2021 RAM 2500
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.
Full Review
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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.
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| Engine | 6.4L V-8 |
| MPG | |
| Seating | 3 Passengers |
| Transmission | 8-spd auto w/OD |
| Power | 410 @ 5600 rpm |
| Drivetrain | four-wheel, rear-wheel |
| Curb Weight | 5,988 - 7,414 lbs |
