
5.7L HEMI V8
The familiar HEMI V8 returns as an available Ram 1500 powertrain, producing strong V8 performance for customers who prefer traditional naturally aspirated power.
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2026 vs. 2027 Ram Truck Comparison
Compare the 2026 and 2027 Ram 1500, Ram 2500 and Ram 3500. Explore engines, horsepower, torque, payload and towing capacity so you can choose the Ram truck that matches the work you need to do.

The Ram Lineup
The Ram lineup gives truck shoppers a clear progression from everyday capability to serious heavy-duty towing. The Ram 1500 is built for daily driving, hauling and recreational towing, while the Ram 2500 and 3500 step up to substantially greater payload and trailer capacity.
Choosing the right truck means looking beyond one maximum number. Engine, axle ratio, cab, bed length, drivetrain, GVWR, payload and trailer weight all affect what a specific truck can safely tow.
Shop The Lineup
Start with the truck that matches your needs, then narrow your choice by engine, cab, bed, drivetrain and towing requirements.

A versatile full-size pickup built for commuting, hauling, off-road driving and substantial trailer loads.
Shop Ram 1500 →
Designed for customers who need more payload and towing capability than a half-ton truck can provide.
Shop Ram 2500 →
The heavy-duty choice for serious fifth-wheel, gooseneck, commercial and maximum-capacity towing applications.
Shop Ram 3500 →Model Year Comparison
Compare the major capability differences between the two model years, including available engines and maximum towing figures.
The 2026 Ram 1500 lineup offers the 3.6L Pentastar V6, 3.0L Hurricane engines and available 5.7L HEMI V8 depending on model and configuration.
For 2027, the Ram 1500 continues the Hurricane family while bringing the available 5.7L HEMI V8 back into the lineup.
Powertrain Breakdown
Horsepower is only part of the equation. Towing customers should also consider torque, axle ratio, payload and the exact configuration.

The familiar HEMI V8 returns as an available Ram 1500 powertrain, producing strong V8 performance for customers who prefer traditional naturally aspirated power.

The Standard-Output Hurricane inline-six combines strong horsepower and torque with impressive towing capability.

The High-Output Hurricane is the horsepower leader in the Ram 1500 family, producing 540 horsepower and 521 lb-ft of torque.

The Pentastar V6 provides an efficient option for drivers who use their Ram 1500 for commuting, hauling and moderate towing.
Heavy-Duty Ram Trucks
Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 are built for customers who need substantially more towing and payload capability. The available High-Output 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 is the centerpiece of the HD lineup.

Ram Heavy Duty
The right HD truck depends on how much you tow, how often you tow it, how much payload you carry and whether you need a single- or dual-rear-wheel configuration.

Heavy-Duty Pickup
The Ram 2500 reaches up to 20,000 pounds of available towing capacity with the High-Output 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6. The 6.4L HEMI V8 provides the gas-powered alternative.

Maximum Heavy-Duty Towing
Properly equipped with the High-Output 6.7L Cummins and dual-rear-wheel configuration, the Ram 3500 reaches an available maximum towing capacity of 36,610 pounds.
Ram HD Engines
Ram HD gives buyers two very different approaches to heavy-duty power: the 6.4L HEMI V8 for gas-powered capability and the High-Output 6.7L Cummins for maximum diesel towing.

