660 W Northwest Hwy
Barrington, IL 60010-2730
Work-dominating strength and mud-slinging power await under the hood of the 2026 Ram 1500. Its lineup of four gas engines delivers a wide range of power, efficiency, and towing specs so you can find the model with the muscle you want and need. To help you preview your options before visiting our dealership, the team at Wickstrom Chrysler Dodge Jeep has created the following engine options and specs guide highlighting the horsepower, torque, towing, payload, fuel economy, and model availability for each Ram 1500 engine.
Once you’re finished with the online component of your research, set up a test drive with the Ram 1500 powered by the engine you like from our new inventory in Barrington, IL.
If you have any questions prior to your visit, your dedicated Wickstrom CDJR team member will be happy to answer them. Start the conversation online or by calling us at (847) 382-5400, and they will be your single, streamlined point of contact throughout the shopping process — it’s The Wickstrom Way.
Navigate to a specific research section to learn more:
The standard engine with plenty of trusty muscle and a mild-hybrid belt starter-generator system, you can count on balanced performance with the 3.6L Pentastar® V6.
Notable traits:
What are the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine power and fuel economy specifications?
Offering a step up in power, the 3.0L Hurricane inline six-cylinder (I6) engine features twin turbochargers and exceptional work-ready ability for those who demand a dependable, responsive workhorse.
Notable traits:
What are the 3.0L Hurricane I6 engine power and fuel economy specifications?
Built for those who demand raw power and dominant performance, the high-output version of the 3.0L Hurricane I6 helps high-end Ram 1500 trims deliver a thrilling driving experience.
Notable traits:
What are the high-output 3.0L Hurricane I6 engine performance and fuel economy specs?
The icon is back for 2026 as the 5.7L HEMI® V8 engine, with the robust performance you know and a passive cold-end exhaust system for the deep engine sound you love, has returned as an option on many Ram 1500 trim levels.
Notable traits:
What are the 5.7L HEMI V8 engine performance and fuel economy specs?
Put your preferred 2026 Ram 1500 engine to work with confidence in its towing and payload capabilities. The highest towing capacity of 11,610 pounds is achievable using the 3.0L Hurricane engine. For heavy loads of cargo, the 3.6L Pentastar V6 stands out with its 2,360-pound maximum payload capacity.
What are the Ram 1500 maximum towing and payload capacities and the configurations needed to achieve them?
| Engine | Max. Towing Capacity | Required Max. Towing Configuration | Max. Payload Capacity | Required Max. Payload Configuration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6L Pentastar V6 with eTorque | 8,130 lbs. | Quad cab, 6-ft.-4-in. bed, 4x2, 3.55 axle ratio | 2,360 lbs. | Quad cab, 6-ft.-4-in. bed, 4x2 |
| 3.0L twin-turbo Hurricane I6 | 11,610 lbs. | Quad cab, 6-ft.-4-in. bed, 4x2, 3.92 axle ratio | 1,930 lbs. | Quad cab, 6-ft.-4-in. bed, 4x2 |
| High-output 3.0L twin-turbo Hurricane I6 | 10,000 lbs. | Crew cab, 6-ft.-4-in. bed, 4x4, 3.92 axle ratio, Limited trim | 1,490 lbs. | Crew cab, 5-ft.-7-in. bed, 4x4, RHO trim |
| 5.7L HEMI V8 with eTorque | 11,320 lbs. | Crew cab, 5-ft.-7-in. bed, 4x2, 3.92 axle ratio | 1,650 lbs. | Crew cab, 5-ft.-7-in. bed, 4x2 |
Once you have picked out a 2026 Ram 1500 engine that you like, finding which trims offer it will help streamline your truck shopping experience. In general, if you like the Pentastar V6, look at entry-level trims, while the high-output 3.0L Hurricane engine is included with higher-tier trim levels. The standard-output 3.0L Hurricane engine and 5.7L HEMI V8 are both available across a wide range of trim options.
Which Ram 1500 trims are standard and available with each engine?
3.6L Pentastar V6
3.0L twin-turbo Hurricane I6
High-output 3.0L twin-turbo Hurricane I6
5.7L HEMI V8
Finding the right engine is the first step in creating your ideal 2026 Ram 1500 for towing; the second is complementing its strength with advanced features that make your days behind the wheel easier. The entry-level 2026 Ram 1500 Tradesman trim includes a standard Class IV receiver hitch and seven-pin wiring harness to help you get to work, as well as support from blind spot monitoring with trailer detection. In higher trims and package upgrades, the Ram 1500 offers enhanced technologies like trailer reverse guidance with dynamic gridlines and a digital rearview mirror with tow mode.
What are the standard and available trailering features and technologies in the Ram 1500?
Standard (Tradesman):
Available in higher trims and optional packages:
The 3.0L Hurricane I6 engine offers the highest towing capacity in the Ram 1500 engine lineup, making it ideal for hauling trailers or boats.
The 2026 Ram 1500 is offered with a number of trailering assistance technologies, including an integrated trailer health monitor, trailer tire pressure monitoring system, trailer reverse steering control, trailer line-up assist, and a digital rearview mirror with tow mode that can display a live video feed from a trailer-mounted camera.
The maximum payload capacity for the 2026 Ram 1500 varies by about 870 pounds, with the highest payload capacity of 2,360 pounds available with the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine and the lowest maximum payload capacity of 1,490 pounds available with the high-output 3.0L Hurricane engine.
Continue researching whether the Ram 1500 is your ideal pickup truck with help from the dedicated team at Wickstrom CDJR. We have crafted additional in-depth research guides for your consideration, and we regularly update lease offers on the Ram 1500 models currently available at our dealership in Barrington, IL, so you can see what it looks like to drive home in one today. For answers to any Ram 1500 questions, contact our team online or by calling (847) 382-5400.
* The advertised price does not include sales tax, vehicle registration fees, other fees required by law, finance charges and any documentation charges. A negotiable administration fee, up to $115, may be added to the price of the vehicle.
* Images, prices, and options shown, including vehicle color, trim, options, pricing and other specifications are subject to availability, incentive offerings, current pricing and credit worthiness.
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