Go Hard with the Ram 1500: Towing, Engines, and Performance

If the 2026 Ram 1500 tow rating is any indication, this pickup truck doesn’t come to play. It’s time to explore what the new 1500 has in store for you when you climb behind the wheel. Learn about its capabilities on and off the road before you shop for a new Ram 1500 in person at Greensboro CDJR.

Key Points

• The 2026 Ram 1500 is offered in 10 trim levels, ranging from the work-ready Tradesman to the premium Tungsten. 

• Four engine options are available, including a 305-hp V6, a 420-hp Hurricane, a 540-hp high-output Hurricane, and a returning 395-hp HEMI V8. 

• Maximum towing ranges from 8,130 to 11,610 lbs, with payload capacities reaching 2,360 lbs, depending on the engine.* 

• Select trims like the Warlock, Rebel, and Rho are built for off-road driving with specialized tires, drive modes, and increased ground clearance. 

Ram 1500 Trim Levels 

Choose one of the following Ram 1500 trim levels to take your daily commute or off-road adventure to the next level:

• Tradesman®
• Express®
• Warlock
• Big Horn®
• Laramie®
• Rebel®
• Rho
• Limited
• Limited Longhorn™
• Tungsten

Ram 1500 Engine Options

How much horsepower does a 2026 Ram 1500 have? That depends on the engine, one of four designed to maximize output when you go for a ride. Your pickup truck will power up with an 8-speed automatic transmission, so you can switch gears with ease, no matter which trim level you’re driving.

Here’s a list of the engine options:

• 3.6-liter Pentastar® V6 engine with eTorque: 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque; Standard on the Tradesman®, Express®, Warlock, and Big Horn® trim levels.
• 3.0-liter Hurricane engine: 420 horsepower and 469 pound-feet of torque; Standard on the Laramie® and Rebel® trim levels.
• High-output 3.0-liter Hurricane engine: 540 horsepower and 521 pound-feet of torque; Standard on the Rho, Limited, Limited Longhorn® and Tungsten trim levels.
• HEMI V8 engine: 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque; available on the Limited and Limited Longhorn® trim levels.

Ram 1500 Towing and Payload Capacity

How much can a Ram 1500 tow? Its strength also relies on its engine. Ram trucks enable you to handle tough tasks on the jobsite, and they’re powerful enough to haul outdoor equipment, such as a boat or a camping trailer, when you want to have a little fun.

Here’s how the towing capacity compares with each engine:

• 3.6-liter Pentastar® V6 engine with eTorque: Towing capacity of 8,130 pounds; Maximum payload of 2,360 pounds*
• High-output 3.0-liter Hurricane engine: Towing capacity of 10,000 pounds; Maximum payload of 1,490 pounds*
• 3.0-liter Hurricane engine: Towing capacity of 11,610 pounds; Maximum payload of 1,930 pounds*
• HEMI V8 engine: Towing capacity of 11,320 pounds*

Off-Road Capability

Aside from the Ram 1500 tow rating, the Warlock, Rebel®, and Rho trim levels stand out for their off-road capabilities. They can handle bumps in the road and rocks in your path while maintaining safe traction wherever you steer.

Here’s a list of available off-road features you can expect:

• Off-road tires
• Performance-tuned shocks
• LED headlamps, taillamps, and fog lamps
• Rho Drive modes: Mud/Sand, Rock, Baja, Valet, Auto, Tow, Snow, Sport and Custom

Explore Powerful Ram Trucks in Greensboro Today

Discover firsthand what your next pickup truck can do for you, whether you want to upgrade for work or play. Stop by our dealership today for a test drive. At Greensboro CDJR, we want to make sure your next commute is safe, reliable, and capable.

*When properly equipped. Additional options, equipment, passengers, and cargo weight may affect payload/towing weights. Contact dealer for details.