The Hemi’s soundtrack still charms, but Ram’s Hurricane six dominates on performance and value
December 27, 2025 at 16:02
by Stephen Rivers
- Ram’s Hurricane turbo six beats the Hemi V8 in key tests.
- Even the base Hurricane is quicker and cheaper than the V8.
- Buyers pay more for less performance with the bigger engine.
The Hemi V8 is an American icon, no matter what vehicle it’s in. When Ram brought it back after a brief hiatus, nobody was surprised when it sold like hotcakes. We even enjoyed it in our recent test with it. That all said, it’s a bit of a dinosaur compared to Ram’s new Hurrica…
The Hemi’s soundtrack still charms, but Ram’s Hurricane six dominates on performance and value
December 27, 2025 at 16:02
by Stephen Rivers
- Ram’s Hurricane turbo six beats the Hemi V8 in key tests.
- Even the base Hurricane is quicker and cheaper than the V8.
- Buyers pay more for less performance with the bigger engine.
The Hemi V8 is an American icon, no matter what vehicle it’s in. When Ram brought it back after a brief hiatus, nobody was surprised when it sold like hotcakes. We even enjoyed it in our recent test with it. That all said, it’s a bit of a dinosaur compared to Ram’s new Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six. Now, we know that it isn’t just on paper. On a drag strip, the winner is clear.
Review: 2026 Ram 1500 V8 Hemi Is Worse On Paper But Better In Reality Than The Six
In instrumented testing done by Car And Driver, a 2026 Ram 1500 equipped with the 395-hp Hemi V8 needed 6.0 seconds to reach 60 mph (97 km/h).
That’s perfectly respectable until you introduce Ram’s Hurricane engines into the conversation. The standard-output 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six, rated at 420 hp, slashes that sprint to 4.8 seconds.
Muscle Memory, Meet Modern Engineering
Step up to the 540-hp high-output Hurricane, and the same truck rips to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds, nearly two seconds quicker than the V8. That figure was recorded in a Limited 4WD model fitted with the longer bed, a configuration not even offered with the Hemi, which only sharpens the contrast.
Importantly, all of these figures factor in one foot of rollout, which is an industry standard here in the States, for better or worse. That said, it demonstrates just how advanced and efficient the Hurricane is compared to the old-school Hemi.
More Than Just Speed
The advantage isn’t just horsepower either, as the standard-output Hurricane makes 469 lb-ft of torque versus the Hemi’s 410lb-ft and delivers it earlier in the rev range.
What really stings for Hemi loyalists is the pricing. Depending on trim and configuration, opting for the V8 can add nearly $3,000 over the standard-output Hurricane. And that’s despite the turbo six already being a $1,695 step up from the base Pentastar V6. It’s not only faster, but in most configurations, it’s also a bit more efficient.
According to EPA estimates, the standard-output Hurricane returns 19 mpg combined in 4WD form. The Hemi lags just behind at 18 mpg.
Where the Hemi Still Hits
At the end of the day, the truth is that the engine fans begged for is slower, more expensive on average, and often drinks more fuel too. Of course, as well pointed out in our full review of the Ram 1500 Hemi, long-term reliability might end up trumping all.
Nobody is picking the Hurricane’s engine note as the winner either. The Hemi brings a louder personality, registering 81 decibels at wide-open throttle, which gives it an unmistakable presence.
On the other hand, when properly equipped with the optional 3.92 axle ratio, the turbocharged six can even edge the V8 on towing capacity, reinforcing where Ram’s priorities now lie.
For buyers looking at acceleration, towing punch, or outright value up front, the Hurricane is the clear victor.