2026 Ram 1500 HEMI Return: Towing Power Built for Highway 11 Winters

If you haul trailers, snowmobiles, or ice fishing gear up Highway 11 toward cottage country, you know the power you need. The snow-covered hills north of Orillia and Ontario's harsh winter conditions demand a truck that delivers under load. The return of the 5.7-litre HEMI V-8 in the 2026 Ram 1500 answers what drivers in this region have been asking for.

Ram listened. After shifting to six-cylinder engines for 2025, customer feedback was clear: the HEMI's proven capability couldn't be replaced. For 2026, the legendary V-8 returns, delivering 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, paired with intelligent eTorque hybrid technology. For anyone who regularly tows through Central Ontario's winter roads, this powertrain offers the proven capability you can count on.

The HEMI V-8: Built for Real-World Winter Towing

The 5.7-litre HEMI V-8 eTorque engine delivers performance that works under load, even when temperatures plunge. With 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, the engine provides a smooth, broad power band that handles heavy loads without hesitation. Hauling a snowmobile trailer to the trails near Huntsville or pulling equipment up to a frozen Muskoka lake, the HEMI provides the low-end torque and sustained power required for Ontario's snow-packed terrain.

The eTorque system adds another layer of capability. This 48-volt hybrid technology replaces the traditional alternator with a belt-driven motor generator unit, providing up to 130 lb-ft of torque on initial throttle tip-in. That means quicker response when merging onto Highway 400 or pulling away from a snow-covered intersection with a loaded trailer. The system also enables seamless engine start/stop, brake energy regeneration, and improved fuel efficiency—all without compromising the V-8's signature feel.

Key features include:

• Variable-valve timing for optimized power delivery
• Fuel Saver Technology with cylinder deactivation to reduce consumption during highway cruising
• 850-watt electric cooling fan with Pulse Width Modulation to manage engine temperatures efficiently in all conditions

Towing Capacity That Handles Winter Demands

Numbers matter when you're towing through snow, and the 2026 Ram 1500 HEMI delivers. With a maximum towing capacity of 5,203 kg (11,470 lbs) and a payload capacity of 794 kg (1,750 lbs), this truck is built to handle the trailers, snowmobiles, and winter equipment that define weekends north of Orillia.

The HEMI V-8 is packaged with a performance-tuned exhaust system and a 125-litre (33-gallon) fuel tank, giving you the range to make the drive to cottage country and back without constant fuel stops—especially important when gas stations are few and far between on winter evenings. For drivers who regularly haul heavy loads through the season's toughest conditions, these specs translate to fewer compromises and more confidence on the road.

Highway 11 Winter Towing: Why the HEMI Makes Sense

Highway 11 puts trucks to the test year-round, but winter raises the stakes. The steady inclines north of Barrie become slippery climbs, the winding sections through Gravenhurst demand careful control, and blowing snow reduces visibility without warning. The HEMI V-8's broad torque curve means you're not constantly downshifting to maintain speed on icy grades, even with a loaded trailer behind you.

Cold-weather towing adds another layer of complexity. Snow-covered roads, ice patches, and temperatures that plunge well below freezing require a powertrain that responds predictably when traction is limited. The HEMI's proven V-8 architecture, combined with eTorque's instant torque delivery, provides the control you need when conditions turn challenging. The truck's 48-volt battery system also supports reliable cold-weather starts, ensuring dependable performance even on the coldest Ontario mornings when lesser trucks struggle to turn over.

For drivers who tow regularly through winter, the HEMI's fuel efficiency features also matter. Cylinder deactivation allows the engine to run on four cylinders during highway cruising, reducing fuel consumption without sacrificing power when you need it for that next snow-covered hill. This balance is especially valuable on longer trips, improving range and reducing fuel stops when you'd rather stay warm in the cab.

Trim Availability: Finding Your HEMI-Powered Ram 1500

The 5.7-litre HEMI V-8 eTorque is available across a wide range of 2026 Ram 1500 trims, giving you flexibility to choose the configuration that fits your needs. Here's what's available:

Tradesman The Tradesman offers the HEMI as an optional upgrade, providing work-truck capability with V-8 power. If you need a no-nonsense truck that can handle daily jobsite demands and weekend winter towing, this is your starting point.

Express and Warlock Both trims offer the HEMI as an option, adding V-8 performance to value-focused configurations. The Warlock's aggressive styling pairs well with the HEMI's torque for pulling through deep snow.

Big Horn and Sport These mid-range trims balance comfort and capability. The HEMI is optional on both, and the Sport's aggressive styling complements the V-8's performance character. For drivers who want a well-equipped daily driver that handles winter towing with confidence, these trims deliver.

Laramie The Laramie adds premium interior features and technology while retaining the HEMI's towing capability. Heated seats and a heated steering wheel make those frigid early morning starts more bearable, while V-8 power handles whatever you're hauling.

Rebel The Rebel will offer the HEMI later in the model year. This off-road-focused trim pairs the V-8's power with enhanced suspension and all-terrain capability, making it ideal for drivers who need towing strength and the confidence to navigate unplowed cottage roads.

Limited and Longhorn At the top of the lineup, the Limited and Longhorn trims offer luxury interiors and advanced technology, with the HEMI available as an option. For drivers who want the best of everything—winter comfort, towing capability, and V-8 power—these trims deliver.

Comparing HEMI V-8 to Other 2026 Ram 1500 Powertrains

The HEMI V-8 sits in the middle of the lineup, offering more towing capacity than the base V-6 and a proven powertrain architecture that many drivers trust—especially important when reliability matters most in harsh winter conditions. While the Hurricane Straight-Six Turbo engines deliver higher horsepower and torque figures, the HEMI's broad power band and eTorque hybrid system provide a different kind of capability—one that prioritizes smooth, predictable performance under load on slippery roads.

Why the HEMI Return Matters for Ontario Drivers

The decision to bring back the HEMI reflected direct customer feedback. Ram acknowledged the shift to six-cylinder engines for 2025 was a misstep, and the 2026 lineup reflects that feedback. For drivers in Ontario, especially those who regularly tow through Simcoe County and Muskoka's winter landscapes, the HEMI's return offers a familiar, proven option.

The "Symbol of Protest" badge on HEMI-powered trucks represents Ram's commitment to offering choice. For drivers who prioritize V-8 power, that choice matters. The 10-year/160,000-kilometre limited powertrain warranty (available for retail purchases and leases to individuals and businesses, non-transferable) also reinforces Ram's confidence in the HEMI's long-term reliability through countless Canadian winters.

Your 2026 Ram 1500 HEMI is Ready in Orillia

If you're ready to experience the 2026 Ram 1500 HEMI V-8 eTorque for yourself, our team at Hwy 11 Chrysler in Orillia is here to help. We understand what drivers in Central Ontario need from their trucks when winter fully arrives, and we're ready to walk you through the full lineup of HEMI-powered configurations. Book your test drive today and see how the legendary V-8 handles the snow-covered roads you drive every day.