Redesigned 2019 Ram 2500 Features Big Power
Redesigned 2019 Ram 2500 Features Big Power and Capability Boosts
Consumer Reports has no financial relationship with advertisers on this site.
The all-new heavy-duty Ram 2500 was unveiled at the 2019 Detroit auto show with promises of industry-leading hauling and towing capabilities. The Ram 2500 competes with the other monsters of Detroit to steal the hearts of truck buyers. Most important, the new Ram 2500 will offer key advanced safety features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot warning on all versions. The Detroit truck battles are especially fierce, and the new Ram looks to set the bar even higher.
This is what we know so far.
Outside
The big Ram 2500 resembles its smaller 1500 sibling with its trademark bold grille and high stance. As before, the Ram is offered in two-door regular cab, four-door crew, and four-door “mega” cab, in either two- or four-wheel drive. And to enter the cabin, with all this ground clearance, means opting for the available running boards—or else bring a ladder. There’s no getting around the sheer enormity of this truck.
The popular Power Wagon trim is back, featuring a unique suspension, factory lift kit, locking front and rear differentials, and a 12,000-pound winch.
Inside
Like all heavy-duty truck manufacturers, Ram will offer the new 2500 in basic work trim as well as high-end versions filled with leather and wood trim. The company claims that the new 2500 is quieter, with various active noise-cancellation systems, and special acoustic glass. The Ram 2500 continues to offer the excellent Uconnect infotainment system, with an optional 12-inch fully configurable screen. As is the case with all of these monster trucks, the interior is huge and filled with useful cubbies and storage bins.
What Drives It
Truck buyers always want numbers: horsepower, torque, payload, and towing. Not to worry, there are some big numbers here. Both the 2500 and the 3500 have a standard gasoline powertrain—a 6.4-liter V8 that puts out 410 horsepower and 429 lb.-ft. of torque. Each is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Both the 2500 and the 3500 diesel engines are 6.7-liter inline six-cylinders, though their outputs differ, and each is matched with a six-speed automatic transmission.
The 2500 diesel has the low-output version, rated at 370 horsepower and 850 lb.-ft. of torque. Also, the maximum payload capacity for the 2500 is 4,050 pounds.
The 3500 diesel with the high-output engine has 400 horsepower and a stunning 1,000 lb.-ft. of torque.
When properly equipped, the automaker claims the Ram 2500 can tow up to 19,780 pounds, and the Ram 3500 can pull a maximum of 35,100 pounds.
It looks like the Ram will deliver hauling and towing capability in spades.
Safety & Driver Assist Systems
The new Ram 2500 and 3500 offer automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and blind spot warning on all trim lines.
CR’s Take
The ride in the last Ram 2500 we tested didn’t suffer from the stiff and snappy nature of typical HD trucks. Instead, it felt more comfortable and controlled. The automaker says the new Ram has an even better ride, but if buyers are expecting a ride as cushy as a light-duty Ram, well, forget it. And, as is the case of any pickup truck, potential suitors should honestly calculate what their needs are and try not to buy more truck than they need. Heavy-duty trucks can haul amazing loads, but driving them on a day-to-day basis can be tedious, especially when it comes to finding a parking space at the grocery store.
More from Consumer Reports:
Top pick tires for 2016
Best used cars for $25,000 and less
7 best mattresses for couples
Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. CR does not endorse products or services, and does not accept advertising. Copyright © 2019, Consumer Reports, Inc.
