Textual content by Tom Appel
2026 Ram 1500 Massive Horn Crew Cab 4WD
Specs
Class: Massive Pickup Truck
Colour: Granite Crystal
Nation of manufacture: U.S.
Seating capability: 5
Miles pushed: 168
Actual-world gas economic system: 17.6 mpg
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Consolation | A |
| Energy and Efficiency | A |
| Match and End | B |
| Gas Financial system | B |
| Worth | A |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different automobiles in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim degree evaluated, and should not replicate Shopper Information’s impressions of your entire mannequin lineup. | |
| Massive & Tall Consolation | |
| Massive Man | A |
| Tall Man | A |
| Massive & Tall consolation scores are for entrance seats solely. “Massive” 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 Kind | V8 |
| Transmission | 8-speed automated |
| Drive Wheels | 4WD |
Driving combine: 60% metropolis, 40% freeway
EPA-estimated gas economic system: 16/20/18 (metropolis, freeway, mixed)
Gas sort: Midgrade gasoline
Base worth: $52,380 (not together with $2195 vacation spot cost)
Choices on check car: Particular paint ($295), Sport Look Package deal ($1405), Mattress Utility Group ($945), Massive 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 nice: Class-leading journey and dealing with, loads of energy, comfy cabin
The great: Massive Horn trim degree hits big-pickup worth candy spot
The not so good: Hemi engine requires dear midgrade gasoline
Evaluate
The pickup truck seen right here—as geared up—might be the most-popular Ram 1500 configuration bought in 2026. It hits on two key truck-buyer desires—affordability and energy—whereas sustaining the overall appear and feel of a pricier Ram mannequin.
Pickup-Worth Candy Spot
Whereas the common transaction worth for a brand new car within the U.S. at the moment hovers round $50,000, full-size pickups promote for far more. Per Cox Automotive, massive pickups have been going for round $58,000 in 2024, and can probably common nearer to $60,000 for 2025.
Whereas massive pickups can go for far more than that—take a look at our assessment of the Ram 1500 Tungsten—that $60,000 quantity is the candy spot for lots of the 2 million-plus shopper who drive a brand new full-size pickup house yearly.
(By the best way…That $60,000 worth, plus $6000 in taxes and charges, with a 20-percent down cost, 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 patrons.)
And actually, whereas much less opulently outfitted than lots of the pickups we consider right here at Shopper Information, we discovered this popularly geared up, 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 hundreds of thousands of {dollars} promoted the Hemi model. Ascribed to a V8 engine of at the very least 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 gas 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 characteristic 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 gas economic system.
Actually, a more-powerful, more-efficient engine could be precisely what the Ram wanted to assist seize slightly market share in what’s a extremely aggressive market section. Actually. Or not…
Gradual Gross sales
Perhaps the Ram people oversold the glory of Hemi possession, however many would-be Ram patrons rejected the brand new Hurricane engines, opting as an alternative to buy a Chevrolet or Ford—each of which may 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 shortly to stem their losses.
By 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 supplier outrage, have made it clear that the outdated 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 notice in a second.
Check Automotive
Shopper Information just lately spent every week with a 2026 Ram 1500 crew cab. Our check truck got here in common Massive Horn trim, and have been it not for the out there Hemi engine (a $2895 possibility) our check truck would have are available proper round that $60,000 candy spot.
As for Hemi pricing—it’s difficult. The Massive Horn comes customary with Ram’s tried-and-true, and arguably slightly sleepy—3.6-liter 305-horsepower “Pentastar” V6 engine. For folk who don’t frequently carry heavy hundreds, the V6 engine will serve nicely, and return first rate gas economic system within the cut price.
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 appears like a good trade 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 elective 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 offers further torque when pulling away from a cease, and might enhance gas economic system. Notice, nevertheless, that the Hemi engine requires a food regimen of pricy midgrade fuel, whereas the Hurricane mill will get by on regular-grade gas.
Experience and Dealing with
Right here’s the excellent news: The 2026 Ram 1500 is pretty much 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 when it comes to journey and dealing with, and in addition helps preserve factor quiet within the cabin.
Cabin Appointments
And talking of the cabin, we at Shopper Information hardly ever take pleasure in 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 check Lengthy Horn is simply as properly completed and practically as luxurious as more-expensive Rams we’ve check 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 check truck appears 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 massive followers of the Ram, and have named the massive pickup to our Shopper Information Finest Purchase checklist once more for 2026. We discover the Hemi engine one thing of a foolish distraction, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a wonderful truck motor, and for those who benefit from the exhaust notice…why not?
In Lengthy Horn trim, the Ram represents robust worth within the big-truck section, and geared up with the Hurricane engine it delivers loads of energy and cheap gas economic system. If you happen to should have the Hemi—and we form of perceive the urge—be totally conscious that you simply’re paying slightly 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 photos
