Skip to main content

The 2023 Ram 1500 pickup is shaping up to be another record-selling truck for Stellantis. Right now, it has four engines in the lineup. But the spotlight is actually on a fifth offering, should it come in 2023. It’s the twin-turbo 3.0-liter Hurricane straight-six, that boasts more horsepower and fuel economy than the venerable 5.7-liter Hemi V8. The expectation is that it will land in almost every model that Stellantis offers a V8 in, including the Ram 1500 Challenger and Charger.

How long will ICE engines be in Ram 1500 pickups?

A black 2022 Ram 1500 full-size pickup truck parked on grass covered snow near barren trees
2022 Ram 1500 | FCA US LLC.

But right now, Ram is mum about future products, as per usual. Stellantis is looking to kill the 5.7 Hemi before its 2025 models arrive. The new Hurricane engine is expected to see out the last of the ICE vehicle era. 

So beyond the Hurricane arriving in 2023, let’s look at 2023. This begins with the Pentastar V6. Should the Hurricane arrive, this V6 won’t show up as the base engine. While the Pentastar’s days in a Ram are numbered, Chrysler and Dodge will use it through for its antiquated sedans. That’s because its compact architecture makes it a smart choice for vehicles with cramped engine bays. But as far as Ram trucks, other than possibly a lower price point, there is no reason for Ram to offer it.

That said, it still packs 305 hp with 269 lb-ft of torque. So far, production is beyond over one million. While it has a 16.5 mpg rating, we would expect that Stellantis engineers can bump that up going forward, as that’s a strong selling point for 2023 Ram base engine buyers. 

Does Ram still offer a diesel engine option?

2022 Ram
2022 Ram 1500 | Stellantis

Diesel engines are on the decline in both popularity and reputation. There are those ardent oil burner fans, for sure. But with the power, fuel economy, and emissions numbers in non-diesel engines’ favor, 2023 could be its last year. 

Here’s why diesel ardent love their Ram diesel. This engine has 260 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque, the Ram 1500 gets best-in-class awards for towing capacity at 12.560 lbs. Payload is also great at slightly above 2,000 lbs. Then there is mileage. It is rated at 22 mpg for City and 33 mpg for Highway.

What about the 5.7-liter Hemi engine?

2022 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel models
2022 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel | Ram

Then there’s the 5.7 Hemi V8. In production for almost 20 years, in 2023 Ram may start throttling back production. For those who choose to check the Hemi box, it packs 400 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. With a tow rating of almost 13,000 lbs, it can handle almost everything. And mileage numbers are 17 mpg City and 22 mpg Highway. 

Finally, for those opting for a TRX truck, there is the 6.2-liter Hemi V8. With 702 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque, it is the most powerful engine available in this segment. The Ford Raptor is no match, and only the Yenko Silverado has more, with 850 hp. But this is a specialty offering.

The curtain is falling on ICE pickup trucks. Actually, it is falling entirely. Should you prefer this mode of transportation, get one while you can. 

RELATED: Would You Buy a Ram Truck With a 500 Horsepower Inline-6?