The 2027 Ram 1500 changes include a surprising HEMI powertrain transition, auto start/stop confusion, more standard technology, expanded paint choices and a growing lineup of high-performance trucks.
The biggest news involves the 5.7-liter HEMI V8. Early order guides list the engine with eTorque, but Ram now says it will phase out that system early in the model year. The replacement non-eTorque HEMI also will not have automatic stop-start. But other Ram engines will.
Confused? Stay with us, there’s a lot to unpack here.
Ram confirms HEMI eTorque phaseout
The confusion began with Ram’s early 2027 order guides. Those documents identify the available 5.7-liter V8 as the “HEMI MDS VVT eTorque engine” and include the 48-volt belt starter-generator used by the eTorque system.
However, dealers were reportedly being told the system was going away. Ram provided us with an official statement explaining what is happening.
“Starting early in the 2027 model year, Ram will phase out the 5.7L HEMI V8 eTorque, replacing it with the non-hybridized version of the 5.7L HEMI V8. A limited number of 2027 model year Ram 1500s will be built with the eTorque powertrain during the production transition,” said Noah Thanos, Ram Communications.
The order guides were accurate when published, depending on the date. Double-check your order guide. Ram will begin 2027 production with a limited number of HEMI eTorque trucks before transitioning to the conventional V8.
| 2027 Ram 1500 HEMI | eTorque | Automatic stop-start |
|---|---|---|
| Early-production 5.7-liter HEMI | Yes | Yes |
| Later-production 5.7-liter HEMI | No | No |
Buyers specifically looking for or trying to avoid eTorque will need to check the equipment listed on each truck’s window sticker, because… the official transition date is due to when supplies run out and there’s not an actual official date.
Non-eTorque HEMI drops automatic stop-start
Ram also confirmed the replacement non-eTorque HEMI will not have automatic stop-start.
Automatic stop-start shuts off an engine when the vehicle is stationary and restarts it when the driver releases the brake. The system is intended to reduce fuel consumption and emissions from unnecessary idling.
The eTorque system handles those restarts through a belt-driven motor-generator and 48-volt battery. It also captures energy during deceleration, provides limited torque assistance and helps smooth some powertrain operations.
This is not a lineup-wide elimination of automatic stop-start. Ram confirmed the 3.0-liter Hurricane inline-six and 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 will retain the feature, according to Noah Thanos.
| Engine | Horsepower | Torque | Automatic stop-start |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 eTorque | 305 | 269 lb-ft | Yes |
| 3.0-liter Hurricane SO | 420 | 469 lb-ft | Yes |
| 3.0-liter Hurricane HO | 540 | 521 lb-ft | Yes |
| Early 5.7-liter HEMI eTorque | 395 | 410 lb-ft | Yes |
| Later 5.7-liter non-eTorque HEMI | Not separately confirmed | Not separately confirmed | No |
The federal government recently eliminated EPA emissions credits previously available for automatic stop-start technology. This led to widespread claims that auto start/stop was dead since “everybody hated it.”
However, we’ve been waiting to see how automakers would respond and now we have. The results are mixed with Ram. We are still awaiting word from GM if their new V8 engines will have this feature for the 2027 Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500.
Ram has not said that regulatory change caused the HEMI decision. The fact that Hurricane and Pentastar engines retain stop-start suggests this is a powertrain-specific choice.
One thing to note is the Hemi has been the premium engine choice, meaning you pay up for it in many trims as much as $1,200.
Expanded Surround View Camera availability
Ram is expanding the availability of its Surround View Camera system for 2027.
The system becomes standard on Limited, Longhorn, RHO and TRX models. It will also be offered on Rebel and Laramie trucks through the Level 1 equipment groups.
The camera system provides a composite overhead view of the truck and its surroundings, which can be helpful when parking, navigating narrow trails or maneuvering near a trailer.
| Trim | 2027 Surround View Camera availability |
|---|---|
| Limited and Longhorn | Standard |
| RHO | Standard |
| TRX | Standard |
| Rebel | Included with Level 1 equipment group |
| Laramie | Included with Level 1 equipment group |
Big Horn and Laramie equipment changes
Passive entry becomes available on Big Horn and Lone Star Crew Cab trucks through the Level 2 equipment group. The system allows the doors to be unlocked without removing the key fob from a pocket or bag.
