Text by Tom Appel
2026 Ram 1500 Big Horn Crew Cab 4WD
Specs
Class: Large Pickup Truck
Color: Granite Crystal
Country of manufacture: U.S.
Seating capacity: 5
Miles driven: 168
Real-world fuel economy: 17.6 mpg
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Comfort | A |
| Power and Performance | A |
| Fit and Finish | B |
| Fuel Economy | B |
| Value | A |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide's impressions of the entire model lineup. | |
| Big & Tall Comfort | |
| Big Guy | A |
| Tall Guy | A |
| Big & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only. "Big" rating based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, "Tall" rating based on 6'6"-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 395-horsepower 5.7-liter |
| Engine Type | V8 |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Drive Wheels | 4WD |
Driving mix: 60% city, 40% highway
EPA-estimated fuel economy: 16/20/18 (city, highway, combined)
Fuel type: Midgrade gasoline
Base price: $52,380 (not including $2195 destination charge)
Options on test vehicle: Special paint ($295), Sport Appearance Package ($1405), Bed Utility Group ($945), Big Horn Level 2 Equipment Group ($2875), Tri–Fold Tonneau Cover ($550), Trailer-Brake Controller ($296), “Hemi” V8 engine ($2895)
Price as tested: $63,835
Pros and Cons
The great: Class-leading ride and handling, plenty of power, comfortable cabin
The good: Big Horn trim level hits big-pickup price sweet spot
The not so good: Hemi engine requires pricey midgrade gasoline
Review
The pickup truck seen here—as equipped—may well be the most-popular Ram 1500 configuration sold in 2026. It hits on two key truck-buyer wants—affordability and power—while maintaining the general look and feel of a pricier Ram model.
Pickup-Price Sweet Spot
While the average transaction price for a new vehicle in the U.S. currently hovers around $50,000, full-size pickups sell for much more. Per Cox Automotive, big pickups were going for around $58,000 in 2024, and will likely average closer to $60,000 for 2025.
While big pickups can go for much more than that—check out our review of the Ram 1500 Tungsten—that $60,000 number is the sweet spot for many of the 2 million-plus shopper who drive a new full-size pickup home every year.
(By the way…That $60,000 price, plus $6000 in taxes and fees, with a 20-percent down payment, comes to almost exactly $1000 a month for a 6-year loan at current interest rates. A significant psychological price threshold for many car buyers.)
And honestly, while less opulently outfitted than many of the pickups we evaluate here at Consumer Guide, we found this popularly equipped, Hemi-packing example a compelling example of the breed.
And about that Hemi…
The Hemi is Back
The Dodge and Ram brands of Stellantis have invested tens of millions of dollars promoted the Hemi brand. Ascribed to a V8 engine of at least 5.7-liters in displacement, the Hemi moniker has served these Stellantis brands well, delivering reliable power for performance driving, hauling and towing, and general-purpose commuting.
But, the Hemi isn’t especially fuel efficient, and was finally retired from Ram light-duty applications after the 2024 model year.
Engines
The Ram 1500 was freshened for the 2025 model year, at which time the Hemi V8 was replaced by a pair of 6-cylinder engines dubbed “Hurricane.” The 3.0-liter inline engines feature direct injection and turbocharging, and were rated at 420 horsepower for the base unit, and a stout 540 for the “H.O.” variant. Both Hurricane engines came in with more power the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 (395 horsepower) and improved fuel economy.
Certainly, a more-powerful, more-efficient engine would be exactly what the Ram needed to help grab a little market share in what is a highly competitive market segment. Certainly. Or not…
Slow Sales
Maybe the Ram folks oversold the glory of Hemi ownership, but many would-be Ram buyers rejected the new Hurricane engines, opting instead to purchase a Chevrolet or Ford—both of which can still be had with traditional V8 engines—or simply choosing not to buy a pickup truck at all. Regardless, sales have slipped in 2025, and Ram brass have acted quickly to stem their losses.
Through the first three quarters of 2025, Ram pickup sales are down almost 15 percent from the same period in 2024. This despite a freshening that included updated interior and exterior styling. During the same period Ford F-Series truck sales slipped about 6 percent, while Chevy Silverado sales improved slightly (about 1 percent.)
We needn’t assume that the Hemi engine’s absence was a large part of the sales decline problem, as public outcry, and dealer outrage, have made it clear that the old V8 still had a fanbase.
So, for the 2026 model year, the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 is back, and in an interesting twist, it makes even more noise than it used to. More on that exhaust note in a moment.
Test Car
Consumer Guide recently spent a week with a 2026 Ram 1500 crew cab. Our test truck came in popular Big Horn trim, and were it not for the available Hemi engine (a $2895 option) our test truck would have come in right around that $60,000 sweet spot.
As for Hemi pricing—it’s complicated. The Big Horn comes standard with Ram’s tried-and-true, and arguably a little sleepy—3.6-liter 305-horsepower “Pentastar” V6 engine. For folks who don’t regularly carry heavy loads, the V6 engine will serve well, and return decent fuel economy in the bargain.
Available optionally is 420-horsepower version of the new Hurricane 3.0-liter turbocharged six. Stepping up to the Hurricane 6 adds $1695 to the tab, which feels like a fair exchange for the extra 115 horsepower, and additional torque.
Performance Exhaust and eTorue
Stepping over to the Hemi engine adds $2895 to the bottom, this despite the fact the old-school V8 produces less horsepower and torque than the Hurricane engine. However, the Hemi engine now comes standard with the previously optional Mopar G/T performance exhaust, which had been a $1700 option. Also included with the Hemi engine is the “Symbol or Protest” fender badge. Plus, all Hemi engines are now fitted with the maker’s “eTorque” mild-hybrid system, which provides additional torque when pulling away from a stop, and can improve fuel economy. Note, however, that the Hemi engine requires a diet of pricy midgrade gas, while the Hurricane mill gets by on regular-grade fuel.
Ride and Handling
Here’s the good news: The 2026 Ram 1500 is as good as it has always been, which is to say it’s very good. The big pickup’s sophisticated coil-spring rear suspension keeps the Ram a best-in-class option in terms of ride and handling, and also helps keep thing quiet in the cabin.
Cabin Appointments
And speaking of the cabin, we at Consumer Guide rarely enjoy review time in lower-priced Ram offerings, as we are generally presented with upper trim levels instead. Much to our surprise, our test Long Horn is just as nicely finished and nearly as luxurious as more-expensive Rams we’ve test driven.
Yes, the cabin is lined with less opulent materials—and a LOT less leather—but the ambiance is still warm and generally upscale. At roughly $60,000, our test truck feels like a very strong value.
As for the Hemi, it is still strong and responsive, it’s just a little louder now thanks to the performance exhaust system.
Value
We’re big fans of the Ram, and have named the big pickup to our Consumer Guide Best Buy list again for 2026. We find the Hemi engine something of a silly distraction, however it’s still an excellent truck motor, and if you enjoy the exhaust note…why not?
In Long Horn trim, the Ram represents strong value in the big-truck segment, and equipped with the Hurricane engine it delivers plenty of power and reasonable fuel economy. If you must have the Hemi—and we sort of understand the urge—be fully aware that you’re paying a little more for a little less—even if your truck will sound really cool.
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2026 Ram 1500 Pictures
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