With the recent retirement of the legendary HEMI name from the Ram 1500 powertrain lineup, you'd be right to wonder how the Hurricane vs. HEMI V-8 engine comparison plays out. The 5.7 HEMI V-8 has been with Ram pickups since 2003, but the 3.0-liter Hurricane is a worthy successor for the 2025 model year.
Read on to see the full story of the Ram Hurricane vs. HEMI V-8 engine matchup. We at Frisco Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram will be happy to show you the details in person.
Check out the chart below to see the history of the HEMI V-8 vs. Hurricane setups.
| Hurricane vs. HEMI V-8 Over the Years | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.0L Hurricane Years | HEMI V-8 Years | |
| Ram 1500 | 2025 |
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| Ram 2500 | N/A |
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Not only is the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 a crowd-favorite for half-ton pickups, but three-quarter-ton drivers were treated to a 5.7-liter HEMI from 2003 to 2018. The 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 for heavy-duty Ram trucks is also discontinued this year, though the 3.0-liter Hurricane inline-six is only in Ram 1500 models for 2025.
| 3.0 Hurricane vs. 5.7 Hemi Specs Comparison | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.0L Hurricane Years | HEMI V-8 Years | |
| Ram 1500 | 2025 |
|
| Ram 2500 | N/A |
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With 25 extra horses for the standard output powertrain and over 140 for the high-output variant, the 2025 Ram 1500 promises a smoother drive on the interstate and through the city. This extra strength is in part thanks to its twin turbochargers, which compress air into the engine for more efficient combustion capabilities.
Torque is a similar story in the 5.7 HEMI vs. 3.0 Hurricane comparison, with the high-output Hurricane inline-six producing over 110 more pound-feet of torque than the HEMI V-8. However, at 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque, a pre-owned Ram 1500 still has the power to make every drive extraordinary.
At 12,750 pounds,1 the V-8's towing capacity adds more than 1,000 pounds to the 3.0-liter Hurricane's 11,550-pound maximum towing capacity.1 This means that a 2025 Ram 1500 can still haul large travel trailers, but a HEMI-powered 2024 model is the choice if you want a bit more towing capability.
A new Ram 1500 from 2025 uses the lighter Hurricane engine, which comes in handy for carrying. At a max payload capacity of 1,980 pounds, you'll get approximately 120 more pounds into your setup than possible in a 2024 model with the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8.2
The new Hurricane inline-six has a second slight advantage in the Ram HEMI V-8 vs. Hurricane engine battle: its fuel economy.
The 3.0-liter Hurricane engine has an EPA-estimated MPG rating of 18/25/21 MPG (City/Highway/Combined),3 while the 5.7-liter V-8 sports a still impressive 18/23/20 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).4 Considering that the 5.7-liter HEMI also comes with a larger standard fuel tank at 26 gallons – compared to the 23 gallons in 2025 Ram 1500 3.0-liter Hurricane models – you have two models with an incredibly similar total range.
One thing is certain when you explore the Hurricane vs. HEMI V-8 differences in person: The HEMI V-8 remains a sturdy competitor in the half-ton sector, while the Hurricane inline-six promises to be an admirable successor to the V-8's legacy. With our expansive Ram 1500 specials covering a range of models with the Hurricane inline-six standard or high-output version and an inventory of Ram 1500 trucks with the HEMI V-8, you'll find the perfect pickup!
The new Ram Hurricane engine is not necessarily better than the beloved HEMI V-8 engine, but it does generate more power and torque while being more efficient in some configurations. For instance, new Ram 1500 trucks with the 3.0-liter Hurricane can earn slightly higher EPA-estimated highway and combined MPG ratings than a Ram 1500 equipped with a 5.7-liter HEMI V-8.3,4
The new 3.0-liter Hurricane engine has replaced the HEMI V-8 engine in select vehicles within the new Ram pickup truck lineup. Two new Hurricane engines, including a high-output version, bring more power to your drive than what the already impressive 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 delivers. The Ram 1500 no longer has a HEMI, but the Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 will likely have one.
The Ram HEMI V-8 engine offered on the Ram 1500 is an eight-cylinder with a displacement of 5.7 liters and is fitted with eTorque technology. The Hurricane is a new engine from the Ram brand that replaces the HEMI V-8 in some models, like the 2025 Ram 1500. It's a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine equipped with twin turbochargers for increased power output.
| Ram 1500 Bug Horn/Lone Star Trim | Ram 1500 Towing Capacity | Ram 1500 Hemi Engine Specs |
| Ram 1500 Hurricane Engine Specs | Ram 1500 Interior | 2024 vs. 2025 Ram 1500 |
| 2025 Ram 1500 Overview |
1When properly equipped. See dealer for details.
2When properly equipped. Max payload ratings shown for base configuration. Additional options, equipment, passengers, and cargo weight may affect payload weights. Contact dealer for details.
3EPA-estimated 18 city MPG with 3.0-liter Hurricane and eight-speed automatic. Actual mileage may vary. EPA-estimated 25 hwy MPG with 3.0-liter Hurricane and eight-speed automatic. Actual mileage may vary.
4EPA-estimated 18 city MPG with 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 and eight-speed automatic. Actual mileage may vary. EPA-estimated 23 hwy MPG with 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 and eight-speed automatic. Actual mileage may vary.
