2026 Ram 1500 Towing Capacity & Engine Specs
Hurricane vs. V6
For truck owners in Kingfisher, "How much can it tow?" is not just a trivia question. It is the deciding factor between a useful tool and a driveway ornament. As we transition to the 2026 model year, the Ram 1500 powertrain lineup has evolved significantly. The legendary V8s have largely ceded the throne to the new twin-turbocharged Hurricane engines, changing the math on horsepower, torque, and towing capabilities.
If you are searching for 2025 ram 1500 v6 towing capacity or wondering if the standard engine can still handle your trailer, this guide breaks down the raw engineering data for the 2026 lineup. We compare the trusted 3.6L Pentastar V6 against the new high-output Hurricane inline-sixes to help you choose the right power plant for your work.
The Headline Numbers: 2026 Ram 1500 Engine Lineup
The 2026 Ram 1500 offers three distinct tiers of performance. While the V6 remains the payload king due to its lighter weight, the new 3.0L Hurricane Standard Output (SO) is the new champion for maximum towing capacity.
| Engine | Horsepower | Torque | Max Towing Capacity | Max Payload | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6L Pentastar® V6 (w/ eTorque) | 305 hp | 269 lb-ft | 8,110 lbs | 2,370 lbs | Daily driving, light trailers, maximum cargo in the bed. |
| 3.0L Hurricane I-6 (Standard Output) | 420 hp | 469 lb-ft | 11,570 lbs | 1,930 lbs | The sweet spot. Maximum towing power for travel trailers and boats. |
| 3.0L Hurricane I-6 (High Output) | 540 hp | 521 lb-ft | 9,920 lbs | 1,490 lbs | High-speed performance (RHO/Limited). Sacrifices some towing for speed. |
Deep Dive: 3.6L Pentastar V6 with eTorque
Many Kingfisher buyers underestimate the V6, but for 2026, it remains a critical part of the lineup. The 3.6L Pentastar features the eTorque Mild Hybrid System, which replaces the traditional alternator with a belt-driven motor generator.
Why it matters: This system adds up to 90 lb-ft of supplemental launch torque. It doesn't increase the peak tow rating, but it makes getting a 5,000-lb boat moving from a dead stop significantly smoother and more efficient.
The Payload Advantage: Because the V6 engine block is physically lighter than the twin-turbo Hurricane system, trucks equipped with the V6 often have a higher Payload Capacity (2,370 lbs). If you haul heavy tools, feed bags, or equipment in the bed rather than towing a trailer, the V6 is actually your most capable option.
Deep Dive: 3.0L Hurricane Twin-Turbo I-6
Replacing the HEMI V8, the 3.0L Hurricane is an engineering marvel. It uses two low-inertia turbochargers to force-feed air into the cylinders, generating 469 lb-ft of torque, which is significantly more than the old 5.7L V8, which topped out at 410 lb-ft.
- Torque Curve: Unlike a V8 that needs high RPMs to make power, the Hurricane delivers peak torque much lower in the rev range. This means the truck feels stronger and less strained when pulling a heavy load up a grade on Highway 81.
- Cooling: To handle the heat of 11,570 lbs of towing, Hurricane-equipped models come with a high-capacity cooling fan and an auxiliary transmission oil cooler standard.
Towing Tech: More Than Just Muscle
Raw power gets the trailer moving, but stability keeps you on the road. The 2026 Ram 1500 integrates several active systems to manage the load:
- Trailer Sway Control: Automatically applies individual brakes to counteract trailer fishtailing before it becomes dangerous.
- Blind Spot Monitoring with Trailer Detection: The system automatically scans the length of your trailer (up to a certain length) to warn you of vehicles in your blind spot, not just the truck's blind spot.
- Active-Level™ Four-Corner Air Suspension: Available on higher trims, this system auto-levels the truck when you hook up a heavy trailer, preventing the front end from pointing up (squatting) and maintaining proper headlight aim and steering geometry.
Verdict: Which Engine Do You Need?
● Stick with the V6 if: You tow under 7,000 lbs (like a bass boat or utility trailer) and prioritize fuel economy and bed capacity.
● Upgrade to the Hurricane (SO) if: You tow a camper, horse trailer, or equipment over 8,000 lbs. The extra torque is non-negotiable for heavy hauling.
At Johnsons of Kingfisher, we ensure our inventory covers the spectrum. Whether you need the efficiency of a V6 Tradesman or the raw grunt of a Hurricane Big Horn, we have the trucks and the expertise to match you to the right Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR).
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