How much horsepower does a 2021 Dodge Ram 5.7 Hemi have?

The 2021 Ram 1500’s 5.7-liter Hemi V8 produces 395 horsepower, a rating that applies to both the standard engine and the optional eTorque mild-hybrid version. Torque is 410 lb-ft, and the eTorque system mainly enhances low-end response and efficiency rather than peak horsepower.

Engine basics

horsepower is the peak power the engine can deliver at high revs, while torque describes the twisting force available at lower speeds. The 5.7L Hemi is renowned for its strong mid-range torque, which helps with acceleration and towing even when not near the engine’s redline.

Key horsepower specs

Before listing the core horsepower figures, here is a quick overview of the main numbers associated with the 2021 5.7L Hemi in Ram 1500 models:

• Horsepower: 395 hp


• Peak torque: 410 lb-ft


• Variants: standard 5.7L Hemi and the optional eTorque mild-hybrid version share the same peak horsepower

Bottom line: peak horsepower remains at 395 hp across configurations, with the eTorque system mainly affecting torque delivery at lower speeds and overall efficiency rather than the maximum power figure.

eTorque explained

Ram’s 5.7L Hemi offered an optional eTorque mild-hybrid system starting with the 2019 refresh. The eTorque setup uses a 48-volt electric motor to assist with starting, acceleration, and stop-start efficiency. It does not increase the declared peak horsepower of 395 hp; instead, it enhances low-end torque and real-world responsiveness.

Summary

For 2021, the Dodge Ram (Ram 1500) with a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 delivers 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. The optional eTorque hybrid system can improve low-end response and efficiency, but peak horsepower remains at 395 hp. This combination is favored for towing capability and everyday driving performance.

How much horsepower does a 2021 Ram 1500 5.7 Hemi have?

The 2021 Ram 1500 with the 5.7L HEMI V8 engine has 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. This output is the same for both the standard engine and the version with the eTorque mild hybrid system. 

• Horsepower: 395 hp 
• Torque: 410 lb-ft 
• Note: The eTorque system is a mild-hybrid technology that can provide an extra boost of torque during initial acceleration to aid efficiency, but the peak horsepower and torque figures remain the same. 

What is the bad year for the 5.7 Hemi?

The "bad" years for the 5.7 Hemi include 2003-2008 due to a known issue with valve seats dropping, which can cause significant engine damage. Additionally, 2011-2012 model years, particularly in Ram trucks, were notorious for the "Hemi tick," often linked to lifter or camshaft problems.
 
This video explains the common issues with the 5.7L Hemi engine: 58s8020 AutomotiveYouTube · Oct 13, 2022
2003–2008 (Pre-Eagle) 

• Valve seat drop: This is the most significant issue for this period, where valve seats could fall out of the aluminum cylinder heads, leading to engine damage. This is due to the different expansion rates of the steel valve seats and aluminum heads. 

You can watch this video to learn more about how to prevent the valve seat drop issue: 56sMarspeedYouTube · Nov 20, 2020
2009 and later (Eagle) 

• Hemi tick: The 2009 "Eagle" Hemi introduced revisions that brought a new problem: an intermittent ticking noise that can indicate worn lifters and camshafts. 
• Lifter and camshaft failure: The ticking noise is often a precursor to lifter failure, which can seize and cause the camshaft to wear down. This is a costly repair, often running thousands of dollars. 
• Multi-Displacement System (MDS): The MDS system, introduced in 2005, can contribute to engine tick. It deactivates four cylinders during cruising, creating temperature differences that may cause oil flow problems. 
• Specific problematic years: While the issue became more widespread in later years, the 2011 and 2012 models are particularly noted for the "Hemi tick". 

This video shows how to diagnose and address the Hemi tick issue: 57sJack FletcherYouTube · Dec 10, 2022
Other considerations

• Exhaust manifold leaks: This can occur in many model years and may be mistaken for the engine tick. It often sounds like a tick, especially on a cold start, and is caused by broken manifold bolts. 
• Transmission issues: Many 5.7L Hemi vehicles have also had issues with their transmissions, which can lead to costly repairs. 

Is the 3.0 L hurricane better than the 5.7 Hemi?

The 3.0L Hurricane engine generally offers more horsepower and torque than the 5.7L HEMI, provides better fuel economy, and has a smoother, more modern power delivery, while the 5.7L HEMI offers a traditional V8 exhaust note and slightly higher maximum towing capacity. The Hurricane is a modern, twin-turbocharged inline-six designed for efficiency and power, while the HEMI is a naturally aspirated V8 known for its traditional rumble. 
You can watch this video to compare the driving experience of both engines: 51sCTech-reviewYouTube · Mar 1, 2025
Performance and power

• Horsepower: The standard 3.0L Hurricane makes 420 hp, compared to the 5.7L HEMI's 395 hp. 
• Torque: The Hurricane produces 469 lb-ft of torque, more than the HEMI's 410 lb-ft. 
• Acceleration: The Hurricane accelerates more quickly, with a 0-60 mph time around 5 seconds compared to the HEMI's 6 seconds. 

This video demonstrates the difference in acceleration between the two engines: 54sCTech-reviewYouTube · Oct 30, 2025
Fuel economy

• The 3.0L Hurricane is more fuel-efficient, with an estimated 18 mpg city / 24 mpg highway for the standard output version. 
• The 5.7L HEMI with eTorque is rated around 18 mpg city / 23 mpg highway. 

Towing and payload

• Towing: The 5.7L HEMI has a slightly higher maximum tow rating (up to 12,750 pounds) than the Hurricane (up to 11,550 pounds).
• Payload: The HEMI can also haul slightly more, but the Hurricane is still capable for most normal hauling needs. 

Driving experience

• Sound: The HEMI has a characteristic and more aggressive V8 exhaust note, while the Hurricane is noticeably quieter. 
• Power delivery: The Hurricane feels responsive with strong torque at lower RPMs, while the HEMI has a more traditional V8 power delivery, though some feel the Hurricane's overall delivery is an upgrade. 

This video compares the engine sounds of both options: 37sBen HardyYouTube · Sep 21, 2025
Which is right for you?

• Choose the 3.0L Hurricane if you prioritize more power, quicker acceleration, better fuel economy, and a modern driving experience. 
• Choose the 5.7L HEMI if you want the classic V8 rumble, a slightly higher maximum towing capacity, and a traditional engine feel. 

How fast is a Ram 1500 5.7 Hemi?

The top speed for a Ram 1500 with the 5.7L Hemi engine is typically limited to around 104-130 mph, depending on the model year and trim level. While some sources estimate a higher speed, tests have shown a practical limit of about 104 mph due to a software limiter, even with some newer models. The 2025 Ram RHO with the supercharged 6.2L Hemi V8, which is a higher-performance engine, has a software-limited top speed of 118 mph.
 
You can watch this video to learn about the performance of the 5.7L Hemi engine: 1mEdmunds CarsYouTube · Nov 14, 2025

• Limited top speed: The 5.7L Hemi engine's top speed is electronically limited for safety and handling reasons. 
• Model and trim dependent: The exact top speed can vary based on the specific model year and trim level. 
• Software vs. physical limits: Tests have shown that the actual top speed is often capped by software, not by the engine's power output. 
• Higher-performance trims: Higher-performance trims, such as the TRX with the supercharged 6.2L Hemi V8, have a higher top speed of 118 mph. 

This video demonstrates the acceleration of a Ram 1500 with a 5.7L Hemi engine: 39sB MasonYouTube · Dec 20, 2016