After Owning Six Ram Trucks With the 5.7L HEMI Including a Hellcat TRX, This Owner Says the Hurricane SST Delivers a Much Smoother Driving Experience Overall

Close-up of a new Ram 1500's engine compartment, featuring a prominent engine cover marked "TURBO" and visible components. The scene conveys precision and modern engineering.

After years of driving Ram's HEMI-powered trucks, one owner explains what surprised him most about Ram’s new Hurricane engine and why smoother performance is only one part of the ownership story.

March 20, 2026 - 11:09PM EDT
By: Aram Krajekian

For years, the 5.7‑liter HEMI V8 helped define what many drivers expected from a Ram truck. The sound, the linear power delivery, and the mechanical simplicity became part of the ownership identity for countless enthusiasts. Even as turbocharged engines and electrification began reshaping the broader truck market, the HEMI remained a familiar benchmark. Now that Ram is transitioning to the new twin‑turbocharged Hurricane inline‑six, real ownership stories are beginning to show how longtime V8 drivers are reacting when they finally get behind the wheel.

That shift became especially clear to me earlier today while scrolling through discussions in the “Hurricane 3.0 TT Rams” Facebook group, where owners have been sharing honest first impressions of Ram’s new powertrain. One post that stood out came from Logan Wilder, a longtime Ram driver who has owned six different trucks powered by the 5.7‑liter HEMI, including a Hellcat‑equipped TRX. Logan explained that his new truck equipped with the Hurricane SST has surprised him in ways he did not expect, particularly in how it delivers both usable torque and refinement compared to the V8 trucks he had driven for years.

Here’s how he put it: “I’ve had 6, 5.7 HEMI’s, and this new Hurricane’s SST absolutely destroys it. Sure, it’s quiet but after my last car being the Hellcat TRX, I welcome the quiet and smooth operation. It pulls way harder down low, mid and up high in the RPM’s. Don’t get me wrong, I obviously am a fan of V8’s but I know a good engine when I have one. I’m glad the HEMI’s are coming back at least as an option, but zero shot I’d go back to a 5.7 HEMI over the Hurricane SST.”

Why the Hurricane Feels Different From the HEMI

Logan’s experience reflects one of the biggest mechanical differences between the outgoing 5.7‑liter HEMI and the new Hurricane architecture. The Hurricane is a 3.0‑liter twin‑turbo inline‑six designed to build torque much earlier in the RPM range. In everyday driving situations like pulling away from a stoplight or merging onto a highway, many drivers immediately notice that the truck feels more responsive without needing to rev the engine as high.

Instead of waiting for power to build gradually, the turbochargers deliver boost sooner, which can make the truck feel quicker in real‑world driving conditions. For owners who spend most of their time commuting, towing, or navigating traffic, that difference alone can significantly change how the vehicle feels day to day.

The smoother operation Logan described also comes from the inline‑six configuration itself. Inline‑six engines are naturally balanced in their internal motion, which reduces vibration and contributes to a quieter, more refined driving experience during steady cruising. But that smoother feel is only one part of the ownership story. As with any major powertrain shift, early impressions around refinement and performance are still being weighed against questions about how these trucks will hold up as more drivers put serious miles on them.

That broader uncertainty is something I have touched on in other Ram ownership stories too. In one experience I recently wrote about, a 2026 Ram 1500 with just 510 miles ended up back at the dealer due to an eTorque MGU concern. Situations like this do not necessarily represent widespread issues, but they do remind us that even when a new truck feels smoother and more advanced, owners are still paying close attention to whether that refinement comes with any early tradeoffs.

Close-up of a new Ram 1500's hood featuring bold black text "1500 SST" on a sleek, raised, and vented design. The setting conveys a sense of strength and modern style.

The V8 Loyalty Factor Still Runs Deep

For decades, Ram buyers built strong emotional connections with V8 power. The sound and character of engines like the HEMI often played just as big a role in purchasing decisions as measurable performance figures. That’s why Logan’s perspective is particularly interesting. Someone who has owned six HEMI trucks and experienced the supercharged Hellcat engine in the TRX represents exactly the type of enthusiast who might normally resist a smaller turbocharged engine.

Instead, his reaction suggests that the Hurricane platform may be winning over some traditionalists simply through how it performs in real‑world conditions. When strong low‑RPM torque and smooth acceleration become noticeable during everyday driving, perceptions can begin to shift.

That growing shift in expectations is something I have been noticing more frequently in the ownership stories I cover. In another experience I previously wrote about, a driver described trading a 2025 Toyota Tundra for a Ram 1500 with the 3.0‑liter Hurricane engine and realizing the change reshaped their expectations about modern truck performance. Stories like these are becoming more common as more drivers transition away from naturally aspirated V8 platforms.

Owners Begin Weighing In on the Hurricane Engine

Logan’s post quickly sparked discussion from other Ram owners who shared their own viewpoints about the new engine.

