2026 Ram 2500

The 2026 Ram 2500 is one of our favorite heavy-duty trucks thanks to its brawny engine options, high towing and payload capacities, and relatively smooth and quiet ride. The 2500 just got a big update for 2025, which included a new version of the venerable 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel engine tuned to 430 horsepower and a Herculean 1,075 lb-ft of torque. An available 14.5-inch touchscreen running the latest Uconnect infotainment software was also added to the options list. The Ram 2500 is available in many trim levels, ranging from the basic Tradesman work truck to the luxurious Limited and Limited Longhorn models.

Edmunds spotlight: Which Ram HD is right for you?

Ram's two heavy-duty models, the Ram 2500 and 3500 (reviewed separately), are both highly capable trucks. The 2500 can tow a decent amount and handle large payloads and still be drivable every day. The 3500, on the other hand, is designed for the toughest jobs, with higher max towing and payload figures than the 2500. The 3500 is also available with dual rear wheels, which help distribute the load and increase towing capacity.

Competitors to consider

There are only a handful of HD trucks on the market, so the updated Ram 2500's main rivals are the usual suspects: the Ford F-250 Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD and GMC Sierra 2500HD. The Ford offers an optional 7.3-liter gas V8, which makes more power and torque than the Ram's 6.4-liter V8. It also has an available high-output 6.7-liter turbodiesel V8 that makes an incredible 1,200 lb-ft of torque. GM's heavy-duty twins also offer a turbodiesel V8, though it doesn't pass the 1,000-lb-ft mark. GMC has the high-end Denali and Denali Ultimate trim levels, which use more upscale materials and give the higher trims of the Ram 2500 a run for their money.

The Ram 2500 continues to be one of our favorites in the heavy-duty truck category. Its blend of performance, comfort and everyday drivability makes it an excellent choice if you need more capability than a half-ton pickup can deliver.