The 2023 Ram 2500 continues the heavy-duty truck's positioning as a competent rival to the famed Ford F-250 Super Duty and GMC Sierra 2500HD. With three cabin styles - Regular, Crew, and Mega - as well as two bed lengths, it is a highly customizable work vehicle that can be powered by either a V8 gas or inline-six diesel engine, making up to 370 horsepower and 850 lb-ft of torque in the case of the latter. This classification is one of the most popular in the automotive industry, but Ram has not tried to one-up its competitors by increasing its 20,000-pound towing capacity. Instead, the pickup is benefiting from several new technologies for the latest model year. This may be a smart move since the Ram 2500 is only slightly behind in terms of practicality and is arguably one of the best heavy-duty trucks currently in production.
Most of the changes to the new 2023 Ram 2500 pickup truck are focused on improving the cabin or driving ease. However, there is a new Rebel trim for those who want to experience a bit of off-road adventure. It features a unique suspension, skid plates, and an electronically locking rear differential. A 12-inch frameless digital gauge cluster is now available, along with a new digital rearview mirror with side camera integration. This is on top of enhancements to the current camera systems, including the blind-spot monitor. Trailer Reverse Steering Control is now available, making it easier to guide and control the trailer when backing up. New trailer tow mirrors are now available, and the Laramie and Limited trims can now be equipped with a Mopar sport performance hood.
There are a lot of trims to choose from in various configurations, so the price of the 2023 Ram 2500 can vary significantly. Starting from the cheapest model, the Tradesman is priced at $44,675, the Lone Star at $49,205 (available only in Texas), and the Big Horn at the same $49,205. From there, it is a big jump up to the $62,005 Laramie. The Rebel's base price of $66,125 is slightly deceiving as it can't be specified without the 20-inch black diamond-cut aluminum wheels that tack on another $995 to the price. Following this is the Power Wagon at $68,425, while the Limited Longhorn and Limited top out the range at $72,475 and $76,345, respectively. However, at the time of writing, the two top trims could only be specced with the Cummins turbodiesel engine that adds another $9,695 to the price.
From the Rebel upwards, 4WD is standard, but the lower levels add $2,930 to the bill when upgrading from RWD. These prices for the new Ram 2500 are MSRP and do not include the $1,895 destination charge in the USA.
See trim levels and configurations:
Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Price (MSRP) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Tradesman |
6.4L V8 Gas
|
8-Speed Automatic
|
Rear-Wheel Drive
Four-Wheel Drive
|
$46,050 |
Lone Star |
6.4L V8 Gas
|
8-Speed Automatic
|
Rear-Wheel Drive
Four-Wheel Drive
|
$50,580 |
Big Horn |
6.4L V8 Gas
|
8-Speed Automatic
|
Rear-Wheel Drive
Four-Wheel Drive
|
$50,580 |
Laramie |
6.4L V8 Gas
|
8-Speed Automatic
|
Rear-Wheel Drive
Four-Wheel Drive
|
$63,480 |
Longhorn |
6.4L V8 Gas
6.7L Turbo Inline-6 Gas
|
6-Speed Automatic
8-Speed Automatic
|
Rear-Wheel Drive
Four-Wheel Drive
|
$68,755 |
Nimble driving is not something you'll find behind the wheel of a large pickup truck like the Ram 2500, but that doesn't mean they have to be uncomfortable. To help keep all that hurtling metal under control, steering is light and responses are quick, but once you get up to speed, the feeling gets rather numb, and responses are a little slower.
While on the move, ride comfort is really good for a truck, which only gets smoother as you load up the bed and cabin. But the truck isn't only comfortable around the city. In Power Wagon and Rebel guise, the lifted suspension and locking differential ensure that it always maintains its footing on looser surfaces, and these trims also come standard with four-wheel drive. If you don't intend on using these more rugged capabilities, then you may want to consider the rear air suspension upgrade for almost luxury levels of comfort.
The Cummins turbodiesel engine is popular but is held back by its old-school six-speed automatic, whereas the standard 410-hp V8 is perfectly capable and comes with a better eight-speed auto transmission.
Any review of the Ram 2500 should end with a conclusion that it is a pretty great pickup. True, it isn't the class leader in terms of workhorse capabilities, but it comes pretty darn close, all while providing a far more premium driving experience than many rivals. You may not think so looking at its rugged exterior, but the Ram truck is plushly appointed inside and offers some of the most up-to-date tech, though you do often have to pay extra for the best features. Several body configurations and a choice of two engines across a number of trim levels give buyers all the choice they could need to find the perfect truck for their needs, and while the Ford Super Duty may still reign supreme, the Ram 2500 is a solid alternative in this segment.
The best truck for you will depend on your motivation for buying a heavy-duty pickup truck. If you're after extreme workhorse capabilities, a model with the Regular Cab and eight-foot cargo box will be your best bet. Using the turbodiesel engine will help you unlock the maximum 20,000-pound towing capacity. The Laramie is the best-equipped model that allows for this configuration. If you intend to do more off-roading, then the new Rebel or Power Wagon are prime options thanks to their superior off-roading abilities. The Limited Longhorn and Limited are quite luxurious for trucks, but you have to pay much more for the privilege.
The most popular competitors of 2023 Ram 2500: