Ram's Diesel 2500 Is All We Desired Yet Lacks What We Actually Required | Carscoops

      If you find a glittering Clydesdale appealing as your mode of transport, then you'll appreciate this truck.

      by Stephen Rivers

      PROS ›› Luxurious interior, effortless towing capacity, confident heavy-duty performance

      CONS ›› Quickly becomes pricey, hard to navigate in tight spaces, lacking some tech features

      The Ram 2500 operates in a competitive field of heavy-duty trucks, all designed for the same core activities: hauling, towing, and tackling jobs that lighter trucks can only aspire to manage. Having thoroughly examined its smaller counterpart, the Ram 1500, in various specifications and trims, from the luxurious Tungsten to the off-road-ready RHO, we're now eager to test its larger sibling, the 2500.

      This is our first experience with the heavy-duty Ram, equipped with a diesel powertrain, specifically the 6.7-liter Cummins inline-six engine. This powerhouse produces 430 horsepower (320 kW) and a staggering 1,075 lb-ft (1,455 Nm) of torque, transmitted to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.

      This robust performance enables the truck to tow up to 20,000 pounds (9,071 kg) or carry 2,740 pounds (1,242 kg) in its bed. In practical terms, it could tow nearly any African elephant, barring the largest, or carry a whole Mazda MX-5 in the bed without breaking a sweat.

      QUICK FACTS

      There’s no doubt this substantial truck excels at work. However, the real question is what it’s like to live with. While it’s powerful, is it easy to operate? Does it simplify hauling or towing compared to other trucks? And what’s the experience like once the workday is over?

      To assess this, we evaluated it fully loaded and with no cargo. We drove it through urban environments, industrial areas, home improvement stores, and on gravel roads. Given its tested price of $100,595—about double the average new car price—it must perform well enough to serve both as a worker and a family vehicle. It achieves this dual role admirably, but we wouldn't recommend it for most consumers.

      Styling

      Photos by Stephen Rivers for Carscoops

      At first glance, it’s evident this is a massive truck, perfectly designed for its workload. Yes, someone could fit this drivetrain in a smaller vehicle, but actually carrying loads of this magnitude is only feasible due to the specialized blend of brakes, chassis, axles, and differentials. Fitting all of this into a smaller vehicle would be much more complex, both in production and maintenance.

      Accordingly, this pickup makes a significant impression wherever it goes. Our test model is the Limited Longhorn version, featuring a crew cab and a six-foot bed. This truck could be even longer with an eight-foot bed, yet it already measures 238.8 inches (6,065 mm) long—longer than a standard limousine.

      It’s also quite hefty, with a width of 79.5 inches (2,019 mm) or 6’6’’ across. This translates to occupying over 130 square feet without anything extending from the bed or hitch. Nevertheless, there are less appealing options for navigating a vehicle that occupies as much space as certain New York City apartments.

      While the prominent front of the Ram 2500 may not appeal to everyone, it makes a bold statement. Perhaps it's best described as "loud and proud." The elevated fenders indicate that stepping into the cabin might be a challenge for some, but our test truck featured Ram’s automatic power steps, which were beneficial even for someone of my height.

      Accessing the bed is simplified with Ram’s sliding step located under the driver’s side. It easily slides out with a moderate push from a foot and retracts just as effortlessly. Once out, it provides stable support for entering and exiting the bed, which features tie-downs, lights, and multiple power outlets for tools and tailgate accessories.

      This truck comes equipped with a 2.4 kW onboard power system, fifth-wheel towing prepped in the bed, and a feature for managing trailer backup via a dial on the center console. It’s designed for work inside and out.

      Luxury Workspace

      Photos by Stephen Rivers for Carscoops

      While this truck can tow almost anything on Earth, its cabin sets it apart from other work trucks. A few decades ago, the notion of such a vehicle featuring high-quality leather, a large touchscreen infotainment system, and numerous comforts would have seemed ridiculous.

      In fact, one only needs to peek inside the Ram 2500 Limited Longhorn to appreciate its luxury. This cowboy-themed trim is rich with western motifs. The intricate patterning, termed Filigree, adorns the door panels, seat upholstery, and even the small gold plastic accents.

      Noteworthy is Ram’s impressive 14.4-inch portrait-oriented Uconnect infotainment system, complemented