2019 Dodge Ram 1500 Hemi What You Actually Get in 2026
The 2019 Dodge Ram 1500 HEMI is not one engine choice — it is three. You can get the 5.7L V8 without the eTorque system, the same V8 with eTorque added, or skip the HEMI entirely and take the 3.6L V6.
Most buyers treat this as a simple power decision. It is not. Each configuration has a specific towing ceiling, a different fuel cost over time, and a different risk profile when buying used.
This guide covers the real specs, the actual towing numbers by configuration, what eTorque does and does not do, the known 2019 HEMI issues you need to check before buying, and a direct verdict on which powertrain fits which buyer. By the end, you will know exactly which engine to choose — and when the other one is the smarter call.
Why the 2019 Ram 1500 HEMI Choice Actually Matters
Picking the wrong powertrain on a 2019 Ram 1500 is not a comfort problem — it is a money problem.
If you buy the V6 and later try to tow a loaded camper or a boat trailer over 7,730 lbs, you hit the ceiling. You either stress the drivetrain or you sell the truck and buy the one you should have bought the first time.
If you pay for the eTorque upgrade without understanding what it does, you are adding a 48-volt battery and motor-generator system to maintain — for a towing improvement of 1,140 lbs that many buyers will never use.
And if you buy a used 2019 HEMI without checking the service history, you may be inheriting a known lifter issue that can cost over $2,000 to repair.
This is not a horsepower bragging rights decision. It is a total cost of ownership decision. Three variables change the outcome.
3 Variables That Decide Which 2019 Ram Powertrain Wins
Before running the numbers, you need to know which of these three conditions applies to you.
Variable 1: Your maximum tow weight. This is the single biggest deciding factor. The V6 caps at 7,730 lbs. The standard HEMI caps at 11,610 lbs. The HEMI with eTorque caps at 12,750 lbs. If your trailer, boat, or work load sits above any of those thresholds, your choice is already made.
Variable 2: Your driving profile. A truck that spends 80% of its life on the highway running empty is a very different machine from one doing daily stop-and-go with a load. The HEMI’s fuel cost penalty is highest in city driving. The V6’s efficiency advantage is largest on long highway runs. The HEMI with eTorque recovers some of that gap through regenerative braking — but only if you are not disabling stop/start every time you start the truck.
Variable 3: Budget sensitivity over time. The eTorque upgrade on the 5.7L HEMI was a standalone option, not buried in a package. On entry-level trims (Tradesman, Big Horn, Rebel), the full HEMI upgrade from the standard V6 cost $1,195, and the eTorque-equipped HEMI cost $1,995 — meaning eTorque itself added $800 over the standard HEMI on those trims. On upper trims (Laramie, Laramie Longhorn, Limited) where the standard HEMI came included, the eTorque upgrade added $800 on top of the included V8 price.
With those three variables clear, here is what each engine actually delivers.
5.7L HEMI without eTorque Specs Strengths and Weaknesses
Engine Specs at a Glance
The standard 5.7L HEMI V8 in the 2019 Ram 1500 is a 90-degree V8, liquid-cooled, with a cast-iron block and aluminum alloy heads.
- Displacement: 345 cu. in. (5,654 cc)
- Horsepower: 395 hp at 5,600 rpm
- Torque: 410 lb-ft at 3,950 rpm
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic (ZF-sourced)
- 0-60 mph: 6.6 seconds (Edmunds test, 3.21 axle gearing)
- Max towing: 11,610 lbs
- Max payload: up to 2,300 lbs (configuration-dependent)
- Oil capacity: 7 quarts with filter
- Recommended oil: 5W-20 full synthetic
For the oil filter location and service specs on this engine, see our guide to the 5.7 HEMI oil filter location.
Based on 762 vehicles and over 17.5 million miles of tracked driving on Fuelly, the 2019 Ram 1500 across all engine variants averages 15.39 MPG combined. Breaking it down by engine from owner forum data and Fuelly tracking:
- 5.7L HEMI (no eTorque), mixed driving: 15–17 MPG is the consistent owner-reported range. Owners with 3.21 gearing and predominantly highway miles report 17–19 MPG. City-heavy drivers with 3.92 gearing report 13–15 MPG. The honest mixed-driving average for most owners lands at 16–17 MPG.
