As the new Hurricane straight-six takes over for the HEMI V8, what does that mean for Ram 1500 truck drivers? We’ll tell you what it means: more power, better fuel economy, and a tighter, more modern performance overall!
Key Takeaways
- With up to 540 horsepower, the new Hurricane i6 leaves the HEMI V8 behind. Indeed, this new Ram engine supplies up to 145 more horsepower than the outgoing HEMI V8!
- In spite of generating so much more power, the Hurricane is also the most efficient option.
- The HEMI V8 can help your Ram tow the biggest trailer (12,750 pounds max), but the Hurricane I6 is nearly as capable (11,580 pounds max)!
- When it comes to hauling, the Hurricane i6 gives your Ram the edge.
Amp-Up Your Performance
The Ram 1500’s new 3.0-liter Hurricane inline six-cylinder engine might not be as big as the outgoing 5.7-liter HEMI V8 (395 horsepower, 410 pound-feet of torque), but it makes up for this disparity with its outsized power.
There are two versions of the new Hurricane i6 available. The standard version makes 420 horsepower and 469 pound-feet of torque, giving you an extra 25 ponies and 41 pound-feet of torque compared to the old V8. Better yet, a high-output Hurricane i6 maximizes strength with 540 horses and 521 pound-feet of torque — an upgrade of 145 horses and 111 pound-feet of torque compared to the outgoing HEMI engine!
A Better Balance of Power and Fuel Economy
Thanks to its smaller size, the Hurricane i6 delivers a much better balance of strength and fuel economy than the old-school HEMI. Depending on how you equip your Ram 1500, the Hurricane I6 can help you achieve up to 21 mpg combined (18 city/25 highway).
The HEMI V8 — which, again, is not nearly as powerful as the new Hurricane straight-six — earns up to 20 mpg combined (18 city/23 highway).
Towing Capabilities
The HEMI V8 does have the edge when it comes to towing, helping your Ram 1500 tow up to 12,750 pounds. But the Hurricane i6, with max tow ratings of 11,580 pounds, will do for most Ram drivers! Both engines can tow a fair-sized Airstream or speedboat!
Max Payloads
On the other hand, the Hurricane i6 is the better option when it comes to hauling major payloads. Capabilities vary according to body style and equipment, but a Ram with the Hurricane under its hood can haul payloads weighing up to 1,980 pounds! The most a HEMI-equipped 2024 Ram 1500 can manage is 1,930 pounds.
(Quick side note: the Ram 1500’s base V6 is what you want if you’re going to haul max payloads. Properly equipped, both the 2024 and 2025 Ram 1500 can tow max loads of 2,300 pounds.)
Step into the Future
The Ram’s HEMI V8 will always be a beloved classic. And for drivers who wouldn’t have it any other way, this hefty engine is still available with the 2024 Ram 1500. But times they are a-changin, and Ram doesn’t want to leave its drivers behind. The V8 is a stout performer, but it’s not as quick on the uptake as the all-new Hurricane.
Because in addition to being both more powerful and more efficient, the Ram’s Hurricane inline-six is also ultra-quick to supply the power you request, adding driver engagement to its list of fine qualities. Step into the future of trucking — where you can combine power, fuel economy, and modern engineering — compliments of the all-new twin-turbo Hurricane i6!