Ram Trucks Reintroducing Hemi V8 Engine Option

Return of the Hemi: Ram’s Big News has Enthusiasts Fired Up

After a fair amount of speculation, backlash, and hoping beyond hope, Ram gave their fans a big reason to get excited, when they announced that they would be reintroducing the Hemi V8 option on their 2026 Ram 1500, after it was discontinued on the 2025 1500. For fans of the raw power and classic muscle that the Hemi was known for, this is probably the best news they could have gotten, as it also marks a shift in thinking from the industry’s rapid move towards smaller turbocharged engines and electrified platforms that have steadily gained popularity in recent years.

When Ram removed the Hemi option from the 2025 model in favor of the Hurricane inline-6 engine, it seemed to be the death-knell for the V8 era at Ram, but it seems that they aren’t quite ready to wave the white flag on their iconic powerhouse just yet, and neither are their customers. So we’re going to go over why the Hemi’s back with a vengeance, and what it means for Ram enthusiasts everywhere.

Why This Move Matters for Ram Owners and the Aftermarket Scene

As LL Cool J said, “don’t call it a comeback” and we’re tempted to agree here. After all, the Hemi was only discontinued for one year. It’s more of taking a gap year than going into retirement. This move by Ram is more than a nostalgia response to keep their customers engaged. It’s really a signal that Ram is still focused on what they always have been: Deep sound, huge power, and endless upgrade potential. Bringing the Hemi back means that Ram enthusiasts can find the upgrades to squeeze even more power out of an already impressive powerhouse, while enjoying all the technological upgrades that come with a brand new model.

What Ram Said and What It Means

First and foremost, this is a win for Ram enthusiasts who were crushed by the original news of Ram discontinuing the Hemi for 2025, because Ram admitted that they’re bringing the Hemi back due to customer demand. After all, Ram competitors still offered V8 engines on their full-size pickup trucks, so why would it make sense for Ram to stop? The Hurricane inline-6 does deliver an impressive amount of torque and horsepower, but many felt it lacked the signature sound, feel, and legacy that the Hemi helped Ram trucks cultivate over the years.

We don’t exactly have all the details yet, like which trims are getting the Hemi as an option, and how it’ll work alongside the Hurricane, whether it’s a standalone option or if customers can choose between the two, but regardless, the intent has become clear: there’s still plenty of room for that V8 muscle. And, even more importantly, moving back to the Hemi keeps the door wide open for Ram fans who love to build, tune, and personalize their trucks around that platform any way they can.

Why the Hemi Still Matters

One of the reasons the Hemi is so popular among Ram enthusiasts is that it’s more than just an engine upgrade option for their truck, it’s really an identity. There’s the badge on the side of the truck, the roar of the throttle, and the instant boost of torque when you’re towing. As the automotive industry continues to march towards quieter, more efficient, and even electric options, the Hemi bucks the trend by representing something that’s raw and powerful, something that makes you feel the vibrations in your chest when you fire it up or crank up the RPMs on the highway.

While some might argue that the Hurricane inline-6 is faster on paper, it lacks the soul that the Hemi boasts, thanks to its rich history and popularity in the community. Someday it might be able to go toe-to-toe with the Hemi in terms of appeal, but right now it’s still too young to hold a candle to the V8 option. Perfect for tuning or even something simpler like a new intake or exhaust upgrade, there’s a whole world of mods made for the V8 that make it fun to work on, and incredibly easy to make it feel like your very own.

What This Means for Future Ram Builds

The good news is that Ram lovers who weren’t sure what to do without a V8 engine for them to modify are ecstatic once again. Moving to the Hurricane inline-6 almost felt like they were being forced into an option that they didn’t ask for. Sure it’s powerful, but it’s not the same thing and Ram fans knew it. There’s a distinct sound difference between the two engine options, and while for many that might sound like a trivial difference, to true, loyal enthusiasts of the brand, that matters just as much as the numbers on the spec sheet.

This news means that those who were sad about having to either mod an engine type they didn’t care for or not mod at all can jump back in, knowing that their wishes have been granted and they can go back to pulling even more power out of an incredibly robust V8 option. Looking to add cams and headers for a street build? That’s possible again. Thinking about getting an intake and exhaust to make your truck breathe better and sound louder? Practically child’s play now. Like we said, don’t call this a comeback, think of it more as a reset. Anyone who’s been waiting for Ram to give them a reason to really get excited again just found it.

Find All Upgrades for Your Ram Truck at Custom Offsets!

Again, we don’t exactly know when the Hemi V8 is actually going to start being available again for fans to purchase, or what models it’ll be an option for, but whenever that does happen, rest assured that Custom Offsets has all the upgrades you could possibly want for your Ram in our store! We have the largest selection of wheels, tires, suspension, even engine and exhaust upgrades available anywhere, so no matter what you’re looking for, we’ll have it ready and waiting! We offer free shipping and quick delivery for all purchases, and we also have some great financing options to help make your purchase easier and more affordable by making payments back over time. Plus if you have any questions at all, our world-class customer service team is always here to help answer any questions or provide recommendations for your build! Get pumped up, because the Hemi is coming back, and we just can’t wait to see it!