Is the Dodge Ram 1500 a V-6 or V8?
The Ram 1500 offers both V-6 and V-8 powertrains, along with a diesel option and a high‑performance V-8 in the TRX variant. In short, you can choose a gasoline V-6, a gasoline V-8, or a diesel V-6 depending on the trim and model year.
Current engine lineup
Below are the primary engines shoppers typically find in recent Ram 1500 models, spanning gasoline, diesel, and the standout high-performance variant. This overview focuses on the most common configurations you’ll encounter in the showroom.
- 3.6L Pentastar V6 with eTorque mild-hybrid: The base gasoline engine offering around 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8‑speed automatic transmission. This setup emphasizes a balance of daily usability and efficiency.
- 5.7L Hemi V8: A traditional gasoline V8 delivering roughly 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, typically found in higher trim levels or as an upgrade option, paired with an 8‑speed automatic.
- 3.0L EcoDiesel V6: The diesel option producing about 260 horsepower and around 480 lb-ft of torque, tuned for better highway efficiency and strong pulling capability, with the same 8‑speed automatic.
- 6.2L Supercharged Hemi V8 (Ram 1500 TRX): The top‑tier, high‑performance variant offering about 702 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque, designed for off‑road and speed-focused use, equipped with a heavy‑duty setup and advanced suspension.
Across these options, buyers can choose from a gas V6 for everyday driving, a gas V8 for more spirited performance, a diesel V6 for long-haul efficiency and torque, or the extreme V8 in the TRX for standout power.
How engine choice affects performance and practicality
Engine selection directly influences torque, horsepower, towing capability, fuel economy, and overall driving feel. The V6 options emphasize efficiency and smooth daily driving, while the V8s provide stronger acceleration and heavier towing. The EcoDiesel delivers excellent highway mileage and low‑end torque for towing, and the TRX’s supercharged V8 targets speed enthusiasts with raw power and aggressive performance engineering.
Gasoline vs. diesel: a quick comparison
Gasoline V6 and V8 versions tend to offer quicker throttle response and broader availability of maintenance services, while the EcoDiesel prioritizes fuel economy and high torque at low RPMs, which is beneficial for towing and long highway hauls.
High-performance variant: Ram 1500 TRX
The Ram 1500 TRX stands apart within the lineup with its 6.2L supercharged V8, tuned for maximum horsepower and off‑road capability. It’s a niche option aimed at buyers seeking extreme performance rather than everyday efficiency.
Summary
In the Ram 1500 lineup, both V-6 and V-8 configurations are available, plus a diesel V6 and a dedicated high-performance V-8 in the TRX. This gives buyers a choice between efficiency, traditional V-8 power, and, for enthusiasts, outright performance. The exact engine availability depends on the model year and trim level.
Are all Ram 1500 6 cylinders?
There are three engine options for the 2025 Ram 1500: 3.6L Pentastar® V6, 3.0L Hurricane, and 3.0L Hurricane High Output Straight-Six Turbo. Below are the capabilities of each engine based on horsepower, torque, towing and payload capacity, and 0 to 60 mph time.
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.
Is there a Ram 1500 V6?
Available on select 2023 Ram 1500 trims, the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 engine offers impressive torque with remarkable efficiency.
Is the Ram 1500 a V8?
Yes, the Ram 1500 is available with a V8 engine for the 2026 model year, as the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 has returned to the lineup after being temporarily discontinued. However, the 2025 model year exclusively features the new Hurricane inline-six engine. The returning V8 is paired with an eTorque mild-hybrid system and is offered as an option on most 2026 Ram 1500 trims.
- 2026 Ram 1500: The 5.7L HEMI V8 is back as an engine option, producing 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. It comes with an eTorque mild-hybrid system and a Mopar Catback exhaust system on all V8-equipped models. It is available on most trims for a price premium, except for the RHO and Tungsten models.
- 2025 Ram 1500: The V8 engine was discontinued for the 2025 model year, with the 3.0L Hurricane inline-six being the new engine option.
- 2026 vs. 2025: The 2026 model year represents Ram's decision to reintroduce the V8 engine in response to customer demand and declining sales for the 2025 models. This means that if you are looking for a new Ram 1500 with a V8, you will need to choose a 2026 model.
