History/Overview
For 2021, the Ram 2500 moves into its third year on the market since being redesigned into a new generation in 2019. This is the most affordable way to get into the Ram brand’s line of heavy duty pickups, bridging the gap between the 1500 light-duty model and the tougher 3500, both of which are covered in their own buyer’s guide entries.
What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year
This year, the Ram 2500 gains a Limited Night Edition set apart by monochromatic styling cues.
Available Trims
Ram offers the 2500 in Tradesman, Big Horn, Power Wagon, Laramie, Limited Longhorn, and Limited trim levels. Engine choices include a 6.4L gas V8 and a 6.7L turbodiesel inline six-cylinder. Both are standard with an eight-speed transmission and rear-wheel drive. Four-wheel drive is optional.
Ram also offers the 2500 in four body configurations: regular or crew cab with an eight-foot-box, a crew cab with a six-foot-four-inch box, and a mega cab with a six-foot-four-inch box.
Standard Features
Tradesman trim comes with a 5.0-inch Uconnect touchscreen powering a four-speaker stereo; Big Horn gains a trailer brake controller.
Power Wagon adds electronic locking differentials, adds an 8.4-inch touchscreen, front and rear parking sensors.
Laramie gains a 10-speaker stereo; Limited Longhorn gets navigation; and Limited brings a 12.0-inch touchscreen, and blind spot monitoring.
Key Options
On most trims, you can add a self-levelling rear air suspension, and a sunroof. Power Wagon and up can add a 17-speaker sound system.
All trims can option to 360-degree camera views and a cargo view camera, bundled in the tow tech group with trailer reversing guidance, blind spot monitor, and towing mirrors.
Forward collision mitigation, lane keep assist, adaptive steering and blind spot monitoring are optional in all trims (save Limited, which gets a blind spot system as standard), bundled as a safety group with adaptive cruise, LED taillights, auto high beams, and rain-sensing wipers.
A Tradesman level 1 group adds keyless entry, heated side mirrors, and power windows. A level 2 pack brings carpeted floors with mats, a sliding rear window, and satellite radio.
A Big Horn level 1 group brings 18-inch wheels, fog lights, an eight-way driver’s seat, a leather-trimmed wheel, and an auto-dimming mirror with integrated garage door remote. Level 2 gets a part-digital gauge cluster, front and rear park sensors, heated front seats and wheel, dual-zone A/C, and a 115-volt power outlet.
The Power Wagon level 1 option gets remote start, power-adjustable pedals, heated front seats, and a power tailgate release. Level 2 adds rain-sensing wipers, auto high beams, passive keyless, and a 10-speaker stereo.
Laramie level 1 is similar, but also gets ventilated front seats, and blind spot monitoring. Level 2 gains heated rear seats, wireless charging, and a 17-speaker sound system.
Limited Longhorn level 1 extras include the 12.0-inch touchscreen, blind spot monitor, 17-speaker stereo, wireless charging, and power running boards.
Finally, Limited level 1 comes with 360-degree views, all-speed forward collision intervention, adaptive cruise with stop-and-go, an upgraded 17-speaker stereo, and trailer reverse guidance.
Fuel Economy
Natural Resources Canada doesn’t require fuel consumption estimates for heavy duty trucks.
Competition
Ram’s competition for the 2500 includes the Ford F-250 Super Duty, the Chevrolet Silverado 2500, and the GMC Sierra 2500.
