What engines come in the Dodge Ram?

Ram trucks today are powered by a handful of engines spanning light-duty and heavy-duty models. The lineup centers on three main gasoline options, a diesel, and a high-performance option for the top-tier variant, along with a heavy-duty diesel for the HD lineup.

In detail, the Ram engine lineup includes the 3.6L Pentastar V6 with eTorque, the 5.7L Hemi V8 with eTorque, the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6, the 6.2L supercharged Hemi V8 used in the Ram TRX, and the 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 used in heavy-duty Ram 2500/3500 trucks. Some specialty models also utilize a 6.4L Hemi V8 in select trims such asPower Wagon and other older configurations. Availability varies by model and trim level, so buyers should check current specs for their preferred configuration.

Ram 1500 engine options

The light-duty Ram 1500 offers a trio of gasoline and one diesel engine, plus a high-performance option for the off-road oriented TRX model. Here are the core powertrains you’ll find on 1500 variants.

• 3.6L Pentastar V6 with eTorque mild-hybrid system (gasoline)


• 5.7L Hemi V8 with eTorque mild-hybrid system (gasoline)


• 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 (diesel)


• 6.2L Supercharged Hemi V8 (6.2L, used exclusively in the Ram TRX performance model)


• 6.4L Hemi V8 (392 cu in) available on select models such as Power Wagon and certain legacy configurations

These engine options are typically paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, with eTorque providing a mild-hybrid assist on the gasoline engines. The TRX represents the performance extreme with its supercharged V8, while EcoDiesel targets fuel efficiency and long-range cruising.

Ram 2500/3500 engine options

The heavy-duty Ram 2500 and 3500 lineups emphasize torque for work and towing, and they offer two primary powertrain families: the Cummins diesel and the gasoline V8 option in some trims. Here are the main choices for HD models.

• 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 (standard on most 2500/3500 models; renowned for torque and towing ability)


• 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 High-Output (HO) variant (offers higher horsepower and torque on targeted configurations)


• 6.4L Hemi V8 gasoline (optional on some trims where gasoline power is preferred)

Heavy-duty Ram models are designed around the Cummins diesel for maximum pulling power, with the HO variant providing extra capability on certain builds. Gasoline options remain available primarily for those who prioritize gas performance or specific configuration needs.

Notes on availability and trims

Engine availability varies by model year, trim level, cab/bed configuration, and market. Ram often packages eTorque differently across trims, and special models (like the TRX and Power Wagon) use unique powertrains that aren’t offered across the entire lineup.

Summary: The Ram engine lineup encompasses 3.6L Pentastar V6 with eTorque, 5.7L Hemi V8 with eTorque, 3.0L EcoDiesel V6, 6.2L Supercharged Hemi V8 (TRX), 6.4L Hemi V8 (Power Wagon and select trims), and the 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 family (standard and High-Output) for heavy-duty 2500/3500 models. Engine choice depends on model (1500 vs. HD), desired performance, and towing needs, with availability varying by year and trim.

Summary: Ram’s engine lineup is purpose-built for different roles—from efficient daily driving with the EcoDiesel, to everyday power with the 3.6L and 5.7L Hemi options, to off-road and performance variants with the TRX’s 6.2L supercharged V8, and the heavy-duty torque giant that is the 6.7L Cummins in HD models. For prospective buyers, the key is matching the engine to the intended use and checking current, model-year specifications for exact horsepower, torque, and availability.

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. 

What engines are in Dodge Rams?

RAM Truck Engine HP & Torque

• 3.6L Pentastar V6 eTorque – 305 hp / 271 lb-ft of torque.
• 5.7L HEMI® V8 eTorque – 395 hp / 410 lb-ft of torque.
• 6.2L HEMI® Supercharged V8 – 702 hp / 650 lb-ft of torque (TRX only)

Which Ram 1500 engine is best?

The best RAM 1500 engine depends on your priorities: for efficiency, choose the 3.6L Pentastar V6; for a balance of power and efficiency with strong towing, the standard 3.0L Hurricane I6 is ideal; for high-end power and performance, opt for the High-Output 3.0L Hurricane I6. 
This video compares the performance and fuel economy of the 5.7L HEMI V8 and the 3.0L Hurricane I6: 59sEdmunds CarsYouTube · Nov 14, 2025
Best for efficiency

• 3.6L Pentastar V6 with eTorque: This is the most fuel-efficient engine in the lineup, making it ideal for daily commuting and light-duty tasks. 
• Specs: Up to 305 horsepower, up to 8,110 lbs. towing capacity, and up to 2,370 lbs. payload. 

Best for a balance of power and efficiency 

• 3.0L Hurricane Twin-Turbo I6: This engine offers a significant boost in power and towing capacity compared to the V6, with a more efficient design than the V8. 
• Specs: 420 horsepower, 469 lb-ft of torque, and up to 11,550 lbs. towing capacity. 
• Note: The standard output Hurricane uses regular fuel, whereas the V8 technically requires mid-grade fuel. 

Best for high performance and power 

• High-Output 3.0L Hurricane Twin-Turbo I6: This engine provides the highest horsepower and torque for a truly powerful experience, and is featured in the RHO model for off-road performance.
• Specs: 540 horsepower, 521 lb-ft of torque, and a max towing capacity of 9,920 lbs. 

What year Ram 1500 5.7 to avoid?

Years to avoid for the 5.7L Hemi Ram 1500 include 2011-2012, primarily for "Hemi tick" and lifter issues, and 2014, due to reports of catastrophic steering failures. Other years to approach with caution are 2018-2019, due to electrical and infotainment system problems, and 2004 and 2013-2015, which have documented issues with engine stalling and transmission failures, respectively.
 
Years to be cautious of

• 2011-2012: Notorious for "Hemi tick" from failed lifters or other engine issues. 2011 also had reports of engine failure, MDS issues, and water pump failures. 
• 2013-2015: Documented severe transmission failures, particularly in 2013 and 2015 models. 2015 also had numerous recalls and problems with its electrical, transmission, engine, and fuel systems. 
• 2014: Several complaints have logged total steering loss, sometimes at highway speeds. 
• 2018-2019: Reports of issues with electrical and infotainment systems are more common. 
• 2004: Engine stalling issues persisted, and there were power train concerns. 

What to look for in a reliable Hemi Ram 1500

• 2010: Generally has better engine reliability, though it was known for a weak engine combined with poor fuel economy. 
• 2018 and newer: The 5.7L Hemi V-8 is considered more reliable in these years. 
• 2020 and newer: Models have fewer issues than late 2010s versions. 
• Ram 1500 Classic models: These are also reported to do well, having fewer complex systems than the redesigned 2019 and newer models.