Of All the Steps Ram is Taking to Reinvigorate the Ram 1500, Why I Feel This Move Is the Most Important

Ram has taken a number of important steps to reinvigorate sales of its popular trucks, especially the upcoming 2026 Ram 1500. Ram has confirmed that it is bringing back its powerful 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 eTorque Engine for 2026. Ram fans were furious when Ram discontinued its HEMI engines in favor of the more fuel-efficient Hurricane Straight Six Turbo engine. The Ram 1500s with the HEMI V-8, should begin arriving in dealerships late this summer. I believe the move that will do the most to convince customers to invest in the Rams is the new Limited Powertrain Warranty, Ram will warranty the 2026 trucks for up to 10 Years/100,000 Miles. With vehicle prices expected to rise because of tariffs, this makes an expensive purchase easier to rationalize. 

“Everything is more expensive, and trucks are certainly no exception. Truck buyers are financing purchases for longer periods of time, with nearly 80% of new truck loans exceeding five years,” said Tim Kuniskis, CEO Ram brand. “Our customers are making a long-term investment in Ram, and with America’s best full-size truck limited powertrain warranty, Ram is making a stronger and longer commitment to our customers.”

The Ram Extended Warranty

The Ram 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty covers 2026 model-year Ram 1500, Ram 2500, Ram 3500, Ram Chassis Cab 3500/4500/5500 and Ram ProMaster vans sold in the United States, including the high-performance Ram RHO and Ram Power Wagon. Lately, many trucks have gotten so expensive that an automaker’s warranty has expired before the truck is even paid off. For example, the 2025 Ram RHO starts at a MSRP of $69,995, before any discounts. That is a huge investment. I would anticipate that in 2026 specialty versions like TRX and Rebels will be even more expensive. For a truck buyer to know that the most expensive components will be covered for up to ten years, it could offer some peace of mind or justification for the expensive purchase. 

The limited powertrain warranty only applies to the original owner of 2026 model-year Ram trucks and vans, including the Chassis Cab lineup. The warranty covers the engine, transmission, transfer case, driveshafts, differentials and axles for 10 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. The warranty offer includes retail purchases and leases to individuals and businesses, but it excludes fleet purchases. This will be America’s best full-size truck limited powertrain warranty.

Other Recent Ram Initiatives

Ram has opened orders for the return of the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 in the 2026 Ram 1500, a direct result of customer input. The  5.7-liter HEMI is rated at 395 horsepower and 410 lb.-ft of torque, featuring eTorque hybrid technology. Ram has not yet announced the return of the popular Ram TRX, although it is expected. Before it was phased out, the TRX had the highest horsepower of any truck, with 702-horsepower. Previously, the fully equipped TRX cost about $100,000. Having a ten-year warranty on that type of vehicle could end up being very important.  

Ram is returning to NASCAR truck racing. Ram will join the field for the 2026 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, ending a 13-year break. 

“For more than a decade, customers and our dealer network asked about getting back into NASCAR. The desire was always there, but we didn’t have a plan that delivered the last tenth and following just didn’t fit our DNA,” said Kuniskis. “Now we have a solid plan that will set us apart from the field and will bring fresh new interest and engagement to America’s motorsport.”

Joining the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series is a strategic move for the brand, as more than 40% of NASCAR fans are truck owners. The popular and competitive race series gives Ram a high-performance showcase as it launches a series of exciting and capable new trucks.

Ram is also launching a new marketing campaign, “Never Stop Being American,” and with it, the brand’s new tagline, “Nothing Stops Ram.”

“Ram’s new campaign, ‘Never Stop Being an American,’ is an ode to America, its people, its culture and time-honored traditions,” said Olivier Francois, global chief marketing officer, Stellantis. “Launching it, and the new ‘Nothing Stops Ram’ tagline, sets the stage for an epic year for the brand that will be remembered for the HEMI V-8’s comeback and return to NASCAR and, for the country, leading into America’s 250th anniversary, in which Ram will play a leading role during the yearlong celebration as the event’s exclusive truck partner.”

Why the Warranty Will Matter

The new Ten Year/100,000 Mile warranty may be a convincing factor for truck buyers who find themselves trying to decide between trucks from different manufacturers. At the moment, it is the longest warranty from any truck manufacturer. It also may be the deciding factor for any buyer torn between two Ram models. Buyers may choose the more expensive model knowing that it will be around for a long time. Similarly, a buyer may choose the less expensive model knowing that it will be covered just as long. Warranties offer peace of mind, especially when making major money decisions. 

Ram Photo

Mary Conway is a professional automotive journalist and has decades of experience specializing in automotive news analysis. She covered the Detroit Three for more than twenty years for the ABC affiliate, in Detroit. Her affection for the Motor City comes naturally. Her father ran a gas station while Mary was growing up, in Wisconsin.

Follow Mary Conway at @MaryConwayMedia and send her car news tips for future stories.