Introduction

The Ram 2500-and the even more robust 3500-take the luxury trappings of the light-duty Ram 1500 and enhance it with serious capability. How serious? Think available four-figure torque and a towing capacity of over 35,000 pounds. 

The 2021 models don't see any updates. Six trims, two engines, and myriad cab and bed combinations continue to outline the Ram 2500 lineup. 

Of those two engines, it's the gas-powered 6.4-liter V-8 that comes standard. It makes 410 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque, which gets routed through an 8-speed automatic. Trailering up to 14,970 pounds is possible when equipped with the proper bed and cab combination. 

If that's not enough, the Cummins diesel 6.6-liter turbo-6 generates an impressive 370 hp and 850 lb-ft of torque. Still more impressive is the optional high-output version of this engine that's available on the 3500-series trucks; with a little extra wizardry, Ram managed to extract a full 400 hp and 1,000 lb-ft of torque. 

So equipped the Ram can still manage to tow up to 35,100 pounds in the right configuration. The standard-output Cummins tow a still-substantial 20,000 pounds. Both diesel choices command a roughly $10,000 premium. 

The EPA doesn't calculate gas mileage on trucks of this size and weight, but don't expect mileage to be great. These trucks hardly break out of the mid-teens even when unladen. 

Safety equipment is a similar story-the feds don't require heavy-duty trucks to be tested for crashworthiness. That's possibly the reason behind why the heavy-duty class has been resistant to adopting active-safety features. The Ram 2500 and 3500 offer features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, and a surround-view camera system, but don't expect it to come standard. 

Lineup

The cheapest Ram 2500 is the Tradesman, which starts around $35,000. True to its name, the list of standard features is short: a 5.0-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, air conditioning, and 17-inch wheels are about the extent of it. Manual windows and locks are standard, and a manually-adjustable vinyl bench seat completes the spartan vibe. 

The roughly-$40,000 Big Horn introduces power features, 18-inch wheels, cloth upholstery, remote keyless entry, and chrome exterior trim. 

The $50,000 Laramie justifies its upcharge with an appropriately more upscale flavor. An 8.4-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated seats, dual-zone climate control, a heated steering wheel, and a 7.0-inch driver information display. 

The Power Wagon breaks from the rest of the lineup by turning its focus towards off-roading prowess. Big graphics and all-terrain tires announce the Power Wagon's intentions to the world; mandatory four-wheel drive, skid plates, a winch, locking differentials, a long-travel suspension, and exclusive Bilstien shocks deliver on those intentions. Amenities are on par with the Big Horn. 

At a little under $60,000, the Laramie Limited introduces luxuries such as real leather upholstery and wood trim, heated and cooled front seats, heated second-row outboard seats, and navigation. 

The Limited is the ultimate expression of luxury within the heavy-duty Ram lineup. A 12.0-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, 19-speaker audio, blind-spot monitors, and 20-inch wheels are all standard. 

Walkaround

The Ram 2500 is a massive, hulking vehicle, and no amount of styling tweaks can change that. In its smallest configuration, the 2500 rides a 140-inch wheelbase and clocks in at 232 inches long. Mind you, that's the two-door regular cab. The far more common crew cab sits atop a 149-inch wheelbase and measures a full 20 feet long. 

With so much sheetmetal to design, it's a wonder the 2500 looks as good as it does. But the proof is in the pudding: the heavy-duty Ram lineup manages to look tough without going too far overboard. Even though the grille is big, the hood bulges upward, and the flanks are vast, this is a stylish truck that doesn't sacrifice appearances for functionality or vice versa. 

Interior

Just as the Ram 1500 raised the bar for light-duty pickup-truck interiors, so has the heavy-duty lineup done the same for its segment. Even the Tradesman comes off as surprisingly nice despite its crank windows, manual locks, and vinyl floor. In a class where durability trumps all else, it's nice to see a little thought being put into the design, the assembly, and the materials. 

Technology is slowly infiltrating this segment, the biggest leap so far being the available 12.0-inch touchscreen. It comes standard only on the uppermost Limited trim and is only optional on the one-rung-lower Laramie Longhorn. It gets navigation and smartphone compatibility and is powered by the excellent Uconnect infotainment system. 

The lower trims use either an 8.4-inch or 5.0-inch touchscreen. The latter was clearly thrown into the mix in an attempt to bring base models into this decade, but the 8.4-inch unit remains a fine example of the breed. It features an intuitive, responsive interface that meets or exceeds the standards of the segment. 

The cabin of the 2500- and 3500-series trucks provide over 60 inches of shoulder room up front, so there is no shortage of space even when it's a full house on the standard front bench seat. Lots of glass area, lots of leg room, and, well, lots of space make it easy to stretch out, lounge, and get comfortable behind the wheel. Wide but supportive seats provide the long-distance comfort necessary for road trips. With either 40 inches or 43 inches of leg room depending on the four-door cab style selected, the back seat is spacious enough to satisfy just about anyone. 

Cargo boxes are either 6 feet 4 inches or 8 feet, and both feature numerous cargo tie-downs. Ram offers on the shorter of these beds its novel RamBox storage solution that consists of lockable bedside cubbies. Payload capacity is 4,380 pounds on 2500-series trucks and 7,620 pounds for 3500-series trucks. 

Driving Impression

Nobody climbs aboard a truck of this caliber expecting it to ride like an old-school Cadillac, but Ram has done a good job of thoroughly civilizing their big trucks. The perpetual sensation of driving on cobblestones has been replaced by a much smoother, dignified experience. 

The 6.4-liter V-8's 470 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque provide plenty of muscle for the average user. Where it shines is payload: its 4,380-pound max rating for 2500-series trucks actually outdoes its diesel counterpart. Expect the 6.4-liter to be more responsive and quicker-witted as well. 

Despite those qualities, the Cummins turbodiesel inline-6 remains the MVP here. It might cost about $10,000, but make no mistake: this engine is Arnold Schwarzenegger in his prime, all strength and power and rippling muscle. 

Braking, steering, and handling are far less immediate than any ordinary car or crossover. It's an immense truck and makes no bones about driving like one. For purer off-roading, the Power Wagon takes a standard four-wheel drive 2500 truck and adds on a best-of list of off-road goodies. The most significant update is its trick suspension with extra articulation and travel and an anti-sway bar that electronically disconnects. Supporting this setup are a pair of electronically locking differentials. 

Summary

The 2021 Ram 2500 and 3500 are the complete package. They incorporate a superior driving experience and a nicely appointed interior with capability that is still nothing short of astounding. If we had to pick a favorite model, it would be the 2500-series Laramie. 

 

-by Anthony Sophinos with driving impressions by The Car Connection.