The departure of the iconic Hemi Engine may evoke nostalgia, but the emergence of Ram’s new Hurricane Sixes is nothing short of impressive. However, in today’s automotive landscape, the paradigm has shifted towards efficiency and power without necessarily enlarging the engine’s physical size.
Enter the era of forced induction, where smaller engines can pack a bigger punch while maintaining efficiency, a feat exemplified by the 2025 Ram 1500.
Parent company Stellantis has made a strategic move to bid farewell to the Hemi V-8 in favor of more compact and efficient powertrains, including electric motors. Leading the charge is the new Hurricane I-6 engine, which now sits atop the 1500 pickup’s powertrain hierarchy, dethroning the V-8.
The performance credentials of the Hurricane I-6 are impressive, surpassing its predecessor, the 5.7-liter Hemi, in both horsepower and torque.
With the standard output version boasting 420 horsepower and 469 lb-ft of torque, it outshines the Hemi’s 395 hp and 410 lb-ft. Moreover, in its high-output configuration, the Hurricane achieves a staggering 540 horsepower and 521 lb-ft of torque, setting a new standard for power in the Ram 1500 lineup.
In addition to its formidable performance, the Hurricane I-6 demonstrates commendable fuel efficiency, particularly when compared to the outgoing V-8. EPA estimates reveal that certain variants of the 2025 Ram 1500 equipped with the Hurricane engine exhibit improved fuel economy figures.
The two-wheel-drive model with the standard-output Hurricane delivers 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined, representing a notable enhancement over the previous V-8 model. Even in its high-output guise, the Hurricane engine maintains competitive efficiency, albeit with a slight decrease in fuel economy due to its increased power output.
However, the rear-wheel-drive HFE model with the base 3.6-liter V-6 engine retains its status as the most fuel-efficient option, boasting impressive figures of 20 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined.
While bidding farewell to the beloved Hemi may stir emotions among enthusiasts, the arrival of Hurricane I-6 signifies a new era of power and efficiency for the Ram 1500. With its ability to outperform the Hemi while offering improved fuel economy, the Hurricane engine represents a compelling evolution in pickup truck powertrains.