Returning Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis has his first big announcement following his recent Stellantis comeback: an upgraded Ram 2500 and 3500 heavy duty lineup, as well as the chassis cab models. The biggest Ram trucks come with an upgraded Cummins diesel and “the potential of 1,075 lb-ft of torque in every gear,” marking a significant increase in towing power than the already stout previous generation models.
The big news is the upgraded 6.7-liter Cummins High Output turbocharged inline-six diesel option making 430 horsepower and 1,075 lb-ft of torque, now paired with a column-shifted eight-speed TorqueFlite HD transmission. Ram claims quicker zero-to-60-mph times of 6.9 seconds (better than 8.0 previously), and now the same 36,610-pound max towing capability with a more fuel-efficient 3.42 axle ratio at the rear. Ram also claims the new TorqueFlite transmission has logic to sense when the truck is loaded or unloaded, making for smoother shifts tailored for either scenario.
The new diesel was worked over closely between Ram and Cummins, with a redesigned block and head, glow plugs, new performance intake manifold, a new turbo, larger intake and exhaust valves, a higher-pressure fuel system, and improved intake port geometry for top feed injectors, with top load lubrication and integrated fuel filters. Ram also claims NVH is improved with the implementation of helical gears in the new transmission. The claims are to expect improved performance on graded roads and a lower engine rpm at a cruise. A 405-hp, 429-lb-ft gas-fed 6.4-liter V-8 remains standard across the heavy-duty lineup, with the Cummins being optional on every trim level save for the Power Wagon off-roader.
How’s It Lookin’?
As for the design, immediately, the grille and headlights stand out on the Rebel 2500. Compared to 2024’s version, the Heavy Duty grille makes the front end look bigger, with the cutout in the sideways “C” shape flanking the primary opening being much shallower. In the Rebel it is filled with alternating directional bars for a very modern geometric look. Cap it of with much more modern looking headlights, with four individual LED lights instead of a more common projector style, and the new truck will be unmistakably new. Grille designs on other 2500/3500 models are new, too.
Across the family LED lights up front are now standard, with an upgraded LED kit available as well, but incandescent lamps at the rear remain on some models with LED tails as an upgrade. And it seems every trim gets new wheel designs.
New Tech, Some Standard
Inside, new 12-inch and 14.5-inch displays with higher contrast gleam from the dashboards, and there’s that passenger side screen showing up now on HD trucks after proliferating throughout Jeep’s lineup and lighter-duty Rams, with a 10.25-inch setup for copilots up front. Dual wireless phone charging is available up front as an upgrade.
Look closely at the trucks, and you’ll notice a big black rectangle just below the grille. This is unmistakably a radar unit, and the kind you often see stuck on vehicles with at least adaptive cruise control, but on the extreme end those vehicles with SAE Level 2 hands-free driver assistance systems. A hands-free highway driving system is available on the also-revised, light-duty 2025 Ram 1500 lineup, with a similar sensor layout, but here the capabilities included are more limited (for now): Newly standard this year is adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist with steering centering, and traffic sign recognition (those last two relying also on a camera array).
The bed on 2500 and 3500 trucks gets an on-board power inverter offering up to 2.4 kilowatts with two covered outlets, that can draw from the engine to keep power flowing. There’s a trailer reverse steering control function where you can steer easier from the cabin with a trailer attached, as well as a digital rearview mirror with a towing mode.
The trucks will be built in Mexico, and deliveries start in the first quarter of 2025. Pricing for Ram 2500 HD models starts at $47,560, and the 3500 starts at $48,565. Trim level options again include Tradesman, Big Horn (Lone Star in Texas), Power Wagon, Rebel, Laramie, Limited Longhorn, and Limited.
