LeftLaneNews
2018 Ram 2500 2018 Ram 2500

2018 Ram 2500

The Ram 2500 combines what's expected of a heavy duty pickup - power, durability and towing capacity - with several features that aren't typical of the segment, including a relatively forgiving suspension and an upscale interior. Known as the Dodge Ram 2500 until Ram became a distinct brand in 2009, the 2500 has received several updates over the past few years that added significantly more output, capability and technology to the truck.

Recent Changes

The Ram 1500 gets a standard rear-view camera for the latest model year. The 8.4-inch touch screen is now compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Overview

Don't let the familiar exterior fool you - the latest Ram 2500 has gained big improvements underneath the sheetmetal that make it one of the most appealing heavy duty pickups on the market.

Ram comprehensively redesigned the 2500's ladder frame with high-strength 50 KSI steel, including eight separate cross-members, hydroformed main rails and fully boxed rear rails. The changes add up to a stronger, more mass-efficient foundation that helps the truck achieve eye-popping towing capacity - more on that in a minute.

On top of recent chassis revisions to enhance roll stiffness and ensure confident handling, Ram has equipped the 2500 with a new five-link rear rear axle and rear coil springs, the latter of which is a segment first that results in a more comfortable ride when the pickup is unladen.

Also unique among the competition is an optional rear air-suspension that further improves the ride and includes a self-leveling function that adjusts the ride height to compensate for a payload or attached trailer.

Not content to leave engine bay untouched while improving the 2500, Ram has also added a new 6.4-liter HEMI V8 option with 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque. It's available for an extra cost over the standard 5.7-liter HEMI, which produces 383 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. Both motors pair with a six-speed automatic and feature a Multiple-Displacement System (MDS) which shuts off four cylinders under light load conditions to conserve fuel.

The 2500's optional Cummins-supplied 6.7-liter turbodiesel inline-six motor can be had in two trims - a 350 horsepower, 660 lb-ft of torque version (up 50 lb-ft); and a 370 horsepower, 800 lb-ft of torque variant.

The more powerful version is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, while a class-exclusive six-speed manual teams with the base oil-burning motor.

The 2500 is capable of towing up to 17,980 pounds (up a bit over the previous model year, and that's enough to pull about seven Mazda MX-5 Miatas) when equipped with a regular cab, long box, two-wheel-drive, the most powerful version of the 6.7-liter turbodiesel engine, the 4.10 rear differential and either the ST or Tradesman trim level. A number of other configurations can tow nearly as much.

Payload maxes out at 3,990lbs on 6.4L Hemi models (regular cab, 4x2, long bed with either the 3.73 or 4.10:1 rear ratio, as neither adds more weight than the other). The heavier Cummins diesel tops out at 3,160lbs (in the same body configuration as the Hemi).

Rear-wheel-drive is standard on the 2500, while four-wheel-drive is available as an option.

Improved Interior

Inside, the same basic cabin design remains but some materials have been upgraded, while new color themes are present throughout. More soft touch materials are spread throughout the truck's interior, and the HVAC and multimedia controls were redesigned.

Ram's gauge cluster features a 3.5 or 7-inch (depending on trim level) information screen, and a Sprint-powered wireless system is available for buyers who need to remain connected.Those who need extra stowage space can spec Ram Box storage bins capable of being locked and unlocked remotely.

Uconnect Access

The 2500 is available with Chrysler's Uconnect Access infotainment system (for a complete description of Uconnect Access, check out Leftlane's Spotlight On: Uconnect in-depth article). Generally regarded as one of the more user-friendly infotainment setups on the market, Uconnect Access integrates most of the truck's audio, navigation and climate control functions into one unit.

An 8.4-inch touchscreen mounted on the dashboard is the central component of the system, but redundant buttons and knobs for climate and audio volume and tuning are also included. A newer feature offered on these models is a switchable rear camera display for added user control during trickier towing maneuvers.

Uconnect Access features a voice command system that allows the driver to place phone calls, use the sound system, input navigation destinations and more without taking his or her hands off the wheel. Other notable aspects of the system include the ability to function as a Wi-Fi hotspot over a 3G network - for an additional monthly fee - and downloadable applications such as Bing search.

Bodystyles, Trims

The Ram 2500 is offered in Regular Cab, Quad Cab and Mega Cab models. The Regular Cab features two doors, the Quad Cab has four doors and the Mega Cab has four doors with expanded rear passenger space. Two box lengths are available: 8-foot (standard on Regular Cab, available on Quad Cab), and 6-foot-4-inches (standard on Mega Cab, available on Quad Cab).

The Mega Cab combines a sizable 143.3 cubic feet of interior volume with reclining rear seats, built-in trays and a large load floor with the rear seats folded down.

Eight trim levels are available: Tradesman, SLT, Lone Star, Big Horn, Laramie, Outdoorsman, Laramie Longhorn and Laramie Limited. With these numerous and wildly different trims, the Ram 2500 can be outfitted as a spartan work truck, a leather-lined luxury vehicle with the latest tech features, and almost anything in between.

Laramie Limited

A recent addition to the 2500 lineup is the Laramie Limited, which boasts one of the most luxurious interiors ever fitted to a pickup. Details include full leather seating with contrasting piping, black burled walnut trim, LED lighting and a soft, French-stitched full leather lid atop the center console. Chrome ringed-gauges with liquid graphite needles, rear flap-closure seatback map pockets and berber carpeting complete the interior treatment.

Exterior touches include a model-specific grille, chrome bumpers, 20-inch polished aluminum wheels and a huge block-letter RAM logo on the tailgate.

Standard features on the Laramie Limited trim include a navigational radio, remote start, back-up camera, power adjustable pedals with memory, heated steering wheel, front ventilated and heated seats and rear heated seats.

Occupant Safety

All 2500 pickups come equipped with dual front, front side and full-length side curtain airbags in addition to traction and stability control systems.

Key Competitors

Besides the Ram 2500, the only other options in the 3/4-ton heavy-duty pickup segment are the Ford Super Duty F-250 and the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD / GMC Sierra 2500HD twins.

2018 Ram 2500 2018 Ram 2500 2018 Ram 2500 2018 Ram 2500 2018 Ram 2500 2018 Ram 2500 2018 Ram 2500 2018 Ram 2500 2018 Ram 2500 2018 Ram 2500 2018 Ram 2500 2018 Ram 2500 2018 Ram 2500 2018 Ram 2500 2018 Ram 2500 2018 Ram 2500 2018 Ram 2500 2018 Ram 2500 2018 Ram 2500 2018 Ram 2500 2018 Ram 2500 2018 Ram 2500