Textual content by Tom Appel
2026 Ram 1500 Large Horn Crew Cab 4WD
Specs
Class: Giant Pickup Truck
Coloration: Granite Crystal
Nation of manufacture: U.S.
Seating capability: 5
Miles pushed: 168
Actual-world gasoline economic system: 17.6 mpg
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Consolation | A |
| Energy and Efficiency | A |
| Match and End | B |
| Gasoline Economic system | B |
| Worth | A |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different autos in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim stage evaluated, and will not mirror Client Information’s impressions of the complete mannequin lineup. | |
| Large & Tall Consolation | |
| Large Man | A |
| Tall Man | A |
| Large & Tall consolation scores are for entrance seats solely. “Large” ranking based mostly on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” ranking based mostly on 6’6″-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 395-horsepower 5.7-liter |
| Engine Sort | V8 |
| Transmission | 8-speed computerized |
| Drive Wheels | 4WD |
Driving combine: 60% metropolis, 40% freeway
EPA-estimated gasoline economic system: 16/20/18 (metropolis, freeway, mixed)
Gasoline kind: Midgrade gasoline
Base worth: $52,380 (not together with $2195 vacation spot cost)
Choices on take a look at automobile: Particular paint ($295), Sport Look Package deal ($1405), Mattress Utility Group ($945), Large Horn Degree 2 Gear Group ($2875), Tri–Fold Tonneau Cowl ($550), Trailer-Brake Controller ($296), “Hemi” V8 engine ($2895)
Value as examined: $63,835
Execs and Cons
The good: Class-leading journey and dealing with, loads of energy, snug cabin
The great: Large Horn trim stage hits big-pickup worth candy spot
The not so good: Hemi engine requires expensive midgrade gasoline
Overview
The pickup truck seen right here—as outfitted—could be the most-popular Ram 1500 configuration bought in 2026. It hits on two key truck-buyer desires—affordability and energy—whereas sustaining the final feel and look of a pricier Ram mannequin.
Pickup-Value Candy Spot
Whereas the typical transaction worth for a brand new automobile within the U.S. at the moment hovers round $50,000, full-size pickups promote for way more. Per Cox Automotive, large pickups have been going for round $58,000 in 2024, and can doubtless common nearer to $60,000 for 2025.
Whereas large pickups can go for way more than that—try our assessment of the Ram 1500 Tungsten—that $60,000 quantity is the candy spot for most of the 2 million-plus shopper who drive a brand new full-size pickup dwelling yearly.
(By the best way…That $60,000 worth, plus $6000 in taxes and costs, with a 20-percent down cost, involves nearly precisely $1000 a month for a 6-year mortgage at present rates of interest. A major psychological worth threshold for a lot of automobile consumers.)
And truthfully, whereas much less opulently outfitted than most of the pickups we consider right here at Client Information, we discovered this popularly outfitted, Hemi-packing instance a compelling instance of the breed.
And about that Hemi…
The Hemi is Again
The Dodge and Ram manufacturers of Stellantis have invested tens of thousands and thousands of {dollars} promoted the Hemi model. Ascribed to a V8 engine of not less than 5.7-liters in displacement, the Hemi moniker has served these Stellantis manufacturers nicely, delivering dependable energy for efficiency driving, hauling and towing, and general-purpose commuting.
However, the Hemi isn’t particularly gasoline environment friendly, and was lastly retired from Ram light-duty purposes after the 2024 mannequin 12 months.
Engines
The Ram 1500 was freshened for the 2025 mannequin 12 months, at which period the Hemi V8 was changed by a pair of 6-cylinder engines dubbed “Hurricane.” The three.0-liter inline engines function direct injection and turbocharging, and have been rated at 420 horsepower for the bottom unit, and a stout 540 for the “H.O.” variant. Each Hurricane engines got here in with extra energy the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 (395 horsepower) and improved gasoline economic system.
Definitely, a more-powerful, more-efficient engine can be precisely what the Ram wanted to assist seize slightly market share in what’s a extremely aggressive market section. Definitely. Or not…
Sluggish Gross sales
Possibly the Ram people oversold the glory of Hemi possession, however many would-be Ram consumers rejected the brand new Hurricane engines, opting as an alternative to buy a Chevrolet or Ford—each of which might nonetheless be had with conventional V8 engines—or just selecting to not purchase a pickup truck in any respect. Regardless, gross sales have slipped in 2025, and Ram brass have acted rapidly to stem their losses.
