Before You Buy: 2026 Ram 1500 Big Horn HEMI eTorque Explained In Minutes

If you want a full-size pickup that still feels like a daily companion, the 2026 Ram 1500 Big Horn with the 5.7 liter HEMI eTorque lands right in the sweet spot. It brings back the familiar V 8 sound and shove, adds a 48 volt mild-hybrid system for smoother pull-away, and keeps the Big Horn’s value play intact with useful options instead of just flashy trim tricks. It is the kind of truck that feels relaxed in traffic, confident with a trailer, and comfortable on a long freeway run without pretending to be something it is not.

Under the hood sits a 5.7 liter V 8 paired with Ram’s eTorque belt-driven motor generator and a compact battery. Total output remains stout at 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque, routed through an 8 speed automatic. What changes is how the truck delivers it. The eTorque assist fills in the first few feet of motion, so the Big Horn eases off the line with less throttle and fewer revs. You notice it most with passengers or a bed full of gear: the truck feels lighter on its feet without dulling the natural V 8 character people buy a Ram for.

Tow rating depends on axle ratio, bed, cab, and packages, but with the right gearing and the Tow package, Big Horn configurations with the HEMI can crest five digits in maximum tow capacity. The secret is matching your build to your job. Choose the 3.92 axle ratio if you regularly pull near the limit and add the integrated trailer brake controller, hitch, and cooling upgrades. The eTorque system also helps during hitching and low-speed maneuvers, delivering a touch more control when you are inching a trailer into place.

The mild-hybrid system is about more than fuel economy numbers on paper. It smooths stop-start events, powers accessories during engine-off coasting, and recovers energy on deceleration. Pair it with the available 33 gallon fuel tank and you can stretch highway range meaningfully, which matters when your drive includes long distances between jobs or trailheads. If you split time between city errands and weekend towing, the blend of refinement and range is the point.

Inside, the Big Horn stays honest. You get durable materials, smart storage, and the option to step up to larger touchscreens, a crisp driver display, and a full suite of driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control and lane keeping support. The seats are long-haul comfortable and the cabin is quiet enough that the V 8 comes through as a low, clean note rather than a constant drone. Add the upgraded audio if you value road-trip playlists and consider the all-terrain package if your worksite or campsite begins where pavement ends.

What makes the Big Horn compelling is how customizable it is. You can keep it simple with rear wheel drive and a standard bed, or build it for weekend toys with four wheel drive, skid plates, and an off-road tire package. If your life includes hauling a small boat, a pair of dirt bikes, or a compact camper, the HEMI eTorque feels like the right kind of extra: strong, smooth, and ready without shouting. If you found this breakdown helpful, please do not forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell.