Textual content by Tom Appel
2026 Ram 1500 Large Horn Crew Cab 4WD
Specs
Class: Massive Pickup Truck
Shade: Granite Crystal
Nation of manufacture: U.S.
Seating capability: 5
Miles pushed: 168
Actual-world gas financial system: 17.6 mpg
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Consolation | A |
| Energy and Efficiency | A |
| Match and End | B |
| Gasoline Financial 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 degree evaluated, and should not replicate Shopper Information’s impressions of the complete mannequin lineup. | |
| Large & Tall Consolation | |
| Large Man | A |
| Tall Man | A |
| Large & Tall consolation rankings are for entrance seats solely. “Large” ranking primarily based on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” ranking primarily based on 6’6″-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 395-horsepower 5.7-liter |
| Engine Kind | V8 |
| Transmission | 8-speed computerized |
| Drive Wheels | 4WD |
Driving combine: 60% metropolis, 40% freeway
EPA-estimated gas financial 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 car: Particular paint ($295), Sport Look Bundle ($1405), Mattress Utility Group ($945), Large Horn Degree 2 Tools Group ($2875), Tri–Fold Tonneau Cowl ($550), Trailer-Brake Controller ($296), “Hemi” V8 engine ($2895)
Worth as examined: $63,835
Execs and Cons
The good: Class-leading trip and dealing with, loads of energy, snug cabin
The great: Large Horn trim degree hits big-pickup worth candy spot
The not so good: Hemi engine requires dear midgrade gasoline
Overview
The pickup truck seen right here—as outfitted—might be the most-popular Ram 1500 configuration offered in 2026. It hits on two key truck-buyer needs—affordability and energy—whereas sustaining the final feel and appear of a pricier Ram mannequin.
Pickup-Worth Candy Spot
Whereas the typical transaction worth for a brand new car within the U.S. at present hovers round $50,000, full-size pickups promote for far more. Per Cox Automotive, huge pickups had been going for round $58,000 in 2024, and can seemingly common nearer to $60,000 for 2025.
Whereas huge pickups can go for far more than that—take a look at our evaluate 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 residence yearly.
(By the best way…That $60,000 worth, plus $6000 in taxes and costs, with a 20-percent down fee, involves nearly precisely $1000 a month for a 6-year mortgage at present rates of interest. A big psychological worth threshold for a lot of automotive consumers.)
And actually, whereas much less opulently outfitted than most of the pickups we consider right here at Shopper 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 no less than 5.7-liters in displacement, the Hemi moniker has served these Stellantis manufacturers effectively, delivering dependable energy for efficiency driving, hauling and towing, and general-purpose commuting.
However, the Hemi isn’t particularly gas environment friendly, and was lastly retired from Ram light-duty purposes after the 2024 mannequin yr.
Engines
The Ram 1500 was freshened for the 2025 mannequin yr, at which era the Hemi V8 was changed by a pair of 6-cylinder engines dubbed “Hurricane.” The three.0-liter inline engines characteristic direct injection and turbocharging, and had 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 gas financial system.
Definitely, a more-powerful, more-efficient engine can be precisely what the Ram wanted to assist seize a bit of market share in what’s a extremely aggressive market section. Definitely. Or not…
Gradual Gross sales
Possibly the Ram of us 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.
Via the primary three quarters of 2025, Ram pickup gross sales are down nearly 15 % 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 %, whereas Chevy Silverado gross sales improved barely (about 1 %.)
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 vendor outrage, have made it clear that the previous V8 nonetheless had a fanbase.
So, for the 2026 mannequin yr, the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 is again, and in an attention-grabbing twist, it makes much more noise than it used to. Extra on that exhaust observe in a second.
Take a look at Automotive
Shopper Information not too long ago spent per week with a 2026 Ram 1500 crew cab. Our take a look at truck got here in fashionable Large Horn trim, and had been it not for the obtainable Hemi engine (a $2895 possibility) our take a look at truck would have are available in proper round that $60,000 candy spot.
As for Hemi pricing—it’s sophisticated. The Large Horn comes normal with Ram’s tried-and-true, and arguably a bit of sleepy—3.6-liter 305-horsepower “Pentastar” V6 engine. For people who don’t often carry heavy masses, the V6 engine will serve effectively, and return respectable gas financial system within the discount.
Accessible 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 looks like a good alternate 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. Nevertheless, the Hemi engine now comes normal with the beforehand optionally available 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 supplies extra torque when pulling away from a cease, and may enhance gas financial system. Be aware, nevertheless, that the Hemi engine requires a food plan of pricy midgrade fuel, whereas the Hurricane mill will get by on regular-grade gas.
Journey and Dealing with
Right here’s the excellent news: The 2026 Ram 1500 is pretty much as good because it has at all times been, which is to say it’s superb. The large pickup’s refined coil-spring rear suspension retains the Ram a best-in-class possibility when it comes to trip and dealing with, and likewise helps maintain factor quiet within the cabin.
Cabin Appointments
And talking of the cabin, we at Shopper Information hardly ever get pleasure from evaluate 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 almost 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 customarily upscale. At roughly $60,000, our take a look at truck looks 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 huge followers of the Ram, and have named the large pickup to our Shopper Information Greatest Purchase record once more for 2026. We discover the Hemi engine one thing of a foolish distraction, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a wonderful truck motor, and if you happen to 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 cheap gas financial system. For those who should have the Hemi—and we form of perceive the urge—be totally conscious that you just’re paying a bit of extra for rather less—even when your truck will sound actually cool.
Hearken to the Automotive Stuff Podcast
2026 Ram 1500 Footage
Click on under for enlarged photographs