2026 Ram 1500: Return of the HEMI V8 in Vernon, BC
New Ram 1500 HEMI V8 Powertrain at Vernon Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Pickup truck fans will be excited to learn that the 2026 Ram 1500 returns with a new engine option for the model year: the eagerly-anticipated HEMI V8 boasting 395 horsepower, 410 pound-feet of torque, and an immense 11,310 pound-feet of towing capable of moving anything from a full-size utility trailer on the worksite, to a boat for a weekend on the water.
Keep reading as our experts at Vernon Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram walk you through the HEMI V8’s 2026 return, and try it first hand with a test drive around Vernon, BC to find out what we’ve been missing! You can also shop our full selection of used & new popular pickup trucks in Vernon, BC, like the:
How Powerful is the 5.7 L HEMI V8 Engine?
With 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque, the HEMI V8 is high speed, hardworking, and capable of hauling up to 11,310 pound-feet without breaking a sweat. To put that in perspective, that’s enough to pull your work equipment, a utility trailer, camper, horse box, and even select small boats. Not only that, the 5.7 L HEMI V8’s stats are accompanied by a powerful roar that’s instantly recognizable by dedicated truck fans. With its intense character, it’s no wonder Ram fans demanded return of the 5.7 L HEMI V8 when it was dropped in 2024, but it returns for the 2026 model year with availability for the:
- 2026 Ram 1500 Tradesman
- 2026 Ram 1500 Big Horn
- 2026 Ram 1500 Limited
- 2026 Ram 1500 Longhorn
- 2026 Ram 1500 Sport
- 2026 Ram 1500 Laramie
| 2026 Ram 1500 HEMI V8 Powertrain Chart | |
| Engine | 5.7 L HEMI V8 |
| Horsepower | 395 |
| Torque (lb-ft) | 410 |
| Max Towing (kg / lb) | 5,130 / 11,310 |
| Model Availability | Tradesman, Big Horn, Limited, Longhorn, Sport, Laramie |
"Everyone makes mistakes, but how you handle it defines you. Ram screwed up when we dropped the HEMI—we own it and we fixed it. We’re not just bringing back a legendary V-8 engine, we’re igniting an assertive product plan and expanding the freedom of choice in powertrain for our customers.” – Tim Kuniskis, Ram CEO.
Belt-Driven Hybrid Motor with Available eTorque
The 5.7 L HEMI V8 isn’t only an excellent choice for gas-powered models of the 2026 Ram 1500: it can also be used alongside a powerful belt-driven motor generator & 48-volt battery pack on hybrid models, in place of the engine-mounted alternator found on gas models. The hybrid advantage is:
- Smoother Gear Transmissions
- Sharper Acceleration
- Variable Valve Timing
- Superior Dual Fan Cooling Power
- Up to 130 lb.-ft of Instant Torque
HEMI V8 FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
- Which of the 2026 Ram 1500’s Trims Offer the HEMI V8 in Canada?
- What is the ‘Symbol of Protest’ Badge?
- Why Choose the HEMI V8 Over the Hurricane?
While high-end trims like the 2026 Ram 1500 Tungsten and RHO opt exclusively for the High-Output Hurricane, many of the 2026 Ram 1500’s other trims on the Canadian market offer the 5.7 L HEMI V8 as an available upgrade:
- 2026 Ram 1500 Tradesman
- 2026 Ram 1500 Big Horn
- 2026 Ram 1500 Limited
- 2026 Ram 1500 Longhorn
- 2026 Ram 1500 Sport
- 2026 Ram 1500 Laramie
The HEMI V8’s special Symbol of Protest is exclusive badging for the 2026 model year, and serves as a tribute from the Ram design team to the passionate Ram fans who rallied when the HEMI V8 was initially discontinued in 2024.
On paper, the Hurricane seems like a superior choice for its stronger torque. However, Canadians prefer the HEMI V8 for its decades of reliability and unmistakable roar on starting. Additionally, the HEMI V8 has the simple appeal of natural aspiration vs. the Hurricane’s more complex twin turbochargers.
Shop the 2026 Ram 1500 at Vernon Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Experience the thrill of the 5.7 L HEMI V8 first-hand at the Vernon Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram showroom, and celebrate its return (or find out what you’ve been missing!) with a test drive. Our team is here to answer your questions about trim levels, accessories, powertrains, financing, and trade-in value, so let us know how we can help you get started with your brand new or used pickup truck!