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What Are the Changes in the 2026 Ram? A Detailed Look at the Latest Ram Models at NewGen Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Clinton

If you’re exploring the latest full-size pickups and heavy-duty trucks in the Jackson, Saline, or Adrian areas, the 2026 Ram lineup brings significant advancements to meet your needs. From the return of the legendary 5.7L HEMI V8 engine to impressive technology upgrades and new hybrid options, the 2026 Ram trucks continue to deliver the power, capability, and comfort Michigan drivers demand. Whether you’re commuting around Clinton or heading out on weekend adventures near Napoleon, understanding the key changes in the 2026 Ram models will help you choose the perfect truck for work or play.

For personalized assistance or to schedule a test drive, feel free to call us at (517) 456-6555 or visit us at 1111 W Michigan Ave, Clinton, MI 49236.

Table of Contents

 

Exterior Updates for 2026 Ram Models

The 2026 Ram 1500 and 2500 models arrive with a fresh look tailored to Michigan drivers who appreciate both ruggedness and modern style. The front fascia of the Ram 1500 has been completely redesigned, featuring a bold grille that commands attention on roads from Adrian to Manchester. New LED headlights and taillights come standard across trims, improving visibility during early morning commutes or nighttime drives along the backroads near Raisin Township.

One of the standout new features is the customizable LED walk-up lighting animations on the Ram 1500. These animations greet you as you approach the truck, a blend of style and practicality that enhances safety and personalizes your vehicle experience. The 2026 Ram 2500 also shares similar exterior upgrades, including a redesigned grille that offers a more aggressive stance, complemented by new color options to suit your taste.

These exterior enhancements not only boost curb appeal but also reflect the truck’s capability to tackle everything from work sites in Ypsilanti to off-road trails near Lake St Claire. For those ready to explore the new look firsthand, check out our New Inventory at NewGen Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Clinton.

 

Interior Technology and Comfort Enhancements

Inside the 2026 Ram models, technology and comfort receive a significant upgrade designed with Michigan families and professionals in mind. The Ram 1500 offers standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, making it easier than ever to stay connected during your daily drives through Chelsea or Monroe. Larger touchscreen displays are now available — the Ram 1500 features options up to 14.5 inches, ensuring intuitive access to navigation, media, and vehicle controls.

Additional available features include a digital rearview mirror, head-up display, and a 10.3-inch front passenger touchscreen, elevating the in-cabin experience whether you’re hauling gear to Jackson or cruising through Clinton. Premium audio options from Harman Kardon and Klipsch deliver immersive sound, perfect for enjoying music on long trips or weekend getaways to the Upper Peninsula.

For added convenience, the 2026 Ram supports dual wireless charging pads and phone-as-key functionality, allowing you to unlock and start your truck with your smartphone. These innovative amenities make your Ram not just a truck but a technological hub ready to support your busy lifestyle.

If you’re interested in experiencing these interior upgrades in person, visit our showroom or browse the New Ram 1500 models online.

 

Performance and Powertrain Innovations

The 2026 Ram 1500 marks the exciting return of the 5.7L HEMI V8 engine, a beloved powertrain that Ram temporarily paused in 2025 to focus on the Hurricane inline-six engines. This V8 now comes standard with the eTorque mild hybrid system, enhancing fuel efficiency and providing an additional 130 lb-ft of torque during acceleration — a crucial benefit for drivers towing boats or trailers to Franklin Township lakes or carrying heavy loads across Macon Township.

Power output for the 5.7L HEMI is rated at 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. For those who prefer the cutting edge, the new Ramcharger plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) combines a 3.6L Pentastar V6 with electric motors to produce a combined 647 horsepower and 610 lb-ft of torque, offering both extended range and eco-conscious performance without sacrificing power.

The Ram 1500 also introduces the off-road-focused RHO trim, equipped with 35-inch tires and beadlock-capable wheels designed for rugged terrains around Napoleon or Saline Township. This trim blends aggressive capability with the latest technology and comfort features, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

Explore these powertrains and trims by visiting our Ram 1500 lineup or discussing your needs with our specialists.

 

What’s New with the 2026 Ram 2500 and Heavy-Duty Models

The 2026 Ram 2500 brings its own set of important revisions, particularly for those requiring serious hauling and towing capability in places like Saline or Raisin Township. The exterior receives a redesigned grille and new LED lighting on all models, improving both aesthetics and safety. Inside, refined seats with upgraded materials ensure driver and passenger comfort during long hauls.