- 5.7L HEMI eTorque, mixed driving: Owners consistently report about 1 MPG better than the standard HEMI, landing at 17–18 MPG mixed for highway-weighted use. One tracked owner on Fuelly reported an 18.24 MPG overall average over nearly 10,000 miles with mostly highway driving.
- 3.6L V6 (with eTorque standard): Real-world mixed figures run 19–21 MPG for highway-weighted drivers, 16–18 MPG for mixed use. The EPA advantage (20/26) holds up better for the V6 than for the HEMI.
Known Issues to Watch For
The 2019 HEMI has two distinct issues that come up repeatedly in owner communities and repair data.
The first is the MDS tick. The Multi-Displacement System deactivates four cylinders at light load to save fuel. On some 2019 units, this causes a collapsed hydraulic lifter — most often detected as a tick or tap noise on cold starts that fades as oil pressure builds. The issue tends to show up more in trucks used in stop-and-go urban driving where the MDS cycles frequently.
The second is the HEMI tick at first startup, which is separate from the MDS issue. This is often a lifter that drains down when the engine sits. It usually clears within 30 seconds of startup but can become a recurring sign of lifter wear over time.
There are two documented TSBs directly relevant to 2019 Ram 1500 HEMI tick complaints. TSB 09-001-24 (revised January 2024, superseding TSB 09-011-22 from September 2022) covers cold engine ticking noise from the exhaust manifold area on 2019–2024 Ram 1500 pickups equipped with the 5.7L HEMI MDS VVT engine (Sales Code EZH) and the 5.7L HEMI MDS VVT eTorque engine (Sales Code EZL). The fix involves replacing the exhaust manifolds. A separate earlier bulletin, TSB 09-019-23 (October 2023), also addresses cold engine ticking from the exhaust manifold area on 2019–2022 Ram 1500s with the same engine codes.
Before buying any used 2019 HEMI, pull the CarFax, ask for oil consumption records, and check whether any dealer visits logged a tick complaint. If a cam and lifter replacement has already been done, that is not automatically a disqualifier — but you need to know. See our breakdown of 5.7 HEMI cam and lifter replacement cost to understand what that repair involves.
The standard HEMI without eTorque is the simpler of the two V8 options. No 48-volt system, no motor-generator, just the engine.
5.7L HEMI with eTorque Is the Upgrade Worth Paying For
What eTorque Actually Does
eTorque does not add horsepower. This is the most common misconception about the system.
The HP and torque figures are identical to the standard HEMI — 395 hp and 410 lb-ft. What eTorque adds is a 48-volt belt-alternator-starter (BAS) unit that provides torque fill during gear changes and enables more refined stop/start operation. It also recovers energy under braking through regenerative braking and uses it to reduce alternator load on the engine.
The practical results are two: a modest increase in max towing capacity (to 12,750 lbs, up from 11,610) and a small MPG improvement of approximately 1 mpg in mixed driving. For a deeper comparison of the two HEMI configurations, see our HEMI eTorque vs HEMI breakdown.
The 3.6L V6 came with eTorque standard across all 2019 Ram 1500 trims — it was not optional on the V6, it was included. The 5.7L HEMI eTorque was an available option on every trim that could be ordered with the HEMI. It was never standard on any trim for the V8.
Who eTorque Is Actually For
The HEMI with eTorque is worth the premium for buyers who regularly tow in the 11,600 to 12,750 lb range and genuinely need that ceiling. If your trailer loaded sits at 11,800 lbs, the standard HEMI puts you over its rated limit. The eTorque version covers you.
It is also worth considering for buyers keeping the truck five or more years. The ~1 mpg improvement in mixed driving adds up over a long ownership period.
However, if you disable stop/start every time you drive — which many HEMI owners do — the eTorque system’s efficiency gains largely disappear. And on a used truck, a 48-volt system that is already showing fault codes is a specialized repair cost that most independent mechanics cannot handle cheaply. In that case, the standard HEMI is the cleaner buy.
