by year and trim
For readers evaluating a specific model year or trim level, a few notes help narrow expectations:
- Earlier generations with the 5.7 Hemi may have slightly different horsepower figures and gearing compared with newer variants, but the general performance envelope remains similar.
- Rigs equipped for heavy towing or with larger tires/apart from stock wheels will typically show slower 0–60 times and a lower top speed due to higher rolling resistance and weight.
- Sport-oriented or off-road-focused trims (where available) may alter gearing or have electronically limited top speeds tuned for their mission profiles.
For precise figures, check the specific vehicle’s window sticker or the manufacturer’s official specifications for that model year and trim.
Summary
The Ram 1500 5.7 Hemi is built for strong mid-range performance, towing capability, and everyday practicality rather than blistering top-end speed. Expect roughly 110–125 mph as a typical factory top speed, with 0–60 mph times around 6.0–6.7 seconds in 2WD configurations and a bit slower in 4x4 setups. Exact numbers depend on year, trim, gearing, tires, payload, and whether the truck is optimized for towing or off-road use.
