Introduction
The 2026 Plymouth Roadrunner Pickup arrives as a bold statement from a brand that has long been synonymous with raw American muscle. By merging the iconic Roadrunner lineage with a modern full‑size pickup platform, Plymouth aims to give enthusiasts a vehicle that can haul a trailer to the job site and still dominate a drag strip on the weekend. The result is a truck that feels as much at home on a workbench as it does under a strip‑light, offering a blend of brute power, clever technology, and a nostalgic design language that pays tribute to the classic Roadrunner while looking unmistakably 2020s.
Powertrain Options
At the core of every Roadrunner Pickup sits a supercharged 6.4‑liter HEMI V8. This engine produces 485 horsepower and 475 pound‑feet of torque, delivering acceleration that rivals many sports cars despite the truck’s 4,500‑pound curb weight. For customers who crave an even more extreme experience, Plymouth offers the “SRT Hellcat” variant, which houses a 6.2‑liter supercharged V8 pushing 797 horsepower. That model is paired with an eight‑speed automatic and an optional all‑wheel‑drive system, allowing it to tow up to 10,000 pounds without sacrificing the confidence‑inducing roar of the exhaust.
Recognizing the growing demand for greener options, Plymouth also provides a mild‑hybrid version of the 6.4‑liter V8. The system adds a 48‑volt electric motor that assists during hard acceleration and captures energy during deceleration, shaving a few miles off the fuel‑consumption curve while preserving the visceral feel of a V8. The hybrid model can be ordered with either rear‑wheel or all‑wheel drive, giving buyers flexibility without compromising capability.
Performance and Towing
The baseline Roadrunner Pickup can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in under 4.5 seconds, a figure that places it ahead of many traditional pickups and even ahead of some sports coupes in its price range. The SRT Hellcat version shaves this time to roughly 3.9 seconds, making it one of the fastest production trucks on the market. Despite these sprint numbers, the truck remains a workhorse. With a maximum towing capacity of 10,000 pounds (11,340 pounds when equipped with the heavy‑duty towing package), it can haul a full-size boat trailer, a sizable camper, or a loaded utility trailer without breaking a sweat.
The chassis combines a high‑strength steel frame with a fully independent front suspension and a leaf‑spring rear setup tuned for both comfort and load‑bearing stability. An adaptive damping system automatically adjusts firmness based on road conditions and cargo weight, delivering a smooth ride whether you’re cruising on the highway or tackling a bumpy construction site.
Interior and Smart Technology
Inside, the Roadrunner Pickup embraces a driver‑focused cabin that blends rugged materials with cutting‑edge tech. A 12‑inch Uconnect touchscreen serves as the command center, offering wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a suite of connected services that include real‑time traffic, weather updates, and remote vehicle diagnostics. The instrument cluster is a fully digital 10‑inch display that can be customized to show performance metrics, towing data, or navigation information.
Practicality gets a high‑tech makeover. The cargo bed features a power‑operated tonneau cover, integrated tie‑down points with electric lock‑up, and a built‑in 120‑psi air compressor to inflate tires or tools on the go. Voice control lets drivers adjust climate settings, change radio stations, or summon the nearest fuel station without taking their hands off the wheel.
Safety is addressed through a comprehensive driver‑assist package that includes adaptive cruise control with stop‑and‑go functionality, lane‑keeping assist, forward‑collision warning with automatic emergency braking, and a 360‑degree camera system that eliminates blind spots when maneuvering in tight spaces.
Fuel Economy
The base V8 delivers an EPA‑estimated 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway, respectable numbers for a truck of this size and power. The mild‑hybrid variant improves these figures to 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, thanks to regenerative braking and cylinder‑deactivation technology that shuts down half the V8’s cylinders during light‑load cruising. The SRT Hellcat, while focused on performance, still manages 15 mpg city and 20 mpg highway—a respectable result given its near‑800‑horsepower output.
Real‑world testing by early owners shows that the hybrid system shines during city driving, where frequent stop‑and‑go situations allow the electric assist to take a larger share of the workload, resulting in noticeable fuel savings over long commutes.
Pricing and Trim Levels
Plymouth has positioned the Roadrunner Pickup to be competitive within the performance‑truck segment. The entry‑level “Super Stock” trim starts at $48,995, offering the standard 6.4‑liter V8, rear‑wheel drive, and a well‑equipped interior package. The mid‑range “GT” trim adds all‑wheel drive, leather upholstery, and the mild‑hybrid system, pushing the price to $58,500.
The flagship “SRT Hellcat” model, with its formidable 797‑horsepower engine and performance‑focused suspension, carries a base price of $76,900. Optional packages—such as a premium audio system, off‑road suspension, and a panoramic sunroof—can add up to $5,000 more, but even fully loaded, the Hellcat remains under the $85,000 mark, making it one of the most affordable trucks capable of true supercar performance.
Competitor Comparison
Against rivals like the Ford F‑150 Raptor, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 High Country, and Ram 1500 TRX, the Roadrunner Pickup holds its own in several key areas. Its V8 torque curve is more aggressive than the Raptor’s twin‑turbo V6, while its price point undercuts the TRX’s $78,000 sticker. The hybrid option gives it a fuel‑efficiency edge over the conventional gasoline‑only powertrains found in most competing pickups.
However, the Roadrunner’s interior materials, while durable, lack the upscale feel of certain premium trims offered by Cadillac or Mercedes‑Benz trucks. Buyers seeking a more luxurious cabin may still look toward those brands, but for those who prioritize raw power, distinctive styling, and practical technology, the Roadrunner presents a compelling package.
Outlook and Availability
Production of the 2026 Plymouth Roadrunner Pickup begins in early 2025 at the newly upgraded plant in Warren, Michigan. Deliveries are slated to start in the summer of 2026, with a limited‑edition “Heritage” package reserved for the first 1,000 units. This package includes custom badging, a two‑tone paint scheme reminiscent of the 1970s Roadrunner, and a set of vintage‑style wheels.
Plymouth has announced a robust warranty program: five years or 60,000 miles for the powertrain, three years or 36,000 miles for the basic vehicle, and eight years or 70,000 miles for the battery system in the hybrid model. Early reservation incentives include a $1,500 dealer cash allowance and complimentary first‑year maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the standard V8 and the hybrid version?
The standard V8 is a pure gasoline engine delivering 485 hp, whereas the hybrid adds a 48‑volt electric motor that assists during acceleration and recaptures energy during braking, resulting in modestly better fuel economy without sacrificing power.
Can the Roadrunner Pickup handle serious off‑road work?
Yes. The optional off‑road suspension package includes skid plates, a locking rear differential, and increased ground clearance. Combined with the all‑wheel‑drive system, the truck can comfortably tackle most moderate to challenging off‑road conditions.
How does the cargo‑bed air compressor work?
The compressor is integrated into the rear wall of the bed and is powered directly from the vehicle’s electrical system. A single press of a button activates it, delivering up to 120 psi, sufficient for inflating a standard tire or pneumatic tools.
Is there a towing‑assist feature?
Plymouth equips the Roadrunner with an intelligent tow‑assist system that monitors trailer sway, automatically applies brake pressure to each wheel as needed, and adjusts throttle response to deliver smoother, safer towing performance.
What safety features are included as standard?
Standard safety equipment includes forward‑collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane‑keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, blind‑spot monitoring, rear‑cross‑traffic alert, and a 360‑degree camera system.
Disclaimer
The information presented in this article reflects data available at the time of writing and may be subject to change. Specifications, pricing, and availability are provided for general informational purposes only and should be verified with an authorized Plymouth dealership before making any purchasing decisions.