Electric Cars

Embrace the Future: Why Six Cylinders Outperform Eight in the Ram 1500

Evaluating the New Powertrain: A Friend's Dilemma

The transition from a beloved V-8 powered Ram 1500 to a newer model often brings a critical decision about engine choice. Following an unfortunate incident that rendered a friend's trusty V-8 Ram 1500 unusable, the search for a replacement began. While acknowledging the robust capabilities of the 305-hp Pentastar V-6, the necessity for greater power leads to a debate between the familiar roar of the Hemi V-8 and the innovative, quieter power of Ram's new twin-turbo inline-six engines. Our in-depth testing data provides a clear direction for this challenging choice.

Acceleration Redefined: Six Cylinders Take the Lead

The 395-hp 5.7-liter Hemi engine, while achieving a respectable 0-60 mph time of 6.0 seconds in a 2026 Ram 1500, is notably outpaced by its Hurricane counterparts. The 420-hp standard-output inline-six accelerates to 60 mph in a mere 4.8 seconds. The high-output 540-hp version further dominates, reaching 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds during tests of a Limited 4WD model. This remarkable speed advantage, almost two seconds quicker than the V-8, is achieved even with the longer cargo bed configuration not available with the V-8. These results underscore a significant shift in performance dynamics.

Torque, Sound, and Previous Benchmarks

The Hurricane engine's superior performance is directly attributable to its higher torque output, with the standard Hurricane delivering 469 pound-feet compared to the Hemi's 410 pound-feet. Crucially, the Hurricane reaches its peak torque 450 rpm sooner, translating to more immediate power delivery. All three engine options are paired with an efficient eight-speed automatic transmission. While the V-8's 81-decibel wide-open throttle roar offers a satisfying auditory experience, being 10 dBA louder than the HO Hurricane and 14 dBA louder than the standard straight-six, the performance metrics tell a different story. It's worth noting the exceptional performance of the 2022 Ram 1500 TRX, which, with its supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 producing 650 pound-feet of torque, achieved 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds. However, the current RHO model, also utilizing the HO Hurricane engine, is slower than the TRX at 4.4 seconds to 60 mph, indicating that while impressive, the Hurricane is not a direct replacement for the TRX's extreme power output.

Fuel Efficiency: A Closer Look

Despite the Hemi's larger displacement and additional cylinders, its EPA fuel economy figures are surprisingly competitive. In four-wheel-drive configurations, the V-8 is rated at 18 mpg combined (16 city/20 highway). The standard-output Hurricane slightly improves upon this with 19 mpg combined (17 city/24 highway). The high-output turbo-six, however, is the least fuel-efficient, requiring 91 octane and achieving an estimated 17 mpg combined (15 city/21 highway). This suggests that while the Hurricane offers performance benefits, the fuel economy advantage over the Hemi is modest, especially for the high-output variant.

The Financial Perspective: Cost-Effectiveness of the Hurricane

Considering the trim level and configuration, opting for the Hemi can add nearly $3000 to the vehicle's cost compared to the standard-output Hurricane. Even though the entry-level boosted inline-six, which is a $1695 upgrade over the Pentastar V-6, delivers superior performance, V-8 customers might find themselves paying more for less. This cost analysis reveals a significant financial incentive to choose the Hurricane engine, which not only provides better performance but also offers a more economical purchase price. The return of the 5.7-liter Hemi for the 2026 model year, despite being briefly discontinued, has seen strong customer demand, with trucks selling rapidly. However, our tests consistently show the V-8 lagging behind the innovative engine family designed to supersede it.

The 2025 Toyota GR Corolla marks a pivotal moment for the performance hatchback, as Toyota introduces a new optional eight-speed automatic transmission. This addition, while stirring debate among purists, expands the model's appeal by offering a more accessible and comfortable driving experience. The vehicle maintains its spirited character with features like heavily bolstered sport seats and steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, ensuring that even with the automatic, the GR Corolla remains a thrilling machine designed for dynamic driving.

