New & Used 2026 RAM 1500 for Sale near Hays, AB

Is the 2026 RAM 1500 a good car?

Generally — the 2026 RAM 1500 earns 4/5 from owners and 8.00/10 from our experts. The model scores 9/10 across Performance and Technology.

The 2026 RAM 1500 stands out because Ram has brought the Hemi V8 back for the model year, giving you a characterful engine choice that many pickup shoppers still want. It also offers broad configurability, with 12 trim levels in Canada, two cab sizes, bed lengths, and four powertrain choices. Premium interior materials are available in high-end models, and Ram also offers luxurious and off-road-ready versions.

The trade-offs are clear: the Hemi is less powerful than the less-expensive Hurricane turbocharged inline-six and well behind the optional High Output Hurricane engine, and advanced safety features are not standard. There is also no base two-door work truck.

With 33.3% of listings priced as good or great deals, you have 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 return to the Hemi V8 is more about appeal than a new mechanical formula, since the engine is described as being the same as it has ever been. The truck’s expert assessment also points to a broad range of configurations and a familiar eight-speed automatic transmission across the lineup, which supports a straightforward ownership experience.

Ram also notes that the Hemi V8 includes the eTorque system for a mild bump in fuel efficiency, which adds a bit of efficiency-minded engineering to the package. For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is choosing the right configuration and equipment level, especially if you want advanced safety or the most efficient powertrain.

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

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: Lower-end Tradesman, Express and Warlock models use blacked-out grilles and a more basic cabin, while Big Horn and Laramie add chrome and more visual polish. Limited, Longhorn and Tungsten bring more upscale materials, with the Tungsten sitting at the top of the range.
• 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, and a high-output Hurricane inline-six in select versions. The Hemi is smooth and characterful, but it is not the most powerful or efficient option.
• Safety package: Standard safety 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 the Tungsten grade and can be added to some other models via option packages.
• Infotainment: Ram’s Uconnect 5 system includes standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Screen setups vary, with most trucks getting either a 7-inch or 12-inch digital display, while base Tradesman models use a smaller 3.5-inch unit. A 10.25-inch passenger screen is optional on mid- and upper-grade models, and OTA capability is not stated.
• Fuel efficiency: The standard-output 3.0-litre Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six delivers superior fuel economy, by 1.6 litres per 100 kilometres, compared with the Hemi V8. The Hemi also uses mid-grade gasoline, while the turbocharged six runs on regular gasoline.

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 two additional trims explicitly referenced in the model’s trim descriptions are not named in the provided data.

Here's the short version:

• Tradesman: This is the entry point if you want the lowest starting price and a basic work-truck setup. It comes with cloth seats, lots of plastic trim, a six-speaker audio system, and the smaller 3.5-inch driver display, so it makes sense if you value utility over polish.
• Big Horn: This is the best-value choice for many shoppers because it adds more style and equipment without jumping into luxury pricing. It brings more visual interest inside, and the test truck’s nine-speaker audio setup shows how much more livable the mid-range can feel.
• Laramie: Choose this if you want a more upscale cabin, leather, and a smart-looking interior. It also offers the Harman Kardon 19-speaker audio package, making it a strong step up for comfort-focused buyers.
• Limited: This trim is for you if you want premium materials and a more luxurious feel, including open-pore wood trim and standard Harman Kardon audio. It suits buyers who want the Ram 1500 to feel genuinely upscale.
• Longhorn: Pick this if you want a similarly premium experience with a distinct upscale character. It also gets open-pore wood trim and standard Harman Kardon audio, so it fits buyers who want luxury with a more traditional truck flavour.
• Tungsten: This is the top-end choice if you want the most luxurious cabin and the most advanced equipment. It gets high-end leather surfaces, the 23-speaker Klipsch Reference Premiere audio system, and standard Evasive Steer Assist, Intersection Collision Warning and traffic sign recognition.

The safety package note is simple: advanced safety features are not standard across the lineup, and some of the more advanced driver aids are reserved for the Tungsten grade 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 it makes sense to shop carefully and compare listings.

• Deal availability: 33.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 899 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 truck’s ratings.

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

Standard safety 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. Ram’s hands-free Active Driving Assist is included with the Advanced Safety Group II package, but it requires the driver to stay alert and only works on certain roads. It may also require a paid subscription after a trial period on certain trims, so you should confirm that before buying.

A key caveat is that advanced safety features are not standard, and the IIHS had not released ratings for this model at the time of writing.

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, giving you a characterful engine choice that many pickup shoppers still want.

Consider the 2025 if:

• It brought a substantial update, including new technology and new powertrain options.

The bottom line: If you want the Hemi V8 and the latest 2026 lineup, this is the year to target. If you are more price-sensitive and want a truck that already delivered a major update, the 2025 remains worth a look.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 6, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.