The heavy-duty trucks now feature an increased gross vehicle weight rating, boosting payload capacity up to an impressive 3,930 pounds. Adaptive cruise control is also available on base models, enhancing highway driving comfort for professionals commuting to Chelsea or Manchester Township.

The 6.4L HEMI V8 powering the Ram 2500 delivers 405 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Heavy-duty four-wheel disc antilock brakes, available trailer steering control, and trailer tire pressure monitoring round out the safety and performance features.

To explore the full lineup of heavy-duty trucks, visit our New Ram 2500 inventory.

 

Is RAM Phasing Out the HEMI Engine?

Despite some confusion, Ram is not phasing out the iconic HEMI V8 engine. The 5.7L HEMI was removed from the Ram 1500 for the 2025 model year to comply with emissions regulations and to promote the Hurricane inline-six engines. However, strong customer demand from communities around Adrian, Tecumseh Township, and Bridgewater Township led to its return in 2026.

The 2026 Ram 1500 offers the 5.7L HEMI V8 with the eTorque mild hybrid technology, delivering a blend of power and efficiency that many Michiganders appreciate. While some trims, like the RHO and Tungsten, do not offer the HEMI, it remains available across most of the lineup, signaling Ram’s commitment to preserving this powerful engine option.

For those interested in this engine’s availability and performance, our team at NewGen Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Clinton is ready to guide you through your options.

 

2026 Ram 6.4L HEMI Engine Specifications

The 6.4L HEMI V8 engine, standard on the Ram 2500, is engineered to handle heavy-duty demands with confidence. It produces 405 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission for smooth power delivery.

Key performance specs include:

  • Maximum towing capacity: up to 17,750 pounds
  • Maximum payload: 3,930 pounds
  • Fuel efficiency: EPA-estimated 12 city / 18 highway MPG
  • Variable Cam Timing for improved power and emissions control
  • Heavy-duty four-wheel disc antilock brakes
  • Available trailer steering control and tire pressure monitoring

This engine meets 50-state emissions standards, ensuring compliance and environmental responsibility for Michigan drivers. The 6.4L HEMI’s capability is ideal for hauling equipment or trailers to sites in Freedom TownshiStarting at $41,025 MSRP (excluding taxes, fees, and optional equipment)

  • Big Horn: Starting at $51,225 (excluding taxes, fees, and optional equipment)
  • Warlock: Starting at $53,760 (excluding taxes, fees, and optional equipment)
  • Rebel: Starting at $64,740 (excluding taxes, fees, and optional equipment)
  • RHO: Starting at $69,995 (excluding taxes, fees, and optional equipment)
  • Limited: Starting at $77,600 (excluding taxes, fees, and optional equipment)
  • Tungsten: Starting at $89,270 (excluding taxes, fees, and optional equipment)

Ram 2500 Pricing Overview:

  • Tradesman: Starting at $45,995 (excluding taxes, fees, and optional equipment)
  • Big Horn: Starting at $49,745 (excluding taxes, fees, and optional equipment)
  • Black Express: Starting at $52,110 (excluding taxes, fees, and optional equipment)
  • Warlock: Starting at $55,540 (excluding taxes, fees, and optional equipment)
  • Laramie: Starting at $61,750 (excluding taxes, fees, and optional equipment)
  • Rebel: Starting at $68,895 (excluding taxes, fees, and optional equipment)
  • Power Wagon: Starting at $72,390 (excluding taxes, fees, and optional equipment)
  • Limited: Starting at $73,750 (excluding taxes, fees, and optional equipment) Discover more about this robust engine by browsing our 2026 Ram 2500 inventory.

 

Major Differences Between 2025 and 2026 Ram Models

The transition from the 2025 to 2026 Ram models introduces several noteworthy changes, especially for the 1500 series:

  • Engine Options: The 2026 Ram 1500 reinstates the 5.7L HEMI V8 with eTorque, absent in 2025, while continuing with the Hurricane inline-six engines.
  • Technology: New features for 2026 include the Ram Digital Key, dual wireless charging pads, and larger touchscreen options up to 15 inches, enhancing user experience.
  • New Trim Levels: The Express trim arrives for 2026, offering a budget-friendly option without sacrificing essential features. The 2026 Ram 2500 adds Black Express and Warlock trims, not present in 2025.
  • Hybrid Powertrain: The Ramcharger extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) is a new addition in 2026, blending gasoline and electric power for improved efficiency.
  • Exterior Updates: Both Ram 1500 and 2500 models receive redesigned front grilles and updated LED lighting systems for a modern appearance.
  • Interior Refinements: Larger infotainment displays and improved seating materials enhance comfort and convenience.

