2025 Ram 1500 Engine Comparison – Pentastar V6, HEMI V8, and Hurricane I6

The 2025 Ram 1500 doesn’t just mark a new model year, but the end of an era. For nearly two decades, the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 was the heart and soul of Ram’s full-size pickup lineup. Its deep rumble, strong low-end torque, and loyal fan base made it a staple of American truck culture.

But the game has changed.

Ram has officially retired the HEMI V8 in favor of a new generation of engines, specifically, two versions of the twin-turbo 3.0-liter Hurricane inline-six. Meanwhile, the tried-and-true 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 with eTorque lives on as the base option.

So what does this shift mean for buyers? Let’s break it down: horsepower, torque, fuel economy, towing, payload, and real-world performance. Here’s what you need to know.

Engine Overview

3.6L Pentastar V6 – The Reliable Workhorse

Let’s start with the base engine. The Pentastar V6 is familiar, reliable, and doesn’t try to be something it’s not.

Paired with Ram’s eTorque mild-hybrid system, it quietly boosts torque during takeoff and helps with fuel savings during stop-start traffic.

Best for: Daily drivers, light towing, or anyone looking to keep things simple and efficient.

Strengths

• Most fuel-efficient of the bunch (20 city / 26 highway)
• Highest payload capacity at 2,370 lbs
• Uses regular unleaded fuel (cheaper in the long run)

Trade-offs

• Least powerful in the lineup
• Not ideal for heavy towing or high-performance needs

3.0L Hurricane I6 (Standard Output) – The New Sweet Spot

Here’s where things get interesting. The Standard-Output Hurricane I6 is Ram’s new answer to the HEMI V8, and, frankly, it beats it on nearly every front.

It churns out 420 horsepower and 469 lb-ft of torque, offering faster acceleration and better refinement.

Complementing this performance with a Dodge Ram Tesla screen can provide drivers with advanced navigation and entertainment features, enhancing the overall driving experience.

Best for: Drivers who want strong towing, solid fuel economy, and modern performance.

Strengths

• More powerful and torquey than the old HEMI
• Strongest towing capacity of the 2025 lineup (11,570 lbs)
• Quieter and smoother than the outgoing V8

Trade-offs

• Slightly lower payload than the V6
• Uses a bit more fuel than the Pentastar (18 city / 25 highway)

According to Car and Driver, a Ram 1500 Rebel with this engine ran 0–60 in under 5 seconds.

That’s serious pace for a full-size truck. It’s also quieter than the HEMI, making long drives less tiring—and you’ll notice the smoothness when pulling a trailer up a steep grade.

3.0L Hurricane I6 (High-Output) – Built for Speed, Not Hauling

 

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If you want all-out performance in a truck, this is where your eyes go. The High-Output Hurricane is tuned to 540 horsepower and 521 lb-ft of torque. That puts it in muscle car territory—except it’s inside a pickup.

Best for: Enthusiasts who crave speed, power, and a top-of-the-line driving experience.

Strengths

• Fastest Ram 1500 engine ever offered
• Immediate throttle response and smooth power delivery
• Refined and upscale feel in trims like Limited and Tungsten

Trade-offs

• Requires premium fuel (91-octane)
• Fuel economy takes a hit: 15 city / 21 highway
• Lower towing and payload compared to other engines

It’s important to mention the premium fuel again—not just for performance, but for cost. According to The Drive, over five years, this engine will cost you about $3,500 more in fuel than the old HEMI.

If you can stomach that, though, you’re getting one of the most exhilarating pickups on the market.

5.7L HEMI V8 – The Legacy Engine

While it’s no longer available in the 2025 Ram 1500, the HEMI deserves a farewell round. With 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque, it was a brute—especially when it came to towing. However, this engine will make a comeback in 2026MY.

It topped out at 12,750 lbs of trailering capacity, slightly above what the new engines can match.

Best for: Buyers of used models who want traditional V8 muscle.

Strengths

• Strong low-end torque
• Distinctive rumble many still love
• Time-tested durability

Trade-offs

• Louder and rougher than the new I6s
• Lower fuel efficiency
• Starting to feel dated in a world moving toward turbocharged efficiency

The HEMI made its mark. But when stacked against the new Hurricane twins, it starts to show its age.

Fuel Costs Over Time

Here’s a quick breakdown of how the engines compare when it comes to long-term fuel costs (based on average driving and fuel prices):

So if you’re buying with one eye on your wallet, the Pentastar makes a strong case. The High-Output Hurricane is a thrill, but you’ll feel it at the pump.

Towing and Payload Breakdown

Let’s get straight to it:

• Max Towing: Standard-Output Hurricane I6 (11,570 lbs)
• Max Payload: Pentastar V6 (2,370 lbs)
• Best for Heavy-Duty Towing: Still the old HEMI V8 (up to 12,750 lbs, but only available used)
• Best for Light-Duty Utility: Pentastar V6
• Best for Performance + Usability: Standard-Output Hurricane

If you’re towing a camper or a trailer full of gear, the Standard-Output Hurricane is your best bet in the 2025 lineup.

For light trailers and maximum in-bed capacity, the Pentastar quietly wins. The High-Output engine? It’s more about the speed than the load.

Maintenance and Ownership Considerations

Here’s where things get a bit more speculative. The Hurricane I6 engines are new, so we don’t yet have long-term data on durability. But early signs are promising, and the design—with fewer moving parts than a V8—may lead to simpler maintenance down the road.

The Pentastar V6, on the other hand, is a known quantity. It’s been used across the Stellantis lineup for years and has built a reputation for dependability.

Initial Cost Note

• Pentastar V6 is typically offered on base trims like Tradesman.
• Standard-Output Hurricane is found on mid-to-high trims like Big Horn, Rebel, Laramie.
• High-Output Hurricane is reserved for Limited and Tungsten, which come with a higher price tag before you even add options.

Why Ram Dropped the HEMI

Simple: efficiency, emissions, and future-proofing.

The new twin-turbo I6 engines offer more power and torque than the HEMI with better refinement. They fit better into the industry’s push for cleaner, more advanced engine technology without compromising on what truck buyers still want—capability.

The Hurricane lineup is designed to meet stricter emissions regulations without relying entirely on electrification. That makes it a key bridge between the gas trucks of today and the electrified ones coming soon.

So, Which Engine Should You Pick?

Let’s keep it real. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here—it depends on your lifestyle, budget, and how you use your truck.

Go with the Pentastar V6 if:

• You want the most affordable Ram 1500.
• You prioritize fuel economy and lower running costs.
• You mainly haul gear and do light towing.

Choose the Hurricane I6 (SO) if:

• You want a powerful, well-balanced truck.
• You regularly tow medium-to-heavy loads.
• You’re replacing a HEMI but want more refinement and efficiency.

Opt for the Hurricane I6 (HO) if:

• You love horsepower and don’t mind paying for it.
• You want premium trims and sporty acceleration.
• You’re less concerned with towing and more with the driving experience.

The new lineup isn’t just a refresh—it’s a rethinking of what truck performance can be. And frankly, Ram’s not holding back.