Ram 1500 Engines: Hurricane vs HEMI vs eTorque
Engine chooser · Ram 1500
Ram 1500 Engines: Hurricane vs HEMI vs eTorque
Seven engines, one truck. Here's which one fits how you actually use it, with Ram's and the EPA's numbers.
- 11,530 lbHurricane SO tow
- 2,340 lb3.6L payload
- 395 hp5.7L HEMI
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Short answer: For most towing in the Barron area, the 3.0L Hurricane Standard Output (420 hp / 469 lb-ft, regular fuel) carries Ram's top 1500 tow rating of 11,530 lb. The 5.7L HEMI eTorque is close at 11,370 lb if you want a V8. The 3.6L V6 eTorque is the payload and mpg leader (2,340 lb; EPA 20/25 2WD). The Hurricane HO (540 hp) is about speed, not towing (9,480 lb, premium fuel).
The full lineup
| Engine | HP / lb-ft | Max tow (lb) | Max payload (lb) | EPA city/hwy | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6L Pentastar V6 eTorque | 305 / 269 | 8,100 | 2,340 | 20/25 (2WD) | Regular |
| 5.7L HEMI V8 | 395 / 410 | 8,890 | 1,150 | 15/23 (2WD) | Midgrade (EPA) |
| 5.7L HEMI V8 eTorque | 395 / 410 | 11,370 | 1,680 | 17/22 (2WD) | Midgrade (EPA) |
| 3.0L Hurricane SO twin-turbo I6 | 420 / 469 | 11,530 | 1,880 | 17/24 (2WD) | Regular |
| 3.0L Hurricane HO twin-turbo I6 | 540 / 521 | 9,480 | 1,530 | 15/21 (4WD) | Premium |
| 6.4L HEMI V8 (Rumble Bee 392) | 470 / 470 | 7,460 | 1,160 | — | — |
| 6.2L supercharged HEMI (TRX SRT, Rumble Bee SRT) | 777 / 680 | 8,580 | 1,140 | 10/14 (4WD) | Premium |
Tow/payload: Ram 2027 press kit, properly equipped. MPG/fuel: EPA fueleconomy.gov 2027. Ram's consumer site rates some engines on different configurations (e.g. 5.7L HEMI 4x2 at 11,470 lb); the truck's own labels govern.
Pick by the job
| If you mostly… | Look at | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Tow a camper, big boat or ice house | 3.0L Hurricane SO or 5.7L HEMI eTorque | Highest 1500 tow ratings (11,530 / 11,370 lb) |
| Haul heavy loads in the bed | 3.6L V6 eTorque | Highest payload (2,340 lb) because it's lightest |
| Commute and want mpg | 3.6L V6 eTorque | EPA 20/25 2WD, 19/24 4WD, regular fuel |
| Want a V8 sound and feel | 5.7L HEMI (with or without eTorque) | 395 hp / 410 lb-ft; check which version and its ratings |
| Want performance | Hurricane HO, or Rumble Bee/TRX SRT HEMIs | 540–777 hp; premium fuel, lower tow ratings |
Your engine questions
Hurricane or HEMI for towing?
On paper the Hurricane SO edges the HEMI eTorque (11,530 vs 11,370 lb, 2027 press kit) with more torque (469 vs 410 lb-ft) and runs on regular, while the EPA lists midgrade for the 5.7L. Many buyers still choose the HEMI for the V8 feel; both are capable for typical boat and camper towing. The non-eTorque 5.7L is rated much lower (8,890 lb, 1,150 lb payload) in the press kit.
Is the 5.7L HEMI eTorque going away?
Ram has said the 5.7L eTorque HEMI is being phased out during the 2027 model year in favor of a 5.7L HEMI without eTorque at the same 395 hp / 410 lb-ft. Timing depends on build; the window sticker shows which one a truck has.
Is a twin-turbo six reliable long term?
It's newer (2025 launch on the 1500), so long-term data is thinner than for the HEMI. Follow the handbook: the 3.0L calls for spark plugs at 60,000 miles; oil per the indicator, never over 10,000 miles or 12 months. See the maintenance schedule.
Does the Hurricane need premium?
Standard Output: regular. High Output: the EPA lists premium.
Is the 3.6L enough truck?
For commuting, light trailers and bed loads, yes: it has the highest payload in the lineup. Its 8,100-lb tow rating is the lowest of the core engines, so heavier campers point to the Hurricane SO or HEMI eTorque.
Is the eTorque a hybrid?
A mild hybrid: belt-driven motor-generator plus a 48V battery. No plug, no electric-only driving. Ram added available 2kW onboard power through two 120V bed outlets on 2027 3.6L eTorque trucks.
What about cold starts?
Any engine benefits from a block heater in a Barron County January. Ask which trucks have one or have our service department install it; see the winter guide.
Back to the Ram 1500 guide · Which trims get which engine
Sources: Stellantis Media 2027 Ram 1500 press kit and specifications; Stellantis Media June 5, 2025 HEMI eTorque release; ramtrucks.com 2027 engine pages (Oct 29, 2026); EPA fueleconomy.gov; 2026 Ram 1500 Owner Handbook.
Questions
Which Ram 1500 engine tows the most?
The 3.0L Hurricane Standard Output: up to 11,530 lb properly equipped, per Ram's 2027 press kit.
Which Ram 1500 engine has the most payload?
The 3.6L V6 eTorque, up to 2,340 lb.
Does the Hurricane HO need premium fuel?
The EPA lists premium for the High Output; the Standard Output runs on regular.
Swant Graber Motors (Chevrolet · Ram · Dodge)
1690 E Division Ave, Barron, WI 54812 · 715-537-5657
Sales Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Sat 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. · Service Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
New vehicles at invoice with no mandatory dealer add-ons. Taxes, title, registration and the $127.50 doc fee are extra. Figures are from Ram/Stellantis and EPA sources and our own stock window stickers (retrieved Oct 2026); the window sticker and door-jamb labels on the exact VIN are the final word. Financing subject to credit approval.