HEMI, Hurricane, or Pentastar? Understanding the 2027 Ram 1500 Engine Lineup
The 2027 Ram 1500 engine lineup gives truck shoppers more than a simple V6-versus-V8 decision. Pentastar, Hurricane, and HEMI each bring a different kind of value to the Ram 1500, from practical daily truck use to high-output twin-turbo strength to unmistakable V8 character.
For drivers around St. Albans, the right engine depends on how the truck will be used most often. A VT-105 workweek, a hardware run after dinner, weekend gear headed out toward the Bay, and a performance-focused Rumble Bee or TRX SRT do not all call for the same powertrain. This guide breaks down the 2027 Ram 1500 engine options so you can compare them clearly before choosing a truck.
For a full look at trims, features, technology, and shopping details, visit our 2027 Ram 1500 model profile.
Quick Answer: Which 2027 Ram 1500 Engine Should You Choose?
Choose the 3.6L Pentastar V6 eTorque for practical daily truck use, strong listed payload potential, and available onboard power. Choose the 3.0L Hurricane SO if you want the highest listed maximum towing figure in the lineup. Choose the 3.0L Hurricane HO if you want stronger high-output performance. Choose a HEMI V8 if you want traditional V8 feel, familiar Ram character, or one of the specialty performance models.
That is the short version. The better answer depends on cab, bed, drivetrain, trim, towing needs, payload needs, and how much performance you want from your Ram 1500.
2027 Ram 1500 Engine Options at a Glance
The 2027 Ram 1500 powertrain family includes V6, twin-turbo inline-six, and V8 choices. Every listed engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, though availability varies by model, trim, and configuration.
| Engine | Horsepower | Torque | Transmission | Best For |
| 3.6L Pentastar V6 eTorque | 305 hp | 269 lb-ft | TorqueFlite 850RE 8-speed automatic | Daily driving, value-minded utility, available onboard power |
| 5.7L HEMI V8 | 395 hp | 410 lb-ft | TorqueFlite 8HP75 8-speed automatic | Traditional V8 feel and familiar Ram character |
| 5.7L HEMI V8 eTorque | 395 hp | 410 lb-ft | TorqueFlite 8HP75 8-speed automatic | V8 feel with strong listed towing capability |
| 3.0L Hurricane SO Twin-Turbo I6 | 420 hp | 469 lb-ft | TorqueFlite 8HP75 8-speed automatic | Mainstream strength, torque, and towing confidence |
| 3.0L Hurricane HO Twin-Turbo I6 | 540 hp | 521 lb-ft | TorqueFlite 8HP75 8-speed automatic | High-output performance |
| 6.4L HEMI V8 | 470 hp | 470 lb-ft | TorqueFlite 8HP75 8-speed automatic | Specialty muscle-truck performance |
| 6.2L Supercharged HEMI V8 | 777 hp | 680 lb-ft | TorqueFlite 8HP95 8-speed automatic | Extreme performance in Rumble Bee SRT and TRX SRT applications |
Independent testing coverage has also reinforced why shoppers should not assume the V8 is automatically the quicker everyday choice; Car and Driver found Hurricane-powered Ram 1500 test trucks quicker than a comparable 5.7L HEMI V8 truck in its acceleration testing.¹
Pentastar V6 eTorque: The Practical Starting Point
The 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 eTorque is the approachable engine in the 2027 Ram 1500 lineup. It produces 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque, giving shoppers a capable starting point for everyday driving, lighter truck tasks, and routine ownership.
This engine makes sense for drivers who want the size, comfort, and usefulness of a Ram 1500 without immediately moving into higher-output powertrains. It is the kind of choice that can work well for daily errands, commuting, home projects, and weekends when the bed is carrying more than the cabin.
The 2027 update also gives Pentastar-equipped Ram 1500 models an important utility note: available 2kW onboard power through two 120V outlets in the pickup bed. That can be useful for tools, outdoor gear, tailgate setups, or projects away from the garage.
When properly equipped, the 3.6L Pentastar V6 eTorque is listed with up to 8,100 pounds of maximum towing and up to 2,340 pounds of maximum payload.
Hurricane SO: The Strong All-Around Choice
The 3.0-liter Hurricane Standard Output twin-turbo inline-six may be the engine many 2027 Ram 1500 shoppers should study first. It produces 420 horsepower and 469 lb-ft of torque, which puts it above the 5.7L HEMI V8 in both listed horsepower and listed torque.
That changes the old shopping habit of assuming more cylinders automatically means more capability. For many drivers, the Hurricane SO is the powertrain that best balances output, torque, and towing strength.
When properly equipped, the Hurricane SO is listed with up to 11,530 pounds of maximum towing and up to 1,880 pounds of maximum payload. That is the highest listed towing figure in the 2027 Ram 1500 gas lineup.
For St. Albans-area drivers who split time between commuting, weekend projects, rural-road errands, and towing needs, the Hurricane SO deserves a close look.
Hurricane HO: More Power for Drivers Who Want a Stronger Punch
The 3.0-liter Hurricane High Output twin-turbo inline-six raises output to 540 horsepower and 521 lb-ft of torque. This engine is aimed at shoppers who want a stronger, more performance-focused Ram 1500 without moving into the most extreme HEMI specialty trucks.
The Hurricane HO is especially important for shoppers comparing models like the Ram 1500 RHO, where high-output performance and off-road attitude are a major part of the appeal. It brings a sharp increase in horsepower and torque over the Hurricane SO, while still staying within the twin-turbo inline-six family.
When properly equipped, the Hurricane HO is listed with up to 9,480 pounds of maximum towing and up to 1,530 pounds of maximum payload. Those figures are lower than the Hurricane SO’s maximum towing number, but the HO’s appeal is centered more on high-output performance than maximum tow-chart bragging rights.
5.7L HEMI V8: The Familiar Ram Sound and Feel
The 5.7-liter HEMI V8 remains one of the most recognizable names in the Ram truck world. For 2027, it is listed at 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, with both standard and eTorque versions appearing in the powertrain lineup.
The HEMI’s appeal is not only about numbers. It is about the traditional V8 sound, response, and familiarity that many Ram owners still want. For shoppers who have owned Ram trucks before, this may be the engine that feels the most familiar from the first test drive.
The towing story depends on configuration. When properly equipped, the 5.7L HEMI V8 is listed with up to 8,890 pounds of maximum towing and up to 1,150 pounds of payload. The 5.7L HEMI V8 eTorque is listed with up to 11,370 pounds of maximum towing and up to 1,680 pounds of payload.
That makes the eTorque version especially worth comparing if you want V8 character and strong listed towing capability in the same truck.
6.4L HEMI and 6.2L Supercharged HEMI: Specialty Performance Engines

The 2027 Ram 1500 lineup also includes HEMI engines that move beyond everyday truck shopping and into specialty performance territory.
The 6.4-liter HEMI V8 produces 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. The 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V8 produces 777 horsepower and 680 lb-ft of torque. These engines are tied to the more aggressive side of the 2027 Ram 1500 story, including Rumble Bee and SRT models.
The Rumble Bee lineup brings street-performance muscle-truck energy back into the Ram 1500 conversation, while the TRX SRT returns as a high-powered off-road performance truck. These engines are aimed more at specialty performance than maximum payload shopping.
When properly equipped, the 6.4L HEMI V8 is listed with up to 7,460 pounds of maximum towing and up to 1,160 pounds of payload. The 6.2L supercharged HEMI V8 is listed with up to 8,580 pounds of maximum towing and up to 1,140 pounds of payload.
2027 Ram 1500 Towing Capacity by Engine
The 3.0L Hurricane SO twin-turbo inline-six has the highest listed maximum towing figure in the 2027 Ram 1500 gas engine lineup, with up to 11,530 pounds when properly equipped.
| Engine | Max Towing When Properly Equipped |
| 3.0L Hurricane SO Twin-Turbo I6 | Up to 11,530 lbs |
| 5.7L HEMI V8 eTorque | Up to 11,370 lbs |
| 3.0L Hurricane HO Twin-Turbo I6 | Up to 9,480 lbs |
| 5.7L HEMI V8 | Up to 8,890 lbs |
| 6.2L Supercharged HEMI V8 | Up to 8,580 lbs |
| 3.6L Pentastar V6 eTorque | Up to 8,100 lbs |
| 6.4L HEMI V8 | Up to 7,460 lbs |
Towing capacity depends on equipment, configuration, axle ratio, cab, bed, drivetrain, and other factors. Always confirm the exact rating for the truck you are considering before choosing it for a trailer, camper, boat, or work use.
2027 Ram 1500 Payload by Engine
The 3.6L Pentastar V6 eTorque has the highest listed maximum payload figure in the 2027 Ram 1500 lineup, with up to 2,340 pounds when properly equipped.
| Engine | Max Payload When Properly Equipped |
| 3.6L Pentastar V6 eTorque | Up to 2,340 lbs |
| 3.0L Hurricane SO Twin-Turbo I6 | Up to 1,880 lbs |
| 5.7L HEMI V8 eTorque | Up to 1,680 lbs |
| 3.0L Hurricane HO Twin-Turbo I6 | Up to 1,530 lbs |
| 6.4L HEMI V8 | Up to 1,160 lbs |
| 5.7L HEMI V8 | Up to 1,150 lbs |
| 6.2L Supercharged HEMI V8 | Up to 1,140 lbs |
That is a good reminder that the highest-horsepower engine is not always the right answer for every truck job. Payload depends heavily on configuration, and lighter-duty powertrains can sometimes post higher payload ratings because of how the truck is equipped.
HEMI vs. Hurricane vs. Pentastar: Which 2027 Ram 1500 Engine Fits You?
