New & Used 2026 RAM 1500 for Sale nearExeter, ON

Is the 2026 RAM 1500 a good car?

Generally — you rate it 4/5, and our experts give it 8.00/10. The model scores 9/10 across Performance and Technology.

The 2026 RAM 1500 stands out because Ram brought the Hemi V8 back for the 2026 model year, giving you a characterful engine choice that many pickup buyers still want. It also gives you a broad powertrain range, premium interior materials in higher-end models, and both luxurious and off-road-ready versions, so it can be configured for a wide spread of buyer needs.

The trade-offs are worth noting: advanced safety features are not standard, and there is no base two-door work truck.

With 33.3% of listings priced as good or great deals, the market offers 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’s appeal is built around familiar hardware and a broad range of configurations, which can help you choose a version that fits your needs more closely. The Hemi V8 returns with the same basic character Ram buyers have wanted, and the truck’s overall formula leans on proven full-size pickup strengths rather than novelty.

The Hemi V8 also brings a mild bump in fuel efficiency thanks to its eTorque system, and Ram says the truck’s hands-free Active Driving Assist can require a paid subscription after a trial period on certain trims, so you should confirm that detail before you buy.

For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is choosing the wrong configuration for your needs, especially if you want advanced safety equipment or maximum value.

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

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: Tradesman models are basic, with cloth seats and lots of plastic trim, while higher trims add brighter grilles, leather, open-pore wood, and high-end leather surfaces. The lower-end trims also wear blacked-out grilles, and the base truck is notably spartan compared with the rest of the lineup.
• Powertrain: You can choose from a 3.6-litre V6 with eTorque, a 5.7-litre Hemi V8 with eTorque, a standard-output 3.0-litre Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six, or a high-output Hurricane inline-six. The turbocharged six makes more power than the Hemi and delivers superior fuel economy.
• Safety package: Standard equipment includes lane keep assist, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring with trailer coverage, and rear cross traffic alert. Evasive Steer Assist, Intersection Collision Warning and traffic sign recognition are standard on Tungsten and available on some other models through option packages.
• Infotainment: Uconnect 5 is standard, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Screen setups vary by trim, with base Tradesman models getting a small 3.5-inch driver display, while most trucks have either a 7-inch or 12-inch digital display. A 10.25-inch passenger screen is optional on mid- and upper-grade models, and wireless charging for two devices is available.
• Fuel efficiency: The turbocharged inline-six delivers superior fuel economy by 1.6 litres per 100 kilometres compared with the Hemi V8.

Which 2026 RAM 1500 trim should I buy?

The 2026 RAM 1500 is offered in 12 trim levels: Tradesman, Express, Warlock, Big Horn, Laramie, Rebel, RHO, Limited, Longhorn, Tungsten, and the Hemi V8-equipped versions referenced in the lineup.

Here's the short version:

• Tradesman: This is the work-focused starting point, with a basic interior, cloth seats, a small 3.5-inch driver display, and a six-speaker audio system. It makes sense if you want the lowest entry point, but it is the least upscale choice.
• Express: This trim keeps the blacked-out look and standard six-speaker audio, so it suits you if you want a simpler, darker appearance without moving far up the price ladder.
• Warlock: Like the other lower-end trims, it uses a blacked-out grille and standard six-speaker audio, making it a good fit if you want a tougher-looking truck without chasing luxury features.
• Big Horn: This is the best-value choice for many shoppers because it adds more style inside, including etched trim, and can be equipped with a nine-speaker system with a subwoofer. It sits in the heart of the lineup and balances equipment with price well.
• Laramie: If you want a more upscale cabin, this trim adds leather and can be had in a smart Bison Brown/Sea Salt Grey two-tone colour scheme. It also offers the Harman Kardon 19-speaker audio package.
• Rebel: This is one of the off-road-oriented choices, with a black grille shaped differently from other Ram 1500 models and access to the Harman Kardon 19-speaker audio package.
• RHO: This is another off-road model, sharing the black grille treatment with the Rebel and aimed at buyers who want that more rugged character.
• Limited: This trim brings open-pore wood trim and standard Harman Kardon audio, so it suits you if you want a more luxurious cabin without going all the way to the top.
• Longhorn: Like the Limited, it gets open-pore wood trim and standard Harman Kardon audio, but with its own upscale personality.
• Tungsten: This is the top luxury trim, with high-end leather surfaces, a unique chrome-and-black grille mesh pattern, standard Harman Kardon audio, and the 23-speaker Klipsch Reference Premiere system. It also gets standard Evasive Steer Assist, Intersection Collision Warning and traffic sign recognition.
• Hemi V8-equipped versions: If you specifically want the V8 character, the Hemi is the emotional pick, but it is not the strongest or most efficient engine in the lineup.

The safety package note to keep in mind is that advanced safety features are not standard across the lineup, and some of the best driver-assistance tech is reserved for higher trims or option packages.

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

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully and still find worthwhile options.

• Deal availability: 33.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 862 listings available.

Is the 2026 RAM 1500 safe?

The 2026 RAM 1500 earns a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA for the Quad Cab, while the Crew Cab loses a star even though its frontal, side and rollover scores match the smaller cab’s ratings.

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

Lane keep assist, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring with trailer coverage, and rear cross traffic alert come standard in all 2026 Ram 1500 trucks. Ram’s hands-free Active Driving Assist is included with the Advanced Safety Group II package, and it monitors attentiveness while working only on certain roads. Evasive Steer Assist, Intersection Collision Warning and traffic sign recognition are standard on the Tungsten grade and can be added to some other models via option packages.

One important caveat is that advanced safety features are not standard, so you should check equipment carefully on any used example.

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:

• 33.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Owners rate it 4/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• The Hemi V8 returns for 2026 with a “Symbol of Protest” badge.

Consider the 2025 if:

• It brought a major update with more tech, new powertrains, and a more upscale feel.

The bottom line: If you want the Hemi V8 comeback and a wide range of trims and powertrains, the 2026 is the one to target. If you’re mainly chasing value and want to compare equipment carefully, the 2025 remains worth a look because it introduced the modernised formula that set up this truck’s current appeal.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 22, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.