Overview & Reviews

For decades, the Ram was Dodge's iconic full-size pickup. Starting in 2011, however, parent company Chrysler decided to make the Ram name an actual brand. So, yes, this truck's name is now just Ram, with 2500 added on to specify its status as a heavy-duty truck in the lineup. The Ram 2500 slots in between the standard full-size 1500 and the more robust 3500 heavy-duty model.

Current Ram 2500
The Ram 2500 heavy-duty pickup is available with two-wheel or four-wheel drive and comes in a variety of body styles and trim configurations. Among body styles, shoppers may choose between regular cab, Crew Cab and Mega Cab (really big crew cab) variants. The Mega Cab is only available with the short bed, while the regular cab is only equipped with the long bed. The Crew Cab is offered with either.

Main trim levels consist of the basic ST, the volume-selling SLT and the luxurious Laramie. Higher trim levels offer standard and optional niceties like dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, Bluetooth and a hard-drive-based navigation system. Off-road-ready packages include the TRX and the Quad-Cab-only Power Wagon.

Standard on all Ram 2500 trucks is a 5.7-liter V8 that makes 383 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. This hefty power plant comes with a six-speed automatic transmission. For enhanced towing capability, there is a 6.7-liter inline six-cylinder Cummins turbodiesel that produces 350 horses and 650 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. With the automatic, the diesel engine's torque output rises to 800 lb-ft.

In reviews of the Ram 2500, we found it to be a very capable heavy-duty pickup truck. We are fond of its powerful engine lineup, wide range of body styles and compliant highway ride. This Ram's interior is also a standout among trucks, with a design and materials that are uncommonly praiseworthy.

Used Ram 2500 Models
The new Ram 2500 name came into being for 2011. In reality, though, it's just the next model year of what was formerly the fourth-generation Dodge Ram 2500. Revisions since the name change are slight, with a six-speed automatic replacing the five-speed transmission for the 5.7-liter gasoline engine in 2012. Navigation was also included as a standard feature for Laramie and Longhorn trims.

The current, fourth-generation (Dodge) Ram 2500 debuted for 2010 with revised styling, a more upscale interior, a retuned suspension and the new Crew Cab, which replaced the previous generation's Quad Cab body style. For more information on the Dodge version and its previous generations, please read our review of the Dodge Ram 2500.

User Reviews:

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  Poor Towing capabilities-5th wheel - 2013 RAM 2500
  By tnraven - January 25 - 1:04 am

  I traded my Laramie Hemi for a 2500 diesel because the upper limit on the Hemi was only 10,000 lbs towing. We were buying a fifth wheel which was 12,000 lbs. When I got it home and did some last minute research before buying the fifth wheel we picked out, I found it could not tow it. I am sitting here in shock after spending $70k on a truck with one purpose and it isnt capable. THe towing number is fine at over 17,000 lbs.....but the payload capacity is only 2274 lbs. The fifth wheel is fairly light at 1980 lbs and if I go by myself on vacation it would be OK....but adding passengers, dogs, clothes...Im 400 lbs over. Chevy and FOrd have no prob.em here and are in the 4000 lb p

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  10K miles 2500 4x4 Ram/Cummins DIESEL - 2012 RAM 2500
  By dundonrl - January 17 - 12:59 am

  I bought my Ram in Nov with 20 miles on it, and just rolled over 10K, so far its been 100% reliable, and a fun vehicle to drive. I went from a 500+ hp Mustang Cobra to this truck, and while I do miss the accleration and handling, overall the truck definitely makes up for the Mustang.

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  Worst Decision Ive Ever Made. - 2012 RAM 2500
  By rlemmens - November 13 - 1:23 pm

  First of all, when I bought this truck brand new in 2012, I loved it. For 93,000 I drove it around and honestly didnt think there was a better truck on the road. I bought the top of the line Laramie Longhorn Megacab 4x4 with the diesel. The engine worked great, and pulled anything. There was an issue here and there, but when you put so many luxury features in a truck, little things are going to break. However, when my drivetrain broke, Chrysler refused to cover it under the warranty, even with the service records. The damage caused was so severe (more than $30k) that my insurance had to total the vehicle. Dealing with the warranty claims department took months, and they were useless.

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  2015 RAM Cummins, Great Truck, Always Room For Improvement Though - 2015 RAM 2500
  By ltngdrvr - October 11 - 11:35 pm

  Ordered my 2015 RAM 2500 Mega Cab Cummins, picked it up 02/09/15 and in the last 6 weeks have racked up over 10K miles. I traded in a 2012 F250 Crew Cab Long Bed PowerStroke that I had put over 200K on. So far I am really liking my RAM although there is room for improvement.My ford pulled better, even though both have the same torque at 800. I can only attribute this to the difference between the faster revving V8 vs the big inline 6 of the Cummins. If RAM made the 3.73 or 4.10 gear ratios optional in the Single Rear Wheel trucks over the 3.42 ratio, maybe it would match the fords pulling abilities. That would probably hurt fuel economy empty. I have gotten as high as 21.7 MPG in the RAM.

