Comparing the 2025 vs 2026 Ram 1500: What Buyers in Bradenton Should Know

The Ram 1500 is a pickup truck that delivers capability and comfort. Whether you’re towing your boat to Anna Maria or working construction jobs around Bradenton, you can find a Ram 1500 that’s ideal for your needs. And with both 2025 and 2026 models available, you have a lot to choose from. In this guide, we’ll compare the differences between the 2026 and 2025 Ram 1500 to help you decide which model year is right for you.

What’s New for 2026?

Ram listened closely to customer feedback and brought back the HEMI V-8 engine for 2026. While this engine isn’t available on 2025 models, there are plenty of powerful engine options.

There’s also a new trim level called the Express. It’s a value-driven model with unique styling elements, such as a black interior. You can get the Express with a Quad Cab or a Crew Cab and choose either two-wheel or four-wheel drive.

If you’re looking to add more style to your Ram 1500, there’s a new Black Express package. It will add black wheels, cloth bucket seats, badges, and accents to your truck.

The last big change for 2026 is a new warranty. The latest Ram 1500 now comes with a 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The 2025 models come with a powertrain warranty that lasts five years or 50,000 miles.

Engine and Performance Comparison

Your engine choices are the biggest difference between the 2025 and 2026 Ram 1500. The 2026 models give you four options, while the 2025 models have three.

Exclusive to 2026 is the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine. It features a mild hybrid setup that generates 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. This engine will get you from 0 to 60 mph in 6 seconds. While this Dodge Ram 1500 HEMI engine isn’t standard on any models, you can add it to every trim except the RHO and Tungsten. The cost to add it is $1,200, but it’s a no-cost option for the Limited and Longhorn.

There are two 3.0-liter Hurricane engines available for 2025 and 2026 models. The regular Hurricane engine generates 420 hp and 469 lb-ft of torque. If you’d like more power, there’s also a High-Output Hurricane engine that produces 540 hp and 521 lb-ft of torque. While fuel efficiency numbers aren’t available for 2026, the 2025 regular Hurricane engine can get up to 21 mpg combined, and the High-Output version achieves up to 17 mpg combined.

Additionally, you can choose the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 for both model years. This engine outputs 305 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque, and the 2025 model was rated to get up to 23 mpg combined.

Towing Capabilities

The standard Hurricane engine can tow more than any of the engines, with a maximum towing capacity of 11,610 pounds for 2026 and 11,550 pounds for 2025. By choosing the HEMI V-8 on a 2026 Ram 1500, you can get up to 11,320 pounds of towing capacity. Next, the High-Output Hurricane engine can pull up to 10,000 pounds in 2026 models or 9,920 pounds for 2025. With the Pentastar V-6, you can tow up to 8,130 pounds in a 2026 Ram 1500 or 8,110 pounds in a 2025 model.

Interior and Technology Features

The 2025 and 2026 models have similar tech features. You’ll get a 12-inch touch screen standard that features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and you can upgrade to a 14.5-inch screen. On higher trims, there’s also an available 10.3-inch passenger display with access to the infotainment and navigation systems. Both models additionally feature an available dual wireless charging pad and Hands-Free Active Driving Assist.

If you love listening to music, you’ve got three great options in both model years. The standard audio system has six speakers. You can choose to upgrade to a 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system on higher trims. For the best sound quality, the 2025 and 2026 Tungsten trim comes with a 23-speaker Klipsch audio system.

Exterior Design and Bed Features

The 2026 trucks keep the exterior styling elements and practical features from 2025. You can choose either a 67-inch or a 76-inch bed, depending on the trim level. The shorter bed has a total cargo volume of 53.9 cubic feet, and the longer bed increases your cargo capacity to 61.5 cubic feet.

The available RamBox cargo system gives you lockable storage boxes built into the bed rails. These boxes have interior lighting, and there’s a 115-volt outlet in the driver’s side box. It’s a handy feature if you’re a contractor needing secure storage and power for tools.

Explore the 2025 and 2026 Ram 1500 at Our Dealership

If you need a truck that’s practical, capable, and comfortable, you can’t go wrong by choosing a 2025 or 2026 Ram 1500. If you’re still trying to decide which model year is for you, we invite you to visit us at Firkins Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ramp in Bradenton, Florida. Our team can help you compare your favorites and set up test-drives. Contact us today to schedule a visit.

Images from ramtrucks.com