The Dodge Ram - often just called the Ram truck, is one of the best-selling pickup truck lines in America. Among its sought-after traits is its slew of engine options that cater to different types of truck buyers. So what engines have Ram trucks used for the past decade? Here's what our research uncovered.
For the past two vehicle generations, Ram trucks have offered ten different engine options for their buyers.
- 3.7-L PowerTech V6 Magnum
- 3.6-L Pentastar 24V VVT V6 eTorque
- 3.0-L Ecodiesel V6
- 4.7-L PowerTech Corsair High-Output V8
- 5.7-L Hemi MDS VVT V8
- 5.7-L Hemi MDS VVT V8 eTorque
- 6.2-L Hemi Supercharged V8 SRT
- 6.4-L 392 Hemi V8
- 6.7-L Cummins I6 Turbodiesel
- 6.7-L Cummins I6 High-Output Turbodiesel
Want to know more about the specifications and applications of each Ram truck engine? Read on, because we've also included the towing and payload capacities that each engine helps to achieve.
What Engines Come In Ram Trucks?
As part of the Big Three names in the American pickup truck market, the Ram Truck line has always been one of the best-sellers in its segment. Although the Ford F-Series has been the undisputed leader for over four decades, Ram always competes for 2nd place against the Chevrolet Silverado.
When it comes to pickup trucks, the engine is perhaps the biggest determining factor for vehicle performance and utility. Of course, the cabin type, bed size, drive configuration, suspension, and transmission all matter too. However, the powerhouse under the hood is where the performance numbers start.
Here are the engines that Ram trucks have used for the 4th generation (2009 to 2018) and the 5th generation (2019 to present).
3.7-L PowerTech V6 Magnum
The 3.7-liter PowerTech engine, also known as the Dodge 3.7-L Magnum, was the base engine option for RAM 1500 trucks from 2009 to 2012. In its final iteration, this V6 powerhouse produced 210 horsepower and 235 lb.-ft. of torque.
The Magnum engine gave the Ram 1500 a maximum towing capacity of 3,800 pounds and a maximum payload capacity of 1,909 pounds.
3.6-L Pentastar 24V VVT V6 eTorque
The 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 replaced the Magnum as the Ram 1500's base engine in 2013. Still an engine option today, this new V6 has increased in performance over the years, and it now puts out 305 horsepower and 269 lb.-ft. of torque.
For better performance and efficiency, Ram outfitted the 1500 model's 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 with the eTorque technology. This mild hybrid technology uses a 48-volt motor that improves fuel economy while boosting the truck's tow rating, payload capacity, and handling characteristics.
The Pentastar V6 now gives the Ram 1500 a maximum towing capacity of 7,730 pounds and a maximum payload capacity of 2,300 pounds for the Tradesman trim.
3.0-L V6 EcoDiesel
If you want high torque and great fuel efficiency in one package, then Ram's 3.0-liter V6 EcoDiesel engine is for you. Even at only 1,600 RPM, this turbocharged powerhouse can already deliver its maximum torque output of 480 lb.-ft.
Moreover, the EcoDiesel engine can also put out a respectable 260 horsepower while giving the Ram 1500 an impressive 26 miles per gallon fuel efficiency rating.
For a properly-equipped 5th generation RAM 1500, the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 can give an amazing maximum towing capacity of 12, 560 pounds. Additionally, this diesel engine gives the Ram enough brute power to haul 2,090 pounds of payload.
5.7-L HEMI MDS VVT V8
Among the revered members of the Hemi engine family, the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 enjoys the highest reliability rating. As one of the more powerful engine options for the Ram 1500, this HEMI V8 powerhouse can provide a 395 h.p. and a maximum torque output of 410 lb.-ft.
Furthermore, this HEMI V8 is potent enough to earn the right to live under the hood of the 4th generation (2009 to 2018) 3/4-ton Ram 2500.
For the 5th generation Ram 1500, the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 can provide 11,590 pounds of towing capacity and 1,930 pounds of maximum payload.
5.7-L V8 HEMI MDS VVT eTorque
If the standard 5.7-liter HEMI impresses you, then the eTorque-equipped version will delight you a bit more. The HEMI engine produces the same horsepower and torque outputs, but the 48-volt motor bumps up the truck's fuel efficiency and overall performance significantly.
For instance, the eTorque system allows Ram 1500 owners to save up to 1/2 gallon of fuel every hour using the start/stop hybrid engine feature. When the truck is in motion, the eTorque system can recharge the mild hybrid battery using regenerative braking.
