The Ram 1500 has recently been put through its paces with both versions of the Hurricane engine lineup tested head-to-head against the long-revered Hemi V8, and the results suggest the twin-turbo inline-sixes come out ahead.
Although the returning Hemi V8 in the Ram 1500 continues to hold a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts, fresh testing indicates that Ram’s newer 3.0-liter Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six delivers stronger results across several objective metrics.
Both Hurricane variants, the standard-output 420-horsepower version and the higher-output 540-horsepower (HO) model, were evaluated against the Hemi, with the publication noting that its “test data points to an obvious winner.”
In acceleration testing, the 420-hp Hurricane, which is available in Ram 1500 trims such as the Laramie and Rebel, recorded a 0–60 mph time of 4.8 seconds. That figure is already 1.2 seconds quicker than the 5.7-liter Hemi V8, which produces 395 horsepower.
The performance gap widens further with the HO Hurricane, offered in trims like the RHO, Limited, which served as the test vehicle, and Tungsten, as it completed the same sprint in just 4.2 seconds.
For additional context, Ram itself lists the HO Hurricane-equipped 1500 RHO with a factory-estimated 0–60 mph time of 4.6 seconds.
Even so, the outright acceleration benchmark within the lineup still belongs to the now-discontinued Ram 1500 TRX. Powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8, the TRX blasted to 60 mph in only 3.7 seconds.
Beyond straight-line performance, the Hurricane engines also demonstrated an advantage in refinement. Noise measurements showed the Hemi V8 reaching 81 decibels at wide-open throttle, making it 10 dBA louder than the HO Hurricane and 14 dBA louder than the standard-output inline-six.
Fuel economy figures, however, remain closely matched. The Hemi posts a combined rating of 18 mpg, placing it between the standard Hurricane’s 19 mpg and the HO Hurricane’s 17 mpg. The high-output version also requires premium 91-octane fuel, a distinction worth noting for buyers.
Despite the Hurricane engines delivering clear gains in acceleration and overall refinement, many buyers still gravitate toward the Hemi for its character and legacy.
Ram 1500 models equipped with the returning V8, reintroduced for the 2026 model year, are reportedly selling in as little as five days, with demand outpacing supply.
Ram CEO has publicly acknowledged that eliminating the Hemi was a misstep, stating the brand “screwed up” by dropping it.
With the V8 now back in the lineup, it is being sold alongside the Hurricane engines, which Ram continues to describe as “more powerful and more efficient.”
In the end, determining the better powertrain largely depends on personal preference. While the Hurricane inline-sixes clearly shine in objective testing, the emotional pull of the Hemi remains strong.
Looking ahead, enthusiasts are also closely monitoring rumors of a potential Ram 1500 TRX revival. Speculation suggests output could climb as high as 797 horsepower, a figure that would decisively place it ahead of its longtime rival, the Ford F-150 Raptor R, should it come to fruition.
