2025 Ram HD Trucks Keep Hemi V8 Alive Plus A New Cummins Diesel
With the half-ton Ram 1500 getting a mid-cycle update for 2025MY, it’s time for the full-fledged Ram 2500 and 3500 workhorse lineup for a major update. The Ram Heavy Duty trucks’ revamp for the new year keeps the Hemi V8 engine alive, plus the Cummins inline-six diesel engine – which the American automaker claims 70% of its customers prefer – has been reworked for more power and relative torque.
2024 Ram 2500
- Base MSRP
- $47,740
- Engine
- 6.4L V8 Gas | 6.7L Turbo I6 Diesel
- Horsepower
- 410 hp (V8) | 370 hp (I6 Diesel)
2024 Ram 3500
- Base MSRP
- $49,980
- Engine
- 6.4L V8 Gas | 6.7L I6 Turbodiesel
- Horsepower
- 410 hp (V8) | 370 hp (I6 Diesel) | 420 hp (High-Output I6 Diesel)
After getting booted from the 2025 Ram 1500 lineup, the 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine carries on for the 2025 2500 and 3500 lineups with 405 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque. This mill is paired to a TorqueFlite HD 8-speed automatic transmission via a new electronic column shifter. The maximum payload capacity for V8-powered Ram HD trucks is 7,590 lbs, but much of the powertrain updates are found on the diesel-equipped models.
Quicker And More Powerful, But There’s A Trade-Off
Ram HD Trucks Specs For 2025MY | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine | 6.4-Liter Hemi V8 | 6.7-Liter Cummins High-Output Turbo Diesel |
Transmission | TorqueFlite HD 8-speed AT | TorqueFlite HD 8-speed AT |
Power | 405 hp | 430 hp |
Torque | 429 lb-ft | 1,075 lb-ft |
Available on all Ram HD trucks, the 6.7-liter Cummins High-Output Turbo Diesel engine has been reworked to produce 420 hp and 1,075 lb-ft of torque. Power output has been increased by a mere 10 hp, while the torque figure is retained. However, Ram claims that the TorqueFlite HD 8-speed AT can maximize this in every gear, resulting in a 70% increase in torque delivery. The update to the Cummins diesel on the 2025 Ram 2500 also results in a quicker 0-60 mph time of 6.9 seconds (versus the outgoing model’s 8.0 seconds) – not that it matters, but sure, why not.
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However, there’s a tiny trade-off for the reworked diesel setup. The new transmission, which has been upgraded from an aging 6-speed Aisin automatic, and the new fuel-efficient 3.42 rear axle ratio, mean 36,610 lbs of maximum towing capacity. That’s a 480-lb deficit from before – not a huge drawback and still better than the similarly specced Ford Super Duty and Chevrolet Silverado HD counterparts. The 2025 Ram 3500 Heavy Duty maximum gooseneck and conventional hitch maximum trailer weight ratings are 36,610 pounds and 23,000 pounds, respectively.
Enhanced Design Inside And Out
The 2025 Ram Heavy Duty trucks get updated grille designs depending on the trim level. Each truck comes standard with LEDs, with optional premium LED twin bi-functional projectors. Other exterior enhancements include fresh wheel designs and new standard incandescent taillamps. Premium LED taillights with Blind-Spot Monitoring are available in select trims.
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The Uconnect 5 system for the 2025 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks is now five times faster than before, with a new 14.5-inch touchscreen display available. There’s also a segment-first 10.25-inch passenger screen with three major functions: co-pilot (navigation, device management), entertainment (via HDMI) and the ability to view the exterior vehicle cameras.
New Features Available For The Entire Range
The 2025 Ram HD lineup gets a slew of driver-assist tech features available, including dual wireless phone charging, enhanced Lane Keep Assist, fully digital rearview mirror with tow mode, power telescoping trailer tow mirrors, trailer reverse steering control, and an on-board power inverter that offers up to 2.4 kW with two covered outlets located inside the bed. Other standard safety features include adaptive cruise control, Forward Collision Warning-Plus, ParkSense front/rear park assist (Big Horn). New Drowsy Driver Detection, Traffic Sign Recognition, and Active Lane Management.
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The Mexico-built 2025 Ram HD trucks retain the current trim lineup: Tradesman, Big Horn/Lone Star, Laramie, Rebel, Power Wagon, Limited Longhorn, and Limited. They will arrive in dealerships during the first quarter of 2025. The Ram 2500 will start at $47,560, while the Ram 3500 will have a starting sticker price of $48,565, with both figures having destination and handling fees included.