The 2026 Ram 1500 in Margate, FL
The 2026 Ram 1500 is a standard pickup available in Quad Cab and Crew Cab configurations with 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrains. Its body and chassis construction combines a ladder-type frame, a steel cab, and a double-wall steel pickup box. The engine range includes a 3.6-liter Pentastar® V-6 eTorque, a 3.0-liter Straight-Six Turbo, a 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 eTorque, and a high-output 3.0-liter Straight-Six Turbo. Eight-speed automatic transmissions, multiple transfer cases, and several axle configurations support different powertrain and operating requirements. The truck also incorporates coil-spring or air-suspension configurations, four-wheel disc brakes, electric power steering, and specialized RHO chassis equipment.
Engine Performance and Powertrain Engineering
The 2026 Ram 1500 engine lineup offers several combinations of displacement, output, induction, and fuel-delivery technology. Engine availability varies by model, allowing different trim configurations to receive powertrains suited to their equipment specifications. The two eTorque engines use 48-volt electrical hardware, while the Straight-Six Turbo engines employ twin turbochargers and direct fuel injection. Each powertrain pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission designed to manage its output characteristics.
3.6-Liter Pentastar® V-6 eTorque
The 3.6-liter Pentastar® V-6 eTorque is available on Tradesman®, Express, and Big Horn®/Lone Star models. This 60-degree, liquid-cooled gasoline engine uses variable valve timing, chain-driven dual overhead camshafts, 24 valves, and hydraulic end-pivot roller rockers. An aluminum deep-skirt block and aluminum-alloy cylinder heads form its primary structure, while sequential multiport electronic fuel injection manages fuel delivery. The engine produces 305 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 271 lb-ft of torque at 4,900 rpm, with its maximum engine speed electronically limited to 6,400 rpm. Its 48-volt, 12-cell lithium-ion battery has a capacity of 0.43 kWh, and the 9-kW belt-starter generator supplies 90 lb-ft of launch torque.
The Pentastar® V-6 operates with an 11.3:1 compression ratio and uses regular unleaded fuel with an 87-octane rating. It holds 6.0 quarts of oil and 14.0 quarts of coolant. Dual three-way catalytic converters and heated oxygen sensors contribute to its emissions-control system. EPA fuel-economy ratings are 20 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined with two-wheel drive. Four-Wheel Drive versions carry ratings of 19 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined.
3.0-Liter Straight-Six Turbo
The 3.0-liter Straight-Six Turbo is available on Tradesman®, Express, Warlock, Big Horn®/Lone Star, Laramie®, and Rebel models. This liquid-cooled inline-six uses twin turbochargers, gasoline direct injection, dual overhead camshafts, and dual independent valve timing. Its 24-valve arrangement includes sodium-filled exhaust valves, roller finger followers, hydraulic lash adjusters, and hydroformed tubular camshafts. Centrally located injectors and a single high-pressure pump deliver fuel to one rail at pressures up to 5,075 psi. The engine generates 420 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 469 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm.
A deep-skirt cast-aluminum block incorporates cross-bolted steel main-bearing caps and low-friction plasma-spray-coated cylinder bores. Additional construction details include a structural die-cast aluminum-alloy oil pan, an aluminum-alloy cylinder head, a forged and twisted steel crankshaft, forged steel connecting rods, and cast aluminum-alloy pistons. The engine has a 10.4:1 compression ratio and an electronically limited maximum speed of 5,800 rpm. Premium 91-octane fuel is recommended, and oil capacity measures 7.5 quarts with a filter change. EPA ratings reach 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined with two-wheel drive, while Four-Wheel Drive ratings measure 17 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 19 mpg combined.
5.7-Liter HEMI® V-8 eTorque
The 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 eTorque is available on Tradesman®, Express, Warlock, Big Horn®/Lone Star, Laramie®, Rebel, Longhorn®, and Limited models. This 90-degree gasoline V-8 uses variable cam timing, pushrod-operated overhead valves, 16 valves, and hydraulic lifters with roller followers. A deep-skirt cast-iron block incorporates cross-bolted main-bearing caps, while aluminum-alloy cylinder heads contain hemispherical combustion chambers. Sequential multiport electronic fuel injection supplies the engine, which produces 395 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 410 lb-ft of torque at 3,950 rpm. Its 48-volt eTorque system includes a 0.43-kWh lithium-ion battery and a 12-kW belt-starter generator that supplies 130 lb-ft of launch torque.
