The Ram 1500’s Magnum V8 badge most often refers to a 4.7-liter engine. An earlier, larger Magnum V8 option of 5.9 liters was also offered on some Ram 1500 models. In short, 4.7 L is the standard Magnum V8 for most Ram 1500 trucks, with 5.9 L appearing on select older builds.
Common Magnum V8 sizes in Ram 1500 pickups
The Magnum family spans several engines, but the Ram 1500 commonly paired a V8 with one of two displacements. Here are the two main sizes you’ll encounter when shopping or researching a Magnum-powered Ram 1500.
- 4.7 L Magnum V8 (4701 cc) — the most widely used Magnum V8 in Ram pickups, especially from the late 1990s through the 2000s.
- 5.9 L Magnum V8 (360 cu in) — a larger-displacement Magnum option found on some older Ram 1500 models before the Hemi era.
In practice, the 4.7 L is by far the more common Ram 1500 Magnum engine, while the 5.9 L appears on earlier builds. If you’re unsure, check the engine code on the engine block or the VIN badge to verify displacement.
How to identify the engine in your Ram 1500
To confirm which Magnum engine your Ram 1500 uses, check the engine code stamped on the valve cover or the VIN plate, and cross-check with factory documentation or a dealer. This is especially helpful when buying a used truck to avoid misidentifying the engine.
Magnum to modern engines: what happened?
Chrysler phased out the Magnum family in favor of newer powertrains. In modern Ram 1500 generations, the engine lineup centers on the 5.7 L Hemi V8, the 3.6 L Pentastar V6, and, for some markets, the 3.0 L EcoDiesel. The Magnum 4.7 L is no longer in production.
Summary
The Dodge Ram 1500’s Magnum V8 is most commonly the 4.7-liter engine, with the 5.9-liter option appearing on older models. Magnum engines are no longer offered in current Ram trucks; today’s Ram 1500s use Hemi, Pentastar, and EcoDiesel powertrains.