The best 2027 Ram 1500 engine depends on what you want your truck to do most often.
Choose the 3.6L Pentastar V6 eTorque if you want a practical Ram 1500 for daily driving, lighter truck work, strong listed payload potential, and available onboard power.
Choose the 3.0L Hurricane SO if you want a strong all-around engine with impressive horsepower, torque, and the highest listed maximum towing figure in the lineup.
Choose the 3.0L Hurricane HO if you want more power and a sharper high-output feel, especially when looking at performance-oriented Ram 1500 models.
Choose the 5.7L HEMI V8 or 5.7L HEMI V8 eTorque if you want traditional V8 sound, feel, and Ram character, with the eTorque version offering a strong listed towing number.
Choose the 6.4L HEMI or 6.2L supercharged HEMI if your attention is on specialty performance models like the Rumble Bee family or TRX SRT.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2027 Ram 1500 Engines
What are the 2027 Ram 1500 engine options?
The 2027 Ram 1500 engine lineup includes the 3.6L Pentastar V6 eTorque, 5.7L HEMI V8, 5.7L HEMI V8 eTorque, 3.0L Hurricane SO twin-turbo inline-six, 3.0L Hurricane HO twin-turbo inline-six, 6.4L HEMI V8, and 6.2L supercharged HEMI V8. Availability varies by model, trim, and configuration.
Does the 2027 Ram 1500 have a HEMI engine?
Yes. The 2027 Ram 1500 powertrain lineup includes multiple HEMI V8 options, including the 5.7L HEMI V8, 5.7L HEMI V8 eTorque, 6.4L HEMI V8, and 6.2L supercharged HEMI V8. Availability depends on model, trim, and configuration.
Is the 2027 Ram 1500 Hurricane better than the HEMI?
The Hurricane engines offer more listed horsepower and torque than the 5.7L HEMI V8, and the Hurricane SO has the highest listed maximum towing figure in the 2027 Ram 1500 lineup. The HEMI still appeals to shoppers who want traditional V8 sound, feel, and character. The better choice depends on whether you prioritize output, towing, V8 personality, or specialty performance.
What is the difference between Hurricane SO and Hurricane HO?
The Hurricane SO is the Standard Output version of the 3.0L twin-turbo inline-six, producing 420 horsepower and 469 lb-ft of torque. The Hurricane HO is the High Output version, producing 540 horsepower and 521 lb-ft of torque. The SO has the higher listed maximum towing figure, while the HO delivers more horsepower and torque.
Is the Hurricane SO stronger than the 5.7L HEMI?
In listed output, yes. The 3.0L Hurricane SO produces 420 horsepower and 469 lb-ft of torque, while the 5.7L HEMI V8 is listed at 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque.
Which 2027 Ram 1500 engine is best for towing?
The 3.0L Hurricane SO has the highest listed maximum towing figure in the 2027 Ram 1500 lineup, with up to 11,530 pounds when properly equipped. The 5.7L HEMI V8 eTorque is close behind at up to 11,370 pounds when properly equipped.
Which 2027 Ram 1500 engine is best for payload?
The 3.6L Pentastar V6 eTorque has the highest listed maximum payload figure, with up to 2,340 pounds when properly equipped. Payload varies by configuration, so it is important to confirm the rating for the specific truck you are considering.
Which 2027 Ram 1500 engine has the most horsepower?
The 6.2L supercharged HEMI V8 has the most listed horsepower in the 2027 Ram 1500 lineup, with 777 horsepower and 680 lb-ft of torque.
What engine does the 2027 Ram 1500 RHO use?
The Ram 1500 RHO is associated with the 3.0L Hurricane HO twin-turbo inline-six, which produces 540 horsepower and 521 lb-ft of torque.
What engine does the 2027 Ram 1500 TRX SRT use?
The 2027 Ram 1500 TRX SRT uses a 6.2L supercharged HEMI V8 rated at 777 horsepower and 680 lb-ft of torque.
Is the Pentastar V6 still worth considering?
Yes. The 3.6L Pentastar V6 eTorque remains a practical choice for shoppers who want a Ram 1500 for daily driving, strong listed payload potential, and useful truck functionality without moving into higher-output engines.
Compare 2027 Ram 1500 Engines in St. Albans, VT
The 2027 Ram 1500 engine lineup gives shoppers real choices instead of one obvious answer. Pentastar makes sense for practical daily utility, Hurricane brings serious strength to the heart of the lineup, and HEMI keeps the V8 character and specialty performance that many truck fans still want.
Nucar Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of St. Albans can help you compare Ram 1500 configurations, confirm current availability, and review the engine, trim, cab, bed, and drivetrain combinations that fit your needs. Start by browsing our new Ram 1500 inventory or reading the full Ram 1500 model profile for more details. From practical workweeks to performance-focused truck shopping, there is a Ram 1500 powertrain worth a closer look at Nucar Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of St. Albans, where Everyone loves a Nucar!
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