The world of full-size 1500-series pickup trucks is among the most popular in North America. However, once you step into the heavy-duty segment—2500 and 3500 models—the target audience becomes far more specialized. Their needs operate on an entirely different level. For decades, the battle between the three American giants has been relentless, and Ram updated its heavy-duty arsenal in 2025.

Pros:

Impressive capability
High-quality cabin layout
Wide range of trims

Cons:

Very high ownership costs
Fuel consumption
Still inconsistent reliability

Making a Statement Through Size

I have to admit, I find Ram trucks to be the most visually appealing in their segment. I appreciate the aggressive and assertive front-end design. In fact, most of the updates introduced last year focused on the front fascia, including redesigned headlights and a revised grille. Beyond that, it remains familiar territory.

2026 Ram 2500 Laramie Cummins (Picture by Luc-Olivier Chamberland)

The Ram 2500 lineup is split into nine trim levels: Tradesman, Big Horn, Black Express, Warlock, Laramie, Rebel, Limited, Limited Longhorn, and the off-road-focused Power Wagon. For this test, I drove the Laramie, which strikes a balanced middle ground. At this level, buyers can choose between a Crew Cab or, for those seeking limousine-like rear space, the Mega Cab. As for the bed, two options are available: a standard 6-foot-4 box or an 8-foot box.

To enhance the look of my truck, it featured the Sport package priced at $2,495, which includes a body-colour grille—in this case, Granite Crystal Metallic, a $595 option. Add to that 20-inch satin chrome wheels, decorative decals, and a sportier hood with air vents. The finishing touch for a true heavy-duty truck: a set of roof marker lights.

A High-End Cabin

You can say many things about Stellantis, but when it comes to interiors—especially in the American style—it knows what it’s doing. Unsurprisingly, the layout mirrors what we find in the 1500 series. The test model featured nearly full black leather upholstery with contrasting grey stitching and piping. The design is understated but matches the exterior colour well. Very refined.

A Visual Showcase

The 12-inch digital instrument cluster is flawless. The number of display configurations and the amount of information available are impressive. Nothing is missing, and the graphics are modern and easy to read. The steering wheel is massive—appropriate given the size of the truck—and features large, well-spaced controls, a smart touch especially when working with gloves.

The Usual Trouble

The Uconnect infotainment system is very user-friendly. When it works, it works well—but unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for it to slow down or freeze entirely. This happened four times during my test week. Sadly, this isn’t the first time I’ve encountered such issues with Uconnect. Given how long this system has been around, it should have been resolved by now—it’s no longer a growing pain. Thankfully, there is redundancy with physical controls for climate and audio.

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The centre console is simply brilliant. It features two levels accessible via a sliding tray. The storage space is impressive every time. In this regard, Ram delivers a flawless execution—it’s practical and functional. That said, the presence of coin storage still makes me laugh… this isn’t 1970 anymore.

Oversized Seats

The seats are huge. At 188 cm and over 200 pounds, even I find them too large. I understand the “La-Z-Boy” philosophy, but a bit more support and adjustability would be welcome. While they offer little lateral support in corners, they remain very comfortable on long drives.

In the rear, it’s just as impressive. Not necessarily because of the equipment, but because of the space. You can literally stretch out completely. The cabin design makes measurements almost irrelevant—and I had the standard Crew Cab… imagine the Mega Cab. However, despite the generous space, the rear seatback is not adjustable. The bench does fold up, revealing a practical flat load floor for large items.

The Beast

The Ram 2500 lineup offers two engine options—both brutes. Naturally, in either case, fuel costs will be significant. The base engine is a 6.4-litre HEMI V8 producing 405 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque. However, the test model was equipped with the optional 6.7-litre inline-six turbodiesel from Cummins, delivering 430 horsepower and an impressive 1,075 lb-ft of torque. This option costs $12,995… ouch. For comparison, GM’s Duramax is $10,995, while Ford’s Power Stroke starts at $11,725.

This setup is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, a 3.42 axle ratio, and a conventional 4×4 system. This configuration allows for a towing capacity just under 20,000 lb (9,072 kg), while payload capacity reaches 3,600 lb (1 633 kg). The Ram 2500 is clearly built for serious work.

As always in the truck world, given the vast number of trims, engines, and configurations, it’s crucial to do your homework before choosing your vehicle.

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In this segment, high fuel consumption is expected, and I wasn’t disappointed, averaging 14.5 L/100 km without load or towing. Naturally, the heavier the load, the higher the consumption. Engine performance is impressive, with strong acceleration—but beware of rear-wheel slip when unloaded. The transmission pairing is particularly effective.

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What to Watch

Official data from Transport Canada highlights a trend for the Ram 2500: mechanical components are not the primary issue, but rather a series of electronic and critical system failures that have led to multiple recalls between 2019 and 2026. So far there are 37 recalls on the 2500.

Electronic issues are the most common. Several recalls involve the digital instrument cluster and control modules. In some cases, the display may go blank or fail to show essential information such as speed or system status.

Active and passive safety systems are also among the most concerning areas. Recalls have been issued for failures in the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC), which can disable airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), and seatbelt pretensioners—compromising occupant safety in a crash.

Towing-related systems are not immune either. Transport Canada has identified failures in trailer control modules that can affect trailer lights or braking systems.

Mechanically, issues are less frequent but still notable. Cases of transmission fluid leaks have been reported, with potential fire risks if the fluid contacts hot surfaces. Diesel models have also seen recalls related to fuel system components.

Fortunately, reliability improves with each generation. Still, this segment remains expensive to maintain, especially with a turbodiesel engine.

Conclusion

The Ram 2500 is a true beast. Built for work, it’s clearly not for everyone. Its extreme capabilities make it ideal for hauling loads well beyond the average. Buyers in this segment know exactly what they need. Considering the high price—my test model exceeded $120,000—it’s essential to carefully select the right options, especially given the extensive list available.


Model	RAM 2500 HD	Ford F-250 Super Duty	Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD
Price range	60 140-97 185$	69 684-108 400$	72 225-103 925$
Versions	9	5	6
Engine choice	2	4	2
Standard engine	V8 6.4 liters	V8 6.8 liters	V8 6.6 liters
Power	405 HP	405 HP	401 HP
Torque	429 lb-ft	445 lb-ft	464 lb-ft
Turbodiesel	V8 6,7 liters	V8 6,7 liters	V8 6.6 liters
Power	430 HP	475-500 HP	470 HP
Torque	1075 lb-ft	1 050-1 200 lb-ft	975 lb-ft
Price TD	12 999 $	11 725-15 725 $	10 995 $
Transmission	AT8	AT10	AT10
Max payload	3 930 lb	4 235 lb	3 979 lb
Max Towing	20 000 lb	22 000 lb	22 050 lb