The Rundown
Quite possibly one of the most competitive segments of vehicles in America is the heavy duty truck class. These trucks compete on two fronts, towing capacity, and outright engine power. One of the top contenders year after year is the Ram 2500. This is because of its reliability, towing capacity and engine power. Although the Ram has improved year after year, it has stayed true to its roots in its design and quality. Ram trucks have been designed to exacting standards, because performance is a necessity in this segment, the most powerful, most impressive truck wins year after year. Throughout its life the Ram 2500 has been one of these top contenders, competing against trucks like the Chevrolet and GMC HD trucks and the Ford Super Duty. Ram often makes a comparable truck, maybe even a superior truck in this class. Using the famed Cummins engine, Ram trucks outwork and outperform the competition. Finding the right Ram 2500 is a mix of finding the right price (of course), and the engine capabilities. Our used buying guide can help.
Third Generation 2002 – 2008
Starting it off with one of the more modern generations. The 2500 still had the famous T grille, but the bumpers and grille were redesigned to be more appealing. The cabin was updated to be more modern for the time as well. Although there are many model years of the Ram 2500 out on the road today, this might be the most prevalent as this was one of the highest selling years for the heavy-duty truck to date. The Ram 2500 had towing capacity that ranged from 8,350 lbs to 9,450 lbs on the high end.
- 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 390 horsepower, with 410 pound feet of torque
- 5.9-liter diesel Cummins I-6 305 horsepower, with 555 pound feet of torque
Fourth Generation 2009 – 2018
Dodge left Ram as its own truck company this generation in favor of focusing on SUVs and its muscle cars. Unfortunately, this was the last year a manual transmission was available on the Ram 2500. The towing capacity ranged from 8,500 pounds on the low end earlier in the generation, to 12,830 on the high end, later in the generation and when properly equipped. Instead of the usual 2 engines available there were three engines available.
- 5.7-liter Hemi V-8, 383 horsepower with 400 pound feet of torque
- 6.4-liter Hemi V-8, 410 horsepower with 429 pound feet of torque
- Cummins Diesel I-6 385 horsepower with 900 pound feet of torque
Current Generation 2019 – Present
With a slight redesign in 2023, these Ram 2500 trucks kick butt and take names. They are easily one of the more capable trucks in the segment and have the highest towing capacity of any generation. More recent models feature the large infotainment screens we have come to associate with modern vehicles. The truck has a towing capacity from 10,350 lbs. to 15,530 lbs. The most modern generation of Rams have just two engines to select from, to make life easier.
- 6.4 Liter V8, 410 horsepower with 429 pound feet of torque
- 6.7-liter Cummins Diesel I-6, 370 Horsepower with 850 pound feet of torque
Summary
Ram 2500 might not have always been associated with class, but it has been known as one of the hardest working vehicles in its segment. Easily one of the more capable trucks ever built, the 2500 is a great choice for a heavy duty truck. The right Ram for you is going to depend on budget, hauling capacity needed, and the right amount of mileage. If you do have questions about finding the right Ram 2500 feel free to give us a call and we can talk about our available stock, and where to find the perfect Ram.