This latest iteration of the GR Corolla emphasizes both performance and convenience, blending the raw excitement expected from a Gazoo Racing product with the ease of an automatic gearbox. The focus remains on providing a responsive and controlled driving experience, whether navigating daily commutes or pushing limits on a track. The integration of advanced features such as launch control further highlights Toyota's commitment to delivering a high-performance vehicle that caters to a broader range of driving preferences.

The Evolution of the GR Corolla Drivetrain

For the 2025 model year, Toyota has made a significant decision regarding the GR Corolla's transmission options, introducing an eight-speed automatic alongside the existing manual. This move streamlines the driving process, removing the need for a clutch pedal and replacing the traditional stick shift with a straightforward PRND selector. This evolution is aimed at broadening the car's appeal to a wider audience, including those who prefer or require an automatic transmission, without sacrificing the core performance identity of the GR Corolla. The implementation of paddle shifters on the steering wheel allows for manual gear selection, providing an engaging experience for drivers who still desire control over shifts, making it a versatile option for various driving scenarios. Furthermore, the inclusion of launch control ensures that the automatic variant can still deliver impressive acceleration, maintaining the car's reputation for rapid take-offs.

The introduction of an automatic transmission in the 2025 Toyota GR Corolla represents a strategic update that addresses changing consumer preferences while attempting to preserve the vehicle's high-performance ethos. By swapping the three-pedal manual setup for an eight-speed automatic, Toyota aims to attract drivers who might have previously overlooked the GR Corolla due to its manual-only offering. This automatic gearbox simplifies operation in congested urban environments and offers a more relaxed driving experience during longer journeys. However, it also incorporates paddle shifters, enabling drivers to manually control gear changes for a more dynamic and involved feel when desired. Bolstered sport seats are standard, providing excellent lateral support crucial for maintaining driver stability during aggressive cornering. These seats, combined with the quick-shifting automatic and launch control feature, mean that the GR Corolla still delivers exhilarating performance figures, evidenced by its impressive skidpad capabilities, allowing drivers to fully exploit the car's handling prowess.

Performance and Driver-Focused Enhancements

The 2025 Toyota GR Corolla is engineered for exhilarating performance, a fact underscored by its ability to achieve a 0.97-g orbit around the skidpad, a testament to its exceptional grip and stability. This impressive handling is complemented by generously bolstered sport seats, meticulously designed to keep occupants firmly in place during high-G maneuvers. Beyond raw grip, the vehicle's driving dynamics are further enhanced by the inclusion of paddle shifters on the steering wheel, offering drivers a more interactive and controlled gear-shifting experience. These shifters, combined with a sophisticated launch control system, allow the automatic variant to deliver rapid acceleration and a thrilling start off the line, cementing the GR Corolla's position as a serious contender in the hot-hatch segment. This blend of features ensures that the vehicle remains engaging and capable, catering to enthusiasts who demand both performance and a degree of driving convenience.

The 2025 GR Corolla is meticulously crafted to deliver a compelling performance driving experience, even with the new automatic transmission option. The robustly designed sport seats are a standout feature, providing crucial support and comfort that keeps the driver and front passenger securely positioned during spirited driving, especially evident in high-lateral-G situations like the 0.97-g skidpad performance. This level of stability is vital for maintaining control and confidence when pushing the vehicle's limits. The steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters are a key component for those who desire manual control over the automatic gearbox, allowing for quick and precise gear changes without removing hands from the wheel. This feature enhances driver engagement and responsiveness. Furthermore, the integrated launch control system is critical for maximizing acceleration from a standstill, ensuring consistently quick take-offs. These thoughtful design choices and performance-oriented features collectively ensure that the 2025 Toyota GR Corolla, irrespective of its transmission, offers a dynamic and thrilling driving experience that appeals to a wide spectrum of automotive enthusiasts.