If you have been shopping RAM trucks or Dodge performance vehicles lately, you have probably run into a confusing list of engine names: Eagle, Apache, Hurricane, Hellcat. What do they all mean, and which one is right for you?

After a brief period where it looked like the V8 might disappear entirely, Stellantis has fully committed to bringing big power back across the RAM and Dodge lineups. Here is a plain-language guide to the engines you will find at Indian Head Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, and how to think about which one fits your needs.

The Eagle: The Returning 5.7-Litre HEMI V8

The 5.7-litre HEMI V8, now referred to as the Eagle, is the engine that started the customer revolt when RAM tried to drop it. It makes 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, often paired with the eTorque mild-hybrid system that adds supplemental low-end torque and improves efficiency.

This is the workhorse V8, the one with decades of proven reliability behind it. You will find it in the RAM 1500, the base Rumble Bee, and as the heart of countless trucks working on acreages and farms across Wolseley, Grenfell, and the Qu’Appelle Valley. For most truck buyers who want that classic V8 sound and feel with bulletproof dependability, the Eagle is the answer.

The Apache: The 6.4-Litre 392 HEMI V8

The 6.4-litre HEMI V8, known as the Apache, is the naturally aspirated powerhouse. Displacing 392 cubic inches, it makes between 470 and 475 horsepower depending on the application.

This is the engine in the new Dodge Durango R/T 392 and the RAM 1500 Rumble Bee 392. It delivers immediate, linear power with a distinctive exhaust note and no turbo lag. For drivers in Regina, Moose Jaw, and the surrounding area who want serious performance with the simplicity and response of a naturally aspirated engine, the Apache is the sweet spot between the everyday Eagle and the extreme Hellcat.

The Hurricane: The Twin-Turbo Inline-Six

The Hurricane is the odd one out because it is not a V8 at all. It is a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six that comes in two versions: standard output at 420 horsepower and high output at 540 horsepower.

Despite having fewer cylinders, the high-output Hurricane actually makes more power than any of the naturally aspirated V8s. It powers the Dodge Charger SIXPACK and is available across the RAM 1500 lineup. The Hurricane offers the best combination of power and fuel efficiency, making it ideal for buyers who tow heavy and drive long distances on Highway 1 between Yorkton, Melville, and Weyburn but still want strong fuel economy.

The Hellcat: The Supercharged 6.2-Litre V8

At the top of the food chain sits the Hellcat, a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 making up to 777 horsepower in the RAM 1500 Rumble Bee SRT. This is the engine that powers the most extreme vehicles Stellantis builds.

A twin-screw supercharger force-feeds air into the engine for explosive, relentless acceleration. The Hellcat is not for everyone, and it is not meant to be. It is for the enthusiast who wants the absolute pinnacle of American performance. For the buyer in the Indian Head or Regina area who has always dreamed of owning the fastest production pickup ever made, the Hellcat-powered Rumble Bee SRT is that dream realized.

Not Sure Which Engine Is Right for You? Ask Us

Choosing the right engine comes down to how you actually use your vehicle. Daily driving and occasional towing? The Eagle. Maximum naturally aspirated performance? The Apache. Heavy towing with efficiency? The Hurricane. Ultimate power? The Hellcat.

Our team at Indian Head Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram can walk you through the options and match an engine to your needs and budget. We serve buyers across Indian Head, Regina, White City, Balgonie, Pilot Butte, Lumsden, and all of southern Saskatchewan. Contact us or visit the dealership to talk it through.