When you consider the 2026 Ram 1500 Hurricane vs Hemi MPG, which version of this truck comes out on top? Should you go with the six or the eight?
For decades, fuel mileage wasn’t part of the conversation around pickup trucks. Then along came the Ram 1500. This truck not only provided drivers with good power, but also returned impressive fuel mileage figures, especially in the truck world. For 2026, you have the choice of either a Hemi V8 or the new Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six for your Ram 1500. If you want the most mileage from a tank of gas, which version should you choose?
The Hemi V8 power might not be worth the amazing growl
The sounds of the Hemi V8 engine are impressive and part of what makes this engine one of the most beloved on the market today. Before we get into the Hemi V8 fuel efficiency figures, it’s time to talk about the power comparison of the two engines.
The legendary Hemi V8 delivers 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque from the 5.7-liter engine. By comparison, the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six Hurricane engine sends 420 horsepower and 469 lb-ft of torque to the wheels in its standard setup, while the high-output version delivers 540 horsepower and 521 lb-ft of torque. It’s pretty easy to see that the Hemi V8 doesn’t touch the Hurricane in terms of actual power.
Comparing the 2026 Ram 1500 Hurricane vs Hemi MPG
The 2026 Ram 1500 puts the returning Hemi V8 head-to-head with the twin-turbo Ram Hurricane inline-six standard output MPG. EPA numbers show the Hurricane edging ahead by 2 mpg combined, but real-world driving tells a different story. Turbocharged engines work harder climbing hills and fighting wind, while the naturally aspirated Hemi delivers consistent fuel economy no matter how you drive. The Ram 1500 fuel economy shows the Hurricane ahead in EPA testing, but what happens when the trucks are out on the streets?
The V8 just feels right to most drivers
Despite the twin-turbo inline-six fuel economy figures edging out the Hemi, there’s more to making a truck work right than its efficiency. The Hemi V8 offers predictable power without the annoying turbo lag of a turbocharged engine. The Hemi has the desired power delivery and response necessary to make it easy to enjoy the familiar drive and connection of the Ram 1500. Of course, that familiarity could provide a bias for some drivers who are unwilling to change to a twin-turbocharged engine because it has six cylinders or because it’s not naturally aspirated.
Your fuel savings could negate the Hurricane engine gas mileage advantage
The combined fuel mileage of the 2026 Ram 1500 Hurricane vs Hemi MPG shows the Hurricane at 21 mpg combined, while the Hemi achieves 19 mpg combined. While the advantages are small if both engines use the same fuel, the savings could be significant over the life of your Ram 1500 pickup truck. Unfortunately, there’s a catch. The Hurricane engine uses premium fuel, while the V8 can work on regular fuel. This means the 2026 Ram 1500 real-world MPG isn’t quite as good for the Hurricane when the cost of fuel is considered.
Does one engine tow more than the other?
The more powerful Hurricane engine bests the Hemi V8 in towing, but not by much. The standard output version of the Hurricane engine is rated at 11,610 pounds of towing, while the Hemi V8 can pull up to 11,320 pounds. If you choose the high-output version of the Hurricane engine, you can tow 10,000 pounds. In terms of payload, there’s not a significant difference between the engines, which means you don’t have to worry about how much you can carry in the bed because this pickup can handle about 1,500 pounds for you.
Which truck should you drive?
Comparing the 2026 Ram 1500 Hurricane vs Hemi MPG is only part of what you want and need in a truck. If you want to enjoy the lower cost of fuel and the traditional sounds and feel of the Hemi V8, you’ll have to pay $1,200 to upgrade to this engine over the standard Hurricane model. On the other hand, if you don’t mind paying for premium fuel and want more power from your engine, the twin-turbocharged Hurricane is the way to go.
Ram brought back the Hemi engine, which could mean drivers choose to spend a little more to get the truck they’re familiar with. Which version of the 2026 Ram 1500 will you choose?
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