Ram 1500 V8 Buyers Get Exciting Update

Ram 1500 Continues Winning Streak: V8 Returns, Warranty Boosted, and 2026 Pricing Holds Steady

Since Tim Kuniskis stepped back in to lead Ram, the brand has been delivering a steady stream of good news. First came the triumphant return of the beloved Hemi V8 to the Ram 1500 lineup. Then, Ram announced a new class-leading powertrain warranty, setting a fresh benchmark in the segment.

Now, there’s even more to cheer about—Ram has confirmed it will not be increasing prices across most of the 2026 Ram 1500 lineup. While one specific trim will see a change, the majority of models will carry over with their current pricing, a welcome move for truck buyers amid an uncertain market.

According to an order guide obtained by HARJA, pricing for the 2026 Ram 1500 lineup will remain largely unchanged. The base model Tradesman will continue to start at $40,275, while the luxurious Tungsten trim holds steady at $87,075. For those eyeing the return of the legendary Hemi V8, the good news keeps coming—the only added cost is a $1,200 charge for the engine option, with no hike in the truck’s MSRP.

Only the 1500 Big Horn Sees a Price Hike

The sole exception to Ram’s steady pricing strategy is the 1500 Big Horn, which goes by the Lone Star name in Texas. For 2026, its base price rises to $45,530, marking a modest $595 increase, or about 1.3% over the 2025 model. In an era where many competitors are implementing steep price hikes, this slight adjustment remains relatively tame. Keep in mind, these figures do not include destination charges, which have yet to be announced for the 2026 lineup.

With the looming tariffs set to kick in on July 1, Ram’s decision to hold pricing steady for 2026 offers a welcome reprieve—particularly for those eagerly awaiting the return of the Hemi V8 in the 1500 lineup. It’s also a bold move that sends a clear message to Ram’s full-size truck rivals, many of whom still offer lower base prices. But for Ram fans, this feels like more than just a pricing strategy—it’s a genuine effort to make things right.

Former Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares was reportedly not a fan of the Hemi V8 and is widely considered responsible for its initial removal. However, at the 2025 Detroit Auto Show, Ram’s head, Tim Kuniskis, openly teased the engine’s comeback. While space under the hood was never a concern, the 2025 Ram 1500 had switched to a new electrical system that initially wasn’t compatible with the V8. That hurdle has now been cleared, and the much-loved 5.7-liter Hemi V8 has officially returned to the lineup.

Uncertainty Remains Around Rebates and Discounts

Although the official sticker prices for 2026 remain steady, real-world purchase costs are still uncertain. As HARJA highlights, details on rebates and incentives for the new model year have yet to be revealed, leaving questions about how 2026 pricing will stack up against the heavily discounted 2025 trucks on dealer lots. Currently, Ram offers up to $10,900 in advertised incentives for outgoing models, but employee pricing incentives are scheduled to end on June 30, 2025.

That said, keep an eye out for upcoming rebates and discounts on the 2026 model year. If you’re comparing multiple brands, it might be worth waiting to see how other automakers adjust their prices before deciding—this way, you can better determine if Ram’s steady 1500 pricing continues to offer strong value.