When it comes to heavy duty pickup trucks, bigger is more often than not, better. Ram’s 2500 goes big in a few key ways – big towing (up to 8,156 kg), big payload (up to 1,810 kg) and big torque (up to 800 lb-ft).
But the Ram isn’t just big for the sake of being big – it’s also smart. It’s the only three-quarter ton truck to feature a coil-sprung rear suspension which helps improve ride quality, a feature long-haul drivers are certain to enjoy. This can be upgraded to a segment-exclusive air suspension that replaces the coils with self-leveling airbags. While it’s not the only vehicle in the class to offer a gooseneck hitch built right into the bed, it’s a convenient factory-added option.
For 2016, there are only a handful of changes, but each aims to improve the Ram’s practicality further. There’s a new switchable reverse camera which allows drivers to toggle between the reverse camera in the tailgate and a camera mounted in the high-mounted brake light for easier fifth-wheel trailer hitching, new pickup box lighting, as well as front and rear parking sensors. The interior also gains a revised centre console with an open-bin console design for easier access to storage.
As with the Ram 1500, the 2500 HD is available in the new range-topping Laramie Limited trim. In addition to its all-caps 72-point font RAM tailgate logo, it gets a unique billet port grille, plus premium leather upholstery, Argento wood interior trim, and plush Berber carpets. A couple of new colours join the range, too – Red Pearl, Luxury Brown, and Pearl White all fitting for this new upscale trim.
Being a workhorse, the 2500 HD is available with a number of different powertrains. The base 2500 HD uses a 5.7-litre Hemi V8 that produces 383 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. New for 2016, a CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) version is available to buyers who desire regular cab and 2WD. Those needing more power can opt for a larger 6.4-litre version that generates 410 hp and 429 lb-ft of torque. Both engines can be paired to either rear or four-wheel drive, and feature a sturdy six-speed automatic transmission. The 6.4 Hemi also gets cylinder deactivation for reduced consumption.
But what’s a heavy duty truck without a diesel? Ram offers a unique powertrain configuration for the 2500: a 6.7-litre inline-six diesel that develops 350 hp and 660 lb-ft of torque that comes paired to a class-exclusive six-speed manual transmission. A six-speed automatic is available as an option; its robust internals can deal with more power, which means 370 hp and a whopping 800 lb-ft of torque. In addition to having fewer cylinders, the diesel also benefits from longer service intervals than its rivals – up to 24,000 km between oil changes.
While the range-topping Laramie Limited is certainly generating buzz for its styling panache, the Power Wagon is certainly worthy of praise for its all-terrain capability. It offers unparalleled wheel travel thanks to its standard disconnecting front stabilizer bar, locking front and rear differentials, skid plates, 33-inch knobby tires and front Warn winch. Power Wagons are easy to identify with their bright side graphics and red-accented grille.
Pricing for the Ram 2500 starts at $36,895 and goes up to $60,995 for the Laramie Limited.
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed
