Pros

• The diesel engine that is offered has a lot of power and torque.
• More high-tech interior features and higher trim levels.
• It’s quiet and comfortable, especially for such a big and strong truck.
• Off-road skills are great for both the Rebel and the Power Wagon.

Cons

• When it’s going, the optional diesel engine makes loud noises.
• The driver’s seat might be too high for some people.

How does the 2500 get its power? The Ram 2500 has good acceleration, driving, and stopping power for such a big truck. At top speed, acceleration is slow but good enough. Our 4WD test truck went from 0 to 60 mph in 8.3 seconds at the Invoice Pricing test track, which is about average for the class. To make a fake panic stop at 60 mph, it took 140 feet, which is also how far a heavy-duty car usually needs to stop.

There aren’t many problems with how it handles, and the steering feels light enough in turn. If you don’t think about how big it is, the 2500 is easy to drive in the city. The Power Wagon type can go off-road very well, which is something that most other heavy-duty cars can’t do.

How does the 2500 feel in your hands? Both the front and back seats of the Ram 2500 are very cozy. The well-bolstered and padded chairs can be adjusted in a number of ways. Surfaces that are soft to the touch are good for your hands and arms. To top it all off, the 2500 has the best highway ride quality; it’s rough but not painful.

A touchscreen and some buttons are used to control the temperature, but they sometimes need to be clarified, but they are not always clear. The optional diesel engine makes a lot of vibrations that can be felt in the steering wheel and pedals, which is normal for this class of car. It also makes a constant drone on the highway.

How is the state of the inside? The Ram 2500’s interior looks good, and you can choose from a few different models, from the simple Tradesman to the fancy Limited. All of the seats have enough space for people, and the controls and buttons inside are set up in a way that makes them easy to use. Large openings on all four doors and possible side steps that can be set up with power make it easy to get in and out. The only bad thing is that some drivers might find the driving position too high.

What’s wrong with the tech? Mercedes and Audi’s much more expensive premium systems are the only ones that can compete with the Ram’s top-of-the-line 12-inch tablet. The screen is bright and clear, and it’s easy to find your way around. We also like the 8.4-inch tablet, which is less expensive, though. Both work great with voice commands and make it easy to get to your phone when they’re linked.

There are several USB ports, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto make it easy to connect your phone. A great 17-speaker premium stereo is a good choice for people who are willing to spend more on music quality. Blind-spot warning and adaptive cruise control are two examples of useful driving aids that don’t stand out.

How are storage and hauling coming along? As expected, the Ram 2500 can pull a lot of weight and haul a lot of stuff. The kneeling feature of the optional rear air suspension makes it easier to load and hook up a trailer. Even though the Ram has a lot of competitors, its maximum payload and towing capacities make it stand out.

The center console of the Ram 2500 has a large storage box, and the back half of the cab has a lot of space for cargo. The vast back seat can easily fit three child seats if you’re traveling with kids. The seat anchors are also easy to get to.

How well does it use gasoline? The EPA does not rate how well heavy-duty trucks use fuel. Depending on the road and how well we drove, the diesel engine in our test vehicle got between 15 and 20 mpg, which is excellent for a truck this size and power.

Does the 2500’s price make sense? Ram is raising the bar with great controls and high-quality materials matching the price tag. The body panels and extra parts, like the bed cover, are well together. Chevy and Ford, the two main trucks competing with the Ram 2500, offer the same warranty coverage.

Regarding price, there are almost too many choices in this class. A Ford or Chevy can also cost more than $70,000, as can a Ram 2500. You should be fine if you don’t choose too much.

The Ram 2500 is a massive truck with a lot of character. It may be one of the most fashionable vehicles of its kind, yet just seeing it go past might give you the chills. But like other heavy-duty cars, it’s not a lot of fun to go every day, especially if you don’t travel on big country roads.

Even though we’re excited about the new Ram 2500 Rebel coming out in 2023, our top choice is still the 2500 Big Horn. The Big Horn has the most configurations and equipment options. You can stick to a strict budget or spend more to customize the vehicle with more comfort, capability, and technology features.

Ram 2500 models

The 2023 Ram 2500 has a regular, crew, and Mega Cab body styles with conventional or extended cargo beds. Tradesman, Big Horn, Lone Star, Rebel, Power Wagon, Laramie, Limited Longhorn, and Limited are the names of the vehicle’s eight different trim levels. The 2500 Heavy Duty can be purchased with a naturally aspirated 6.4-liter V8 engine or an optional turbocharged 6.7-liter six-cylinder diesel engine. The standard engine is a 6.4-liter V8. Four-wheel drive is optional on the Tradesman, Big Horn/Lone Star, and Laramie trim levels, although it comes standard on all other groups.