Is the 2026 RAM 1500 a good car?

Generally — you rate it 4/5, and the expert rating is 8.00/10. The model scores 9/10 across Performance and Technology.

The 2026 RAM 1500 stands out for its powerful engine choices and well-appointed cabin, and it gives you a lot of configuration flexibility with multiple cab, bed, and trim combinations. The return of the Hemi V8 adds character and traditional truck appeal, while the turbocharged inline-six gives you a stronger efficiency-minded alternative with more output.

The main trade-offs are that advanced safety features are not standard across all models, and the V8 is not the best value on paper compared with the turbocharged six. If you want a truck that can be tailored to work or leisure use, this one fits that brief well.

Good and great deals account for 34.5% of listings, which gives you a decent chance of finding a competitive price.

Is the 2026 RAM 1500 reliable?

Owners rate it 4/5, a solid signal of long-term satisfaction. The 2026 RAM 1500 also leans into durability through its broad powertrain lineup and truck-focused hardware, including multiple engine choices and eight-speed automatic transmissions.

The expert evaluation points to strong performance and a well-rounded ownership experience, with the Hemi V8 delivering smooth power and the turbocharged inline-six offering more output and better efficiency. The truck also includes a three-year trial for Hands-Free Active Driving Assist, which can add convenience if you choose the right package.

If you buy used, your biggest long-term ownership risk is ending up with a truck whose equipment level or maintenance history doesn’t match how you plan to use it.

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

Accident-free inventory is excellent at 95% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.

You should still run a history report and inspect the truck carefully, especially if you’re shopping higher-mileage examples or a well-optioned trim. Pay close attention to cabin wear, infotainment operation, and whether the truck has the safety and tech features you expect. If you want a specific engine or cab configuration, verify that the listing matches it exactly.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: Tradesman models are the most basic, with cloth seats, lots of plastic trim, and a small 3.5-inch driver display. Big Horn adds more visual flair, while Laramie brings leather, Limited and Limited Longhorn add open-pore wood trim, and Tungsten gets high-end leather surfaces.
• Powertrain: The base 3.6-liter V6 makes 305 hp and 271 lb-ft. The 5.7-liter Hemi V8 makes 395 hp and 410 lb-ft, while the 3.0-liter Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six makes 420 hp and 469 lb-ft and delivers better fuel economy by two mpg in a 4WD truck.
• 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 comes with the Advanced Safety Group II package.
• Infotainment: Uconnect 5 is standard, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Screen setups vary, with most trucks getting a 7-inch or 12-inch digital display, while base Tradesman models use a 3.5-inch unit. A 10.25-inch passenger screen is optional on mid- and upper-grade models, and OTA capability is not mentioned.
• Fuel efficiency: The Hemi V8 uses eTorque for a mild bump in fuel efficiency, and the turbocharged inline-six delivers superior fuel economy by two additional 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, Limited, Limited Longhorn, Tungsten, and RHO.

Here's the short version:

• Base trim: Tradesman is the work-focused choice, but it lacks the richer cabin materials and larger driver display found higher up the range.
• Sweet-spot trim: Big Horn is the best value if you want a more polished look than Tradesman without jumping into luxury pricing.
• Premium/top trim: Tungsten is the most luxurious pick, with high-end leather surfaces, the most advanced standard safety content, and the top audio system.
• Off-road trim: Rebel and RHO are the off-road-oriented choices, but they make less sense if your driving is mostly daily commuting and towing.

The safety package note to keep in mind is that advanced driver-assistance features are not standard across the lineup, so you may need to shop carefully by trim and package.

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

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you have room to shop, but the best listings can still move quickly.

• Deal availability: 34.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 6,793 listings available.
• Clean inventory: 95.0% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $54,669.70, 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 on all 2026 Ram 1500 trucks. Evasive Steer Assist, Intersection Collision Warning, and traffic sign recognition are standard on the Tungsten grade and can be added to other models through option packages.

Ram’s Hands-Free Active Driving Assist is included with the Advanced Safety Group II package. It is truly hands-free, but it still monitors attentiveness and requires the driver to stay alert. If you’re shopping used, pay close attention to whether the truck has the safety package you want, since some of the more advanced features are not standard.

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:

• 34.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is excellent at 95% — 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 Tungsten trim and added major tech and powertrain updates.

The bottom line: If you want the newest version with the Hemi back in the lineup, the 2026 is the one to target. If you’re more price-sensitive and want the strongest mix of new tech and powertrain change, the 2025 can be the smarter value play.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 14, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.