The automotive world is scratching its head right now. After replacing the aging V8 engine with a powerful new inline-six, Ram has suddenly reversed course. The Hemi V8 is officially back for the 2026 Ram 1500 Laramie. While this sounds like a win for muscle truck fans, the reality is disappointing.
We tested the new V8 Laramie to see if the nostalgia is worth the hype. The sad truth is that you are paying more money for a truck that is slower, weaker, and thirstier than the standard model. If you want the best truck, you should likely ignore this new V8 option.
The High Cost Of Nostalgia Under The Hood
Ram made a bold move by offering the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 again. However, looking at the spec sheet reveals a major problem. This “upgrade” actually costs $1,200 more than the standard Hurricane inline-six engine, yet it delivers lower performance numbers.
The mild-hybrid V8 engine pushes out 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque. Those used to be good numbers ten years ago. Today, the standard 3.0-liter Hurricane engine beats it easily with 420 horsepower and 469 pound-feet of torque. You are essentially paying an extra fee to downgrade your engine power.
Here is a quick look at how the two engines stack up:
| Feature | 5.7L Hemi V8 (Option) | 3.0L Hurricane I6 (Standard) |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 395 HP | 420 HP |
| Torque | 410 lb-ft | 469 lb-ft |
| Extra Cost | $1,200 | $0 (Included) |
| 0-60 Feel | Sluggish | Punchy |
Driving the V8 feels lackluster. The truck makes a loud, aggressive noise when you step on the gas, thanks to a sporty exhaust system. But the noise does not match the speed. The truck makes a lot of sound and fury but lacks real speed. The Hurricane engine is smoother, faster, and simply feels more modern in every driving scenario.
2026 Ram 1500 Laramie forged blue metallic front grille
Hauling Capabilities And Truck Duties
Most people buy a pickup truck to do actual truck work. You need to tow trailers, haul lumber, or carry heavy loads. This is where the return of the Hemi V8 makes the least amount of sense.
If you choose the V8, your maximum towing capacity drops significantly. The Hemi is rated to tow up to 9,590 pounds. That sounds decent until you compare it to the standard Hurricane engine. The six-cylinder model can tow up to 11,420 pounds.
Choosing the V8 means you lose nearly 2,000 pounds of towing capability.
The payload capacity is also limited to 1,630 pounds on the V8 model. From a purely functional standpoint, the V8 is the inferior tool for the job. It struggles more to pull heavy loads and burns more gas while doing it. If you plan to use your truck for serious work, the V8 puts you at a disadvantage before you even leave the driveway.
Fuel Economy And Daily Driving Costs
Living with a full-size truck is already expensive. Choosing the Hemi V8 makes it even harder on your wallet. During our testing, we saw an average of just 17 miles per gallon.
The truck features an “eTorque” mild-hybrid system. This uses a 48-volt starter generator to help the truck move from a stop. While it helps slightly with smoothness, it does not do much to save fuel.
- The EPA rates the V8 at 18 mpg combined.
- The more powerful Hurricane engine is rated closer to 20 mpg.
- City driving in the V8 feels heavy and inefficient.
We drove the truck on a trip to Philadelphia. On the highway, the mileage did not improve much. The truck is huge, which makes parking in the city a nightmare. Combined with the poor gas mileage, it makes for a frustrating daily commuter. You are filling up the tank more often to feed an engine that offers less power than the base model.
Is The High Price Tag Really Worth It
The 2026 Ram 1500 Laramie we tested came with a sticker price of $81,675. That is a massive amount of money for a truck that is technically underpowered compared to its cheaper siblings.
The interior is nice but not memorable. You get heated and ventilated leather seats, a 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and a massive touchscreen. These are great features, but they are available on other trims too.
The specific V8 options add up fast:
- $1,200 for the Hemi V8 engine.
- $3,445 for the “Night” package with 22-inch wheels.
- $2,745 for the Laramie Level 2 equipment group.
There is also a passenger screen option that costs extra. It allows the passenger to stream movies, but the driver cannot see it. While it is a cool party trick, it would be better to save that money for useful exterior running boards. The truck sits very high, making it hard to climb into without a step.
The Verdict: The Hemi V8 is a “Symbol of Protest” badge on the fender, but it is not a smart buy. Ram offers better trucks in its own lineup for less money. The Hurricane inline-six is superior in power, towing, and efficiency. Unless you just love the sound of a V8, there is no logical reason to buy this truck.