The HEMI® V-8 operates with a 10.5:1 compression ratio and reaches a maximum engine speed of 5,800 rpm. Ram recommends 89-octane mid-grade gasoline, although 87-octane regular gasoline is acceptable. Oil capacity measures 7.0 quarts, and coolant capacity measures 14.0 quarts. Three-way catalytic converters, heated oxygen sensors, and internal engine features manage emissions. Published Four-Wheel Drive fuel-economy ratings are 16 mpg city, 20 mpg highway, and 18 mpg combined.
High-Output Straight-Six Turbo
The high-output 3.0-liter Straight-Six Turbo is available on Longhorn®, Limited, RHO, and Tungsten models. It produces 540 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and 521 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm, with engine speed electronically limited to 6,100 rpm. The engine uses twin turbochargers, direct injection, dual independent valve timing, 24 valves, and a 9.5:1 compression ratio. Its internal construction includes a forged and twisted steel crankshaft, forged steel connecting rods, forged aluminum-alloy pistons, and diamond-like-carbon-coated piston pins. Premium 91-octane fuel is required for this high-output specification.
The high-output engine holds 7.5 quarts of oil with a filter change. Its separate cooling circuits have capacities of 17.34 liters for the high-temperature circuit and 4.52 liters for the low-temperature circuit. Emissions equipment includes dual close-coupled two-stage three-way catalytic converters, four heated oxygen sensors, cooled exhaust-gas recirculation, and internal engine features. A dual 3-inch straight-through exhaust system terminates in two 5-inch black tips. EPA fuel-economy ratings are 15 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, and 17 mpg combined.
Transmission, Four-Wheel Drive, and Axle Systems
The 2026 Ram 1500 connects its engines to TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmissions. Both transmissions provide closely spaced lower gears and overdrive ratios in seventh and eighth gears. Available axle ratios include 3.21, 3.55, and 3.92, depending on the selected powertrain. Four-Wheel Drive configurations use electrically shifted, two-speed transfer cases with a 2.64 low-range ratio. The available driveline hardware includes part-time, on-demand, and full-time systems.
TorqueFlite Eight-Speed Automatic Transmissions
The TorqueFlite 850RE comes standard with the 3.6-liter Pentastar® V-6 eTorque. It uses adaptive electronic control and supports fully automatic operation or driver-selected Electronic Range Select manual control. Its five-clutch-pack design keeps only two clutches open in any gear. A torque-converter lockup system with a turbine torsional damper supports low lockup speeds from first through eighth gear. Ratios progress from 4.71 in first gear to 0.67 in eighth gear, with a 3.30 reverse ratio and available 3.21 or 3.55 axle ratios.
The TorqueFlite 8HP75 comes standard with the 3.0-liter Straight-Six Turbo and 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 eTorque. It combines five clutches with a four-planetary-gear-set architecture and provides a 7.03 overall ratio spread. The transmission includes start-stop capability, Electronic Range Select, and an electronically modulated torque-converter clutch with a torsional turbine damper. Its first-gear ratio is 4.71, while sixth gear provides a direct 1.00 ratio and eighth gear supplies a 0.67 overdrive ratio. Available axle ratios with this transmission include 3.21, 3.55, and 3.92.
Transfer Cases and Differentials
The BW 48-12 part-time transfer case is available with the Pentastar® V-6 eTorque and standard-output Straight-Six Turbo. Its operating modes include two-wheel-drive high range, locked Four-Wheel Drive high range, neutral, and locked Four-Wheel Drive low range. The BW 48-11 on-demand system is available with the standard-output Straight-Six Turbo and HEMI® V-8 eTorque. It adds a Four-Wheel Drive automatic setting to its selectable operating modes. Both transfer cases use electric shifting, provide two speeds, and include a 2.64 low-range ratio.
The BW 48-13 full-time transfer case is available with the high-output Straight-Six Turbo. Its modes include Four-Wheel Drive automatic, locked Four-Wheel Drive high range, neutral, and locked Four-Wheel Drive low range. The system provides variable front-to-rear torque distribution, including 40:60 in automatic mode, 45:55 in wet/snow mode, 45:55 in tow mode, 25:75 in Baja mode, and 50:50 in off-road low range. The front axle measures 215 mm, while rear-axle options include 235-mm and 260-mm units. Depending on configuration, the rear axle can use an open, limited-slip, or electronic-locking differential.
Chassis, Suspension, Steering, and Braking
A ladder-type frame supports every 2026 Ram 1500 configuration. The longitudinal front-engine layout applies to both 4x2 and 4x4 versions, with Four-Wheel Drive models adding a transfer case. The standard front suspension uses upper and lower A-arms, twin-tube shock absorbers, and a stabilizer bar. The rear suspension employs a five-link design with a track bar, stabilizer bar, twin-tube shock absorbers, and solid axle. Electric power steering provides assistance across the model range.
