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Should You Buy a 2026 RAM 1500 V8? Thorough Review By A Mechanic

2025-12-08 Autos & Vehicles
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The Car Care Nut Reviews
The Car Care Nut Reviews
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Review of the 2026 Ram 1500 Featuring the Return of the Hemi V8

Discover the technical details and polarizing design choices of the 2026 Ram 1500, focusing on the return of the old-school 5.7L Hemi engine and its integration with modern mild-hybrid technology.

Short Summary

  • The 5.7L Hemi V8 engine returns, celebrated for its simplicity and characteristic sound, despite being mechanically archaic.
  • The truck integrates a modern 48V eTorque mild-hybrid system, creating a strange juxtaposition with the pushrod engine design.
  • Underbody and engine bay access is excellent due to the relatively compact nature of the pushrod V8, contrasting modern complex engines.
  • Several design oversights are noted, particularly concerning exterior door keyless entry logic and complicated service paths for some components.

This review provides a deep dive into the mechanical structure, exterior presentation, and interior functionality of the 2026 Ram 1500, emphasizing the implications of bringing back the proven, yet outdated, Hemi V8 motor rather than relying solely on newer six-cylinder options. Readers gain insight into where the design excels in serviceability and where cost-cutting or design compromises create headaches.

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Description

A Mechanic Reviews the 2026 RAM 1500 V8. Should You Buy One? In this video we take a look at the latest RAM 1500. We start with a proper technical review under the hood then underneath the car. Then we look at the exterior and interior. Then we talk about some things we don't like about it. TCCN Automotive Inc. Toyota and Lexus Specialist Repair Visit www.tccnautomotive.com to schedule your appointment today. Recommended Tools: Basic Scan Tool https://amzn.to/3Jm6aom Very good DIY Scan Tool https://amzn.to/3zF7dvH Advanced Scan tool https://amzn.to/3q3L3QQ Spill Free Coolant Replacement Funnel https://amzn.to/3uJfKxm Sun roof drain cleaning tool https://amzn.to/3GMDlQ9 Good DIY Torque Wrench 1/2" https://amzn.to/3gE9bnw Wireless Apple CarPlay for Toyota\Lexus https://amzn.to/3uKElSo Very Good Triple Camera Borescope https://amzn.to/3MrgFs0 *as an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Follow the channel on Social Media : http://www.facebook.com/thecarcarenut http://www.instagram.com/thecarcarenut Check out the channel Merch store https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEKt2bUDBoRUw3wpPpDOUaA/store Support the channel on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/thecarcarenut Make a one time donation to the channel: http://www.paypal.me/CCNdonate Check out the amazon store: http://www.amazon.com/shop/thecarcarenut *as an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 0:00 Intro 0:38 Under The Hood 12:59 Under The Car 24:22 Exterior Review 30:25 Interior Review 36:36 Should You Buy One? #thecarcarenut #tccnautomotive #ram #ram1500 #hemi

Top Comments (10)

@universalassociates6857 2025-12-08

Trying to choose a new truck today is like trying to pick the least bad apple in a barrel of bad apples.

1.8k 277 replies
@robertcowie8230 2025-12-08

Surprisingly the Ram is currently the best full size truck at this moment, Tundra has engine failures, Ford has trans failures and Chev takes the crown with both engine and trans failures....

744 136 replies
@jimbo5728 2025-12-09

The transmission drain plug is protected by the exhaust pipe so the jiffy lube kid doesn't touch it.

612 26 replies
@jlau4083 2025-12-10

Don’t mind if the engine is an “old” design as long as it’s easy to work on and last 300k Nice truck!

282 28 replies
@ChiH-x9z 2025-12-08

We've all been waiting for TCCN to review a RAM 1500!

164
@carterbishop2935 2025-12-08

appreciate you calling it a Dodge. Us old guys will always refer to our Dodge RAM's as Dodge's.

153 7 replies
@hperez3025 2025-12-15

Still own my 2006 5.7. It has 377k miles on it's original engine and transmission. I'm going to push for 500k miles. I'm very optimistic.

127 14 replies
@ryanebrecht5651 2025-12-09

I switched from Chevy to Ram 6 years ago and have been very satisfied.

50 1 replies
@user-re1xp3ek7i 2025-12-11

Thanks for looking at the Ram. Best car review channel.

29
@c1rca23 2026-06-22

This guy and his camera woman make incredible high end content. It’s like 4k, on a tripod and edited well. The camera pans at the end of the vid of the interior, exterior and engine bay felt like auto commercial quality. Props to your team!

2

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