Ram builds two things for consumers: a light-duty truck and a heavy-duty truck. The 1500 pairs a coil-spring ride with engines from a 305 hp V6 to a 540 hp twin-turbo six, and for 2026 the Hemi V8 returns. The Heavy Duty carries a Cummins diesel making 1,075 lb-ft.

A light-duty truck offered across a wide trim range: work truck, luxury liner, or 540 hp desert runner. The Hemi V8 returned for 2026, and the Hurricane twin-turbo six out-muscles it.

The trailer-hauling heavyweight: a 6.4L Hemi standard and the 6.7L Cummins turbo diesel with 1,075 lb-ft, good for up to 36,610 lbs of towing in 3500 form. If you pull a fifth wheel across the desert, this is the shortlist.
The range-extended electric 1500 first shown as the Ramcharger: 647 hp with a V6 onboard generator and a targeted 690 miles of total range, no charging anxiety required.
The Ram 1500 Tradesman is the entry point, typically starting in the low $40Ks. Plus each dealership's own documentary fee (not a government fee), taxes, and government fees. It carries the same frame, coil-spring rear suspension, and core towing hardware as the luxury trims. When a participating dealership lists one on The Model Black, the listing shows your estimated monthly payment with local taxes and fees included.
A properly equipped Ram 1500 tows up to about 11,550 lbs, which covers most boats, campers, and car trailers. The Heavy Duty starts where the 1500 stops: a 2500 handles roughly 20,000 lbs and a 3500 with the high-output Cummins reaches 36,610 lbs. If your trailer weighs under 10,000 lbs, the 1500 rides better and costs less.
Yes. After a brief hiatus, the 5.7L Hemi V8 with eTorque returned to the 1500 lineup for 2026. The Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six remains the highest-output engine, with 420 hp in standard tune and 540 hp in the RHO.
The Rebel is the trail truck: a factory lift, Bilstein shocks, skid plates, and a locking rear axle for real off-road use at a reasonable price. The RHO is the desert-speed flagship: 540 hp, wide-body fenders, 35-inch tires, and long-travel performance suspension. Rebel crawls, RHO flies.
Big Horn is the volume trim: the common equipment without the luxury trim pricing. If you want leather and the nicer cabin, Laramie is where the interior takes a big step up and resale stays strong.