Ram 1500 Towing Capacity: Engines, Trims & More

Ram 1500 Towing Capacity Explained

The Ram 1500 towing capacity varies with multiple factors, including the engine and drivetrain.

For example, the 2026 Ram 1500 offers four engines and two drivetrains, starting with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6: the standard source of power for the model, offering a maximum towing capacity of 8,130 pounds¹ with 4x2. This is also the most fuel-efficient Ram 1500 engine, delivering up to an EPA-estimated 20/25 MPG (City/Highway)³ with that same 4x2 setup. When configured with 4x4, this engine has a maximum tow rating of 7,470 pounds.¹

The next engine, an available upgrade, is the fan-favorite 5.7-liter HEMI V-8, which returns for 2026 with an iconic rumble and a maximum Ram 1500 towing capacity of 11,320 pounds¹ with 4x2 or 9,590 pounds¹ with 4x4 traction. However, the next available engine, the 3.0-liter Hurricane twin-turbo I-6, is stronger in horsepower and in towing specs, achieving the highest towing threshold: 11,610 pounds¹ with 4x2 or 11,370 pounds¹ with 4x4.

The available high-output version of this Hurricane engine only pairs with 4x4. It has the highest horsepower and torque ratings, but sits in the middle with a 10,000-pound¹ maximum tow rating.

While these engines are the main force behind the towing capacity, Ram 1500 configuration details like the cab also play a part. With the 2026 Ram 1500 (and more recent model years of any used Ram 1500 for sale), there will be two cab options, both of which have four doors: the smaller Quad Cab and larger Crew Cab. Check the Ram 1500 towing capacity chart below to see their variances:

Ram 1500 Towing Capacity: How Does the Trim Affect It?

Before you apply for financing, you likely want to know which trim can tow the most, and how others can vary.

Specific tow ratings of a trim can vary with factors like the weight of factory-installed packages, so the best way to check is the method we mentioned prior: View the driver-side door-jamb info sticker to see the truck's exact towing capacity as rated by the manufacturer, or contact our team.

As an overview, here are the engine and cab options for each 2026 trim:

Tradesman

• Standard engine: 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6
• Available engine: 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 or 3.0-liter Hurricane I-6
• Standard drivetrain: 4x2
• Available drivetrain: 4x4
• Standard cab: Quad Cab
• Available cab: Crew Cab

Express

• Standard engine: 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6
• Available engine: 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 or 3.0-liter Hurricane I-6
• Standard drivetrain: 4x2
• Available drivetrain: 4x4
• Standard cab: Quad Cab
• Available cab: Crew Cab

Big Horn

• Standard engine: 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6
• Available engine: 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 or 3.0-liter Hurricane I-6
• Standard drivetrain: 4x2
• Available drivetrain: 4x4
• Standard cab: Quad Cab
• Available cab: Crew Cab

Warlock

• Standard engine: 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6
• Available engine: 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 or 3.0-liter Hurricane I-6
• Standard drivetrain: 4x4
• Standard cab: Crew Cab

Laramie

• Standard engine: 3.0-liter Hurricane I-6
• Available engine: 5.7-liter HEMI V-8
• Standard drivetrain: 4x2
• Available drivetrain: 4x4
• Standard cab: Crew Cab

Rebel

• Standard engine: 3.0-liter Hurricane I-6
• Available engine: 5.7-liter HEMI V-8
• Standard drivetrain: 4x4
• Standard cab: Crew Cab

RHO

• Standard engine: High-Output 3.0-liter Hurricane I-6
• Standard drivetrain: 4x4
• Standard cab: Crew Cab

The RHO has unique mechanical upgrades and can only be had with an 8,330-pound towing capacity; contact us for details about this model's differences.

Limited

• Standard engine: High-Output 3.0-liter Hurricane I-6
• Available engine: 5.7-liter HEMI V-8
• Standard drivetrain: 4x4
• Standard cab: Crew Cab

Limited Longhorn

• Standard engine: High-Output 3.0-liter Hurricane I-6
• Available engine: 5.7-liter HEMI V-8
• Standard drivetrain: 4x4
• Standard cab: Crew Cab

Tungsten

• Standard engine: High-Output 3.0-liter Hurricane I-6
• Standard drivetrain: 4x4
• Standard cab: Crew Cab