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  6.7 Ram 2500 Laramie with Black Appearance Package - 2016 RAM 2500
  By David - June 11 - 1:27 am

  Sold my toy hauler and had no need for my 2012 F350 with 8 bed. Had a few problems with the ford and after owning a 2005 dodge 2500 decided to give Ram a chance. I will admit I do miss the tailgate step, this is my only complaint. This truck has almost as much technology as the wifes luxury SUV. This is my daily driver and no problems with mirrors if you set them up correctly. With the 6.7 Cummins 370HP/800 TQ and 3.42 rear axle ratio I get 21 mpg at 70 mph and my average with all driving is 17.8 mpg. I can pull my #14,000 trailer without a strain. So if you have to tow and need a comfortable daily driver go test drive a new ram.

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  Still in the shop - 2011 RAM 2500
  By harv67 - April 30 - 7:19 am

  If you drive in dusty conditions know ac condenser plugged in 6 mths. But biggest problem has been electrical, flasher and dome light goes on and off for no reason. Truck has been at Dodge dealer for close to 2 mths and we still do not have an eta.

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  Awesome Truck! Worth checking out! 5.7L Hemi - 2011 RAM 2500
  By Brett - April 18 - 2:06 am

  I have owned this truck just shy of 5 years. This has been by far the best truck I have owned. I have had 3 issues with it since I purchased it, one was the tie rod end recall that Chrysler put out a few years ago. Had an exhaust manifold bolt break, fixed under warranty, and my heater blower motor died. Easy fix there as well. I own a lawncare/landscaping/snow plowing company. This truck does everything for us. We tow trailers all summer long and then slap on snow plows during the winter season. For the use and abuse we put this truck through, it is never in the shop! Ram makes maintenance really easy on their trucks as well. (Not sure how the diesel ones are for maintenance) The interior layout is really nice and comfortable (even after plowing snow nonstop for 12 hours). I cant say enough good about this truck! Im starting to wish my old one with close to 210,000 miles would die so I could by another like this one. I am a 100% repeat customer for ones of these trucks!

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  Great Heavy Duty Truck - 2011 RAM 2500
  By johnh506 - July 12 - 9:28 am

  The drop down menu does not offer the correct trim i have. I have a 2011 Ram 2500 HD 6.7L Cummins Diesel Engine, 6 speed automatic 4x4, Crew Cab 6.4ft short bed, Laramie Fully loaded Edition, Mono Rugged Brown Pearl. I did 4-5months of research on big 3 3/4 ton diesel trucks. I would be upgrading from a 07 Tacoma. Out of the big 3 I test drove 6 including the Ram 2500 Laramie I currently own and i have to say that im glad i bought this truck. The cummins is a great engine, the new 68re asian transmission is good and doesnt fish for gears like the 05 f-250 and 11 f-250 i test drove. exterior and interior design is wonderfull, functional and great quality. More truck for my buck was awesome

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  A piece of crap= POS - 2016 RAM 2500
  By Randy - January 17 - 6:23 am

  To start with, my family has owned 7 dodge diesels trucks so far. I will not buy another. I like driving my 1999 2500, owned it for 16 years and take it to drive unless I dont have a choice. Would trade 2016, in if I wouldnt lose so much money. I get 21 mpg in my 1999; get 16 mpg in 2016.Theres no interior lights for the front seat area. Have to pull over or passenger has to remove seat belt to read the map. Have to use the light in the back seat area. It doesnt have gas caps. It has Dumbo mirrors. They stick out way to far for normal use. Its very hard to see traffic in the mirrors. Real hard to change from fast lane to slow lane. Cant see cars in right lane. Mirror height to short. If you turn (90 degrees) the mirrors, you can see wide, but cant see cars. Have to use interior mirror for lane change. Has bug eyes mirrors on drivers side and passenger side. Its a pos. Tried to change out mirrors. Dealer had no knowledge on any kind of part swap. Im 62" and cant reach in to the bed of the truck without a ladder or lower tailgate. Still need ladder to get in bed. You have to buy steps to get in and out of the truck unless you have a 16" vertical jump. Wife in high heels had to take off shoes to get in. Even with step, I hit my head on the overhead door opening. Not as tall as my 1999. Motor has a rev limiter. about 3200 rpm. Right when the motor is at full turbo, it cuts out. The exhaust brake button need to be relocated. You have to look at the bottom of the dash to engage. Eyes off the road like texting. Going to get a switch, for exhaust brake, to put on the gear shift lever. What does work--- I like the drink holder in the door. Its wired for easy towing. I like the six speed transmission. Wish I could put transmission in my 1999. Have to check. Over all I will retrofit an older truck before buying a new one. Ive driven over 6 million miles in my life and this truck is dangerous to drive in traffic. Even on Freeways. Overall. Don’t buy this truck!

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  Big Red - 2012 RAM 2500
  By Nate - November 28 - 6:18 pm

  I have the 6.7 Cummins Diesel. Love the truck. The U Connect is ahead of its time for being a 2011. Horrible MPG with the PDF and EGR system but its almost completely worth it just for the power and reliability. Need to improve the wheel well design which is a magnet for rust..... same with the frame. For the price of these trucks I think Ram could afford a rust proof frame.