RHO Suspension Hardware
The RHO receives a distinct suspension configuration built around Bilstein e2 Blackhawk active performance dampers. Its front suspension combines upper and lower A-arms, coil springs, and active performance shock absorbers. At the rear, a five-link layout works with a track bar, coil springs, active-damping twin-tube performance shock absorbers, and a solid axle. The RHO also uses a 145.1-inch wheelbase with 74.4-inch front and 74.0-inch rear tracks. Its specified ground clearance with a skid plate reaches 11.8 inches.
The RHO measures 233.7 inches long, 88.0 inches wide, and 81.9 inches high. Its front-axle clearance measures 9.4 inches, while the rear-axle clearance measures 7.4 inches. The chassis provides a 31.0-degree approach angle, a 25.2-degree departure angle, and a 21.8-degree breakover angle without a skid plate. Its open tailgate stands 38.7 inches above the ground.
Disc Brakes and Occupant Protection
Standard front brakes use 14.9 x 1.2-inch vented discs and two-piston pin-slider calipers with an anti-lock braking system. Standard rear brakes use 14.8 x 0.87-inch discs with single-piston pin-slider calipers and ABS. The braking system includes dual-rate, tandem-diaphragm vacuum power assistance. RHO models use 15 x 1.2-inch front rotors with outboard venting and 15 x 0.87-inch rear discs. Both Quad Cab and Crew Cab configurations include six air bags.
Cab, Cargo, and Dimensional Configuration
The 2026 Ram 1500 offers Quad Cab and Crew Cab bodies with seating capacity for six occupants in a three-front and three-rear arrangement. Both cab styles provide 40.9 inches of front headroom, 40.9 inches of front legroom, 66.0 inches of front shoulder room, and 63.4 inches of front hip room. Front-seat travel measures 8.7 inches, and the recliner provides 71 degrees of total travel. Quad Cab rear legroom measures 35.3 inches, while Crew Cab rear legroom measures 44.8 inches. Rear interior volume measures 52.6 cubic feet in the Quad Cab and 68.0 cubic feet in the Crew Cab.
Pickup Box Dimensions
The 5-foot, 7-inch cargo box provides 53.8 cubic feet of SAE-rated volume and a 67.4-inch floor length with the tailgate closed. The 6-foot, 4-inch box increases volume to 61.3 cubic feet and floor length to 76.3 inches. Both boxes measure 66.4 inches wide and provide 51.0 inches between the wheelhouses. Each configuration supplies a 60.0-inch-wide tailgate opening. Box depth measures 21.4 inches with the shorter box and 21.5 inches with the longer box.
Exterior Dimensions and Air Suspension
The Quad Cab with the 6-foot, 4-inch box has a 140.6-inch wheelbase and an overall length of 228.4 inches. Crew Cab wheelbases measure 144.6 inches with the 5-foot, 7-inch box and 153.5 inches with the 6-foot, 4-inch box. Corresponding Crew Cab overall lengths measure 232.4 and 241.3 inches. The standard body width is 81.2 inches for the listed Quad Cab and Crew Cab configurations outside the wider RHO specification. Fuel-tank choices include 26-gallon and 33-gallon capacities, with availability varying by configuration.
Air-suspension configurations provide Entry/Exit, Normal Ride Height, Off Road 1, and Off Road 2 settings. On a Crew Cab with the 5-foot, 7-inch box, ground clearance without a skid plate ranges from 6.7 inches in Entry/Exit mode to 10.7 inches in Off Road 2. The same configuration provides 6.1 inches of clearance with a skid plate in Entry/Exit mode and 10.2 inches in Off Road 2. On a Crew Cab with the 6-foot, 4-inch box, clearance without a skid plate ranges from 6.6 to 10.6 inches across those modes. Its corresponding clearance with a skid plate ranges from 6.1 inches in Entry/Exit mode to 10.1 inches in Off Road 2.
Schedule a Test Ride at Arrigo Chrysler Dodge Jeep® Ram
Contact Arrigo Chrysler Dodge Jeep® Ram in Margate, FL, to schedule a test drive in the 2026 Ram 1500. Our team can help you review the available engines, transmissions, cab layouts, cargo boxes, and drivetrain configurations. A test drive provides an opportunity to assess the truck’s power delivery, eight-speed automatic transmission, electric power steering, suspension response, braking performance, and cabin comfort. You can also examine its functional technology, passenger accommodations, cargo dimensions, handling characteristics, and safety equipment. Schedule your visit to determine which 2026 Ram 1500 configuration aligns with your driving and utility requirements.