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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  Frickin great truck - 2012 RAM 2500
  By Nick Neighoff - August 1 - 8:12 am

  Has always been a great runner and has never let me down.

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  MY 2016 RAM LARAMIE IS AWESOME!!! - 2016 RAM 2500
  By brian cook - July 9 - 2:17 am

  I bought my first ram laramie in new in 2004. I kept the truck until I traded it off in 2011 for another ram 2500 and it never had anything go wrong with it. The only time it was in the shop was for regular maintenance, It was always reliable. My 2011 was also a great truck. Same story as the 2004, always reliable and never had an issue except for the suspension was a little rough. I traded it in on a chevy in 2014 (HORRIBLE MISTAKE!). Within a year the transmission went out and then the oil pump!!! Unbelievable! Maybe it was a lemon, I dont know but I will never buy another chevy again. (Also in 2010 I bought a new Camaro and it was in the shop for an oil leak within 10,000 miles). I then just recently traded off my chevy on a 2016 Ram 2500 Laramie and love it! The truck is extremely nice inside and out and drives fantastic compared to the older Dodge Rams that Ive had. Or any other truck that Ive owned for that matter (Ford, Chevy). I would suggest to anyone looking into buying a new truck to test drive the new Ram! I never write reviews but after reading the negative one on here I had to post my feelings about the Ram.

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  Upgraded from a Tundra - 2016 RAM 2500
  By Jason - June 30 - 10:44 pm

  6.7 Diesel Black Appearance Group. Basically I will compare my last truck (2010 Tundra 5.7 Rock Warrior 4x4) to this one. My family camps a lot. I have a 9000# camper. My Tundra pulled it very well. For a 1/2 ton truck its amazing. Great brakes, amazing power, and great comfort. With all that said it is NOT a heavy duty truck!! I originally purchased a 1/2 ton truck because it was a daily driver and figured a 3/4 or 1 ton truck might be too much as a daily driver. I could not have been more wrong. After 5 camping seasons towing with my Tundra and filling up every 120 miles (I got 7.5 mpg) I had enough. I have always wanted a diesel due to obvious reasons; towing/hauling, efficiency, stability, and the pure idea of having a diesel truck. My father has a 2012 F-350 6.7, so I borrowed it for a long trip. About 10 minutes into the trip I knew the Tundra was gone. I drove them all. In my opinion the Ram 2500 was by far the best decision for me as a daily driver. The 3/4 ton has ridiculous towing (17,000+) and the available payload is way more then I would use. Its the only 3/4 ton that has coil rear 5-link system. Which promotes a fantastic ride for a HD truck. The ride is solid, sturdy, and enjoyable. It handles very well for nearly an 8000# truck. For those of you who are...um.. vertically challenged, may have a difficult time getting into it. It will be a more of a jump. Im 64" and I slide right in, however, my wife 54", has to climb in - but she loves the truck! Once you get inside you will be amazed on how refined it is. Everything inside the cabin looks high quality and well made. The conveniences included rival most luxury SUVs. Performance wise it will scoot. The nasty torque will put you in your seat, but it is the slowest out of the big 3 from a dead stop. Once you are moving (say 20-30) and you hammer it - they all are fairly close. It shifts quite a bit sooner than the Chevy and Ford. The Ram will shift just before 3,000rpm, whereas the others will shift closer to 3500-4000 on a wide-open throttle acceleration. But I didnt purchase this for drag racing, I bought it for straight up towing. With all the torque available at 1600rpm it does it extremely well and with very little effort. Fuel economy for this 8000# beast is beyond amazing. My Tundra averaged 14.5-15 per tank to and from work. I have over 2000 miles on my Ram; basically 4 tanks. So far each tank has been; 19.2, 18.6, 18.5, and currently Im sitting at 18.8 with about another 100 miles until I fill up again. I take the same way to and from work everyday. Yes, I have a boring daily routine. I live in central Ohio - the elevation is around 900ft (for those of you that need to know if the mpg is at sea level or in the clouds). PS - I have, and will keep, all the emission. Im sure I will change my mind in a few months, but for now Im happy with the sound/performance/mpgs. Granted this entire review is based on a couple thousand miles. Rest assure I will update after I have an entire year of camping under my belt.

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  2014 2500 6.4l - 2014 RAM 2500
  By hihoslvr2500 - February 1 - 2:48 pm

  A real 3/4 ton truck...great power and tows my 8k trailer with ease. Im very pleased with this truck and the 6.4 hemi.

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  RAM TOUGH - 2011 RAM 2500
  By rbwhite - February 19 - 2:28 am

  2011/ SLT/ Bighorn/ crew cab/ 4X4/short bed/ Diesel/ 6 speed auto/ 800 Ft. Lbs. torque. Wonderful Ride Styling Out pulls 1 Ford and 2 Chevys

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  2011 2500 "Diesel" ST LWB - 2011 RAM 2500
  By chrisz71p - January 21 - 6:58 pm

  Numerous Injector problems. Truck runs like crap and dodge usually has no diesel mechanics or they change weekly. You get different advice from each. They tell me that its a "known problem with the Bosch injectors and Ram will allow one injector to be replaced under warranty... maybe you got bad fuel" Well if it was a one time problem maybe but its not.