Textual content by Tom Appel
2026 Ram 1500 Huge Horn Crew Cab 4WD
Specs
Class: Giant Pickup Truck
Colour: Granite Crystal
Nation of manufacture: U.S.
Seating capability: 5
Miles pushed: 168
Actual-world gasoline economic system: 17.6 mpg
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Consolation | A |
| Energy and Efficiency | A |
| Match and End | B |
| Gasoline Financial system | B |
| Worth | A |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different automobiles in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim degree evaluated, and should not replicate Shopper Information’s impressions of your complete mannequin lineup. | |
| Huge & Tall Consolation | |
| Huge Man | A |
| Tall Man | A |
| Huge & Tall consolation rankings are for entrance seats solely. “Huge” score based mostly on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” score based mostly on 6’6″-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 395-horsepower 5.7-liter |
| Engine Kind | V8 |
| Transmission | 8-speed computerized |
| Drive Wheels | 4WD |
Driving combine: 60% metropolis, 40% freeway
EPA-estimated gasoline economic system: 16/20/18 (metropolis, freeway, mixed)
Gasoline kind: Midgrade gasoline
Base value: $52,380 (not together with $2195 vacation spot cost)
Choices on check car: Particular paint ($295), Sport Look Package deal ($1405), Mattress Utility Group ($945), Huge Horn Degree 2 Tools Group ($2875), Tri–Fold Tonneau Cowl ($550), Trailer-Brake Controller ($296), “Hemi” V8 engine ($2895)
Value as examined: $63,835
Professionals and Cons
The nice: Class-leading trip and dealing with, loads of energy, comfy cabin
The great: Huge Horn trim degree hits big-pickup value candy spot
The not so good: Hemi engine requires expensive midgrade gasoline
Overview
The pickup truck seen right here—as outfitted—might be the most-popular Ram 1500 configuration bought in 2026. It hits on two key truck-buyer needs—affordability and energy—whereas sustaining the overall feel and look of a pricier Ram mannequin.
Pickup-Value Candy Spot
Whereas the common transaction value for a brand new car within the U.S. at the moment hovers round $50,000, full-size pickups promote for far more. Per Cox Automotive, massive pickups have been going for round $58,000 in 2024, and can doubtless common nearer to $60,000 for 2025.
Whereas massive pickups can go for far more than that—take a look at our evaluate of the Ram 1500 Tungsten—that $60,000 quantity is the candy spot for lots of the 2 million-plus shopper who drive a brand new full-size pickup house yearly.
(By the way in which…That $60,000 value, plus $6000 in taxes and charges, with a 20-percent down fee, involves nearly precisely $1000 a month for a 6-year mortgage at present rates of interest. A major psychological value threshold for a lot of automobile consumers.)
And truthfully, whereas much less opulently outfitted than lots of the pickups we consider right here at Shopper Information, we discovered this popularly outfitted, Hemi-packing instance a compelling instance of the breed.
And about that Hemi…
The Hemi is Again
The Dodge and Ram manufacturers of Stellantis have invested tens of thousands and thousands of {dollars} promoted the Hemi model. Ascribed to a V8 engine of at the least 5.7-liters in displacement, the Hemi moniker has served these Stellantis manufacturers effectively, delivering dependable energy for efficiency driving, hauling and towing, and general-purpose commuting.
However, the Hemi isn’t particularly gasoline environment friendly, and was lastly retired from Ram light-duty functions after the 2024 mannequin yr.
Engines
The Ram 1500 was freshened for the 2025 mannequin yr, at which era the Hemi V8 was changed by a pair of 6-cylinder engines dubbed “Hurricane.” The three.0-liter inline engines characteristic direct injection and turbocharging, and have been rated at 420 horsepower for the bottom unit, and a stout 540 for the “H.O.” variant. Each Hurricane engines got here in with extra energy the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 (395 horsepower) and improved gasoline economic system.
Actually, a more-powerful, more-efficient engine could be precisely what the Ram wanted to assist seize a bit of market share in what’s a extremely aggressive market section. Actually. Or not…
Sluggish Gross sales
Perhaps the Ram people oversold the glory of Hemi possession, however many would-be Ram consumers rejected the brand new Hurricane engines, opting as an alternative to buy a Chevrolet or Ford—each of which may nonetheless be had with conventional V8 engines—or just selecting to not purchase a pickup truck in any respect. Regardless, gross sales have slipped in 2025, and Ram brass have acted shortly to stem their losses.
