The HEMI V8 Is Back: What the 2026 Ram 1500 Offers Manitoba Drivers

Manitoba truck owners who've been waiting for the return of the HEMI V8 can stop waiting. The 2026 Ram 1500 brings back the 5.7 L HEMI V8 engine, giving buyers across the province the powertrain choice they've been asking for. After Ram shifted to six-cylinder engines for the 2025 model year, customer feedback drove the decision to bring back the V8 that built the brand's reputation.

The 2026 Ram 1500 offers three distinct engine options: the 3.6 L Pentastar V6, the twin-turbocharged 3.0 L Hurricane Straight-Six, and the returning 5.7 L HEMI V8. Each powertrain serves different needs, but for drivers in Brandon and across Manitoba who value proven V8 performance for towing, hauling, and long-term durability, the HEMI's return matters.

Why the HEMI V8 Came Back

Ram removed the HEMI V8 from the 2025 Ram 1500 lineup, replacing it with the more fuel-efficient Hurricane twin-turbo six-cylinder engines. While the Hurricane engines deliver strong power and improved efficiency, customers made it clear they wanted the option to choose a V8. Ram listened. The 2026 model year restores that choice, offering the HEMI V8 across multiple trim levels.

The 5.7 L HEMI V8 delivers 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. It uses variable camshaft timing and cylinder deactivation to balance power with fuel efficiency. The engine pairs with an eTorque hybrid system, making it the only V8 hybrid available in the segment. This system adds up to 130 lb-ft of torque on initial throttle input and smooths out shifts while improving fuel economy through start-stop functionality and brake energy regeneration.

HEMI V8 Capability for Prairie Work

For Manitoba drivers who use their trucks for work, the HEMI V8 delivers the numbers that matter. The 2026 Ram 1500 with the 5.7 L HEMI V8 offers a maximum towing capacity of 5,203 kg (11,470 lbs) and a maximum payload capacity of 794 kg (1,750 lbs). The engine comes packaged with a performance-tuned exhaust system and a 125 L fuel tank, reducing the frequency of fuel stops during long hauls.

The eTorque hybrid system works behind the scenes to improve the driving experience. It uses a 48-volt lithium-ion battery pack stored behind the rear seat, with dual cooling fans to maintain optimal temperatures. A 3-kilowatt DC-to-DC converter steps down the voltage to charge the conventional 12-volt battery and power accessories. The HEMI V8 retains a traditional starter motor for reliable cold-weather starts—an important feature for Manitoba winters.

2026 Ram 1500 HEMI V8 Trim Availability

The HEMI V8 is available across most of the 2026 Ram 1500 lineup:

• Tradesman: Work-focused base trim with essential features
• Big Horn: Adds comfort and technology upgrades
• Express: Value-oriented styling package
• Warlock: Off-road styling with street-focused capability
• Sport: Performance-inspired appearance
• Laramie: Premium interior and advanced technology
• Rebel: Available late in the model year with off-road capability
• Limited and Longhorn: Top-tier luxury trims

Each HEMI-powered 2026 Ram 1500 includes a fender-mounted "Symbol of Protest" badge. The badge shows the Ram's head pushing forward, powered by a HEMI V8 block—a visual reminder of the engine's return based on customer demand.

Choosing Between HEMI V8 and Hurricane Engines

The 2026 Ram 1500 offers three engine choices. The 3.6 L Pentastar V6 with eTorque delivers 315 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque, serving as the base engine for Tradesman and Big Horn trims. It provides adequate power for daily driving and light-duty work.

The Hurricane Straight-Six engines offer two outputs. The standard 3.0 L Hurricane produces 420 horsepower and 469 lb-ft of torque, available in Sport, Laramie, and Rebel trims. The High Output version generates 540 horsepower and 521 lb-ft of torque, reserved for Limited, Longhorn, and Tungsten trims. Both Hurricane engines use twin turbochargers and direct injection for strong acceleration and towing performance with improved fuel efficiency compared to the HEMI V8.

The HEMI V8 sits between these options in terms of power output but offers a different character. It delivers linear, predictable power delivery without turbo lag. For drivers who prefer naturally aspirated engine response or who have long-term experience maintaining V8 engines, the HEMI represents a familiar, proven choice.

What the HEMI V8 Means for Manitoba Drivers

For truck buyers in Brandon and across Manitoba, the return of the HEMI V8 restores a powertrain option that many consider non-negotiable. Whether towing equipment to job sites, hauling grain during harvest, or pulling recreational trailers across the prairies, the HEMI V8 offers the combination of power, reliability, and serviceability that many Manitoba drivers prefer.

The eTorque hybrid system adds modern efficiency technology without compromising the V8 experience. The system's cold-weather starter motor and simplified maintenance needs align well with Manitoba's climate and the practical demands of truck ownership in the region.

Ram's decision to bring back the HEMI V8 confirms that customer preference still drives product decisions. For buyers who want a V8, the 2026 Ram 1500 delivers exactly that—alongside the option to choose more efficient six-cylinder engines if priorities lean toward fuel economy or maximum output.

Experience the 2026 Ram 1500 HEMI V8 at Brandon Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

The 2026 Ram 1500 with the 5.7 L HEMI V8 gives Manitoba truck buyers the powertrain choice they've been requesting. Whether you prioritize V8 sound, proven durability, or maximum towing capacity, the HEMI delivers. Visit Brandon Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Brandon to compare all three engine options and find the right configuration for your needs.