Ram Abandons Auto-Stop/Start and Mild Hybrid Features for Basic Muscle Trucks
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This week has been eventful for Stellantis, but an interesting update about Ram has caught our attention. In a clear indication of how quickly the company's product development is advancing, the 2027 Rumble Bee seems to be the first model for the 2027 model year to completely eliminate auto-stop/start functionality, following the federal government’s withdrawal of incentives for its inclusion earlier this year.
Additionally, it is set to be the only Ram available with the traditional, non-electrified 5.7-liter V8 engine, as the standard Ram 1500's Hemi is equipped with mild hybrid support.
Motor1 was the first to identify that the 2027 Rumble Bee does not feature the auto-stop/start toggle button commonly found on Ram’s full-size trucks. Typically, we might attribute this to SRT dynamics since previous Hellcat variants also lacked this toggle. We sought clarification from the truck manufacturer, and indeed, this omission applies to both the 5.7- and 6.4-liter Rumble Bees.
Does this imply future changes for the standard 1500? We inquired about that as well.
“You are correct that the Rumble Bee does not include Stop/Start on any version, nor does the TRX,” a company spokesperson shared with The Drive via email. “The availability of Start/Stop technology will continue to vary by vehicle and market across our lineup.”
“As always,” the spokesperson added, “we consider customer preferences, regulatory requirements, and overall vehicle design when making product decisions.”
I don’t hear a definitive “no” in that response; do you? However, for now, the omission of the mild hybrid and the removal of auto start-stop will not extend to the standard Ram 1500.
“We don’t have any updates to share regarding the 1500 lineup,” the spokesperson commented in a follow-up email.
With auto-stop/start removed and the hybrid option gone, one significant issue remains: the Hemi’s cylinder deactivation system. Stellantis brands refer to this as MDS (“Multiple Displacement System”), and it has been a feature since 2005, integrated into every 5.7- and 6.4-liter engine produced. Unlike auto-stop/start, removing this feature would require more than just a button swap.
While aftermarket solutions may appear relatively low-cost at first glance, the fine print reveals they won't function with the factory camshaft, complicating the fix beyond a simple bolt-on solution. Fortunately for DIY enthusiasts, it seems that a cam swap can be performed without removing the head. Small victories, right?
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Ram Abandons Auto-Stop/Start and Mild Hybrid Features for Basic Muscle Trucks
It's not particularly surprising that Ram trucks are among the first to adopt the ending of start/stop technology requirements.