In brief: the modern Ram 1500 with a 5.7-liter Hemi uses an eight-speed automatic transmission, the TorqueFlite 8HP70. Earlier Ram 1500s with the 5.7 Hemi used a five-speed automatic, and the lineup transitioned to the eight-speed over the past decade, with the addition of the eTorque mild-hybrid system on some trims.
Current configuration and how it evolved
The contemporary Ram 1500s equipped with the 5.7 Hemi typically pair the engine with the TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. This eight-speed unit has been the standard for most V8 Ram 1500s since the mid-2010s, and it remains the regular pairing on current models. When Ram introduced the eTorque mild-hybrid system on certain trims starting in 2018, it integrated with the same eight-speed transmission to improve low-end torque and efficiency.
Key points about today’s setup:
- Transmission: eight-speed automatic (TorqueFlite 8HP70 family) for most current Ram 1500s with a 5.7 Hemi.
- Hybrid option: eTorque mild-hybrid system is available on some trims and works with the 8-speed transmission to boost low-end torque and efficiency.
- Performance and efficiency: the 8-speed design provides broader gearing, smoother shifts, and better highway fuel economy compared with older, fewer-speed automatics.
Concluding: For today’s Ram 1500 with a 5.7 Hemi, the eight-speed automatic is the standard configuration, marking a shift from older eight- or five-speed automatics over the years.
Earlier generations and how they differed
In earlier Ram 1500 models that offered the 5.7 Hemi, the truck typically used a five-speed automatic transmission. Over the 2000s and early 2010s, Chrysler moved away from the older five-speed setup toward modern eight-speed transmissions to improve driveability, efficiency, and towing capability. The transition reflected a broader industry push toward more gears to optimize power delivery and fuel economy.
Concluding: The historical trajectory shows a move from a five-speed automatic in earlier Hemi-equipped Rams to the eight-speed automatic standard in the modern Ram 1500, with the eTorque hybrid option layered into the lineup on select trims.
Summary
The Ram 1500’s 5.7 Hemi is now paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission (TorqueFlite 8HP70) in most current models, a shift that began in the mid-2010s and was complemented by the eTorque mild-hybrid system on eligible trims. Older Rams used a five-speed automatic, reflecting an earlier era of transmission technology. Always verify the exact spec for a given vehicle, as trims and model years can vary.