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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  2500 ST 6.7L Diesel 4X4 Automatic (for some reason, this was not an option on the *Model list) - 2011 RAM 2500
  By jdean2900 - December 10 - 11:52 pm

  Up to this point, the truck has been great. The only issue I have had so far is the O2 sensor acted up, activating the "check engine" light. Once replaced, I experienced no further issues with it. It has a ton of power and torque. The interior layout is ergonomical and comfortable. The ride is quiet and smooth. In fact, people frequently comment about how quiet it is for a diesel truck. It brakes well considering its size and weight. I use this truck both on and off road, and so far it has performed admirably. Overall, a great value.

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  Maintenance Costs Astronomical - 2011 RAM 2500
  By bfiske - November 14 - 11:18 pm

  Just got back from the dealer, oil change and fuel filter change $190.00 the cost to change the fuel filter is $100!! they told me the cost of the filter is $65!!! Unbelievable, but absolutely true!!

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  Ram 2500 Diesel - 2012 RAM 2500
  By Brian - May 23 - 9:53 am

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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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  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.