John Bellizzi Jr. highlighted the long history of inline‑six engines, writing, “Inline 6 Cummins are strong, so I knew the Hurricane would be strong also! Inline sixes have been around for a long time!”

His comment reflects a sense of mechanical familiarity. While the Hurricane itself is new, inline‑six engines have powered some of the most respected truck platforms for decades. That legacy gives some buyers confidence that the architecture itself is fundamentally sound.

Another commenter, Randy Gunther, focused on performance potential after making modifications. He wrote, “I could not agree more. I added a cold air intake and tuner and this thing pulls harder than a tractor! Keep the V8, I'll take this quiet beast all day every day!”

Randy’s experience highlights how turbocharged engines often respond strongly to airflow improvements and tuning adjustments. For enthusiasts who enjoy customizing their trucks, that flexibility can make modern turbo platforms especially appealing.

However, not every driver is ready to fully embrace the change.

Fred Hogle offered a more cautious perspective, writing, “Time will tell if they have impressive numbers but I’m so afraid of reliability. The new CEO of the company is making all the right moves, and the new ones come with a great warranty! Nice to have a choice and to see them listening to their customers! Enjoy your ride!”

Fred’s concern reflects one of the most common questions surrounding any new engine platform. Strong early impressions are important, but many truck owners plan to keep their vehicles for years, and that naturally places reliability at the center of the conversation.

Fred’s concern also ties into a broader pattern I have been seeing as more Hurricane trucks reach owners. Even when performance and smoothness are praised, reliability remains part of the conversation. In one situation I wrote about not long ago, a driver described losing dashboard power followed by a check engine light on a relatively new Ram 1500. Experiences like these reinforce why some buyers prefer to watch how new technologies perform over time before fully committing.

A 2025 Ram 1500 interior with a gray and black color scheme. Features a leather-wrapped steering wheel, large touchscreen display, and a scenic field view.

Performance Versus Character in Modern Truck Engines

One of the most compelling aspects of Logan's post is that he is clearly aware of both positions on the V8 vs. smaller engine debate. As an advocate for V8 engines, Logan recognizes that his experience with the Hurricane SST has influenced what is important to him when it comes to the day-to-day performance of his vehicle.

This tension between performance efficiency and emotional character is becoming more visible across the automotive industry. Turbocharged engines give you a better acceleration figure than their naturally aspirated counterparts, they run quieter and more smoothly, and they provide a better fuel economy. At the same time, naturally aspirated V8 engines often provide a more visceral driving experience that some enthusiasts find difficult to replace.

As vehicle development continues to be shaped by emissions restrictions and increasing standards for efficiency, manufacturers have turned to the use of smaller turbocharged engines as a way to meet these new standards while still providing enough performance to satisfy many consumers.

My Perspective

As someone who regularly follows these real ownership conversations, I see this as one element of a larger shift in how truck drivers decide on which trucks to purchase. Today's buyers often weigh refinement, efficiency, and the day-to-day usability of their vehicles equally or possibly more-so than they do the tradition and performance aspects. If a new engine design can improve the user-experience of the vehicle for the average owner, they may be willing to reconsider the importance of certain aspects of driving such as "sound" and "tradition".

Simultaneously, Ram's decision to continue offering HEMI engines gives some indication of whether Ram will replace one philosophy with another or give customers the opportunity to choose the type of driving experience they desire. Giving drivers the ability to select the experience that fits their priorities could ultimately define the next phase of the truck market.

Key Takeaways for Ram Buyers Watching the Hurricane Transition

Stronger low‑RPM torque can transform daily usability: Earlier boost delivery often makes turbocharged trucks feel quicker and more responsive in real traffic conditions.
Inline‑six refinement is noticeable in long drives: Reduced vibration and smoother cruising can significantly improve comfort for drivers who spend hours behind the wheel.
Turbo engines can offer greater modification flexibility: Intake upgrades, tuning adjustments, and airflow improvements can unlock noticeable performance gains.
New platforms naturally bring reliability questions: Observing real ownership experiences over time remains one of the best ways for buyers to form informed opinions.

Join the Conversation

Have you had the chance to drive a Ram truck with the new Hurricane engine yet? And did it change how you feel about turbocharged power replacing traditional V8 performance?

And if you’ve owned multiple HEMI trucks in the past, would smoother driving and stronger low‑RPM pull be enough to convince you to switch? Or is the sound and character of a V8 still something you would hold onto?

Don't hesitate to let me know what you think in our comments below.

About The Author

Aram Krajekian is a young automotive journalist bringing a fresh and analytical perspective to the evolving automotive landscape by reporting on real-world ownership experiences and providing industry analysis. Based in North Carolina, he covers electric vehicles, trucks, and broader automotive trends with a focus on contributing a balanced evaluation. His reporting cuts through brand bias to provide readers with grounded insight into how vehicles perform for everyday drivers beyond marketing narratives.

Aram can be reached on X and LinkedIn for ongoing automotive coverage.

Image sources: The “Hurricane 3.0 TT Rams” Facebook group and Ram’s gallery.

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