The Dodge Ram 2500 is a stout, heavy duty truck which was built for work and everything else life throws at it. The Ram 2500 received a name change for the 2011 model year, when parent company Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (now known as Stellantis) spun Ram trucks off into their own brand. 2011-2023 models are listed separately, with Ram as the make and 2500 as the model.

Like its Ram-branded descendant, the Dodge Ram 2500 competed with the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, the GMC Sierra 2500HD, and the Ford F-250 Super Duty.

Generations: Three

Dodge Ram 2500 1st Generation
Dodge Ram 2500 2nd Generation
Dodge Ram 2500 3rd Generation

Pros: Standout styling, Powerful engine offerings
Cons: Club Cab and Quad Cab don’t offer much rear-seat space, Few bed/cab configurations compared to rivals from Chevy and Ford

Dodge Ram 2500 Third Generation (2010)

One year after the Dodge Ram 1500 was redesigned, the 2500 underwent a similar overhaul. It received significant interior and exterior styling updates, resulting in a more sophisticated and comfortable work site powerhouse with a massive, functional cabin.

There are three cab configurations: Regular Cab, Crew Cab, and the palatial Mega Cab. The Regular Cab comes with an 8-foot bed. The Crew Cab and Mega Cab can be had with either an 8-foot bed or a 6-foot bed. Shoppers can find the Ram 2500 in five trim levels: ST, SLT, the off-road-capable TRX, the off-road monster Power Wagon, and the upscale Laramie.

The standard engine for all these trims is a 5.7-liter V8 which makes 383 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. It routes power through a five-speed automatic transmission. The Ram 2500 is available with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). There is also a turbodiesel Cummins inline-six that makes 350 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. This engine is available on all but the Ram 2500 Power Wagon.

The gas V8 can tow up to 13,450 pounds when properly equipped, and it can haul up to 3,160 pounds of payload in the bed. The Cummins diesel helps the Ram 2500 pull an impressive 17,600 pounds with RWD. Selecting a 2500 equipped with 4WD will drop your towing specs, but you’ll get a convenient, on-demand four-wheel-drive system. It features low-range gearing and auto-locking hubs. In the ST trim, the low-range gearing is manually selected, while in SLT, TRX, and Laramie trims, it is an automatic selection.

The base ST regular cab trim comes equipped with 17-inch steel wheels, vinyl upholstery, tilt-telescoping steering wheel, and a trailer hitch with wiring. It also features a six-speaker stereo, air conditioning, and auxiliary engine and transmission cooling. The Crew Cab version of the ST comes with power locks, power windows, a split-folding rear bench, and heated side mirrors.

The SLT with the Regular Cab upgrades the upholstery from vinyl to cloth. It also adds floor mats, Satellite radio, and cruise control. The TRX offers premium cloth upholstery, a digital driver display, keyless entry, and forged aluminum wheels. The range-topping Ram 2500 Laramie features 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, a universal garage door opener, power-adjustable front seats, driver memory settings, simulated woodgrain interior accents, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. It also includes USB and Bluetooth connectivity.

The Power Wagon comes standard with four-wheel drive and is geared at off-road use. Other trail-ready features include a beefed-up suspension, front-mounted winch, and locking front and rear differentials.

Options on the Ram 2500 include skid plates, voice-activated navigation, a limited-slip rear differential, and various axle ratios. This truck came out before the advent of loaded touchscreen infotainment systems with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the Crew Cab and Mega Cab versions of the SLT, TRX, and Laramie trims were available with other passenger-friendly options like a sunroof and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system.

Safety features include four-wheel antilock brakes, stability control, daylight-sensing headlights, and a pre-collision safety system. TRX and higher trims come equipped with an anti-theft alarm, rear parking sensors, fog lights, and turn signals integrated into the side mirrors.

Owners generally love the 2010 Ram 2500 for its then-advanced styling. The cabin was a huge improvement over its predecessor. The 2500 did not enjoy the same comfortable ride as its 1500 counterpart. With an eye on towing and hauling, the ride is rough, as is maneuverability. But overall, the 2010 Dodge Ram 2500 is an incredibly capable workhorse, designed for whatever you can throw at it.

Dodge Ram 2500 Second Generation (2003-2009)

The Dodge Ram 2500 was redesigned for the 2003 model year, but it retained the big-rig design philosophy that it carries to this day. It was offered in Quad Cab and Regular Cab styles and ST, SLT, and Laramie trims. The base engine is a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 putting out 345 horsepower. Buyers can also select a Cummins diesel inline-six, making 250 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque.