Overall, the 2026 lineup represents a blend of innovation and tradition, catering to a diverse range of drivers from commercial fleets in Saline Township to outdoor enthusiasts in Chelsea.

For a side-by-side look, explore our full Ram lineup.

 

Horsepower and Torque of the 2026 5.7L HEMI V8

The 2026 Ram 1500’s 5.7L HEMI V8 engine delivers a robust 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. This engine integrates the eTorque mild hybrid system, which supplements torque by up to 130 lb-ft during acceleration, enhancing both performance and fuel efficiency.

This powertrain supports a maximum towing capacity of approximately 11,470 pounds and a payload of up to 1,650 pounds when properly equipped, making it well-suited for heavy-duty tasks around Adrian, Clinton Township, or Saline Township.

The smooth power delivery, combined with fuel-saving features like variable camshaft timing and cylinder deactivation, enables the HEMI to meet the demands of Michigan drivers who need reliable strength without compromising efficiency.

To experience this powerhouse firsthand, consider the New Ram 1500 Big Horn Crew Cab 4x4 5'7 Box available at NewGen Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Clinton.

 

Why Dodge is Discontinuing the Ram 1500 Classic

The decision to discontinue the Ram 1500 Classic after the 2024 model year reflects Ram’s strategic pivot toward integrating advanced technologies, improved safety features, and more efficient powertrains. The Classic, a stalwart workhorse appreciated in communities like Jackson and Manchester Township, is being phased out to make way for the 2025 and 2026 Ram 1500 models equipped with the Hurricane inline-six engines and modern tech.

While the Classic offered a budget-friendly option, its marginal price difference compared to newer models made it less competitive. Additionally, the Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Michigan, which produced the Classic, is transitioning to manufacture the Jeep Wagoneer, signaling a shift toward electrification and luxury SUVs.

For HEMI fans, the Classic’s discontinuation means the 5.7L V8 engine temporarily exited the half-ton segment but returns in the 2026 Ram 1500, reassuring customers who value traditional powertrains.

If you’re interested in exploring the latest Ram trucks that carry forward this legacy, browse our All used inventory or new models online today.

 

Understanding the Pricing of the 2026 Ram Models

Pricing for the 2026 Ram lineup varies by model and trim, reflecting a broad range of options for different needs and budgets in the Clinton and surrounding Michigan areas.

Ram 1500 Pricing Overview:

  • Tradesman: Starting at $41,025 (excluding taxes, fees, and optional equipment)
  • Big Horn: Starting at $51,225
  • Warlock: Starting at $53,760
  • Rebel: Starting at $64,740
  • RHO: Starting at $69,995
  • Limited: Starting at $77,600
  • Tungsten: Starting at $89,270

Ram 2500 Pricing Overview:

  • Tradesman: Starting at $45,995
  • Big Horn: Starting at $49,745
  • Black Express: Starting at $52,110
  • Warlock: Starting at $55,540
  • Laramie: Starting at $61,750
  • Rebel: Starting at $68,895
  • Power Wagon: Starting at $72,390
  • Limited: Starting at $73,750

These prices exclude taxes, destination fees, and additional charges. For a tailored quote or to explore financing options, visit our Employee Pricing or Custom Factory Orders pages.

You can also browse our Current New Vehicle Specials to find attractive incentives and offers.

Experience the 2026 Ram Lineup at NewGen Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Clinton

The 2026 Ram trucks blend tradition with innovation, offering Michigan drivers from Saline Township to Franklin Township a powerful, versatile, and tech-forward pickup. Whether you prioritize the return of the 5.7L HEMI V8, seek the efficiency of the new Ramcharger hybrid, or want a rugged off-road RHO model, we have a Ram to meet your lifestyle.

Explore our New Inventory or consider a quality option from our All used inventory. Ready for hands-on experience? Get your trade value or an offer to purchase and schedule your test drive today by calling (517) 456-6555. For maintenance and repairs, trust our expert technicians—book your appointment now at our Service Department and browse genuine parts at our Mopar Parts Center.

Discover why NewGen Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Clinton is your trusted partner for all things Ram, Dodge, Chrysler, and Jeep in the Clinton, MI community.

© 2025 NewGen Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Clinton

Categories: Performance & Powertrains, Pricing & Financing, New Vehicle Reviews, Model Comparisons, Technology & Innovation
Tags: truck pricing, Ram lineup changes, truck payload, off-road trucks, Ramcharger PHEV, truck performance, Michigan auto dealers, Ram Clinton MI, interior technology, truck exterior updates, hybrid trucks, HEMI V8 engine, Ram 2500, 2026 Ram, Towing Capacity, RAM 1500, NewGen Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

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