New 2026 Ram 1500 BackCountry Brings More Off-Road Muscle

Ram listened to Canadian truck buyers - and delivered. The 2026 Ram 1500 lineup now includes the BackCountry, a purpose-built off-road package that slots between the entry-level Warlock and the premium Rebel. It is designed for buyers who want trail capability without stepping up to the Rebel's price point.

The BackCountry builds on the Big Horn 4x4 Crew Cab with a 1-inch suspension lift, heavy-duty shock absorbers, underbody skid plates, and 32-inch off-road tires. It is available with two powertrains: the legendary 5.7-litre HEMI V-8 eTorque or the efficient 3.0-litre S.O. Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six. In the first 24 hours after ordering opened, Canadian buyers placed over 2,500 orders for the HEMI-equipped 1500.

What the BackCountry Package Includes

The BackCountry package is built for function. The 1-inch suspension lift and heavy-duty shocks give the truck the clearance and control needed for rough terrain. Skid plates protect the front underbody, power steering rack, transfer case, and fuel tank. A rear electronic locking differential (ELocker) improves traction on loose surfaces and functions as an anti-spin differential when disengaged.

Selec-Speed off-road cruise control maintains a steady speed on technical trails, letting the driver focus on steering and line choice. Front tow hooks are standard. The 18-inch Satin Black aluminum wheels are wrapped in 32-inch off-road tires designed for grip on gravel, mud, and rock.

The exterior styling is blacked-out and bold. Contrasting black fender flares add trail protection. The grille surround and accents are body-colour, while the lower body and bumpers are painted in Diamond Black Crystal Pearl-Coat. Satin Black badging and lighting bezels complete the look. A Satin Black BackCountry emblem appears on the tailgate and instrument panel.

Inside, the BackCountry uses durable materials built for work and play. Black vinyl bucket seats feature alloy printed mesh inserts. A MOLLE panel seatback storage system lets you mount gear directly to the seat backs. All-weather rubber floor mats are standard front and rear.

Equipment Groups Add Comfort and Tech

The BackCountry package is available with either the Level 1 or Level 2 Equipment Group. Level 1 adds heated front seats, a heated leather steering wheel, power adjustable pedals, and second-row in-floor storage bins. Exterior upgrades include automatic dimming side mirrors with power fold and heat, LED courtesy lamps, and a rear power-sliding window with defrost.

Level 2 brings a 7-inch instrument cluster display, a 12-inch Uconnect 5 centre touchscreen, and configurable drive modes with Off-Road Info Pages. Additional features include a 10-way power driver seat with lumbar, class-exclusive dual wireless charging pads, dual-zone climate control, a power tailgate release, and a nine-speaker amplified audio system.

Powertrain Options

The BackCountry is available with two engines. The 5.7-litre HEMI V-8 eTorque produces 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque - enough power for towing, hauling, and confident highway passing. The eTorque hybrid system uses a 48-volt battery pack and a belt-driven motor generator unit to deliver up to 130 lb-ft of launch torque on initial throttle tip-in. The system also enables quick and smooth engine start/stop and charges the truck's conventional 12-volt battery.

The 3.0-litre S.O. Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six is the efficient alternative. It delivers strong low-end torque and competitive fuel economy for buyers who prioritize efficiency without sacrificing capability.

Both engines are paired with a five-link solid rear axle suspension that balances ride comfort with off-road durability. The BackCountry's suspension tuning is designed to absorb trail impacts while maintaining stability on the highway.

How the BackCountry Fits in the Ram Off-Road Lineup

The BackCountry fills a gap in Ram's off-road lineup. The Warlock offers entry-level off-road styling and capability. The Rebel is the premium off-road model with advanced suspension tuning and more aggressive styling. The BackCountry sits in between - offering more capability than the Warlock and a lower price point than the Rebel.

For buyers who want the look and function of an off-road truck without stepping up to the Rebel's price, the BackCountry delivers. It is a factory-customised package that adds trail-ready hardware and distinct styling to the Big Horn platform.

The BackCountry Delivers Function and Value

The 2026 Ram 1500 BackCountry is built for buyers who want off-road capability without the premium price tag. The return of the HEMI V-8 gives buyers the powertrain choice they asked for, backed by eTorque hybrid technology for improved launch torque and efficiency.

If you are looking for a truck that can handle trails, tow a boat, and still serve as a daily driver, the BackCountry is worth a closer look. Explore the 2026 Ram 1500 lineup at Capital Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Edmonton.