Finally, the eTorque motor can provide extra torque to the HEMI engine during acceleration and towing. This additional output gives the current-generation Ram 1500 a maximum towing capacity of 12,750 pounds and a maximum payload capacity of 1,860 pounds.
6.2-L Supercharged HEMI V8 SRT
For maximum performance outside of trailer towing activities, you may want to give the 1500 TRX trim a second look. Underneath the 2021 TRX hood is an exclusive 6.2-liter HEMI V8 engine with twin-screw superchargers. This beefy block provides an amazing 702 h.p. and 650 lb.-ft. of torque.
Although the 6.2-liter HEMI is powerful, the TRX's off-road and highway performance configuration limits the towing capacity to 8,100 pounds. The trim can also haul only 1,310 pounds of payload.
4.7-L PowerTech Corsair High-Output V8
From 2009 to 2013, the final update of the 4.7-liter Powertech Corsair engine was an engine option for the Ram 1500. Although mediocre by today's standards, the Corsair's 310 h.p. and 334 lb.-ft. torque ratings were already noteworthy a decade ago.
6.4-L HEMI V8
The 6.4-liter HEMI 392 engine comes as the base engine for both the Ram 2500 as well as the Ram 3500. Producing 410 h.p. and 429 lb.-ft. of torque, this powerful engine is more than capable of powering both the 3/4-ton and half-ton models.
For the current-generation 2500 and 3500, the 6.4-liter HEMI can provide 17,740 pounds and 18,210 pounds of towing capacity, respectively.
6.7-L I6 Cummins Turbo Diesel
When it comes to powerful diesel pickup truck engines, the Cummins brand is legendary. The 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel engine can provide Ram 2500 and 3500 owners 370 h.p. and 850 lb.-ft. of torque to perform heavy-duty work.
With regard to demanding work, this inline-6 Cummins engine can provide the Ram 2500 and 3500 models with impressive towing capacities of 20,000 and 22,660 pounds, respectively.
6.7-L I6 High Output Cummins Turbo Diesel
To get the best-in-class towing capacity for the 3500 model, Ram tuned the 6-cylinder 6.7-liter Turbo Diesel mill into a "High Output" variant. This new "H.O." powerhouse can deliver an amazing 420 h.p. as well as 1,075 lb.-ft. of torque.
With the 6.7-liter Cummins H.O. engine, the current Ram 3500 can tow a maximum of 37,090 pounds and haul a maximum of 6,570 pounds of payload.
How Much Do Ram Pickup Trucks Cost?
If you're in the market for a new truck, then we're here to help you with your online window shopping. Below are the starting prices of the different trims of the RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500.
1500 Starting Prices
Here are the starting prices of the full-size, half-ton Ram 1500.
- Tradesman - $37,090
- Tradesman HFE - $38,727
- Big Horn - $42,405
- Laramie - $50,830
- Rebel - $51,975
- Limited Longhorn - $58,560
- Limited Crew Cab - $63,275
- TRX - $83,890
1500 Classic Starting Prices
The Ram 1500 Classic line caters to Ram's more traditional and cost-conscious customer base. Although the 1500 Classic doesn't have all the new styling and technology of the Ram 1500 line, the former has a significantly lower starting price.
- Tradesman - $30,235
- Express - $30,235
- Warlock - $41,825
2500 Starting Prices
If the half-ton 1500's performance numbers still can't cope with your requirements, then perhaps the 3/4-ton Ram 2500 trims will.
- Tradesman - $44,205
- Big Horn - $48,325
- Laramie - $59,905
- Power Wagon - $64,145
- Limited Long Horn - $67,475
- Limited Crew Cab - $72,395
3500 Starting Prices
Are you looking for the highest possible towing and payload capacities in a truck? Perhaps you want six wheels instead of four. Either way, the Ram 3500 may be the right fit for your needs.
- Tradesman - $46,310
- Big Horn - $50,530
- Laramie - $61,925
- Limited Long Horn - $69,500
- Limited Crew Cab - $74,315
These starting prices are correct as of November 2022.
Wrapping Up
Over the past two vehicle generations, Ram has made ten different engines available in their 1500, 2500, and 3500 models. Through the years, the truck brand developed and tuned its engines to provide the highest power and torque outputs while maintaining or even reducing engine size.
Thank you very much for reading. We hope we were able to help you understand more about the different engine options for Ram trucks. If you're in the market for a new pickup, then this article should guide you in choosing the best available engine for your personal need or preference.
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