The 2026 Ram 1500 Longhorn features a 5.7L Hemi V8 and a luxury cabin with premium comfort while offering real-world performance. (Jesus Garcia/For the Chronicle) Ram Trucks announced it would be reintroducing the 5.7L Hemi V8 engine to the 2026 Ram 1500 pickup truck during the summer of 2025. They've followed through on their promise, but the V8 now has to share the spotlight alongside the Hurricane inline-six, an engine that outperforms it in towing, horsepower and fuel economy. Yet, Ram expects to move 100,000 V8-powered Ram trucks this year. Driving a 2026 Ram 1500 Longhorn Edition in the first month of the year is a sure-fire way to keep new-year optimism burning. This Longhorn Edition Ram truck leans into the luxury market with a full-leather interior and cowboy saloon décor. Apart from the Hemi comeback, and the introduction of the Express trim level as a value-focused variant, the 2026 Ram 1500 carries over from the 2025 model year. Texas inspired luxury The truck shown in the photos features Granite Crystal Metallic ($295) paintwork, equipped with optional 22-inch polished wheels ($2,095). This truck also features the Customer Preferred Package ($495), which includes a dedicated Longhorn badge, premium western-theme panel trim, a "Warm Chrome" texture pattern on the key fob, and a 48-volt belt starter generator on the engine. It also wears the "Symbol of Protest" emblem on the front fender - a badge that takes the form of a Ram's head bolted to the front of an eight-cylinder engine block and manifold. This new emblem lets people know you opted for the V8. The 2026 Ram 1500 Longhorn features a 5.7L Hemi V8 and a luxury cabin with premium comfort while offering real-world performance. (Jesus Garcia/For the Chronicle) If the badge doesn't give it away, the dual-chrome tip GT exhaust system out back will provide an audible clue. This high-tier luxury trim level includes creature comforts like power running boards that appear when you get close to the door and provide a step into the cabin. Even though it's a 1500 pickup truck, it feels and stands much larger in person - it's a big boy. I would describe the truck's exterior presence as simply bulbous. Rounded edges inflate the truck's silhouette like a tight T-shirt stretched over a well-trained bicep. A tailgate that earns its keep At the back, the truck came fitted with the optional Multi-Function tailgate ($1,095). This tailgate technology was first unveiled in 2019 and continues to be one of my favorite advancements in modern truck design. It allows the tailgate to open two ways - traditionally, or like barn doors. The side-door-open design makes it easier to reach items in the truck bed and step into the bed with a pull-out step located under the rear bumper. The 2026 Ram 1500 Longhorn features a 5.7L Hemi V8 and a luxury cabin with premium comfort while offering real-world performance. (Jesus Garcia/For the Chronicle) I used the feature often when reaching tools and supplies because the truck's tall ride height meant it was impossible for me to reach over the bed's edge to grab anything. So, I walked over to the back, opened one of the side doors, and grabbed what I needed without having to extend my reach over the dropped-down tailgate. The 2026 Ram 1500 Longhorn features a 5.7L Hemi V8 and a luxury cabin with premium comfort while offering real-world performance. (Jesus Garcia/For the Chronicle) The truck's interior cabin is among the most well-appointed and detailed. Dressed in Bison brown leather, the seats feature tasteful embroidery that can also be seen throughout the cabin on the door panels, center console and dashboard. The steering wheel is wrapped in wood and leather, feeling like a VIP at the rodeo with a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system to enhance your favorite country western music. You can opt for a dual-pane panoramic sunroof ($1,595). Big truck energy, SUV comfort The crew cab configuration ensures rear passengers have a living room worth of space in the back. On the road, the truck's penthouse-suite levels of space and décor can distort your perception to such a degree that you can forget that you're driving a pickup truck. I spent many miles feeling like I was in a full-size luxury SUV. The 2026 Ram 1500 Longhorn features a 5.7L Hemi V8 and a luxury cabin with premium comfort while offering real-world performance. (Jesus Garcia/For the Chronicle) As mentioned, the Ram 1500 has several engines on tap to choose from in 2026. Entry-level models can still opt for the 3.6L V6 making 305 horsepower with the aid of a 48V mild-hybrid system. The 5.7L Hemi V8 produces a healthy 395 horsepower, with the 48V mild-hybrid system called e-Torque. The Hemi is a $1,200 upgrade, except for the Longhorn and Limited editions where it is a zero-cost option. The twin-turbocharged 3.0L Hurricane inline-six comes in two flavors, the standard 420-horsepower and the high-output variant making an impressive 540 horsepower. An eight-speed automatic transmission sends power to the wheels. On paper, the Hurricane outperforms the Hemi in horsepower, torque, fuel economy and price. It even tows more than the Hemi, although only by a few pounds, comparing the Hemi V8's 11,470-pound towing capacity to the Hurricane I6's 11,590-pound towing capacity (standard 420 hp variant). But there's one area where the Hemi is superior - tone. The 2026 Ram 1500 Longhorn features a 5.7L Hemi V8 and a luxury cabin with premium comfort while offering real-world performance. (Jesus Garcia/For the Chronicle) Between 2,500-4,000 rpm, the engine exhaust note on the 5.7L Hemi V8 is simply unmatched. It bellows like Dean Martin singing Volare. Crisp and loud, the new GT exhaust system is no doubt Ram's unspoken apology for thinking their customers didn't want V8s anymore. It may not be as fast as the turbocharged Hurricane, but it sounds fast and that's enough for a lot of people. Hearing the V8 rumble encourages you to sink the gas pedal further down to the floor. I also appreciate that the engine settles down the bombastic roar to a gentle hum on the highway. Will it misbehave? If you turn off the traction control, the truck will paint a nice, short set of elevens on the pavement with the rear tires. It can create smoke signals if you really want to, but don't expect the truck to be happy about complying with your rebellious commands. Fuel economy is what you would expect in a big, V8-powered pickup truck. I managed to travel 415 miles on its 33-gallon fuel tank, averaging 15–18 mpg in busy city traffic and commuter highways. The 2026 Ram 1500 Longhorn features a 5.7L Hemi V8 and a luxury cabin with premium comfort while offering real-world performance. (Jesus Garcia/For the Chronicle) The 2026 Ram 1500 pricing starts with the Tradesmen at under $42,000 and flows upward through ten trim levels in total, among which is the Longhorn Limited, shown in this review, with a starting price of $78,000. Those looking for more exclusivity can opt for the top-of-the-line Tungsten edition, starting at $89,000. I'm glad the Hemi V8 is back and sounds the way it should, but now I'm curious to see how it will stack up against the Hurricane in truck sales. There's a new gunslinger in town, a six-shooter with a name to make and the only way to do so is by beating the big iron at its own game. The 2026 Ram 1500 Longhorn features a 5.7L Hemi V8 and a luxury cabin with premium comfort while offering real-world performance. (Jesus Garcia/For the Chronicle) More Information Engine: 5.7L Hemi V8 with 48V mild-hybridTransmission: 8-speed automatic0 to 60: 6.0 secondsStarting price: $41,575 (Tradesmen)Price as shown: $86,205 (Longhorn Edition) Related Reading SubscribeThere’s more to Houston with the Chronicle. Subscribe today for just 25¢.