South Oak Jeep Dodge Ram Chrysler
Simplify the daily grind with the towing and hauling prowess of the 2026 Ram 1500. Boasting a stellar four-engine lineup, burly capabilities, and a range of helpful towing technologies, the Ram 1500 makes an exceptional companion for your open-road and workplace driving needs alike. If you’re ready to learn more about the available engine options and towing capacities, continue reading this 2026 Ram 1500 performance overview crafted by the truck pros at South Oak Jeep Dodge Ram Chrysler.
Find your ideal Ram 1500 for sale in our inventory, and secure an attractive rate with an available Ram 1500 lease deal. To experience its impressive power in person at our dealership in Matteson, IL, schedule a test drive at your convenience. Have questions? Contact us online or call us at (708) 747-7950.
Navigate to a specific research section to learn more:
The 2026 Ram 1500 offers the freedom to choose your performance, featuring four engines tailored to meet different needs. Its standard 3.6L Pentastar® V6 starts things off with a trusted balance of everyday strength, producing 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. At the other end of the spectrum, the available high-output 3.0L Hurricane inline six-cylinder (I6) engine unleashes 540 horsepower and 521 pound-feet of torque, making it the ultimate choice if you’re seeking uncompromising performance in top trim levels.
Back by popular demand, the Ram 1500 has reintroduced the legendary 5.7L HEMI® V8 engine to this year’s lineup. With help from its eTorque system, the HEMI engine balances strength and efficiency by seamlessly adjusting power delivery to minimize fuel use when possible, while keeping the drive steady and quiet.
Power is only part of the Ram 1500, built with smart systems that adapt to whatever the road or trail throws your way. Add confidence to every drive with available features like a factory 2-inch lift and Bilstein® Black Hawk® e2 adaptive shocks. When it’s time for everyday driving, higher trims deliver a refined ride with an available Active-Level™ four-corner air suspension that automatically manages height, balance, and comfort.
See the accompanying chart for engine specifications.
| Engine | 3.6L Pentastar V6 | 5.7L HEMI V8 | 3.0L Hurricane twin-turbo I6 | High-output 3.0L Hurricane I6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 305 HP | 395 HP | 420 HP | 540 HP |
| Torque | 269 lb.-ft. | 410 lb.-ft. | 469 lb.-ft. | 521 lb.-ft. |
| Drivetrain | 4×2 / 4×4 | 4×4 | 4×2 / 4×4 | 4×4 |
| Transmission | Eight-speed automatic | |||
Want to create your ideal configuration? Whether you prioritize efficiency or serious hauling power, the 2026 Ram 1500 offers impressive capabilities across its lineup. Find out which trims your preferred engine can be paired with using the following list:
Big jobs call for big strength, and the 2026 Ram 1500 is designed to deliver. For serious pulling power, the 3.0L Hurricane twin-turbo I6 leads the way with a maximum towing capacity of 11,610 pounds. Close behind, the 5.7L HEMI offers up to 11,320 pounds of towing strength, perfect for a range of jobs on and off the homestead. If you opt for the base 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine, the Ram 1500 delivers up to 8,130 pounds of towing power, or you can tow up to 10,000 pounds with the high-output 3.0L Hurricane I6 engine.
To help make easy work of tough towing jobs, the 2026 Ram 1500 offers a suite of towing features and technologies. From innovative hitch guidance and assistance to a cutting-edge digital rearview mirror that optimizes visibility behind your trailer, you can tow with even greater confidence.
For a look at towing and payload specifications, please see the accompanying chart.
| Engine | 3.6L Pentastar V6 | 5.7L HEMI V8 | 3.0L Hurricane twin-turbo I6 | High-output 3.0L Hurricane I6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max. Towing | 8,130 lbs. | 11,320 lbs. | 11,610 lbs. | 10,000 lbs. |
| Max. Payload | 2,360 lbs. | 1,650 lbs. | 1,930 lbs. | 1,490 lbs. |
South Oak JDRC is ready to help you find the Ram 1500 that meets your needs. For a detailed look at exterior colors and key highlights, visit our Ram 1500 review. Compare each model’s standard features and pricing with our comprehensive Ram 1500 trims guide.
If you have any questions for our team in Matteson, IL, please contact us online or call us at (708) 747-7950.