By means of the primary three quarters of 2025, Ram pickup gross sales are down nearly 15 p.c from the identical interval in 2024. This regardless of a freshening that included up to date inside and exterior styling. Throughout the identical interval Ford F-Collection truck gross sales slipped about 6 p.c, whereas Chevy Silverado gross sales improved barely (about 1 p.c.)
We needn’t assume that the Hemi engine’s absence was a big a part of the gross sales decline drawback, as public outcry, and seller outrage, have made it clear that the previous V8 nonetheless had a fanbase.
So, for the 2026 mannequin 12 months, the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 is again, and in an fascinating twist, it makes much more noise than it used to. Extra on that exhaust observe in a second.
Take a look at Automobile
Client Information lately spent every week with a 2026 Ram 1500 crew cab. Our take a look at truck got here in fashionable Large Horn trim, and have been it not for the out there Hemi engine (a $2895 possibility) our take a look at truck would have are available proper round that $60,000 candy spot.
As for Hemi pricing—it’s difficult. The Large Horn comes customary with Ram’s tried-and-true, and arguably slightly sleepy—3.6-liter 305-horsepower “Pentastar” V6 engine. For people who don’t often carry heavy masses, the V6 engine will serve nicely, and return respectable gasoline economic system within the cut price.
Out there optionally is 420-horsepower model of the brand new Hurricane 3.0-liter turbocharged six. Stepping as much as the Hurricane 6 provides $1695 to the tab, which seems like a good change for the additional 115 horsepower, and extra torque.
Efficiency Exhaust and eTorue
Stepping over to the Hemi engine provides $2895 to the underside, this regardless of the very fact the old-school V8 produces much less horsepower and torque than the Hurricane engine. Nonetheless, the Hemi engine now comes customary with the beforehand non-compulsory Mopar G/T efficiency exhaust, which had been a $1700 possibility. Additionally included with the Hemi engine is the “Image or Protest” fender badge. Plus, all Hemi engines are actually fitted with the maker’s “eTorque” mild-hybrid system, which gives further torque when pulling away from a cease, and might enhance gasoline economic system. Word, nevertheless, that the Hemi engine requires a food plan of pricy midgrade gasoline, whereas the Hurricane mill will get by on regular-grade gasoline.
Trip and Dealing with
Right here’s the excellent news: The 2026 Ram 1500 is nearly as good because it has all the time been, which is to say it’s excellent. The large pickup’s refined coil-spring rear suspension retains the Ram a best-in-class possibility by way of journey and dealing with, and in addition helps hold factor quiet within the cabin.
Cabin Appointments
And talking of the cabin, we at Client Information not often get pleasure from assessment time in lower-priced Ram choices, as we’re typically offered with higher trim ranges as an alternative. A lot to our shock, our take a look at Lengthy Horn is simply as properly completed and practically as luxurious as more-expensive Rams we’ve take a look at pushed.
Sure, the cabin is lined with much less opulent supplies—and a LOT much less leather-based—however the ambiance continues to be heat and usually upscale. At roughly $60,000, our take a look at truck seems like a really robust worth.
As for the Hemi, it’s nonetheless robust and responsive, it’s just a bit louder now due to the efficiency exhaust system.
Worth
We’re large followers of the Ram, and have named the large pickup to our Client Information Finest Purchase listing once more for 2026. We discover the Hemi engine one thing of a foolish distraction, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a superb truck motor, and when you benefit from the exhaust observe…why not?
In Lengthy Horn trim, the Ram represents robust worth within the big-truck section, and outfitted with the Hurricane engine it delivers loads of energy and affordable gasoline economic system. Should you will need to have the Hemi—and we type of perceive the urge—be totally conscious that you just’re paying slightly extra for rather less—even when your truck will sound actually cool.
Hearken to the Automobile Stuff Podcast
2026 Ram 1500 Footage
Click on under for enlarged photos
