The 5.7-litre HEMI V8 is back in the RAM 1500 range in the UAE. Al-Futtaim, RAM’s official distributor in the country, is now offering the engine on the Rebel, Limited and Limited Night Edition trims. In each case the V8 is paired with RAM’s eTorque mild-hybrid system, which the brand says improves efficiency and everyday drivability.
The engine’s return follows a period in which RAM moved its full-size pickup away from eight cylinders. For the 2025 model year, the 1500 switched to the 3.0-litre Hurricane twin-turbocharged inline-six, and the HEMI was dropped from the line-up. The V8 has since been reinstated, and Al-Futtaim is marketing the UAE launch under the campaign line “We Heard You.” The distributor describes the move as a response to feedback from RAM owners in the country.
Carlos Montenegro, Managing Director of Al-Futtaim Trading Enterprises, said local owners have played a role in shaping the brand. He described the return of the V8 as a reflection of that relationship.
Three trims are available with the engine, each aimed at a different type of buyer. The RAM 1500 Rebel is the off-road-focused option. It combines the V8 with:
- Performance-tuned suspension
- An electronic locking rear differential
- Skid plates and all-terrain tyres
- A sport performance hood
The Rebel’s cabin has a 14.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen, a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof.
The RAM 1500 Limited is positioned toward on-road comfort. It seats five on premium leather and uses real wood interior trim. It shares the Rebel’s 14.4-inch Uconnect display, Harman Kardon audio and panoramic sunroof.
The Limited Night Edition builds on the Limited with styling changes. These include exclusive 22-inch black aluminium wheels and black exterior trim accents.
Al-Futtaim has not published UAE pricing for the V8-equipped models. It also has not released power, torque, towing or fuel consumption figures for the engine in its local specification, and has not said whether the Hurricane inline-six will remain on sale alongside the V8. These details will determine how the HEMI trucks are positioned against the rest of the 1500 range and against rivals such as the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra, which continue to offer V8 options in the region.
