The Hurricane I6 engine, featured in the 2025 Ram 1500, has been put to the test in real-world conditions, racking up nearly 50,000 miles in just a year. Despite its impressive resilience, there have been concerns about the engine’s long-term reliability, leading Ram to reintroduce its legendary Hemi V-8 engine. Let’s delve into the Hurricane’s performance, owner feedback, and the factors behind the Hemi’s revival.
Background on the Hurricane Engine Introduction
The Hurricane I6 engine was designed to replace previous Ram powertrains, offering a blend of efficiency and power. It was launched with high expectations, particularly for its integration into the 2025 Ram 1500 lineup. The engine was touted for its superior efficiency and power output compared to V8 alternatives, promising a new era of performance for Ram trucks.Slashgear provides a detailed account of the engine’s design features and initial launch expectations.
High-Mileage Rental Vehicle Performance
A 2025 Ram 1500 rental vehicle equipped with the Hurricane I6 engine was subjected to a year of heavy use, accumulating nearly 50,000 miles. The engine demonstrated remarkable resilience, withstanding the rigors of intensive daily use. The vehicle’s mileage accumulation rate was notably high, indicating the engine’s ability to handle demanding conditions. The Drive provides an in-depth look at this high-mileage rental vehicle’s performance.
Brand New Truck Rapid Mileage Test
In another test of the Hurricane engine’s durability, a brand new Ram 1500 truck was driven 50,000 miles in a short period. This rapid mileage test provided valuable insights into the engine’s build quality and performance under high usage. A video inspection of the engine after reaching the 50,000-mile mark revealed its condition, offering further evidence of its robustness. TFL Truck provides a detailed account of this rapid mileage test.
Owner Feedback on Everyday Reliability
While the Hurricane engine has demonstrated impressive performance in high-stress scenarios, owner feedback provides a more nuanced picture of its everyday reliability. Some owners have praised the engine’s fuel economy and smooth operation, while others have reported issues with longevity and repairs. These mixed reviews highlight the complexity of assessing engine reliability, as experiences can vary based on driving habits, maintenance practices, and other factors. Slashgear compiles a range of owner experiences with the Hurricane engine.
Factors Behind the Hemi V-8 Revival
Despite the Hurricane engine’s strengths, Ram announced the revival of its legendary Hemi V-8 engine in July 2025. This decision was influenced by a combination of market factors and owner feedback. Some owners preferred the tried-and-true performance of the Hemi V-8, viewing it as a more reliable option. CNBC explores the reasons behind the Hemi’s revival and the implications for the Hurricane engine.
Long-Term Durability Insights from Tests
The high-mileage tests of the Hurricane engine provide valuable insights into its long-term durability. The engine’s performance in a rental vehicle after a year of heavy use and in a new truck driven 50,000 miles in a short period suggests that it can withstand intensive use. However, owner feedback indicates that experiences can vary, with some reporting issues with longevity and repairs. These findings, combined with the decision to revive the Hemi V-8, suggest that the Hurricane engine’s long-term reliability may be a complex issue that warrants further investigation. Slashgear provides a comprehensive analysis of these factors.
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