The American automotive industry has found itself in a state of strange flux over the last several years, with manufacturers having to be extremely agile and ready to change depending on the interests of vehicle buyers, or the whims of governments around the world.
Stellantis was ready to practically rebirth its Dodge and Ram brands in the face of the trusty V8 falling out of favor, though changing priorities have led to a recent reversal. Now, you have to pay a premium on a Ram 1500 for an engine that isn’t even as powerful as its cheaper successor.
Stellantis Has Made A Drastic About-Turn
2026 Jeep Wrangler Moab 392 Hemi V8 engine topJeep
With worldwide governing authorities hammering down on wasteful and inefficient naturally aspirated engines, like most V8s, automotive giants like Stellantis have had to rejig their approaches to better conform with shifting regulations. One of the clearest examples of the company working to the new rulebook was its decision to replace the Hemi V8 with its new twin-turbocharged Hurricane inline-six engine, which is both more powerful and more fuel-efficient. Beyond that, it put a renewed focus on developing electric vehicle platforms, with the future Ram 1500 and car models like the Dodge Charger making use of both of these propulsion options.
The thing is, the uptake in EVs in particular has been pretty slow, forcing brands to rapidly shift their strategies in an attempt to keep profits rolling through their boardroom doors. Stellantis has greenlit a complete reversal of approach from its premier North American brands, with Dodge, Jeep, and Ram all resurrecting the Hemi V8 and offering it as an option alongside the more modern and efficient Hurricane power plant.
This has proven a popular decision, as it allows buyers of these machines to buy whichever powertrain option best suits their needs and interests. It did leave Ram with something of a dilemma, though: how do you price the resurrected Hemi? It decided to leverage the story of Ram defying the trend-setters and bringing back a traditional engine design, and to apply a so-called character tax to the option.
The Hemi V8 Is The Costliest Option
Ram 1500 with Hemi V8Ram
The Hemi V8 is the most expensive engine option on the 2027 Ram 1500, with the power plant listed at a similar cost to the High-Output version of the Hurricane I6. It’s available on nearly every trim level of the truck, other than the Laramie and RHO, which are equipped exclusively with the Standard-Output and High-Output Hurricane units, respectively. The Hemi V8 is available as a $2,895 option on every variant that comes standard with the naturally aspirated 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, covering the entry-level and some mid-range trims. These include the Crew Cab versions of the Tradesman, Big Horn, and Warlock.
If you opt for the mid-range 1500 Rebel, you’ll pay an extra $1,200 for the Hemi option, since it comes standard with the SO Hurricane I6. The rest of the 2027 1500 lineup, which covers the Limited, Limited Longhorn, and Tungsten versions, comes with the Hemi V8 as a no-cost option, since they come equipped with the HO variant of the Hurricane engine from the factory.
Stellantis Has Applied A Character Tax To The Throaty V8
Ram 1500 with Hemi V8Ram
On the face of it, charging what Ram is asking for the Hemi seems a little unreasonable, given the V8 provides less outright power than the I6, while also consuming more gas. Instead, Stellantis has brought the Hemi V8 back as something of a cult-hero option, relying on the engine’s more distinctive character compared to the Hurricane to sell it. The Hurricane may be more powerful and efficient, but its twin-turbocharged, six-cylinder configuration means it doesn’t produce as characterful a sound, in terms of either tone or volume. Driving a Hemi V8-powered 1500 feels like more of an event, bringing the whole experience to life. Achieving such a thrill in 2026, amid the flood of new EVs and hybrids arriving from every direction, is becoming ever harder, so a premium attached to that experience is understandable.
According to research from San Francisco State University, published in 2014, which studied how satisfied people were based on how they spent their money, those who spent on experiences were found to be happier and more content than those who purchased material goods. The psychology behind this research explains why Stellantis is asking more money for its Hemi V8 than its specifications alone would suggest it is worth, since it provides a more engaging and visceral experience than the Hurricane.
Those After Peak Performance Are Better Off With The Hurricane
2025 Ram 1500 Hurricane 3.0L Twin-turbo I6 EngineRam
If enhancing your on-road experience doesn’t appeal to you though, and you’re simply after the most effective 1500 you can get, then opting for the Hurricane engine is definitely the better approach. If you elect to save around $1,200 and opt for the SO variant of the engine, you’ll have 420 horsepower and 469 lb-ft of torque at your disposal, whereas the Hemi produces just 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. As a result, the Hurricane-equipped 1500 has more pulling power on hand, making towing and hauling heavy loads that much easier.
At the same time, while the Hemi V8 can only muster 18 MPG on the combined fuel cycle, the SO Hurricane unit can manage 21 MPG on average, making it cheaper to run from that standpoint. Those after peak power will be even more enthused by the capability of the HO version of the Hurricane, since that engine comes with a biblical 540 hp and 521 lb-ft of torque, leaving it well clear of what the same-cost Hemi can achieve. At the same time, it sits just 1 MPG behind the V8 on the combined cycle, which is a small price to pay for all that additional performance.
Frankly, from a performance standpoint, it’s not even close between the Hemi and the Hurricane family of engines. If you crave a bit of drama, though, perhaps the Hemi’s relative lack of fuel efficiency and peak power is a price you’ll be willing to pay.
You Could Always Opt For The TRX
2027 Ram 1500 TRX SRTRam
If you have plenty of cash set aside, there is a way of having the best of both worlds. The 2027 Ram 1500 TRX is the range-topping variant of the truck, and returned following several years on the sidelines. Ram fully committed to resurrecting the V8 in its lineup and elected to provide an engine that makes even the HO Hurricane seem modest by comparison.
The TRX SRT comes equipped with a supercharged version of Stellantis’ enlarged 6.2-liter Hemi V8, which produces a supercar-threatening 777 hp and 680 lb-ft of torque. This allows it to sprint from 0–60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, despite tipping the scales at just under 6,500 pounds. It’s a true behemoth in every way, including its price. Without adding any options, the TRX comes with a base MSRP of $99,995, which rises to over $102k by the time you factor in the usual destination costs.
It’s also not particularly fuel-efficient, with the truck averaging around 12 MPG. Combined with the higher maintenance costs associated with that engine and its higher base price, it’s hard to recommend the TRX as a profit-building work truck. If you’re after the unforgettable sound and the experience of driving a supercharged V8 truck, though, the TRX is in a class of its own compared to something more restrained, like its Hurricane-powered siblings. That said, the base 5.7-liter Hemi can deliver a similar experience for considerably less money.
Sources: Ram, San Francisco State University.
