Hurricane vs HEMI: How the Ram 1500 Performs with Each Engine

The Ram 1500 is one of the most impressive full-size trucks on the market, recognized for its engaging ride quality, remarkable capabilities, and sleek style inside and out. You may have noticed that there’s been a switch-up with its available powertrains for the 2025 model year, with the industry-famous HEMI V8 lineup being replaced by the Hurricane turbocharged I-6. How does this impact the Ram 1500’s potential? Let’s explore more about what each can add to your experience. If you’re on the hunt for a Ram 1500 for sale, you’ll certainly find what you need here at McHugh Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram FIAT.

Hurricane Options

Two Hurricane I-6 engines join the Ram 1500 lineup for 2025, offering drivers a different way to take on all the tasks that reside on their agendas for the day. The first available powertrain is a 3.0L Hurricane turbocharged six-cylinder, which makes 420 hp and 469 lb-ft of torque to add a little pep to your step. The second available Hurricane option is the High Output version, which showcases 540 horses at the reins and 521 lb-ft of torque to make for an all-around exciting ride.

Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, allowing you to enjoy the ride whether you’re rolling down the highway or carrying materials across the job site. The Hurricane lineup offers a nice touch of excitement blended perfectly with the right amount of power to take on any job. These available engines are outstanding for those who require more out of their truck, offering a confident and powerful ride, which is much in line with what drivers are demanding these days.

HEMI Options

Most drivers are familiar with the HEMI V8 lineup that we’ve seen in the Ram 1500 for years until the 2024 model year. To see a shift in which types of powertrains are situated beneath the Ram 1500’s sculpted hood was a surprise to many drivers, to say the least. The 5.7L HEMI Eagle V8 with eTorque has been on the menu for some time now, offering 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque to the ride, making it a top pick for hard workers, adventurers, and daily drivers alike. It showcases fabulous strength and plenty of thrills to go around. For those who demand more exhilaration in how they travel, the TRX model showcases this, with its 6.2L HEMI supercharged V8 nicknamed “Hellcat,” which bursts forward with a whopping 702 horses and 650 lb-ft of torque leading the way.

Like the Hurricane lineup, the HEMI lineup is paired with a smooth-operating eight-speed automatic transmission. The HEMI engine selection is just as capable of providing you with a dynamic ride as the Hurricane arsenal, making both fabulous choices when it comes to the power radiating from the Ram 1500’s chiseled hood.

Towing Power

When it comes to pulling heavy equipment behind you, you need a truck with an engine that was designed to do hard things. This is exactly what you can expect from the Ram 1500, no matter which engine is situated inside its confident frame. The 3.0L Hurricane turbocharged I-6 is capable of towing up to 11,550 lbs, making it a great choice for those seeking out a dutiful workmate. Opting for the High Output powertrain may add a little more liveliness to your journey, but it sacrifices a bit of towing power in the process, topping out at a maximum towing capacity of 9,920 lbs. If you are seeking out a new Ram 1500 for work or to haul heavy loads, the standard Hurricane engine is better suited to these needs.

The HEMI lineup offers talented towing capabilities as well, with its 5.7L Eagle V8 able to handle up to 12,750 lbs, making it a phenomenal accomplice on the job site. When you have work to get done, this powertrain is capable of completing some of the most challenging tasks imaginable. Those who are interested in the supercharged variant will want to keep in mind that, like the Hurricane High Output option, this engine also sacrifices towing capacity for street speed. The Hellcat tops out at 8,220 lbs, which still isn’t too bad, considering how utterly dominant it is in every other aspect.

Hauling Potential

If towing isn’t really your thing and hauling is more in your wheelhouse, the Ram 1500 is a go-to choice for these types of drivers. Its 3.0L Hurricane turbocharged six-cylinder engine can take on a payload capacity of up to 1,980 lbs, making it a breeze to load up with everything from adventure gear to home improvement materials, construction tools, and more. Again, the High Output version is geared more toward street performance, which means that payload capacity isn’t as impressive, but not every driver requires top-level payload numbers. This powertrain can handle a maximum of 1,520 lbs of payload.

You’ll find that the HEMI Eagle V8 is very similar to the turbocharged Hurricane I-6, with a payload capacity of 1,940 lbs, making both absolute winners for those looking to carry heavy materials in their truck beds. Just like the High Output version of the Hurricane lineup, the supercharged Hellcat focuses more of its attention on bursting down the highway or the trails, with a payload capacity of only 1,350 lbs. As you can see, both the Hurricane and HEMI arsenals feature options that are geared more toward work, as well as those tuned into performance. This means that you’ll want to carefully consider how you plan to utilize your truck so that you can make the best choice regarding the powertrain that resides inside.

Ride Quality

You’ll find that the Ram 1500 wears many hats. It’s a dedicated workmate, a spirited off-road adventurer, and a trusted daily driver, making it one of the most versatile pickup trucks around. The new Hurricane lineup offers a superb ride with plenty of power and strength to appeal to a variety of drivers. There’s even a nice level of efficiency in this lineup, especially when you choose its 3.0L turbocharged standard option, which allows you to get an EPA-estimated 25 MPG on the highway. It’s just another reason why this truck is great for your daily commute.

The HEMI lineup is known to be ultra-powerful and ready to conquer the task at hand. Ram 1500 models armed with the HEMI Eagle V8 will be able to take on any challenge imaginable, whether it’s on the job site or the interstate, with outstanding towing and hauling capabilities and favorable efficiency, able to get up to 23 MPG on the highway. Those with a thirst for excitement will be floored by the Hellcat’s performance, able to jet from 0-60 mph in just 4.5 seconds, with a top speed of 118 mph.

Hurricane vs HEMI: Which Should You Choose?

If you’re in the market for a new Ram 1500 model, the Hurricane lineup will serve you well. However, if a used model is on your mind, you’ll certainly find the right HEMI for you. Both of these selections feature work-ready powertrains, as well as fierce performers, making it easy to find what you need to revolutionize the way you work, travel, or both. There’s a reason why the Ram 1500 is seen so often on the road, and that’s because there’s an option for every driver. When it comes to the powertrain that is situated beneath the Ram 1500’s polished hood, rest assured that Ram gives you the best options to take on any challenge with gusto.

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