The legend is back. In a move that has sent shockwaves of excitement through the truck community, Ram has announced the triumphant return of the iconic 5.7L HEMI® V8 for the 2026 Ram 1500.
For truck owners here in Omaha, this news hits different. We know what a truck needs to do it all—from hauling materials to a job site in Papillion, to confidently navigating a Midwest snowstorm on I-680. The return of Ram’s most legendary V8 isn’t just exciting; it’s the return of a trusted partner for life in Nebraska. Here at H+H Jeep Dodge Ram, your local Omaha Ram dealership, we’ve heard the demand from our customers, and this feels like a direct answer.
However, the return of the HEMI® V8 isn’t the only change for the 2026 version of the Ram 1500. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into everything that makes the 2026 Ram 1500 an unbeatable choice. We’ll cover the exciting return of the HEMI®, break down its new features, and see how it stacks up against the competition.
What’s New for the 2026 Ram 1500?
The 2026 Ram 1500 is a showcase of Ram listening to its customers. The updates are meaningful, powerful, and designed for the modern truck owner.
Unmatched Ride Comfort and Innovation
Ram’s class-exclusive coil-spring rear suspension returns, delivering the exceptionally smooth and comfortable ride that sets it apart from the competition. You’ll feel the difference on every road, from freshly paved highways to rugged country lanes. Plus, innovative features like the RamBox® Cargo Management System and multifunction tailgate provide smart, practical solutions for work and play.
The Glorious Return of the 5.7L HEMI® V8
You asked, and Ram delivered. The beloved 5.7L HEMI® V8 is back, delivering the robust 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque that drivers have relied on for years. This legendary engine, paired with the eTorque mild-hybrid system for enhanced refinement, brings back the signature rumble and commanding performance that truck lovers crave.
The HEMI® V8 will be available across a wide range of trims, including the Tradesman, Big Horn/Lone Star, Laramie, and Limited, ensuring there’s a HEMI®-powered truck for every need and budget.
All-New Express and Black Express Trims
For 2026, Ram introduces the brand-new Express trim, offering a perfect blend of bold style and incredible value. The Express trim stands out with its sporty, blacked-out headlamp bezels and a sleek dark gray interior.
For those wanting an even more aggressive look, an available Black Express appearance package adds a sport hood and 20-inch black wheels, making a statement on the streets of Omaha.
A Full Spectrum of Powerful Engines
The return of the HEMI® V8 doesn’t replace Ram’s other incredible engines; it complements them, creating the most diverse engine lineup in the full-size truck market.
3.6L Pentastar® V6 with eTorque: The reliable standard, offering a great balance of efficiency and capability for daily driving.
3.0L Hurricane Standard Output (SO): A modern workhorse, this twin-turbo inline-six produces an impressive 420 horsepower and 469 lb-ft of torque.
3.0L Hurricane High Output (HO): For pure performance, the HO version unleashes a class-shattering 540 horsepower and 521 lb-ft of torque.
This “power of choice” strategy ensures that whether you’re a V8 purist or a tech-forward performance seeker, there’s a Ram 1500 engine for you at H+H Jeep Dodge Ram.
Class-Leading Interior Luxury
The 2026 Ram 1500 continues to set the benchmark for interior refinement. The cabin is meticulously crafted with premium materials and features the intuitive Uconnect 5 infotainment system, available with a massive 14.5-inch touchscreen. Top-tier trims like the Tungsten offer unparalleled luxury with quilted leather, massaging front seats, and a 23-speaker Klipsch audio system that will make your commute through the Old Market feel like a concert.
A Game-Changing New Warranty for Unbeatable Peace of Mind
Perhaps one of the most significant updates for the 2026 model year is the introduction of Ram’s new, class-leading warranty coverage. This isn’t just a minor adjustment; it’s a comprehensive overhaul designed to provide Ram owners with unparalleled peace of mind and long-term value. This bold move demonstrates Ram’s supreme confidence in the quality and durability of its trucks, including the new Hurricane engines and the returning HEMI® V8.
The New 10-Year, 100,000-Mile Powertrain Warranty
For years, the standard in the truck world has been a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. For 2026, Ram is rewriting the rules. The new warranty structure is designed to protect your investment for longer, ensuring that your truck is covered for the long haul. This is especially reassuring for Omaha drivers who rely on their trucks day in and day out, whether for demanding jobs or family adventures.
The new warranty provides more extensive coverage, protecting the critical components that keep your truck running strong. This includes extended protection for the powerful and technologically advanced Hurricane engines, giving new adopters complete confidence in their performance and reliability. This enhanced warranty isn’t just about covering repairs; it’s about delivering a promise of quality from the manufacturer, a promise we stand behind here at H+H Jeep Dodge Ram.
Understanding the full scope of this new warranty is crucial for any potential truck buyer, as it represents a significant part of the total cost of ownership. The extended coverage can save you money on potential repairs down the road and adds considerable resale value. To help our customers get a complete picture, we’ve put together a detailed guide on our blog. For an in-depth breakdown of what’s covered, term lengths, and how it compares to the competition, be sure to read our 2026 Ram Warranty Guide for Omaha Drivers.
