For times when a regular pickup just won't do, RAM serves up the 2500, a heavy-duty hauler that's beastly enough to get the job done. The main question for you is how much luxury, style, and off-road capability to add to the equation.
What's New for 2016
New features on higher-trim models include a cargo-view camera, LED box lighting, and automatic high beams. All trims benefit from a revised center console. The carryover compressed natural gas option extends to more configurations this year. Finally, a new Laramie Limited trim level promises greater visual distinction throughout.
Choosing Your RAM 2500
The 2500 is available as a two-door Regular Cab, a four-door Crew Cab with room for six, or a Mega Cab with even more interior space than the Crew. The Regular Cab gets an 8-foot bed, which is also available on the Crew in place of the standard 6-foot-4-inch bed. The Mega comes only with the shorter length.
Most versions come standard with a 5.7-liter V8 that cranks out 383 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. The available 6.4-liter V8 achieves 410 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque. The top mill is actually a six-cylinder, the 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel, which lays down 370 horsepower and a stunning 800 pound-feet of torque.
A six-speed automatic transmission is standard across the board, and the Cummins is eligible for six-speed manual (which reduces horsepower and torque to 350 and 660 respectively). Four-wheel drive is either optional or standard on all 2500s.
Properly equipped, the 5.7-liter tows up to 13,860 pounds, while the 6.4-liter tops out at 16,870. The Cummins turbodiesel can pull 17,980 pounds with the automatic transmission and 16,870 with the manual.
The RAM 2500 now comes in six progressive trim levels:
Once again, the 2500 can be equipped to run on compressed natural gas (CNG) in addition to gasoline. This $11,000 option is now available on all Regular Cab and Crew Cab models powered by the 5.7-liter V8.
The SLT offers you the greatest choice of configurations and options, including many of the high-end features found on the fancier trims. You can tailor the SLT for work, play, and almost everything in-between.