The HD HEMI is designed around heavy-duty applications and low-end torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The available High-Output Cummins delivers massive torque and pairs with the TorqueFlite HD eight-speed automatic transmission.
Ram Towing Guide
Maximum available ratings give you a starting point. Your actual towing capacity depends on the exact engine, axle, cab, bed, drivetrain, GVWR and equipment.
Maximum available 2027 Ram 1500 towing capacity.
Maximum available Ram 2500 diesel towing capacity.
Maximum available Ram 3500 diesel towing capacity when properly equipped.
| Engine | Axle Ratio | Cab / Bed | Max Trailer Weight | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6L Pentastar V6 | 3.55 | Quad Cab 6'4" | 7,660 LB | 4x2 / 4x4 configuration dependent |
| 3.6L Pentastar V6 | 3.55 | Crew Cab 5'7" | 7,570 LB | Configuration dependent |
| 3.0L Hurricane SO | 3.92 | Quad Cab | 11,610 LB | Maximum shown in supplied 2026 chart |
| 3.0L Hurricane SO | 3.92 | Crew Cab 5'7" | 11,490 LB | Configuration dependent |
| 5.7L HEMI V8 | 3.92 | Crew Cab 5'7" | 11,320 LB | Maximum HEMI towing figure |
| 3.0L Hurricane HO | 3.92 | RHO / Limited | 10,000 LB | Model-specific rating |
2026 Ram 1500 figures are based on the supplied Ram 1500 towing information. Trailer weight and payload ratings are mutually exclusive. Always verify GAWR, GVWR and GCWR for the exact truck.
| Truck | Engine | Rear Wheels | Axle | GVWR | Max Trailer Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ram 2500 | 6.4L HEMI V8 | SRW | 4.10 | 9,900–11,440 LB | Up to 17,740 LB |
| Ram 2500 | 6.7L Cummins HO | SRW | 3.42 | 9,900–11,040 LB | Up to 20,000 LB |
| Ram 3500 | 6.4L HEMI V8 | DRW | 4.10 | 14,000 LB | 18,150 LB |
| Ram 3500 | 6.7L Cummins HO | SRW | 3.42 | Up to 12,300 LB | Up to 25,490 LB* |
| Ram 3500 | 6.7L Cummins HO | DRW | 3.42 | 14,000 LB | 36,610 LB |
Exact trailer capacity varies by cab, bed, GVWR, rear axle, drivetrain and hitch configuration. Always verify the exact truck's published rating before towing.
| Model | 2026 Max Tow | 2027 Max Tow | 2026 Max Payload | 2027 Max Payload |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ram 1500 | 11,320 LB | 11,530 LB | Up to 2,360 LB* | 2,340 LB |
| Ram 2500 | 20,000 LB | 20,000 LB | Up to 3,930 LB* | Up to 4,580 LB* |
| Ram 3500 | 36,610 LB | 36,610 LB | Up to 7,590 LB* | Up to 7,590 LB* |
Maximum figures are configuration-specific and should not be treated as the rating for every truck in a model range.
Capability Beyond The Numbers
Towing confidence comes from the entire truck: powertrain, suspension, brakes, trailer technology, axle ratio and the way the truck manages the load.
Available trailer camera systems, trailer monitoring, Trailer Reverse Steering Control and tow-focused displays help drivers manage larger loads.
The High-Output 6.7L Cummins delivers 1,075 lb-ft of torque and pairs with the TorqueFlite HD eight-speed automatic.
Available factory-installed fifth-wheel and gooseneck preparation helps integrate heavy trailers with the truck.
Dual-rear-wheel configurations are designed for customers who need maximum stability, payload and trailer capacity.
Ram HD trucks use heavy-duty four-wheel disc antilock brakes, with available Automatic Smart Exhaust Brake technology.
Trailer tongue weight counts against payload. Maximum tow rating does not mean every trailer can be carried at that number.
Ram Truck FAQs
A few quick answers can help narrow down whether a Ram 1500, Ram 2500 or Ram 3500 makes the most sense for your trailer, workload and driving needs.
The 2027 Ram 1500 has a maximum available towing rating of 11,530 pounds compared with 11,320 pounds for the 2026 Ram 1500. The actual difference depends on configuration.
Yes. The available 5.7L HEMI V8 produces 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque.
Properly equipped Ram 2500 models can reach up to 20,000 pounds of available towing capacity with the High-Output 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6.
The Ram 3500 reaches up to 36,610 pounds of available towing capacity with the High-Output 6.7L Cummins and the appropriate configuration.
It depends on loaded trailer weight, pin weight, payload, axle ratings and how frequently you tow. A Ram 3500 is generally the stronger choice when trailer or pin weight pushes beyond the practical payload limits of a 2500.
For many travel trailers, yes. Properly equipped Ram 1500 models can tow well over 10,000 pounds. The correct truck depends on loaded trailer weight, tongue weight, passengers and cargo.
Use the inventory links throughout this page to browse current Ram 1500, Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 inventory.
Ready To Compare In Person?
Compare available Ram 1500, Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 inventory, then narrow your choices by engine, cab, bed, drivetrain and towing requirements.