Shopping for a new Ram 1500 in Southern Maryland? The 2027 Ram 1500 (many folks still call it the Dodge Ram 1500) comes with a choice of seven engines. If you tow a boat to the Chesapeake, haul gear around Calvert County or just want a strong daily driver, the engine you pick matters more than the trim. This guide compares the Ram 1500 HEMI and Hurricane engines side by side, using Ram's own towing and payload numbers, so you can choose with confidence.
Want the full rundown on trims, tech and features? Read our complete guide to the 2026 Ram 1500. Most of it still applies. This post sticks to engines, towing and payload for 2027.What's new for the 2027 Ram 1500
Ram says 2027 Ram 1500 trucks are in dealerships now. Here are the changes that matter most if you're choosing an engine:- A 5.7L HEMI V8 without eTorque joins the lineup. Ram has said the HEMI eTorque will be phased out early in the 2027 model year, and the non-eTorque HEMI does not have automatic stop-start.
- The TRX returns as the Ram 1500 TRX SRT, with a 777-horsepower supercharged 6.2L HEMI.
- New Rumble Bee muscle trucks bring a 6.4L HEMI to the Ram 1500.
- Pentastar V6 eTorque trucks can add a 2 kW onboard power system with two 120-volt outlets in the bed (late availability).
- A 360-degree camera is now available on Laramie and Rebel Level 1 Equipment Groups.
2027 Ram 1500 engines compared
Here's how all seven engines stack up, sorted by towing. Towing and payload are Ram's maximums for each engine. Your truck's real numbers depend on its cab, bed, axle ratio and options.| Engine | Horsepower | Torque | Max towing | Max payload |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L Hurricane SO twin-turbo I6 | 420 hp | 469 lb-ft | 11,530 lb | 1,880 lb |
| 5.7L HEMI V8 eTorque | 395 hp | 410 lb-ft | 11,370 lb | 1,680 lb |
| 3.0L Hurricane HO twin-turbo I6 | 540 hp | 521 lb-ft | 9,480 lb | 1,530 lb |
| 5.7L HEMI V8 (no eTorque) | 395 hp | 410 lb-ft | 8,890 lb | 1,150 lb |
| 6.2L supercharged HEMI V8 | 777 hp | 680 lb-ft | 8,580 lb | 1,140 lb |
| 3.6L Pentastar V6 eTorque | 305 hp | 269 lb-ft | 8,100 lb | 2,340 lb |
| 6.4L HEMI V8 | 470 hp | 470 lb-ft [CONFIRM: 470 or 455 lb-ft] | 7,460 lb | 1,160 lb |
The 5.7L HEMI V8: read the window sticker
For a lot of truck owners, a Ram 1500 HEMI is what a Ram should be. Both 2027 versions make 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. The difference is the eTorque mild-hybrid system, and it changes what the truck can pull.The HEMI eTorque tows up to 11,370 pounds, close to the top Hurricane number. The HEMI without eTorque tows up to 8,890 pounds. Ram has said eTorque trucks will be built until supplies run out, so check the window sticker on any HEMI truck you look at. If your trailer weighs close to 9,000 pounds or more, that one line matters.
Pick the HEMI if: you want V8 sound and feel, and you've checked the towing rating on the exact truck.
The 3.0L Hurricane I6: the towing pick
The Hurricane is a twin-turbo inline six, and it comes in two versions. Both keep automatic stop-start.Hurricane Standard Output (SO). This is the towing leader of the 2027 Ram 1500 lineup. It makes 420 horsepower and 469 lb-ft of torque, and it tows up to 11,530 pounds. If you pull a heavy boat or a camper, start here.
Hurricane High Output (HO). This is the pick for buyers who want speed without a supercharger. It makes 540 horsepower and 521 lb-ft of torque. Max towing is 9,480 pounds, which is still enough for many boats and campers.
Pick the Hurricane SO if: you want the highest Ram 1500 towing capacity. Pick the Hurricane HO if: you want more power than the HEMI and can live with a little less towing.
The 3.6L Pentastar V6: the payload pick
Don't overlook the base V6. With 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft, it's the least powerful engine. But it has the highest max payload in the lineup at 2,340 pounds, and it can still tow up to 8,100 pounds. The new onboard power option makes it handy for job sites, tailgating or a power outage. For commuting from Huntingtown or Lusby and hauling tools or mulch on weekends, it's a smart, practical choice.Pick the V6 if: you haul more in the bed than you tow, or you mostly commute.
The big HEMIs: Rumble Bee and TRX SRT
Two more HEMIs are built for speed, not work. The 6.4L HEMI makes 470 horsepower in the Rumble Bee 392 models. The supercharged 6.2L HEMI makes 777 horsepower and 680 lb-ft of torque in the 2027 Ram TRX (officially the Ram 1500 TRX SRT) and the Rumble Bee SRT. Ram prices the TRX SRT from $99,995 plus $2,795 destination. Rumble Bee timing is [CONFIRM: US arrival dates for Rumble Bee models]. Both engines tow less than the Hurricane SO, so they're fun picks, not towing picks.Which engine is right for your Calvert County life?
Think about what you'll really do with the truck:- Daily commute and weekend chores: 3.6L Pentastar V6.
- Towing a boat to the ramp at Solomons or a camper to the beach: Hurricane SO or HEMI eTorque.
- The heaviest trailers: Hurricane SO, with up to 11,530 pounds.
- Lots of power with room for a trailer: Hurricane HO.
- Weekend fun first: Rumble Bee or TRX SRT.
What does a 2027 Ram 1500 cost?
Ram lists the 2027 Ram 1500 Warlock with the 3.6L Pentastar V6 eTorque at $52,865 plus $2,795 destination. Starting prices for other trims and engine upgrades are [CONFIRM: 2027 Ram 1500 starting MSRP by trim and engine option prices from ramtrucks.com]. Pricing changes, so check current offers at Prince Frederick Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram or browse our new Ram 1500 inventory.Need more capability than a half-ton? Compare our heavy-duty trucks on our 2026 Ram 2500 vs. 3500 page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 2027 Ram 1500 towing capacity? The 2027 Ram 1500 tows up to 11,530 pounds when properly equipped with the 3.0L Hurricane SO engine. The 5.7L HEMI eTorque tows up to 11,370 pounds. Your truck's exact rating depends on its setup.Does the 2027 Ram 1500 still have the HEMI? Yes. The 5.7L HEMI V8 makes 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. With eTorque it tows up to 11,370 pounds. Without eTorque it tows up to 8,890 pounds, so check the window sticker.
Which is better, the HEMI or the Hurricane? It depends on what you need. The Hurricane SO tows the most and makes more torque. The HEMI gives you V8 sound and feel. The Hurricane HO makes 540 horsepower for buyers who want more power.
What engine is in the 2027 Ram TRX? The 2027 Ram 1500 TRX SRT uses a supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8 with 777 horsepower and 680 lb-ft of torque. Ram prices it from $99,995 plus $2,795 destination.