When it comes to engines, there’s a new kid on the block and that’s the 3.0L Hurricane I6 engine, but how does it compare to the tried-and-true 5.7L V8 HEMI it replaces? Let’s look at some of the differences to see if it can fill the massive shoes that the HEMI has left it.
Key takeaways
- The 3.0L Hurricane I6 comes in two models, producing separate amounts of horsepower and torque, both of which outshine the traditional 5.7L V8 HEMI.
- The 5.7L V8 HEMI has a slight advantage when it comes to towing capacities, but the 3.0L Hurricane I6 has better payload capacities, making it more or less a tie since both trucks have an edge.
- The 3.0L Hurricane I6 features better fuel mileage overall, while really standing out when it comes to highway MPG, allowing you to go even further in the long run.
How has the performance of the new Hurricane I6 changed the Ram 1500?
When it comes to the performance of these engines, you might be surprised that the 3.0L Hurricane I6 outperforms the 5.7L HEMI V8. The standard Hurricane I6 engine generates 420 horsepower, and 469 lb-ft of torque, while the high output version of the Hurricane I6 can produce a staggering 540 horsepower and 521 lb-ft of torque.
When compared to the old 5.7L V8 HEMI, it produces 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. When looking at the two engines, the 5.7 V8 HEMI seems weak by comparison, and for its size, it almost seems like it's too good to be true.
What is the towing capacity of the new Hurricane engine?
Towing capacities are a different story for these engines, with the HEMI coming out on top. The 5.7L V8 HEMI can tow up to 11,540 pounds when properly equipped and the Hurricane I6 can tow 10,770 pounds. If you’re planning on doing some light to medium jobs, these towing capacities should be plenty to take on what you have planned, and only differing by a few hundred pounds, the Hurricane I6 is still a solid choice.
But for the payload, there’s a surprising outcome. Sometimes when you’re needing to haul cargo from one place to another, you don’t need a bulky trailer in tow, and the Hurricane I6 shines in that department.
When properly equipped the Hurricane I6 has a max payload capacity of 1,910 pounds, while the 5.7L V8 HEMI has a max payload capacity of 1,750. When comparing these two metrics, the Hurricane I6 is the clear winner, and when paired to the towing capacity, it’s even better, making up for the little bit it lacks.
What MPG will the Hurricane I6 get?
When looking at the fuel economy of the two engines, there’s also a clear leader. The 5.7L V8 HEMI gets an EPA combined 20 MPG which breaks down to 18 city miles, and 23 highway miles. The Hurricane I6 gets an EPA combined 21 MPG which breaks down to 18 city miles, and 25 highway miles. As long as the vehicle is equipped with the same size fuel tank, whatever vehicle is outfitted with a Hurricane I6 will always outperform the 5.7L HEMI V8.
Summary
While the 5.7 V8 HEMI is loved by many, and will always remain in a good light, Ram always wants to remain as the industry leader when it comes to all things truck and now there’s a new sheriff in town, and that’s the 3.0L Hurricane I6. It will come in standard output and high output models both featuring their own horsepower.
This engine ushers in a new era, ensuring you save money at the pump while still being able to do all the things a pickup engine can do with its overall power, and formidable towing and payload capacities.
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