2027 Ram 1500 vs 2026 Ram 1500: Which Should You Buy?

September 30th, 2026 by

2027 Ram 1500 vs 2026 Ram 1500: Which Should You Buy?

2027 Ram 1500 vs 2026 Ram 1500: Which Should You Buy?

The 2027 Ram 1500 and 2026 Ram 1500 share many of the same core engine choices, technology features and capability, but there are important differences for Utah truck shoppers. The 2027 Ram 1500 offers up to 540 horsepower, up to 11,530 pounds of available towing capacity and up to 2,340 pounds of available payload when properly equipped. The 2026 Ram 1500 offers up to 540 horsepower, up to 11,610 pounds of available towing capacity and up to 2,360 pounds of available payload when properly equipped.

Trying to decide whether to buy a 2026 Ram 1500 now or move into a 2027 model? Murdock Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Bountiful can help you compare available trucks, engines, equipment, current offers and incoming inventory. Shop new Ram inventory in West Bountiful and see which truck fits your needs.

2027 Ram 1500 vs 2026 Ram 1500 at a Glance

Feature 2027 Ram 1500 2026 Ram 1500
Maximum Available Horsepower 540 horsepower 540 horsepower
Maximum Available Torque 521 pound feet 521 pound feet
Maximum Available Towing 11,530 pounds 11,610 pounds
Maximum Available Payload 2,340 pounds 2,360 pounds
Available HEMI V8 Yes Yes
Available Hurricane Engines Yes Yes
Available Digital Display Space More than 50 combined inches More than 50 combined inches

What Changed for the 2027 Ram 1500?

The 2027 Ram 1500 continues the broad powertrain strategy introduced for the current Ram lineup. Ram lists the available 5.7 liter HEMI V8, two available 3.0 liter Hurricane engines and the 3.6 liter Pentastar V6.

Maximum available output remains 540 horsepower and 521 pound feet of torque when properly equipped with the High Output 3.0 liter Hurricane engine.

The capability numbers change slightly. Ram lists maximum available towing at 11,530 pounds for 2027 compared with 11,610 pounds for 2026. Maximum available payload is 2,340 pounds for 2027 compared with 2,360 pounds for 2026.

Those small differences should not determine the decision by themselves. Actual towing and payload depend on engine, drivetrain, cab, box, axle ratio, equipment, passengers and cargo.

2027 Ram 1500 Engine Choices

The 2027 Ram 1500 gives shoppers several ways to balance power, capability and everyday driving.

The available 3.0 liter High Output Hurricane produces up to 540 horsepower and 521 pound feet of torque. Ram also offers the standard output Hurricane engine, the available 5.7 liter HEMI V8 and the 3.6 liter Pentastar V6.

That range matters around Northern Utah because not every Ram buyer needs the same truck. Someone commuting between West Bountiful and Salt Lake City may have very different priorities than a buyer towing recreational equipment through the Wasatch Front or regularly hauling equipment for work.

2026 Ram 1500 Engine Choices

The 2026 Ram 1500 also provides four primary engine configurations. Ram lists the 3.6 liter Pentastar V6 at 305 horsepower and 269 pound feet of torque, the 5.7 liter HEMI V8 at 395 horsepower and 410 pound feet of torque, the standard output Hurricane at 420 horsepower and 469 pound feet of torque, and the High Output Hurricane at up to 540 horsepower and 521 pound feet of torque.

How Much Does the 2026 Ram 1500 Cost?

The 2026 Ram 1500 has a manufacturer listed starting MSRP of $42,025*.

*Starting MSRP information was taken from the official Ram manufacturer website at the time this article was written. MSRP may exclude destination and handling, taxes, title, registration, options, dealer installed equipment and dealer fees. Actual dealer price may vary. Manufacturer pricing, incentives, equipment, specifications and availability are subject to change. Contact Murdock Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Bountiful for current pricing and availability.

Ram’s current 2027 Ram 1500 page does not publish a general starting MSRP, so shoppers should contact the dealership for current 2027 pricing and incoming vehicle information.

Should You Buy a 2026 or 2027 Ram 1500?

A 2026 Ram 1500 may make sense if you find the engine, trim and equipment you want in current inventory and there are attractive manufacturer or dealership offers available. The 2026 truck already provides the HEMI V8, Hurricane engine choices, substantial towing capability and the technology found throughout the current generation.

The 2027 Ram 1500 may be a better fit for someone who specifically wants the newest model year or wants to compare incoming configurations before making a purchase.

For shoppers from Salt Lake City, Layton, Sandy and Riverdale, the smartest approach is to compare actual trucks rather than deciding based only on the model year printed on the window sticker.

Compare the 2027 and 2026 Ram 1500 in West Bountiful

Want to know whether buying a 2026 Ram 1500 now or choosing a 2027 makes more sense for you? Tell the team at Murdock CDJR how you drive, what you tow and which features matter most. We can help you compare available trucks, current offers and incoming inventory.

Contact Murdock Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Bountiful to start your Ram 1500 comparison today. We proudly serve drivers in West Bountiful and shoppers from Salt Lake City, Layton, Sandy and Riverdale.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much horsepower does the 2027 Ram 1500 have?

The 2027 Ram 1500 offers up to 540 horsepower with the available High Output 3.0 liter Hurricane engine.

Can you still get a HEMI V8 in the 2027 Ram 1500?

Yes. Ram lists the available 5.7 liter HEMI V8 as one of the engine choices for the 2027 Ram 1500.

How much can the 2027 Ram 1500 tow?

The 2027 Ram 1500 can tow up to 11,530 pounds when properly equipped.

How much can the 2026 Ram 1500 tow?

The 2026 Ram 1500 can tow up to 11,610 pounds when properly equipped.

Where can I compare Ram 1500 trucks near Salt Lake City?

Murdock Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Bountiful in West Bountiful serves Ram shoppers from Salt Lake City, Layton, Sandy, Riverdale and surrounding Utah communities.

Towing and payload capacities are maximum available ratings when properly equipped. Additional options, equipment, passengers and cargo can affect capability. Fuel economy figures, when referenced, are manufacturer estimates. Driver assistance features are not a substitute for attentive driving. Vehicle features, specifications and availability are subject to change.