The 2026 Ram 1500 Warlock is a budget-friendly off-road option among full-size pickups. It’s practical and trail-ready, without some of the bells and whistles found on more expensive Ram trims. It appeals to drivers who want a more affordable pickup that’s functional and trail-ready, and can also serve as a daily driver.
Base Price: $47,725
As Tested: $62,230
Horsepower: 395
Mileage: 16 mpg city/20 mpg highway/18 mpg combined
The Ram 1500 got some mid-cycle updates for 2025, including some exterior styling updates and some additional trim levels and options. The Warlock is the cheapest off-road option in the Ram lineup, beneath the more premium Rebel and RHO models, while offering far more capability than the Tradesman or Express trims.
The 2026 Warlock has a base price of $47,725, which is significantly less than the Ram 1500 Rebel with a starting MSRP around 65-grand. The Warlock is only available as a crew cab with a 5’7” box and 4×4 configuration. There’s room for six passengers in two rows of seating.
The Warlock has aggressive looks, befitting its name, with a striking front fascia, blacked-out trim and 18-inch black aluminum wheels with all-terrain tires.
For 2026, Ram brings back two powertrains that are available on the Warlock: the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 with the eTorque mild-hybrid system and the beloved 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with eTorque. These engines join the more modern 3.0-liter twin-turbo Hurricane inline-six. The three engine choices and different axle ratios, ranging from 3.21 to 3.92, let you choose the pickup that fits your needs.
The standard engine on the Warlock is the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 that makes 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. Maximum towing is 6,410 pounds.
The 3.0-liter twin-turbo Hurricane inline-six is available for $1,695 and cranks out 420 horses and 469 pound-feet. Maximum towing is 11,610 pounds.
The Hemi is available for $2,895 and produces 395 hp and 410 pound-feet. Maximum towing is 11,340 pounds. Each Hemi-powered 2026 Ram 1500 includes a new fender-mounted “Symbol of Protest badge” created by the Ram design team which shows the Ram’s head pushing forward, powered by a Hemi V-8 block.
All engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic.
While the Hurricane I6 is praised for its smooth and seamless power, there are drivers who crave the Hemi. It’s slower to 60 mph than the Hurricane, and also less efficient and more expensive. But that raw power along with the Hemi’s unmistakable growl and exhaust note can be intoxicating! With any of the powertrains, the coil-spring rear suspension makes for a smooth ride. And the eight-speed shifts smoothly and confidently.
Fuel economy is decent to below average, depending on the engine. The Hemi V8 gets only 16 mpg city, 20 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined. I got 17 mpg during my week with a mix of city and highway driving. The Pentastar V6 is rated at 19 mpg city, 24 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined. The Hurricane is rated at 18 mpg city, 24 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined.
The Warlock comes standard with several features to enhance off-roading capability, plus a number of packages and options. Standard are electronically locking rear differential, heavy-duty skid plates, Bilstein front and rear shocks, 18-inch aluminum wheels with 33-inch all-terrain tires, tow hooks, and a ride height that’s an inch higher than the standard Ram 1500. The available Selec-Speed Control lets you set the speed when in low-range four-wheel drive. Turn on the standard electronic-locking rear differential with the push of a button to distribute power equally to both rear wheels.
The interior is all about function rather than creature comforts. The Warlock has full bench seats in both rows with black cloth upholstery that’s practical and durable for an off-road pickup. The dash is hard plastic, and there are no heated seats or power seat adjustments, and no heated steering wheel. The instrument panel uses traditional gauges instead of digital displays, and the 8.4-inch touchscreen is smaller and more basic than the systems found in higher Ram trims. Despite its Spartan feel, the cabin is still a pleasant place to spend time. Passengers in both rows enjoy lots of space with generous leg- and headroom, and seats are comfortable, even on long trips.
Standard features include remote start, keyless entry, black cloth bench seats in both rows, Manual tilting and telescoping steering wheel, seven-inch driver information display, Uconnect 5 infotainment system with 8.4-inch touchscreen, six-speaker audio system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, in-floor rear storage, 12V DC power outlet, automatic headlights, power-sliding rear window, and all-terrain tires.
Available features include side steps, spray-in bedliner, trailer brake controller, tri-fold tonneau cover, 33-gallon fuel tank (the standard tank is 26 gallons), and an engine block heater.
Several packages are available:
Trailer camera wiring prep package by Mopar. $590
Towing Technology Group which includes trailer hitch line-up assist. $595
Bed Utility Group includes a 400W inverter, exterior 115V AC outlet, four adjustable cargo tie-down hooks by Mopar, deployable bed step by Mopar, spray-in bedliner by Mopar, and pickup box lighting. $945
Trailer Tow Group includes accent color tailgate handle, trailer brake controller, trailer reverse steering control, and trailer tire pressure monitoring system. $1,095
Standard driver assistance technologies include forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, lane keeping assistance, and front and rear parking sensors.
The infotainment system has an 8.4-inch screen which honestly looks a bit basic compared to many systems that are available today. But it’s user-friendly with logically arranged menus. And the large knobs and buttons for audio and climate settings are easy to see and use, even when wearing gloves. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard.
The good:
Strong engine lineup
Impressive off-road chops
Good towing capabilities
Competitive pricing for an off-road pickup
Smooth ride
The not-so-good:
Few frills in cabin
Hemi is slower, thirstier and more expensive – but it’s a Hemi!
Pricing info:
My tester starts at $47,725. Hydro Blue Pearl paint is $295. The Customer Preferred Package 27B is $4,690 and bundles off-road, performance, and functional upgrades. The package includes a 33-gallon fuel tank, full-size spare tire, front performance- and rear performance-tuned shock absorbers, cluster with seven-inch TFT color display, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Towing Technology Group is $595 and includes Trailer Hitch Line-up Assist. The spray-in bedliner is $595. The Trailer Tow Group package is $1,345 and includes a trailer tire pressure monitoring system, trailer brake controller, manual telescoping mirrors, power adjustable convex auxiliary mirrors, power trailer tow mirrors with manual fold away, and trailer reverse steering control. The Bed Utility Group is $945 and includes pickup box lighting, spray-in bedliner by Mopar, exterior 115V AC outlet, deployable bed step by Mopar, and tri-fold tonneau cover. The V8 Hemi is $2,895. The destination charge is $2,595, bringing the grand total to $62,230.
Bottom line:
The 2026 Ram 1500 Warlock is one of the most capable off-road trucks at a more reasonable price. With three potent engine choices, it’s a good no-nonsense choice for drivers who want performance and value in a rugged pickup.