The previously available Magnum V10 engine was dropped from the engine lineup for the 2004 model year. The inline-six Cummins turbodiesel was now offered with an automatic transmission (you could only get it with a manual before 2003). Bluetooth connectivity was offered for the first time, as was a navigation system. For 2004, the Laramie package offered some new styling tweaks, and there was a newly available Off-Road package.

A Power Wagon trim was introduced for the 2005 model year. It boasted electronically locking front and rear differentials, ensuring enhanced capability in more settings. It also boasts a lifted suspension and 33-inch off-road tires. A power sunroof and satellite radio were available options.

For 2006, there were a number of styling tweaks to the Ram 2500. This year also saw the introduction of the Mega Cab, which was even larger than the crew cab. It provides an incredible 142.2 cubic feet of passenger space. For this model year, the top-end towing performers ranged between 12,000 and 14,000 pounds, depending on configuration.

The 2006 Dodge Ram 2500 is praised by owners for its powerful standard V8 engine and its impressive cabin space. Mega Cab excepted, some owners said it could have used some more rear-seat legroom.

For 2007, the Ram 2500 receives a new 6.7-liter turbodiesel inline six-cylinder engine. It makes 350 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. This new diesel engine replaces the 5.9 Cummins diesel engine of prior years. Because of the late availability of this engine, some 2007 Ram 2500 examples do come equipped with the older 5.9 Cummins. If you do find the 6.7, it comes with a six-speed automatic transmission, replacing the older four-speed automatic.

The standard engine in the 2500 continues to be the 345-horsepower 5.7-liter Hemi V8, routing power to six-speed manual or optional five-speed automatic. For 2007, the Ram 2500 also gains an exhaust brake. Inspired by the exhaust brakes in semi-trucks, it is designed to improve power and efficiency. The only other change for 2007 is a new optional remote start feature across the line.

In 2008, the SXT trim joins the Dodge Ram 3500 lineup. Slotted between the ST and SLT, it is a slightly elevated work truck, adding a CD player, air conditioning, remote entry, and a chrome bumper. The SLT features cruise control and a trip computer, while the Laramie offers power leather seats, power pedals, and a six-CD player. For 2008, the Laramie gets wood accents. A Power Wagon trim is aimed at off-road performance, with skid plates, all-terrain tires, electronic front and rear locking differential and sway bar, and a 12,000-pound winch.

Other additions include a standard tire monitor, larger 7 x 10-inch trailer mirrors, and an electronic shift transfer case for both the SLT and Laramie 4x4s.

The standard engine remains the 345-hp, 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with a choice of six-speed manual or five-speed automatic. It excels in towing capability, topping 13,000 pounds. An optional 352-hp, 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel makes the 2500 the only heavy-duty pickup truck to meet 2010 federal low emissions standards. It is paired with a six-speed automatic and has a towing capacity of 15,600 pounds. All trims are available in either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. Owners love the towing power, durability, and smooth transmission of the 2008 Dodge Ram 2500. Interior comfort is also praised, though the step-in height can be tricky. Poor fuel economy is the most notable complaint, with some mention of a bumpy ride and a tendency for rear-wheel skidding. The 2009 Dodge Ram 2500 sees virtually no changes from 2008.

Dodge Ram 2500 First Generation (1993-2002)

The Dodge Ram name dates back to 1980, but the 2500 first arrived with the new “big-rig” style Dodge Ram family. Buyers could select ST, LT, SLT, and Laramie trims, all in the regular-cab configuration, with either short or long beds. The 2500 came equipped with a 5.2-liter V8 making 220 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. A Cummins turbo inline-six was also available, putting out 120 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque.

For 1994, the single-cab configuration remained, but buyers could not opt for a Sport trim with unique styling. A 5.9-liter V8 was now offered, putting out 230 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque.

In 1995, torque for the Cummins was increased to 430 lb-ft. The same year, a Club Cab, which is a basic extended cab, was added to the lineup. Fog lights were added to the Sport package and an Infiniti CD player was offered as part of an upgraded audio system. Torque for the turbodiesel powertrain was again increased in 1996, to 440 pound-feet. Changes in 1997 were minimal.

1998 saw the introduction of the Quad Cab to the 2500, adding four full doors. The interior on all 2500 models was redesigned. For 1999, the Sport model received some slight design updates. In 2000, the suspension was redesigned for improved ride quality. The 8-foot bed was discontinued from the Club Cab model.