Is a Dodge Ram 1500 a V8?
The Ram 1500 is not defined by a single engine type. Marketed under the Ram brand (the vehicle line formerly known as Dodge Ram), the truck is offered with multiple engines, including V6 and V8 options, and a high-performance variant that uses a V8. If you specifically want a V8, there are V8-equipped Ram 1500s available, most notably in the high-performance Ram 1500 TRX, but many trims use a V6 or diesel instead.
To understand the question in more detail, it helps to look at how the Ram 1500 lineup has evolved. In recent generations, Ram has offered gasoline V6 and V8 engines, plus a diesel option, across a range of trims. A handful of models emphasize V8 power, while others prioritize efficiency with V6 or diesel powertrains. The presence of a V8 is therefore not universal across all Ram 1500 configurations, but it is a staple in several popular variants, including the performance-focused TRX.
Engine options in recent Ram 1500 models
Below is a snapshot of the main engine choices that have been available in the modern Ram 1500 lineup. Availability can vary by model year, trim, and market, so always verify the exact configuration for a specific vehicle.
- 3.6L Pentastar V6 with eTorque mild-hybrid system — about 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque.
- 5.7L Hemi V8 — about 395 horsepower and around 410 lb-ft of torque.
- 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 — about 260 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque.
Note: Engine availability and ratings can change with model-year updates, trim packages, and regional markets. It’s common to see the V6 and diesel options paired with better towing efficiency, while V8 configurations tend to emphasize peak towing and muscle.
Ram 1500 TRX: a high-performance V8 variant
Within the Ram 1500 family, the Ram 1500 TRX stands out as a dedicated performance model. It uses a much larger V8 and is engineered for extreme on- and off-road capability. The TRX is not representative of the standard Ram 1500 lineup; it exists as a separate, high-performance variant designed to maximize power, suspension travel, and off-road ruggedness.
Powertrain and performance
The Ram 1500 TRX is equipped with a 6.2L supercharged Hemi V8 delivering roughly 702 horsepower and about 650 lb-ft of torque. It pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a four-wheel-drive system tuned for aggressive off-road use. Because the TRX is a distinct model, its performance figures differ significantly from the regular Ram 1500 trucks.
How to verify the engine on a specific Ram 1500
To confirm whether a particular Ram 1500 uses a V8 (or any other engine), you can check several sources on the vehicle you’re considering.
- Window sticker (Monroney label) on new trucks, which lists the engine option and other specifications.
- VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and the build sheet from the dealer or Ram’s official portals.
- Owner’s manual and documentation included with the vehicle.
- Dealer or Ram customer support can look up the exact configuration by VIN.
These steps help ensure you know precisely which engine powers the Ram 1500 in question, especially if you’re evaluating a used vehicle or a specific trim.
Summary
In short, the Ram 1500 is not exclusively a V8. It offers multiple engine choices, including V6 options and a diesel, with the V8 available on several trims and most notably in the Ram 1500 TRX. If your priority is V8 performance, you have viable options within the Ram 1500 lineup, but always confirm the exact engine for the specific vehicle you’re interested in.
Is a Ram 1500 5.7 a V8?
Equipped with the power of one of two available 3.0L Hurricane Engines, the newly available 5.7L HEMI® V8 engine or the legendary 3.6L Pentastar® V6 engine—the 2026 Ram 1500 is back with serious power under the hood.
Is a Ram 1500 a V6 or V8?
The Right Engine For The Job
The Ram 1500 engine options now span three distinct power trains, including the familiar 3.6L Pentastar® V6 engine with eTorque, the 3.0L Hurricane Twin Turbo, and the High-Output 3.0L Hurricane Twin Turbo.
Which RAMs have a V8?
That's right: Ram has copped to the fact that dropping the Hemi 5.7-liter V-8 from the 1500 full-size pickup for 2025 was a mistake. To rectify this, the eight-cylinder option is revived for the 2026 model year, now offered alongside the Hurricane twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six that effectively replaced it.
Is the Ram 1500 a V8?
The 2026 Ram 1500 is back with powerful engines (3.0L SO Twin Turbo Hurricane, 3.0L I6 HO Twin Turbo Hurricane, and 5.7L HEMI® V8, late availability), advanced technology, and legendary Ram strength under the hood.
