2026 Ram 1500: The HEMI is Back and Better Than Ever!

Thinking about searching for trucks for sale near Wake Forest? Some exciting news is making waves in the truck world: the legendary HEMI is returning in the 2026 Ram 1500! Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis said, “We got it wrong, and we’re fixing it.” Scrapping it from the 2025 Ram 1500 lineup was clearly a mistake that is being rectified by the 2026 lineup.

While Ram has been known for pushing innovation forward with turbocharged engines and hybrid options, bringing the HEMI back shows they still know how to honor the roots of true truck power. When you’re hauling equipment, taking the boat to Falls Lake, or making your daily commute through Wake Forest, the 2026 Ram 1500 puts the spotlight back on raw muscle with a touch of refinement.

The Legend Returns: What is the HEMI?

When Ram announced that the HEMI V8 would be returning in the 2026 Ram 1500, truck fans everywhere breathed a sigh of relief at the return of a cultural icon, tied to everything from muscle cars to heavy-duty trucks.

The 5.7L V8 HEMI is a high-performance engine renowned for its ability to generate more efficient airflow, which equals better power and performance, thanks to its distinctive hemispherical combustion chamber. This engine is lauded for its smooth power delivery and overall dependability. Having this engine beneath the hood gives you the confidence to do everything from towing a work trailer to toting gear for a thrilling trip into the mountains.

Losing the HEMI as an option for the 2025 model year was a travesty for Ram buyers, and they let it be known. Kuniskis put it best when he said, “Ram will continue to offer the more powerful and efficient Hurricane Straight Six Turbo, but we heard loud and clear from consumers: there is no replacement for the iconic HEMI V8. At the end of each month, we count sales to customers, not to statisticians or ideologues. Data be damned — we raise our flag and let the HEMI ring free again!”

This is more than just the return of a powerful engine; it’s the return of a promise. Ram is doubling down on its dedication to truck buyers who value strength and reliability above all else. For folks in Wake Forest who rely on their trucks for both work and play, the 2026 Ram 1500 with its HEMI option is shaping up to be one of the most exciting models to hit the market in years.

Work Hard, Play Hard

One of the things that makes the Ram 1500 such a popular choice is its ability to adapt to just about anything you throw in its path. Now that the HEMI is back in the mix, the 2026 Ram 1500 is an even more flexible machine.  With its 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque, the HEMI V8 ensures you can haul, tow, and carry whatever you need along the way. Aside from some mild adjustments, the 5.7L HEMI has the same power output as it did in 2024. There’s nothing wrong with that, since it provides reliable power whenever needed.

Need a productivity partner? If you work in construction, landscaping, or farming in the Wake Forest area, the Ram 1500 will work as hard as you do, especially when equipped with the HEMI. Its solid 395 horsepower lets you carry heavy payloads and tow large trailers without breaking a sweat. Add in Ram’s advanced suspension and innovative trailering features, and you’ve got a truck built to make every workday smoother and more efficient.

Now, the other engines in this lineup are nothing to scoff at. The twin-turbo 3.0L inline-six Hurricane—which replaced the HEMI in the 2025 lineup—is still available for the 2026 Ram 1500, clocking in at 420 hp and 469 lb-ft of torque. The Hurricane has more torque and, therefore, offers bigger towing numbers; for example, a rear-wheel drive (RWD) Ram 1500 with the 3.0L Hurricane can tow up to 11,610 lbs.

In spite of these larger numbers, the primary advantage of the HEMI V8 over the Hurricane is its superior fuel economy and availability on lower-level trims of the Ram 1500, thanks to its eTorque hybrid system; a motor swapped in for the alternator that, paired with a 48-volt battery, improves efficiency. It even zips from 0 to 60 mph roughly the same amount of time as the Hurricane. It isn’t about cheap tricks – it’s about raw, unbridled power.

Comfort Still Abounds 

Life in North Carolina isn’t all work, and the Ram 1500 is just as comfortable when it comes to playtime. Looking to take the family camping at Falls Lake State Recreation Area? The Ram 1500 can tow the camper and still have room for all your gear. Heading out for a fishing trip on Jordan Lake? The HEMI will get your boat to the water with ease. You might be amazed at how easily this truck shifts from weekday jobsite tool to Saturday adventure partner.

The Ram 1500’s cabin continues to exude comfort. Premium seating materials, a quiet cabin, and enhanced infotainment gadgets create an engaging ride. Even when you’re enduring long hauls on I-540 or making quick trips into downtown Raleigh, you’ll feel like the Ram 1500 was built for both your back and your life on the go. With the HEMI back where it belongs, you get uncompromising strength wrapped up in one of the most versatile trucks on the market.

Enhanced Power Thanks to Powerful Tech Innovations

There’s no denying that reconfiguring the HEMI is a staple of the Ram 1500 lineup, but bringing this engine back was no simple feat. The engineering team that worked on this engine knew that they’d have to beef the new HEMI up in a small amount of time. The HEMI is paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission and works in tandem with the eTorque hybrid system. What’s more, the HEMI equipped models come with a 33-gallon fuel tank and a sport exhaust. You will also find that the “Symbol of Protest” symbol is tacked onto the front fenders for good measure. 

All these tweaks don’t diminish the truck’s hardy personality. The Ram 1500 still looks like a truck that belongs on the jobsite, in the woods, or in your driveway; it just happens to be smarter than most vehicles on the road. The HEMI might be the headline, but the technology behind it makes the new Ram 1500 a complete package.

Find Your 2026 Ram 1500 Near Wake Forest

There’s no denying that the arrival of the 2026 Ram 1500 is something worth celebrating. The return of the HEMI means you don’t have to choose between tradition and innovation – you get the best of both in a truck that’s built to meet your needs. This is the kind of announcement that truck fans wait for, and it’s finally here.

Hendrick Automotive is beyond excited to help local drivers find the right 2026 Ram 1500 model, whether it is powered by the HEMI or not. Since there are so many configurations and trim levels available, the 2026 Ram 1500 has something for you. It is our objective to make sure you drive away in a truck that makes sense for your work, family, and explorations. With the HEMI back under the hood, the Ram 1500 is more than ready for whatever roads (or trails) lie ahead. Don’t just read about it – come on out and experience it in person!