HEMI® vs. The Competition: A Head-to-Head V8 Showdown
The return of the 5.7L HEMI® V8 puts the 2026 Ram 1500 right back in the center of the V8 rivalry. Here’s how it stacks up against the V8 offerings from Ford and Chevrolet:
| 2026 Ram 1500 5.7L HEMI® V8 | 395 hp | 410 lb-ft torque |
| 2025 Ford F-150 5.0L V8 | 400 hp | 410 lb-ft torque |
| 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 5.3L V8 | 355 hp | 383 lb-ft torque |
| 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 6.2L V8 | 420 hp | 460 lb-ft torque |
The HEMI® V8 stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Ford’s V8 and handily outperforms the Silverado‘s standard 5.3L V8. The classic V8 rivalry is a major factor for many truck buyers in our area. While we are huge fans of the powerful V8 engines you’ll find just down the road at our sister store, H+H Chevrolet, the return of Ram’s most iconic powertrain gives Ram loyalists in Omaha an undeniable and legendary choice they’ve been waiting for.
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Learn more about the return of the HEMI® V8.
How the 2026 Ram 1500 Impacts Omaha Truck Owners
In a place like Omaha, your truck is an essential tool. The “power of choice” that Ram now offers, backed by an industry-leading warranty, is perfectly suited for our community.
For the Traditionalist: The passion for V8 power runs deep in Nebraska. The unmistakable sound of a HEMI® is part of the local culture, and for many, there is no substitute for its proven reliability and straightforward performance.
For the Modern Workhorse: With all the growth around the city, the powerful and efficient Hurricane engines are a perfect fit for contractors and businesses looking for class-leading performance and capability, now with the added security of a fantastic warranty.
For the Weekend Warrior: Whether you’re towing a camper to Mahoney State Park or simply demand the most power available, the Hurricane High-Output engine is a game-changer, offering performance that will stand out anywhere in the Metro.
The bottom line is that whether you’re a HEMI® loyalist or a fan of the new Hurricane technology, H+H Jeep Dodge Ram has the engine perfectly suited for your Omaha lifestyle.
Alternative Ram Powertrains Available for 2026
Ram’s “power of choice” philosophy extends far beyond traditional gasoline engines. For 2026, Ram is also charging into the future with two revolutionary electric trucks that redefine what a pickup can do. These innovative models offer incredible performance and capability for Omaha drivers ready to embrace the next generation of trucking.
The Ram 1500 Ramcharger: Electric Power Without Limits
For those who are intrigued by electric performance but worry about range, the Ram 1500 Ramcharger is the ultimate solution. Billed as a range-extended electric truck, the Ramcharger is a true game-changer. It operates as an EV, powered by a large 92-kWh battery pack and two electric motors that deliver a staggering 663 horsepower and 615 lb-ft of torque.
But here’s the brilliant part: it also has a 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine under the hood that acts exclusively as an onboard generator to recharge the battery. The engine never directly powers the wheels. This setup gives you all the benefits of an electric truck—silent operation, instant torque, and zero emissions for daily driving—while completely eliminating range anxiety. If the battery runs low on a long road trip across Nebraska, the V6 seamlessly kicks in to generate more electricity, giving you a class-shattering total range of up to 690 miles. It’s the perfect “best-of-both-worlds” truck.
To learn more about how this revolutionary technology works and why it might be the perfect truck for you, check out our in-depth look at the Ram 1500 Ramcharger.
The Ram 1500 REV: The All-Electric Future of Ram
For the driver ready to go all-in on all-electric, Ram presents the Ram 1500 REV. This is Ram’s first-ever all-electric, full-size pickup, and it is designed to shatter expectations. The REV is built on a new STLA Frame platform designed specifically for full-size electric vehicles, offering jaw-dropping performance and capability.
The REV targets a truly incredible driving range of up to 500 miles with its optional 229-kWh large battery pack, a figure that would lead the class and make long-distance travel worry-free. With a target of 654 horsepower and 620 lb-ft of torque, the REV is projected to rocket from 0-60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. It also boasts a maximum towing capacity of 14,000 pounds and features a massive, weather-proof front trunk (or “frunk”) for extra secure storage. The Ram 1500 REV is a bold statement about the future of trucking, and it’s coming soon.
Discover all the details about Ram’s first all-electric truck by reading our comprehensive guide to the Ram 1500 REV.
The Legend Roars On at H+H Jeep Dodge Ram
The return of the 5.7L HEMI® V8, combined with a groundbreaking new warranty and a full slate of powerful engine options, makes the 2026 Ram 1500 a truly dominant force. It’s a reaffirmation of Ram’s identity and its commitment to its customers. The 2026 Ram 1500 now stands as a testament to the power of choice, offering an unbeatable powertrain for every possible need.
The best way to understand the excitement is to experience it firsthand. We invite you to visit us at H+H Jeep Dodge Ram, located right here in Omaha, to hear that legendary HEMI® rumble for yourself. Our team is ready to show you the entire 2026 Ram 1500 lineup and help you find the perfect truck for your needs. You can also browse our new Ram 1500 inventory online at hhjeepdodgeram.com or schedule a test drive today!
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