The all-new heavy-duty Ram 2500 was unveiled at the 2019 Detroit auto show with promises of industry-leading hauling and towing capabilities. The Ram 2500 competes with the other monsters of Detroit to steal the hearts of truck buyers. Most important, the new Ram 2500 will offer key advanced safety features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot warning on all versions. The Detroit truck battles are especially fierce, and the new Ram looks to set the bar even higher.
This is what we know so far.
What it competes with: Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Ford F-250, and GMC Sierra 2500
What it looks like: Big, burly, and unmistakably Detroit iron
Powertrains: 410-hp, 6.4-liter gas V8 engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission; 370-hp and 410-hp, 6.7-liter turbo diesel inline six-cylinder engines with a six-speed automatic. Rear- or four-wheel drive
Outside
The big Ram 2500 resembles its smaller 1500 sibling with its trademark bold grille and high stance. As before, the Ram is offered in two-door regular cab, four-door crew, and four-door “mega” cab, in either two- or four-wheel drive. And to enter the cabin, with all this ground clearance, means opting for the available running boards—or else bring a ladder. There’s no getting around the sheer enormity of this truck.
The popular Power Wagon trim is back, featuring a unique suspension, factory lift kit, locking front and rear differentials, and a 12,000-pound winch.
Inside
Like all heavy-duty truck manufacturers, Ram will offer the new 2500 in basic work trim as well as high-end versions filled with leather and wood trim. The company claims that the new 2500 is quieter, with various active noise-cancellation systems, and special acoustic glass. The Ram 2500 continues to offer the excellent Uconnect infotainment system, with an optional 12-inch fully configurable screen. As is the case with all of these monster trucks, the interior is huge and filled with useful cubbies and storage bins.
What Drives It
Truck buyers always want numbers: horsepower, torque, payload, and towing. Not to worry, there are some big numbers here. Both the 2500 and the 3500 have a standard gasoline powertrain—a 6.4-liter V8 that puts out 410 horsepower and 429 lb.-ft. of torque. Each is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Both the 2500 and the 3500 diesel engines are 6.7-liter inline six-cylinders, though their outputs differ, and each is matched with a six-speed automatic transmission.
The 2500 diesel has the low-output version, rated at 370 horsepower and 850 lb.-ft. of torque. Also, the maximum payload capacity for the 2500 is 4,050 pounds.
The 3500 diesel with the high-output engine has 400 horsepower and a stunning 1,000 lb.-ft. of torque.
When properly equipped, the automaker claims the Ram 2500 can tow up to 19,780 pounds, and the Ram 3500 can pull a maximum of 35,100 pounds.
It looks like the Ram will deliver hauling and towing capability in spades.
Safety & Driver Assist Systems
The new Ram 2500 and 3500 offer automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and blind spot warning on all trim lines.
