Is the 2026 RAM 1500 a good car?

Generally — you’re looking at a 4/5 user-rated truck with an 8.00/10 expert rating, which puts it in strong territory for shoppers who want a full-size pickup with broad configuration flexibility. The model scores 9/10 across Performance and Technology.

The 2026 RAM 1500 stands out for its powerful engine choices and a well-appointed cabin, and the return of the Hemi V8 gives you a characterful option if you value traditional truck feel. It also gives you plenty of ways to tailor the truck to work or leisure, with multiple cab, bed, and trim combinations.

The trade-offs are clear: advanced safety features are not standard across all models, and the Hemi is not the strongest or most efficient engine in the lineup. If you want a truck that balances comfort, capability, and choice, this one fits well.

Good and great deals account for 34.8% of listings, so there’s at least some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2026 RAM 1500 reliable?

Owners rate it 4/5, a solid signal of long-term satisfaction.

The 2026 RAM 1500 is presented as a truck with broad appeal, and its powertrains are described as smooth and capable. The Hemi V8 is noted for delivering strong performance with a traditional truck character, while the turbocharged inline-six is positioned as the more efficient alternative. Ram also includes a three-year trial for its hands-free driving assist package, which can reduce some ownership friction if you choose that option.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is making sure you buy the right configuration for your needs, since the truck’s value depends heavily on trim and equipment.

What should I look for when buying a used 2026 RAM 1500?

Accident-free inventory is excellent at 94.8% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.

You should still run a vehicle history report and prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if you’re considering a higher-trim truck with more electronics or a heavily optioned example. Focus on condition, equipment functionality, and whether the truck has the features you actually want, since the lineup varies a lot by trim.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: Tradesman is the most basic version, with cloth seats, lots of plastic trim, and a small driver display; higher trims add more upscale materials and more distinctive styling.
• Powertrain: You can choose from a 3.6-liter V6, a 5.7-liter Hemi V8, a standard-output 3.0-liter Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six, and a high-output Hurricane inline-six in select versions; the turbo six is the stronger and more efficient choice on paper.
• Safety package: Adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring with trailer coverage, and rear cross traffic alert are standard; Hands-Free Active Driving Assist comes with the Advanced Safety Group II package, and some additional features are reserved for higher trims or option packages.
• Infotainment: Uconnect 5 is standard, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and screen setups vary by trim; base Tradesman models get a small 3.5-inch driver display, while a 10.25-inch passenger screen and wireless charging are available on higher grades.
• Fuel efficiency: The Hemi V8 gets a mild efficiency bump from eTorque, and the turbocharged inline-six delivers superior fuel economy by about two mpg in a 4WD truck.

Which 2026 RAM 1500 trim should I buy?

The 2026 RAM 1500 is offered in 10 trim levels: Tradesman, Express, Warlock, Big Horn, Laramie, Rebel, RHO, Limited, Limited Longhorn, Tungsten.

Here's the short version:

• Base trim: Tradesman is the work-focused choice, but it’s the most stripped-down version, with cloth seats, lots of plastic trim, and the smallest driver display.
• Sweet-spot trim: Big Horn is a strong value pick because it adds more visual polish and a more substantial infotainment and audio experience without jumping to luxury pricing.
• Premium/top trim: Tungsten is the most luxurious choice, with high-end leather surfaces and the most advanced audio setup in the lineup.
• Off-road trim: Rebel or RHO make sense if you want a more rugged setup, but they’re not the best fit if your truck will mostly live on pavement.

Standard safety equipment includes adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring with trailer coverage, and rear cross traffic alert across the lineup.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2026 RAM 1500?

This looks like a moderate, selective-buyer market, so you can shop with some leverage if you’re patient.

• Deal availability: 34.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 6,954 listings available.
• Clean inventory: 94.8% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $54,673.53, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2026 RAM 1500 safe?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gives the 2026 Ram 1500 Quad Cab a five-star overall safety rating.

It earns a 7/10 safety score from our experts.

Adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring with trailer coverage, and rear cross traffic alert come standard on all 2026 Ram 1500 trucks. Ram’s Hands-Free Active Driving Assist is included with the Advanced Safety Group II package, and it requires driver attentiveness even though it can operate hands-free on certain roads. Evasive Steer Assist, Intersection Collision Warning, and traffic sign recognition are standard on the Tungsten grade and available on other models through option packages.

Should I buy a 2026 RAM 1500 or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2026 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2026 if:

• 34.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is excellent at 94.8% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.
• Owners rate it 4/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• The Hemi V8 returns for 2026, giving you a classic truck engine choice alongside the turbocharged six.

Consider the 2025 if:

• It introduced the new super-luxe Tungsten trim and added more tech and powertrain variety.

The bottom line: If you want the latest version with the Hemi back in the lineup, the 2026 is the better target. If you’re mainly chasing value and want to compare against a year that already brought major upgrades, the 2025 is the smarter price-sensitive alternative.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 7, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.