By way of the primary three quarters of 2025, Ram pickup gross sales are down nearly 15 p.c from the identical interval in 2024. This regardless of a freshening that included up to date inside and exterior styling. Throughout the identical interval Ford F-Sequence truck gross sales slipped about 6 p.c, whereas Chevy Silverado gross sales improved barely (about 1 p.c.)
We needn’t assume that the Hemi engine’s absence was a big a part of the gross sales decline downside, as public outcry, and seller outrage, have made it clear that the previous V8 nonetheless had a fanbase.
So, for the 2026 mannequin yr, the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 is again, and in an fascinating twist, it makes much more noise than it used to. Extra on that exhaust observe in a second.
Check Automobile
Shopper Information just lately spent per week with a 2026 Ram 1500 crew cab. Our check truck got here in fashionable Huge Horn trim, and have been it not for the out there Hemi engine (a $2895 possibility) our check truck would have are available in proper round that $60,000 candy spot.
As for Hemi pricing—it’s difficult. The Huge Horn comes normal with Ram’s tried-and-true, and arguably a bit of sleepy—3.6-liter 305-horsepower “Pentastar” V6 engine. For folk who don’t repeatedly carry heavy hundreds, the V6 engine will serve effectively, and return respectable gasoline economic system within the discount.
Accessible optionally is 420-horsepower model of the brand new Hurricane 3.0-liter turbocharged six. Stepping as much as the Hurricane 6 provides $1695 to the tab, which seems like a good trade for the additional 115 horsepower, and extra torque.
Efficiency Exhaust and eTorue
Stepping over to the Hemi engine provides $2895 to the underside, this regardless of the actual fact the old-school V8 produces much less horsepower and torque than the Hurricane engine. Nevertheless, the Hemi engine now comes normal with the beforehand elective Mopar G/T efficiency exhaust, which had been a $1700 possibility. Additionally included with the Hemi engine is the “Image or Protest” fender badge. Plus, all Hemi engines are actually fitted with the maker’s “eTorque” mild-hybrid system, which gives further torque when pulling away from a cease, and might enhance gasoline economic system. Notice, nonetheless, that the Hemi engine requires a weight-reduction plan of pricy midgrade gasoline, whereas the Hurricane mill will get by on regular-grade gasoline.
Experience and Dealing with
Right here’s the excellent news: The 2026 Ram 1500 is nearly as good because it has at all times been, which is to say it’s excellent. The large pickup’s refined coil-spring rear suspension retains the Ram a best-in-class possibility by way of trip and dealing with, and likewise helps maintain factor quiet within the cabin.
Cabin Appointments
And talking of the cabin, we at Shopper Information not often take pleasure in evaluate time in lower-priced Ram choices, as we’re usually offered with higher trim ranges as an alternative. A lot to our shock, our check Lengthy Horn is simply as properly completed and almost as luxurious as more-expensive Rams we’ve check pushed.
Sure, the cabin is lined with much less opulent supplies—and a LOT much less leather-based—however the ambiance remains to be heat and customarily upscale. At roughly $60,000, our check truck seems like a really sturdy worth.
As for the Hemi, it’s nonetheless sturdy and responsive, it’s just a bit louder now due to the efficiency exhaust system.
Worth
We’re massive followers of the Ram, and have named the massive pickup to our Shopper Information Greatest Purchase checklist once more for 2026. We discover the Hemi engine one thing of a foolish distraction, nonetheless it’s nonetheless a superb truck motor, and when you benefit from the exhaust observe…why not?
In Lengthy Horn trim, the Ram represents sturdy worth within the big-truck section, and outfitted with the Hurricane engine it delivers loads of energy and affordable gasoline economic system. When you should have the Hemi—and we kind of perceive the urge—be absolutely conscious that you just’re paying a bit of extra for rather less—even when your truck will sound actually cool.
Hearken to the Automobile Stuff Podcast
2026 Ram 1500 Footage
Click on under for enlarged pictures
