Drivers love both the 2025 and 2025 Ram 1500 pickups for their best-in-class luxury and refinement. Before you choose between these full-size trucks, however, you may be wondering how they've changed from model year to model year. That's where our comparison guide comes in!
Key Takeaways
- For 2026, the beloved Hemi V8 rejoins the lineup, along with an all-new Express trim model!
- The 2025 Ram 1500 replaced its Hemi V8 with the powerful new Hurricane, but the 2026 truck is available with both of these engines.
- While the 2025 model year came with plenty of its own updates, the 2026 truck adds to those with new styling options.
- Order your 2026 Ram 1500 today, starting at $42,025*!
2026 Ram 1500 vs 2025 Ram 1500: What's the difference?
Wondering about the 2026 Ram 1500 changes from last year? After a refresh for 2025, we were pleasantly surprised to see the 2026 Ram return with so many updates. While the 2025 truck introduced the high-end Tungsten trim model, the 2026 model debuts the stylish yet budget-friendly Express trim. And after a one-year hiatus, the iconic Hemi V8 returns to the Ram 1500 lineup. Ram even extended its powertrain warranty coverage for 2026 trucks!
2026 Ram 1500 Updates
- Hemi V8 returns
- New Express trim puts a stylish spin on the base Tradesman
- Powertrain warranty coverage is now 10 years/100,000 miles for all engine options (compare to Ram's regular coverage of 5 years/60,000 miles for gas-powered models and 5 years/100,000 miles for diesel trucks)
2025 Ram 1500 Updates
- Updated exterior styling with new lighting elements, wheel designs, and colors
- 12-inch touchscreen now standard; 14.5-inch touchscreen is optional
- 10.3-inch passenger-side screen now optional
- New luxury trim model, the Tungsten, debuts
2026 Ram 1500 vs 2025 Ram 1500: Which engines are available?
For 2025, the Ram 1500 replaced its infamous Hemi V8 with the Hurricane I-6 engine. By comparison, both versions (standard and high output) of this new turbocharged engine are both more powerful (generating up to 540 horses) and more efficient (earning up to 25 mpg on the highway) than the popular V8.
But (perhaps predictably) Ram diehards rebelled -- after all, there's nothing quite like classic V8 power. And that's why the 2026 Ram 1500 is once again available with the Hemi V8 engine!
2025 vs. 2026 Ram 1500 Engine Options
| Engine |
2025 Ram 1500 |
2026 Ram 1500 |
| 3.6L V6 (305 hp, 271 lb-ft of torque) |
✓ |
✓ |
| Standard-output turbo 3.0L Hurricane inline six-cylinder (420 hp, 469 lb-ft) |
✓ |
✓ |
| High-output turbo 3.0L Hurricane inline six-cylinder (540 hp, 521 lb-ft) |
✓ |
✓ |
| 5.7L Hemi V8 (395 hp, 410 lb-ft) |
|
✓ |
2026 Ram 1500 vs 2025 Ram 1500: Features and Options
The new Express trim model is the biggest addition to the 2026 Ram lineup! It adds to the base Tradesman with bold styling, giving you a unique combination of value and attitude. Unique styling includes blacked-out headlamps and Liquid Graphite interior accents. This truck is available with your choice of a Quad or Crew Cab, as well as standard rear-wheel drive or optional four-wheel drive.
The Express trucks are available with your choice of five paint colors: Bright White, Diamond Black, Forged Blue, Hydro Blue, and Granite Crystal. Want an extra-aggressive look? The new Black Express Package features a unique Sport hood, Black 20-inch wheels, LED fog lamps and more!
2026 Ram 1500 vs 2025 Ram 1500: Which truck has the lowest MSRP?
There's a slight price bump for 2026; the Ram 1500 now starts at $42,025*. Last year's truck, by comparison, came with a starting price of $40,275*. But no matter whether you'd rather special-order the latest version of this classy American truck or shop for the best deal -- you can check out your favorite Ram 1500 model year right here at Thunder Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram! Swing by our location in Bartow, FL for a test-drive.