A closeup shows the grille on a 2020 Ram 2500.

All About the Ram 2500

There is no denying it; the 2020 Ram 2500 is one of the most powerful and comfortable trucks on the market. It’s built to do extreme hauling and towing, and yet it still manages to make comfort a priority. Now, think about it; does your truck provide as much as the Ram 2500 does? Really, most vehicles do not offer the perfect collaboration of performance and comfort that this truck does, so it is not surprising if the answer is no. Today we are going to look at all of the nitty-gritty details that make the Ram 2500 so special, and who knows, you may end up considering switching out your current vehicle to get one.

Performance with Options

Starting with performance, Ram knows that not all truck drivers are the same; their needs vary. Because of this, they have provided two engine options for drivers. These options help ensure that drivers are able to get what they need out of the truck’s performance.

As standard, Ram 2500 comes with a 6.4 L HEMI V8 that gives you 410 hp and 429 lb-ft of torque. This one is coupled with a fantastic eight-speed automatic transmission. The second engine is a 370 hp, 6.7 L Cummins diesel engine. This may have less horsepower, but it packs an awful lot of torque at 850 lb-ft. It is coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission and gives you an option between rear or four-wheel drive.

In terms of capability, when equipped with the Cummins engine, the 2500’s 4×4 Cab can haul a maximum of more than 3,000 pounds and can pull up to almost 17,000 pounds. Though considerably weaker (when talking about pulling power), the HEMI V8 can still tow a little over 14,000 pounds, which is more than enough for jobs around town or weekend adventures.

Overall, both engines have their pros and cons. While the Cummins engine definitely outclasses the HEMI engine when it comes to hauling power by giving you almost double the torque, it also outweighs it at 1,060 pounds, nearly double the latter’s weight. And while the V8 doesn’t have the hauling strength of the diesel engine, it is by far a lot quieter and handles a lot better around town. All in all, with these two very different choices, drivers can pick the one that suits their needs best.

A red 2020 Ram 2500 Power Wagon is kicking up mud on a trail.

Features By Trim

As mentioned above, Ram understands the different needs of every trucker, that’s why the 2020 Ram 2500 is offered with either a single or dual rear axle, three body types, two chassis configurations, bed lengths, and drivetrains. Additionally, the Ram 2500 is offered in six trims making the options almost endless and allowing for drivers to get exactly what it is that they need.

For example, the Bighorn trim, known in Texas as the Long Horn, backs up its impressive performance capabilities with its handsome head-turning chrome-accented looks. The Laramie is equipped with an 18-inch aluminum wheel, LED exterior lighting, and the distinctive chrome billet grille. The Power Wagon, with its 12,000 pounds WARN winch, front-and-rear axle lockers, and front disconnecting sway bar, can handle any terrain your path takes you.

The Laramie Longhorn Edition is a true southwesterner’s truck, with its narrow profile wheel to wheel side step, two-tone paint options, polished wheels with painted pockets, and an exclusive chrome billet grille. And finally, the unlimited styling of the Limited trim level, the highest trim level for the Ram 2500, is equipped with standard 20 inch painted aluminum wheels, power side step, exclusive grille design, LED tail lamps, and headlights, and is accented with chrome detailing.

Throughout the trims, the Ram 2500’s infotainment system comes with either an 8-inch touchscreen or a substantial 12-inch reconfigurable touchscreen to add a bit of versatility with your options. It comes equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and can rival the infotainment of luxury SUVs or Sedans with it’s simple and intuitive menus and prompts the response quickly to your inputs. The infotainment also features a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot and a GPS Satellite navigation system to help you roll around town with ease. And like everything else about the Ram 2500, these trims and features allow drivers to get precisely what they are looking for in their truck.

Safety, Safety, Safety

When it comes to safety, most truck enthusiasts will steer towards Ford’s Super Duty trucks as the most well-known choice in this class thanks to its long list of safety features. Fret not, though, Ram lovers, because these trucks are never late for the party. Ram 2500 trucks also have an equally long list of safety features that can easily rival that of Ford’s.

The driver assistance package that comes standard on most trims includes tire pressure and blind-spot monitoring systems, front and rear parking sensors, six airbags, stability and traction control systems, and an anti-lock braking system. As an option, you can even equip your 2500 with a surround-view camera system that includes the cargo bay, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, active lane control, and parking sensors. With all of these options, the Ram 2500 can be customized to be safe as an extreme off-roader, a tamed city monster, or something else in between.

A brown 2020 Ram 2500 is driving on a highway.

You’re Interested: So, Which Trim?

If you are interested in the Ram 2500, you now need to pick a trim. The first thing you will need to consider, though, is cost. So, with that, the trims are priced as follows: the Tradesman at $33,895, the Big Horn at $37,995, the Laramie at $49,550, the Power Wagon at $53,550, the Laramie Longhorn at $56,950 and the top tier trim, the Limited at $61,650. But you don’t just have to stick to the standard choices. Ram offers a lot of options to help you customize the truck to suit exactly what you need, and we even have some choices we suggest.

The 4×4 Crew Cab Laramie is by far the most popular model. Most go with the Cummins diesel engine, especially those looking for something with great towing power, but if that is not a priority for you, we suggest going with the HEMI V8. This truck is more efficient around town or in the city streets but still offers enough towing power and hauling capacity to accommodate your needs with the help of its eight-speed automatic transmission. This configuration is popular for good reasons, and we suggest you consider it.

You may also choose to go for the complete Off-Road Package and get hill descent control, Bilstein shock absorbers, and a skid plate. Customize your truck further to the dream monster you’ve always wanted to have. If off-roading is your thing, though, then we suggest you go with the Power Wagon trim. It is, no questions asked, the most capable and most reliable truck off the road thanks to its electronically disconnecting front anti-roll bar that gives you greater suspension articulation. It also comes with a WARN winch that has a kink-resistant synthetic line plus a 360-degree camera to help you navigate through even the roughest terrain. This trim is undoubtedly the best for off-roaders.

Overall, there are so many options for packages, configurations, and trims that will ensure you and other drivers alike get what you need from the truck. So once you figure out exactly what it is that you need, you will be able to choose a 2020 Ram 2500 that fits those needs. The Ram 2500 is one of the most configurable and best trucks on the market, and there is no denying it.