2026 RAM 2500 Engine Options

Whether you need a heavy-duty truck for a Corona jobsite or you are hauling recreational equipment past West Covina, the 2026 Ram 2500 starts with the engine. There are two 2026 Ram 2500 engine options. One is a standard 6.4L HEMI® V8 gas engine. The other is an available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6. Below, the team at Jeep Chrysler Dodge RAM of Ontario breaks down what each powertrain delivers and what it tows. You can also browse Ram trucks near Corona if you would rather start from inventory.

What Engine Options Are Available in the 2026 Ram 2500?

The 2026 Ram 2500 offers two engines. The standard 6.4L HEMI® V8 produces 405 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque, according to Ram’s published 2026 Ram 2500 capability specifications. The available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 produces 430 horsepower and 1,075 lb-ft of torque. Ram calls that a Best-in-Class available base diesel torque rating. Each engine pairs with its own eight-speed automatic transmission, and each one changes what the truck can pull and carry.

Maximum towing and payload capacity figures are based on properly equipped vehicles and vary by configuration. Do not exceed any weight rating. See your owner’s manual and the vehicle’s door-jamb label for specific capacities.

2026 Ram 2500 Trim Lineup

The 2026 Ram 2500 lineup spans ten trims: Tradesman, Big Horn, Lone Star, Black Express, Warlock, Laramie, Rebel, Power Wagon, Limited and Limited Longhorn.

What Transmission Is Paired With Each 2026 Ram 2500 Engine?

The two engines do not share a transmission. The 6.4L HEMI® V8 pairs with a TorqueFlite® 8 eight-speed automatic. The High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 pairs with a heavy-duty TorqueFlite® HD eight-speed automatic built around the diesel’s torque output. Either way, you get eight forward speeds. That lets the truck hold a low gear under load and still cruise at low engine speed on the highway. For a wider look at the truck beyond its powertrains, see our 2026 Ram 2500 overview.

What Are the 2026 Ram 2500 Towing and Payload Ratings Near Norco?

Maximum ratings split along engine lines. Ram’s capability figures list the 6.4L HEMI® V8 at up to 17,750 pounds of towing and a maximum payload of up to 3,930 pounds. The High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 tows up to 20,000 pounds with a maximum payload of up to 3,600 pounds. All figures are when properly equipped.

Maximum towing and payload capacity figures are based on properly equipped vehicles and vary by configuration. Do not exceed any weight rating. See your owner’s manual and the vehicle’s door-jamb label for specific capacities.

Note the trade-off in those numbers. The gas V8 carries more in the bed. The diesel pulls more behind it.

Towing With a Diesel Near Norco

Some Norco residents haul enclosed horse trailers, livestock rigs or heavy recreational vehicles. The City of Norco was incorporated to preserve an equestrian and animal-keeping lifestyle. For those loads, the diesel’s torque is what delivers stability and control.

Engine Braking on Long Descents

Diesel models can be equipped with an available Automatic Smart Exhaust Brake. It uses the turbocharger to create backpressure. That helps slow the truck on long downgrades without overworking the wheel brakes.

Which 2026 Ram 2500 Engine Is Right for Your Work?

When the 6.4L HEMI® V8 Makes Sense

The standard 6.4L HEMI® V8 has the lower entry price, quick throttle response and the higher maximum payload rating of the two. It suits fleet operators and tradespeople who prioritize carrying heavy tools, bed cargo and equipment. It also delivers dependable daily utility without the added maintenance of a diesel exhaust system.

When the Cummins® Diesel Makes Sense

The High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 is built for heavy trailering. Its 1,075 lb-ft of torque arrives low in the rev range. That is what makes moving a heavy trailer from a standstill feel effortless. Diesel ownership does carry higher routine maintenance, including larger oil capacities, fuel filter replacements and regular Diesel Exhaust Fluid refills.

Powertrain Warranty Coverage

Select 2026 Ram trucks and vans are covered by a 10-Year/100,000-Mile Limited Powertrain Warranty, per Ram’s 2026 Ram 2500 model page.

This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Warranty coverage depends on the specific terms of your vehicle’s warranty agreement. Consult your owner’s manual or a qualified legal professional for guidance on your individual situation.

If a 2500 is not quite the right size, you can also look at the Ram 3500 or our commercial truck lineup. Weighing current trucks against earlier ones? Our pre-owned inventory is a useful way to compare capability across model years and engine generations.

New for 2026: Ram 2500 Power Wagon With an Available Cummins® Diesel

For the 2026 model year, Ram expanded Cummins® availability to the Power Wagon®. That pairs Power Wagon off-road hardware with the High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6. Ram lists the following equipment on that configuration:

Common Questions About 2026 Ram 2500 Engine Options

Is the Cummins diesel available on the 2026 Ram 2500 Power Wagon?

Yes. For 2026, the Ram 2500 Power Wagon offers an available High-Output 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6. The configuration combines Power Wagon off-road hardware, including front and rear electronic locking differentials, an electronic front sway bar disconnect, a Bilstein shock system and Goodyear all-terrain tires, with 1,075 lb-ft of torque. Ram lists projected availability for the second half of 2026.

What is the maximum payload capacity of the gas-powered 2026 Ram 2500?

With the standard 6.4L HEMI V8, the 2026 Ram 2500 delivers a maximum payload capacity of up to 3,930 pounds when properly equipped. Payload capacity varies depending on cab style, bed length and drivetrain selection.

Maximum towing and payload capacity figures are based on properly equipped vehicles and vary by configuration. Do not exceed any weight rating. See your owner’s manual and the vehicle’s door-jamb label for specific capacities.

Does the 2026 Ram 2500 come with a powertrain warranty?

Select 2026 Ram trucks and vans are covered by a 10-Year/100,000-Mile Limited Powertrain Warranty. Coverage depends on the specific vehicle and configuration.

This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Warranty coverage depends on the specific terms of your vehicle’s warranty agreement. Consult your owner’s manual or a qualified legal professional for guidance on your individual situation.

See the 2026 Ram 2500 Near Claremont

Comparing the 6.4L HEMI® V8 against the High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 on paper only gets you so far. The sales team at Jeep Chrysler Dodge RAM of Ontario can walk you through both powertrains and check current availability. They can also set up a test drive so you can feel the difference under load. Visit us at 1202 Auto Center Dr, Ontario, CA 91761, or call our sales team at 909-757-0698.

Disclaimers

Maximum towing and payload capacity figures are based on properly equipped vehicles and vary by configuration. Do not exceed any weight rating. See your owner’s manual and the vehicle’s door-jamb label for specific capacities.

This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Warranty coverage depends on the specific terms of your vehicle’s warranty agreement. Consult your owner’s manual or a qualified legal professional for guidance on your individual situation.