Is the 2026 RAM 1500 a good car?

Generally — you’re looking at a 4/5 user rating and an 8.00/10 expert rating, which points to a strong overall showing for the 2026 RAM 1500. The model scores 9/10 across Performance and Technology.

The data backs up that score with a truck that blends strong engine choices, a comfortable and well-appointed cabin, and flexible configurations for work or daily use. The return of the Hemi V8 gives you classic truck character, while the turbocharged inline-six offers more power and better efficiency. The trade-offs are that advanced safety features are not standard across all models, and the V8 is not the best value on paper.

For shoppers who want a full-size pickup that can serve as both a workhorse and an everyday vehicle, that mix is compelling. 33.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals, which gives you some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2026 RAM 1500 reliable?

Owners rate it 4/5, a solid signal of long-term satisfaction. The truck’s overall setup suggests dependable everyday use, with a familiar V6, a returning Hemi V8, and eight-speed automatic transmissions across the lineup.

The expert data also points to a powertrain lineup that is straightforward rather than experimental, which usually helps with ownership confidence. The Hemi V8 is described as smooth in operation, and the turbocharged inline-six is presented as the stronger efficiency-and-power choice.

If you’re buying used, your main long-term risk is choosing a truck that was optioned or used in a way that doesn’t match your needs, especially if you want advanced safety or maximum efficiency.

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

Accident-free inventory is excellent at 94.9% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.

You should still run a history report and prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if you’re considering a higher-trim truck or one with more complex equipment. Focus on condition, feature content, and whether the truck’s configuration matches how you plan to use it. If you want advanced driver assistance, make sure it’s actually equipped on the truck you’re considering rather than assuming it comes standard.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: Tradesman models are basic, with cloth seats, lots of plastic trim, blacked-out grilles, and a small 3.5-inch driver display. Higher trims add more upscale materials, including leather, open-pore wood, and premium leather surfaces.
• Powertrain: The base engine is a 3.6-liter V6 with eTorque and 305 hp and 271 lb-ft. The Hemi V8 makes 395 hp and 410 lb-ft, while the turbocharged inline-six delivers 420 hp and 469 lb-ft and is the stronger efficiency choice.
• Safety package: Adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring with trailer coverage, and rear cross traffic alert are standard. Evasive Steer Assist, Intersection Collision Warning, and traffic sign recognition are standard on Tungsten and available on other models through option packages. Hands-Free Active Driving Assist is part of the Advanced Safety Group II package.
• Infotainment: Uconnect 5 is standard, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Screen setups vary by trim, with base models getting a smaller driver display and higher trims offering larger digital displays, an optional 10.25-inch passenger screen, and an optional head-up display.
• Fuel efficiency: The turbocharged inline-six delivers superior fuel economy, by two mpg in a 4WD truck compared with the Hemi V8. The Hemi also uses mid-grade fuel, while the turbo six runs on regular gasoline.

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 stripped-down choice, with cloth seats, lots of plastic trim, blacked-out styling, and the small 3.5-inch driver display. It also misses the richer cabin materials found higher up the lineup.
• Sweet-spot trim: Big Horn is the best value if you want a more polished look without jumping into luxury pricing. It adds more style than the base truck and sits in the heart of the lineup.
• Premium/top trim: Tungsten is the luxury play, with high-end leather surfaces, a unique grille, and the most advanced standard safety content in the lineup.
• Off-road trim: Rebel and RHO are the off-road-focused choices, but they’re not the best fit if you mainly want a daily driver.

The safety-package note to keep in mind is that advanced driver-assistance features are not standard across all models, so verify equipment carefully on any truck you’re considering.

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

This is a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop with some leverage if you’re patient.

• Deal availability: 33.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 6,585 listings available.
• Clean inventory: 94.9% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $54,702.04, 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. The Crew Cab loses a star, though its frontal, side and rollover scores all match the smaller-cab truck’s ratings.

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 across the lineup. Ram’s Hands-Free Active Driving Assist is included with the Advanced Safety Group II package, and it requires driver attentiveness even though it is truly hands-free on certain roads. Evasive Steer Assist, Intersection Collision Warning and traffic sign recognition are standard on Tungsten 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:

• 33.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is excellent at 94.9% — 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 again.

Consider the 2025 if:

• It introduced the new Hurricane inline-six and added lots of new tech.

The bottom line: If you want the current-year truck with the Hemi back in the lineup, the 2026 is the better emotional and feature-balanced pick. If you’re more focused on value and want to prioritize the prior year’s tech and powertrain changes, the 2025 is worth a look, especially if pricing is sharper.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from July 31, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.