Powertrain Technical Index

Pick the engine for the job

Horsepower sells trucks, torque moves trailers. Every Ram engine has a sweet spot — here's where each one shines.

V6 · mild hybrid

3.6L Pentastar V6 eTorque

Gasoline

Horsepower305 hp

Torque269 lb-ft

The efficient choice. A 48-volt eTorque system smooths stop/start and adds a small boost off the line.

Transmission: 8-speed TorqueFlite automatic
Available on: Ram 1500
Best for: Commuting, fuel economy, light towing (small boats, utility trailers).

V8 · mild hybrid

5.7L HEMI V8 eTorque

Gasoline

Horsepower395 hp

Torque410 lb-ft

The familiar HEMI rumble returns for 2026, with eTorque assist and cylinder deactivation to save fuel on the highway.

Transmission: 8-speed TorqueFlite automatic
Available on: Ram 1500
Best for: Buyers who want the classic V8 sound with solid all-around towing.

Engine bay with a black cover labeled Twin Turbo over the Hurricane inline-six — The Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six. Shown here in a Jeep Wagoneer — Ram 1500s use the same engine family.

Inline-6 · twin-turbo

3.0L Hurricane Twin-Turbo I6 (Standard Output)

Gasoline

Horsepower420 hp

Torque469 lb-ft

Two turbochargers let a smaller six-cylinder out-muscle a V8 — it delivers the 1500's top tow rating.

Transmission: 8-speed TorqueFlite automatic
Available on: Ram 1500
Best for: Max 1500 towing with V8-beating power and better efficiency.

Inline-6 · twin-turbo

3.0L Hurricane Twin-Turbo I6 (High Output)

Gasoline

Horsepower540 hp

Torque521 lb-ft

The same engine turned up — more boost, stronger internals, and premium fuel recommended.

Transmission: 8-speed TorqueFlite automatic
Available on: Ram 1500
Best for: Performance trims (RHO, Limited, Tungsten) and drivers who want serious acceleration.

V8 · naturally aspirated

6.4L HEMI V8

Gasoline

Horsepower405 hp

Torque429 lb-ft

A big, simple gas V8. Cheaper to buy and maintain than a diesel — great if the truck isn't towing heavy every day.

Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Available on: Ram 2500, Ram 3500, Ram Chassis Cab
Best for: HD buyers who tow occasionally, plow snow, or want lower up-front and upkeep cost.

Open hood of a Ram Heavy Duty showing the 6.7L Cummins engine cover — The 6.7L Cummins under the hood of a Ram Heavy Duty. The yellow caps mark engine oil and coolant.

Inline-6 · turbo diesel

6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel (High Output)

Diesel

Horsepower430 hp

Torque1,075 lb-ft

The legend. Over 1,000 lb-ft of torque moves massive loads at low RPM, and an exhaust brake helps you slow down safely.

Transmission: 8-speed ZF PowerLine automatic
Available on: Ram 2500, Ram 3500
Best for: Frequent heavy towing, fifth-wheels, goosenecks, and high-mileage longevity.

Inline-6 · turbo diesel

6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel (Chassis Cab)

Diesel

Horsepower360 hp

Torque800 lb-ft

Tuned for durability over peak numbers — built to work all day, every day.

Transmission: 6-speed Aisin heavy-duty automatic
Available on: Ram Chassis Cab
Best for: Commercial duty cycles with PTO-driven equipment and constant heavy loads.

* Representative 2026 figures. Ratings vary by cab, bed, axle ratio & drivetrain — verify with the window sticker.