5.7 HEMI vs 3.6 Pentastar V6 Head to Head Numbers
Towing Capacity by Configuration
The towing gap between the V6 and the HEMI is not marginal — it is 3,880 lbs.
| Engine | Max Towing | Max Payload | 0-60 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6L Pentastar V6 | 7,730 lbs | ~2,100 lbs | ~8.0 sec |
| 5.7L HEMI (no eTorque) | 11,610 lbs | up to 2,300 lbs | 6.6 sec |
| 5.7L HEMI with eTorque | 12,750 lbs | up to 2,300 lbs | 6.6 sec |
For a full breakdown of how the two Ram 1500 gas engines compare across specs and use cases, see our Ram 3.6 vs 5.7 guide.
2019 Ram 1500 powertrain comparison — towing, payload, MPG, and 0-60 side by side for V6, HEMI, and HEMI eTorque
| Spec | 3.6L V6 Pentastar | 5.7L HEMI no eTorque | 5.7L HEMI eTorque |
|---|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 305 hp | 395 hp | 395 hp |
| Torque | 269 lb-ft | 410 lb-ft | 410 lb-ft |
| Max towing | 7,730 lbs | 11,610 lbs | 12,750 lbs ↑ |
| Max payload | ~2,100 lbs | up to 2,300 lbs | up to 2,300 lbs |
| 0-60 mph | ~8.0 sec | 6.6 sec | 6.6 sec |
| EPA city MPG | 20 mpg ↑ | 15 mpg | 16 mpg |
| EPA hwy MPG | 26 mpg ↑ | 22 mpg | 23 mpg |
| 48V system | No | No | Yes |
Real-World MPG Comparison
On paper, the V6 holds a significant fuel economy advantage over the HEMI.
| Engine | EPA City | EPA Highway | EPA Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6L V6 | 20 mpg | 26 mpg | 22 mpg |
| 5.7L HEMI | 15 mpg | 22 mpg | 17 mpg |
| 5.7L HEMI eTorque | 16 mpg | 23 mpg | 18 mpg |
[HUMAN INPUT NEEDED: Real-world mixed driving MPG from owner experience — forum aggregate or personal ownership data for both V6 and HEMI. EPA figures are a starting point but actual figures matter more to used truck buyers]
At 15,000 miles per year and a national average gas price, the V6 saves roughly $600 to $800 annually in fuel costs compared to the standard HEMI. Over five years, that is $3,000 to $4,000 — worth knowing before you assume the HEMI always wins.
Which 2019 Ram 1500 Powertrain Should You Actually Buy
The 5.7L HEMI without eTorque is the right engine for most 2019 Dodge Ram 1500 buyers who need to tow — but only if your maximum load regularly exceeds 7,700 lbs.
Buy the standard 5.7L HEMI if: You tow between 7,800 and 11,600 lbs. You want the simplest version of the V8 with no 48-volt system to worry about. You are buying used and want a clean, verifiable drivetrain. This is the most common HEMI configuration and the easiest to find with a documented service history.
Buy the HEMI with eTorque if: Your tow weight regularly pushes above 11,600 lbs and you need that ceiling. You are buying new or a low-mileage used unit with a clean eTorque service record. You plan to own the truck for five or more years and will let the stop/start system run as intended.
Buy the V6 if: Your heaviest tow stays under 7,000 lbs. You put most of your miles on the highway. You are cost-conscious on both purchase price and ongoing fuel. The V6 is not an underpowered choice for most truck owners — it is an honest engine that handles daily use and light-to-moderate towing without complaint.
Before you commit to either HEMI, review the 5.7 HEMI spark plug torque specs and service intervals so you know exactly what ongoing maintenance looks like.
Which 2019 Ram 1500 powertrain to buy — verdict cards for V6, standard HEMI, and HEMI eTorque by buyer type
- Tow under 7,000 lbs
- Mostly highway miles
- Budget-conscious buyer
- Saves ~$650/yr in fuel
- Tow 7,800–11,600 lbs
- Work truck or mixed use
- No 48V system to maintain
- Simplest V8 to buy used
- Tow above 11,600 lbs
- Keeping truck 5+ years
- Clean used eTorque unit
- Ceiling: 12,750 lbs
When the V6 or eTorque Skip Is the Smarter Call
The HEMI is not always the answer. Here are three situations where a different choice saves you money or frustration.
