2026 HEMI Orders Surge as Buyers Embrace Its Return

Caecey Killian July 7, 2025 2 min read 0

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As expected, the return of the 5.7-liter V8 in the 2026 HEMI RAM 1500 lineup is making waves. Just one month after RAM confirmed the iconic V8’s comeback, early sales data already shows strong demand. According to Stellantis, the automaker received 10,000 orders for the V8-equipped 2026 HEMI RAM 1500 within the first 24 hours of the announcement in early June.

The HEMI Ram Is Back In Demand

That initial surge accounts for roughly 2.7% of RAM’s total U.S. truck sales for 2024, which tallied 373,120 units (including HD models). The numbers are even more impressive when measured against Canadian sales as those same 10,000 orders represent nearly 20% of all RAM trucks sold in Canada in 2024. According to the brand’s CEO, these results already reflect a renewed buyer interest, which could signal a turnaround after several consecutive years of declining sales since 2020.

HEMI Over Hurricane

RAM faced backlash last year when it dropped the HEMI from the 2025 lineup in favor of the new twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter Hurricane inline-six. While more powerful and efficient on paper, the Hurricane hasn’t resonated with die-hard truck buyers who prefer the familiar growl and proven reliability of a V8. Recognizing that demand, and with RAM returning to NASCAR, RAM will now offer the 5.7-liter HEMI with eTorque mild-hybrid tech across most trim levels in 2026, with the exception of the RHO and Tungsten models.

Giving Us The Option

The updated 2026 HEMI delivers 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. Paired with the eTorque system, it benefits from regenerative braking, smoother start/stop transitions, and a torque boost at low RPMs. RAM’s strategy now mirrors Ford’s, offering both modern six-cylinder turbos and traditional V8s to meet different customer needs. The base 420 hp Hurricane I6 will be standard on Sport, Laramie, and Rebel models, while the 540 hp high-output version will power Limited, Longhorn, RHO, and Tungsten trims.

So far, there’s no official word on the return of the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI once found in the RAM TRX. However, with the revival of the SRT performance brand announced the same day, its comeback now seems within reach.

AboutCaecey Killian

Caecey Killian covers builds, installs, and product features for Car Junkie Magazine. He has spent years on the floor of the garage chasing horsepower across SBC, LS, and modern muscle platforms, and that shop time runs through every article he writes. His current CJM project is Project Street Reaper, a 1976 Camaro built around a fresh SBC 350. He is also known for Project Mighty Mouse, a 1977 Chevy Nova running a 1962 small-journal 327 SBC, with build coverage published across multiple online automotive magazines. His media background spans long-form build documentation, install coverage, and product features across the magazine and the Car Junkie Magazine YouTube channel. He writes the way he wrenches: specific, honest about the mistakes, and grounded in real garage work.