Rain-sensing windshield wipers also become standard on the Laramie.
The RHO receives a new Popular Equipment Group that combines the 14.5-inch Uconnect touchscreen with the 19-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system. Ram lists the package as late availability.
| 2027 feature change | Availability |
|---|---|
| Passive entry | Big Horn and Lone Star Level 2 Crew Cab |
| Rain-sensing wipers | Standard on Laramie |
| RHO Popular Equipment Group | Late availability |
| 14.5-inch touchscreen | Included in RHO Popular Equipment Group |
| 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio | Included in RHO Popular Equipment Group |
Onboard power coming later
Ram’s 2027 product materials also identify a new onboard power system, although it is listed as late availability.
Pentastar-powered trucks will offer up to 2 kilowatts of onboard power. Hurricane and 5.7-liter HEMI trucks will be rated at 1.7 kilowatts.
| Powertrain | Available onboard power |
|---|---|
| 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 | 2.0 kW |
| 3.0-liter Hurricane | 1.7 kW |
| 5.7-liter HEMI | 1.7 kW |
The system should allow owners to power tools, recreational equipment and other electrical devices directly from the truck. Ram has not yet released complete outlet, package or pricing details.
New and returning Ram 1500 colors
The 2027 Ram 1500 color palette includes several additions and expanded applications.
Goldilocks is a new late-availability color planned for Black Express, Night Edition, Rebel, Warlock, RHO and TRX models.
Tank continues on Ram’s off-road models and expands to trucks equipped with the Night Edition package. Hydro Blue also receives broader availability, while Flame Red returns to the lineup.
| Color | 2027 change |
|---|---|
| Goldilocks | New, late availability |
| Tank | Continues and expands to Night Edition |
| Hydro Blue | Expanded availability |
| Flame Red | Returns |
The Goldilocks name appears in Ram’s dealer materials, but the final production color and exact timing could still change before ordering opens.
HEMI Symbol of Protest badges expand
Ram is expanding its “Symbol of Protest” badging on HEMI-powered trucks.
Black badges will be standard on HEMI-equipped Tradesman, Black Express, Warlock and Rebel models. They will also be included with the Night Edition package on Big Horn, Lone Star, Laramie and Limited trucks.
Bright-finish HEMI badges will remain available.
| Trim or package | HEMI badge treatment |
|---|---|
| Tradesman | Black badge standard |
| Black Express | Black badge standard |
| Warlock | Black badge standard |
| Rebel | Black badge standard |
| Big Horn/Lone Star Night Edition | Black badge included |
| Laramie Night Edition | Black badge included |
| Limited Night Edition | Black badge included |
Ram also expects Black Express models to account for as much as 70% of the overall Express production mix.
Expanded Rumble Bee performance lineup
The 2027 Ram 1500 lineup will include several Rumble Bee performance configurations, ranging from the naturally aspirated 5.7-liter HEMI to the supercharged 6.2-liter V8.
| Model | Engine | Horsepower | Torque | Claimed 0-60 mph |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rumble Bee 5.7 | 5.7-liter HEMI V8 | 395 | 410 lb-ft | 6.1 seconds |
| Rumble Bee 392 | 6.4-liter HEMI V8 | 470 | 455 lb-ft | 5.2 seconds |
| Rumble Bee 392 Track Pack | 6.4-liter HEMI V8 | 470 | 455 lb-ft | 5.2 seconds |
| Rumble Bee SRT | Supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 | 777 | 680 lb-ft | 3.4 seconds |
The Rumble Bee SRT is listed with a top speed of 170 mph.
Ram’s returning TRX uses the same 777-horsepower, supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI but has a claimed 3.5-second 0-to-60-mph time.
Rumble Bee pricing has been announced for around $60k to $100k.
More pricing information and more details will be coming in the next several weeks to months.