Flip 1: Light tower, heavy highway user. You tow a 5,500 lb boat trailer on summer weekends and commute 80 miles a day. The V6 handles the boat without complaint and saves you approximately $650 per year in fuel at the highway. Over five years that is more than $3,000 back in your pocket. The HEMI’s extra towing headroom sits unused while the fuel cost penalty runs every single day.
Flip 2: Used eTorque with fault codes. You find a well-priced 2019 HEMI eTorque with 60,000 miles but the seller mentions the stop/start occasionally throws a warning. Walk away or negotiate hard. The 48-volt system on an aging eTorque is not a DIY repair, and dealer costs for BAS unit diagnosis and replacement are significant. The standard HEMI at the same mileage is a more predictable buy.
Flip 3: Cold climate stop-and-go use. If you live in a cold climate and the truck sits overnight regularly, MDS cylinder deactivation systems are harder on lifters during cold startups. Owner community data is clear on this. The cold-start tick on the 2019 HEMI is worsened by two conditions: cold ambient temperatures (below 40°F) and extended periods of the truck sitting unused.
Owners on RamForum.com report that a 2019 HEMI left sitting for a month showed a pronounced 3-second tick on startup even with quality synthetic oil. The community recommendation is to avoid letting a HEMI sit for more than two weeks in cold climates without a startup cycle.
On the MDS disable question: the answer is nuanced. Some owners report that disabling MDS via an OBDII plug-in device (such as the Range Technology MDS Manager, approximately $199) reduces the tick frequency. However, at least one forum member noted the opposite — that his tick went away when he turned MDS back on, suggesting MDS hydraulic circuits may actually help oil the deactivating lifter rollers.
A tune-based permanent MDS delete is a more involved modification requiring an unlocked PCM and is typically not recommended for warranty or daily-driver trucks. In this scenario, the V6 avoids the issue entirely. The HEMI eTorque’s more refined stop/start management may also handle cold restarts better than the standard HEMI — this is worth checking in owner communities before you buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much horsepower does the 2019 Ram 1500 HEMI have?
The 2019 Ram 1500 5.7L HEMI produces 395 hp at 5,600 rpm and 410 lb-ft of torque at 3,950 rpm. The eTorque version delivers the same HP and torque figures — eTorque does not increase peak power output.
What is the towing capacity of the 2019 Ram 1500 5.7 HEMI?
The standard 5.7L HEMI without eTorque is rated at 11,610 lbs maximum towing capacity. The HEMI with eTorque raises that ceiling to 12,750 lbs. Both figures are configuration-dependent and require proper trailer wiring and hitch equipment to achieve.
Does the 2019 Ram 1500 HEMI have the tick problem?
Some 2019 HEMI units do report a tick on cold starts, linked to the MDS cylinder deactivation system and hydraulic lifter behavior. It is not universal across all 2019 production units, but it is common enough that any used HEMI purchase should include a check of the dealer service history for oil consumption records or tick-related repairs.
What is the MPG on a 2019 Ram 1500 5.7 HEMI?
EPA ratings are 15 city and 22 highway for the standard HEMI, and 16 city and 23 highway for the eTorque version. Real-world mixed driving typically lands in the 17 to 18 mpg range depending on load and driving style. [HUMAN INPUT NEEDED: community-verified real-world MPG figure]
Is the 3.6 V6 or 5.7 HEMI better for the 2019 Ram 1500?
The HEMI is better for buyers who regularly tow above 7,700 lbs or want performance headroom. The V6 is the smarter choice for buyers who tow light loads and prioritize fuel economy — it can save $600 or more per year in fuel. See our full Ram 3.6 vs 5.7 comparison for the complete breakdown.
Conclusion
The 2019 Dodge Ram 1500 HEMI is an excellent engine in all three configurations — but each one is right for a different buyer.
The standard 5.7L HEMI wins for most buyers who need serious towing capability without 48-volt system complexity. The eTorque version earns its premium only if you regularly tow above 11,600 lbs and plan to own the truck long-term. The V6 is the honest choice for light towers and highway-heavy drivers who want lower fuel costs over time.
Before you sign on any used 2019 Ram with a HEMI, pull the service history, check for any tick-related dealer visits, and confirm the oil change records are consistent. That five-minute check will tell you more about the engine’s condition than any test drive.
