Let's Get Ready to Rumble
The returning Hemi V8 in the Ram 1500 may remain the sentimental favorite among enthusiasts, but a recent test by Car and Driver suggests the newer 3.0-liter Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six outperforms it in several measurable ways. Both Hurricane variants – the 420-horsepower standard-output and the 540-horsepower high-output (HO) – were pitted against the Hemi, with the publication stating that its “test data points to an obvious winner.”
In the 0-60 mph sprint, the 420-hp Hurricane – available in Ram 1500 trims such as the Laramie and Rebel – clocked a 4.8-second run. That’s already 1.2 seconds quicker than the 5.7-liter Hemi V8, which produces 395 horsepower. The HO Hurricane – offered in trims like the RHO, Limited (used in the test), and Tungsten – widened the gap further, delivering a 4.2-second pass.
Hurricane Comes in Hot
For context, Ram itself lists the HO Hurricane-powered 1500 RHO with a factory 0-60 mph time of 4.6 seconds. Even so, the performance crown still belongs to the discontinued 1500 TRX, whose 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8 propelled it to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds, according to Car and Driver’s testing.
Beyond straight-line speed, the Hurricane engines also showed an advantage in noise levels. The Hemi V8 registered a wide-open-throttle noise output of 81 decibels – 10 dBA louder than the HO Hurricane and 14 dBA louder than the standard inline-six.
Fuel economy, however, remains surprisingly close across all three. The Hemi returns 18 mpg combined, slotting between the standard Hurricane at 19 mpg and the HO version at 17 mpg, which requires 91-octane fuel. The latter also requires premium fuel.
Looking Beyond the Numbers
So why does this comparison matter? Despite the Hurricane’s objective gains in performance and refinement, enthusiast preference continues to favor the Hemi. Ram 1500s equipped with the returning V8 – reintroduced for the 2026 model year – have reportedly been turning over in as few as five days, and the automaker is having a hard time keeping up with demand.
Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis has also openly admitted the brand “screwed up” by dropping the Hemi in the first place. The V8's return now sees it sold alongside the Hurricane engines, which Ram still describes as “more powerful and more efficient.”
Ultimately, though, deciding which powertrain is better comes down to buyer preference.
Looking ahead, enthusiasts are also watching closely for reports that the Ram 1500 TRX could make a comeback. Rumors suggest output could climb as high as 797 horsepower, which, if true, would put it squarely ahead of its longtime rival, the Ford F-150 Raptor R.
RAM
There are no reviews to display.