Today’s light duty pickup-trucks are big, comfortable and quite capable vehicles. But what if you need a little more payload and towing capacity than they can offer, but don’t want to lose the conveniences that they have? The Ram 2500 Heavy Duty makes the case for a slightly larger pickup truck with increased capacities yet retaining its creature comforts and not being a total brute of a truck like the Ram 3500 Heavy Duty.
The Ram 2500 is quite a machine. It has amazing towing capabilities yet still delivers a refined ride and can be had with a choice of upscale interiors. For 2025, there is a new optional 14.5-inch infotainment screen, and every Ram 2500 now has a column-mounted
electronic gear selector, as opposed to only the diesel models getting it while the gas
engine models used a dash-mounted rotary shift knob. The biggest changes, however, can be found under the hood.
Diesel buyers will be happy to know that for 2025 the Cummins 6.7 liter inline-six
turbodiesel has been upgraded and now produces 430 horsepower and a stump-pulling 1,075 lb-ft of torque (up from 370 hp and 850 lb-ft in last year’s 2500). Attached to it is a new eight-speed automatic transmission, replacing last year’s six-speed transmission. The Ram 2500’s base engine, a 6.4-liter HEMI gas engine, still produces 405 hp and 429 pound-feet of torque.
One thing that hasn’t changed is the multiple ways the Ram 2500 is offered. There are three different cab styles (regular, crew and an extended crew cab called Mega Cab). Along with the cab styles, there are seven different trim levels. The base is the Tradesman. Here, the 2500 is basically a work truck with 17-inch steel wheels, vinyl upholstery and a bench seat. Step up to the Big Horn (sometimes called the Lone Star here in Texas) and the Ram benefits from 18-inch wheels, cloth interior and interior carpet. It is still a work truck, but easier to live with. With the Laramie trim level, the Ram 2500 starts becoming more luxurious with a power sliding rear window, dual zone climate control, leather seats, power adjustable and heated front seats and front and rear parking sensors. The Rebel is like the Laramie, but becomes more off-road oriented by including four-wheel drive, 20-inch tires and an off-road suspension. The Power Wagon is another off-road-oriented 2500 that takes the Rebel’s capabilities to the next level with a raised ride height, 17-inch all terrain tires, and more off-road goodies like standard front and rear electronic locking differentials, an electronic disconnecting front sway bar, and a winch. If you want a unique Western-inspired interior, there is the Longhorn. It includes special badging, wood trim and Filigree leather. The Limited is the top-of-the-line Ram 2500 and gets 20-inch wheels, deployable running boards, and an upgraded interior.
Despite being a $12,595 option, 70% of all 2500 buyers opt for the Cummins diesel engine. Apart from the Power Wagon, it is available on all Ram 2500s. Seems that the Power Wagon’s front suspension is unable to accommodate it.
This week, I am in a Ram 2500 Rebel with the Cummins diesel engine. The base price is
$68,645 but with options it has an MSRP of $99,105.
Step inside the Ram 2500 (it’s a high step up – thankfully the tester is fitted with power
deployable running boards) and you’re greeted to an appealing interior. The buttons and
interior controls are laid out in a logical and easy-to-use manner, and there’s enough space in every seating position for adults. The cabin’s design features functional controls and a ton of interior storage including a center console that can accommodate a laptop (or two) and much so much more. And no more fighting over the wireless charging pad – the Ram has dual charging pads.
If you are into high-tech, the Ram 250 should meet your needs. The Ram offers a massive
tablet-size 14.5-inch reconfigurable touchscreen, which is the largest in this class and
gives the truck’s interior a high-tech look and feel. The system also features a navigation
system as well as Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There are multiple USB ports and 115-volt outlets that can handle up to 400 watts – ideal for running or charging work tools. There is even a 10.25-inch touchscreen for the passenger – something I have never seen in a heavy-duty truck.
The Ram 2500 is a big rig, and it doesn’t let you forget it. As the driver, you sit high up
and overlook a huge hood. It accelerates, handles and stops reasonably well. It takes
corners good – as long as you plan for them. The 1000-plus pound-feet of torque from the
diesel engine is impressive and you feel it every time you step on the gas pedal. Keep your foot into it, if you dare, and 60 mph will come upon you in just 7 seconds. The chatter of the diesel engine can be heard, but Ram has done an incredible job at refining it and keeping it to a minimum.
The recent round of updates for the 2025 Ram 2500 makes a good truck even better. The
updated diesel engine is more powerful than ever, and the 8-speed transmission makes all
powertrains perform better. The interior continues to be incredibly comfortable and well
thought out while the exterior updates keep the Ram fresh and refined. Whether one opts for just a work truck like the Tradesman, an off-roader like the Power Wagon, or a luxury worker like the Limited – there is plenty to like about the Ram 2500.
– Christopher A. Randazzo
By The Numbers:
2025 Ram 2500 Rebel Crew Cab 4×4
Base Price: $68,645.00
Price as Tested:$99,105.00
Layout:front-engine / four-wheel drive
Engine:6.7 liter I6 Cummins Turbo Diesel
Transmission:8-speed automatic
Horsepower:430 horsepower
Torque:1,075 ft/lbs
EPA Fuel Economy:N/A
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