Which Engine Should You Choose on the 2026 Ram 3500 for Boerne, TX Drivers?
Ancira Ram – Which Engine Should You Choose on the 2026 Ram 3500 for Boerne, TX Drivers?
For many shoppers, the biggest decision with a heavy-duty truck is not cab or color—it is the engine. If you are weighing the available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 against the 6.4L HEMI® V8 on the 2026 Ram 3500, the best choice depends on how you work and how often you tow. Below, we break down the real-world differences Boerne, TX drivers ask about most, with a practical look at torque, payload, and day-to-day drivability.
The available High-Output Cummins® delivers the kind of deep, sustained torque that keeps heavy trailers steady and composed, even on long grades and in crosswinds. With up to 1,075 lb-ft of torque and 430 hp when properly equipped, it is tuned to shoulder major loads and keep shift points smooth via the TorqueFlite® HD eight-speed automatic. The diesel’s available towing capacity of up to 36,610 lbs when properly equipped makes sense if your life includes a large fifth-wheel, a heavy equipment trailer, or frequent long-haul towing days. Add the available Automatic Smart Exhaust Brake, and you gain extra confidence and control on downhill stretches with heavy loads.
By contrast, the 6.4L HEMI® V8 excels for mixed-use owners who prioritize a strong gas payload, frequent bed loading and unloading, and occasional moderate towing. With up to 405 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque, the HEMI® pairs to a TorqueFlite® eight-speed automatic for refined performance, smart shift mapping, and capable acceleration around town. If your daily routine combines toolboxes, pallets, and crew transport with periodic trailer duty, the HEMI® offers a compelling balance of power and practicality.
Regardless of engine, Ram’s advanced towing technologies can simplify the work. Available Trailer Reverse Steering Control lets you steer the trailer via a console-mounted knob while the truck handles the steering wheel inputs. The available 360° Trailer Surround View Camera expands your field of vision around the trailer, while the available Digital Rearview Mirror with side camera integration provides real-time views to the left and right of your rig. Inside, the Largest-in-Class available 14.5-inch Uconnect® 5 NAV touchscreen—with tow-specific navigation and customizable profiles—puts the right information a tap away, and the available 12-inch Digital Cluster Display can show trailer tire pressures when properly equipped.
Storage and utility deserve attention too. If you carry tools or sensitive gear, the class-exclusive available RamBox® Cargo Management System gives you lockable, drainable bins with LED lighting right in the bed rails. Inside, Crew Cab models offer available Rear In-Floor Storage, and Mega Cab® adds Class-Exclusive Reclining Rear Seats and Class-Exclusive Forward Fold-Flat Rear Seats for flexible cargo options. If you often transition between empty and loaded, the class-exclusive available Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension can help maintain consistent ride height for a composed driving feel.
Put simply: choose the available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 if you tow big and tow often; choose the 6.4L HEMI® V8 if your day-to-day involves more payload and mixed tasks with occasional towing. If you are still on the fence, schedule back-to-back test drives to compare throttle response, braking feel, and in-cabin noise on your typical routes.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does the diesel feel different to drive than the gas HEMI®?
Yes. The available High-Output Cummins® emphasizes low-end torque and steady pull, which you will notice when launching with a trailer or climbing grades. The 6.4L HEMI® feels more rev-happy and responsive unloaded around town.
Which engine is better for ranch work with mixed terrain?
If you primarily haul heavy trailers across pasture and county roads, the available diesel’s torque and available exhaust brake are difference-makers. If you load the bed more than you tow and want a strong gas payload, the HEMI® is a smart fit.
How do I pick the right tow tech packages?
If you are new to towing or regularly back into tight spaces, prioritize available Trailer Reverse Steering Control and camera packages, including the available 360° Trailer Surround View Camera. Add the available Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Package if you need that hitch type.
When you are ready to compare builds hands-on, stop by Ancira Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram—serving New Braunfels, Boerne, and Austin—to configure the engine, cab, and towing tech that fit your life. Our team will help you line up the right mix of power, visibility, and storage to work smarter all week and roll out confidently on weekends.