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How Tough is the 2026 Ram 1500?

A silver 2026 Ram 1500 pulls a trailer bearing a vehicle on a road bordered by trees

New Ram 1500 at Tarrabain Motor Products

If you’ve got even a passing interest in trucks, then you’re no stranger to the Ram 1500: the full-size, light-duty pickup that made waves as MotorTrend’s 2025 Truck of the Year. For 2026, the Ram 1500 caused even more of a stir with the return of its beloved 5.7 L HEMI V8 engine, announced alongside Canada’s Best Full-Size Truck Powertrain Warranty, so you know the team at Tarrabain Motor Products couldn’t resist putting it to the test to see just how tough it really is. Spoiler alert: it lives up to the hype in a big way, with four roaring powertrains ranging all the way up to 521 lb.-ft of torque and a max 540 horsepower that’s raring to tow! Let’s dive in for a closer look!

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How Much Can the 2026 Ram 1500 Tow?

It’s not just about muscle: every athlete knows that to excel, you need a solid strategy and a spotter you can trust. The 2026 Ram 1500 brings both in the form of pulling power ranging from 8,110 lbs to 11,560 lbs, available camera views, and accessories designed to help you see around long or bulky trailers and simplify your maneuvers.

A blue 2026 Ram RHO kicks up dirt clouds on the off-road
Canada's Best Full-Size Truck Powertrain Limited Warranty 10 Yr/160,000 km

Here are just some of the towing-specific considerations the 2026 Ram 1500 has made, all while keeping things as straightforward and intuitive as possible:

  • Air Suspension System
  • Cargo View and Back Up Cameras
  • 360-Degree Surround View
  • Telescoping Trailer Tow Mirrors
  • Trailer Reverse Steering Control
  • Trailer Sway Control

Where the Magic Happens: Check Out the 2026 Ram 1500’s Engine Options!

Now we’ve seen the brains, let’s check out the brawn. You’ve got a choice of four powertrains, but with the rough and tough 305-horsepower 3.6 L Pentastar V6 as your entry point, it’s really impossible to go wrong. The Ram 1500’s power tops out at 540 horsepower and 521 lb.-ft on the 3.0 T6 Hurricane High-Output engine, which promises the top-tier thrills and big off-roading fun, but the 3.0 L Hurricane I6 edges it out in the towing department with a slightly higher rating of 11,560 lb. We also can’t talk about the Ram 1500 without mentioning the 5.7 L HEMI V8, back by popular demand and equipped with a hefty 396 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque for work and play. Spoiled for choice? Talk to our product experts for help deciding on your powertrain!

2026 Ram 1500 Engine Specifications

Engine

3.6 L Pentastar V6 with eTorque

5.7 L HEMI V8

3.0 L I6 SO Twin Turbo Hurricane 

3.0 L High-Output Twin Turbo Hurricane I6

Horsepower (hp)

305

395

420

540

Torque (lb-ft)

269 410 469

521

Max Towing (kg /lb)

3,679 / 8,110 5,130 / 11,310 5,248 / 11,560

4,500 / 9,920

Max Payload (kg / lb)

1,075 / 2,370

762 / 1,680 898 / 1,980

690 / 1,520

Model Availability

Tradesman

Big Horn

Tradesman

Big Horn

Limited

Longhorn

Sport

Laramie

Sport

Rebel

Laramie

Tradesman

Big Horn

Limited

Limited

Longhorn

RHO

Tungsten

Shop the 2026 Ram 1500 at Tarrabain Motor Products

Was there really ever any doubt? The 2026 Ram 1500 delivers on its promises and then some, with unstoppable horsepower, torque, and towing at its disposal, and a wealth of dedicated tech toys to make even shorter work of those difficult hauling jobs. Get in touch with the team at Tarrabain Motor Products to book your test drive around Lac La Biche, AB, or shop more of our hardworking pickup trucks to find your perfect work partner!