Each of the Ram 2500's ten trims offers their own amenities and capabilities. Predictably, the more expensive the trim, the more included features and offerings, and these higher-end options deliver some of the most impressive specs in the segment.
"Ram maintains leadership in all three pickup segments offering best-in-class fuel efficiency, best-in-class towing, best-in-class power and best-in-class payload," said Bob Hegbloom the President and CEO of Ram Truck Brand. "Ram continues to break records in the most important consumer-driven titles of the pickup truck market and we're not slowing down."
We're going to focus on the 2500's most expensive trims, which include powerful engines, interior features, and mechanic revamps. After reading our guide (and before visiting a Dodge Ram dealer), you'll get a better understanding of which trim you should be opting for when you ultimately purchase the Ram 2500...
Regarded as "The Best Toolbox...and The Best Tool," the Power Wagon Laramie trim comes in at a still-reasonable $57,580. Sure, the price tag may eclipse all of the other Ram 2500 trims, but the Laramie is certainly deserving of that honor.
The vehicle includes the "legendary" 6.4-liter V8 Mid Duty HEMI MDS engine, which can pump out 410 horsepower and 429 pounds-feet of torque. This results in an incredible 10,030-pound towing capacity and 1,510-pound max payload. Of course, there are several other mechanical features that will help transform the ride, including the front disconnecting stabilizer bar, the Tru-Lok front and rear axles, the electric winch, and (of course) the 17-inch aluminum wheels with all-terrain tires.
While each of the Ram 2500s include some sort of version of the UConnect System, you know you'll be getting the best possible experience with the Power Wagon Laramie. The system includes the 8.4-inch touchscreen, the largest possible offering from the brand.
The trim is offered in 12 different color options: Brilliant Black, Bright Silver Metallic, Black Forest Green Pearl Coat, Blue Streak Pearl Coat, Delmonico Red, Flame Red, Maximum Steel Metallic, Granite Crystal Metallic, True Blue Pearl Coat, and Luxury Brown Pearl Coat.
The Ram 2500 may be a bit less expensive than the Power Wagon Limited, but that doesn't mean it's any less capable. The pickup actually offers what is arguably the most impressive engine: the 5.7-liter Hemi V8. The vehicle delivers 383 horsepower and 400 pounds-feet of torque, and due to the Variable Valve Timing technology, you can expect some excellent fuel economy. These factors help play a role in the 17,510-pound max towing capacity and the 3,610-poound payload.
The vehicle also includes a number of special amenities that will make the driving experience easier and more comfortable. It starts with the heated Natura Plus Full Leather Front and Rear Seats, which also help add an air of luxury to your truck. The wheel-to-wheel side steps will allow passengers to more easily enter your vehicle, and you'll all be able to enjoy the truck's stereo system with the impressive nine Alpine speakers.
In regards to safety, engineers also added automatic high-beam control headlamps, which will adjust when you're driving in a dark, hard-to-see area. Meanwhile, the rain-sensitive windshield wipers will automatically activate when moisture is detected. Finally, the Remote Keyless Enter 'N Go assures that you'll be the only person accessing all of the Limited's capabilities.
The vehicle is available in seven color options: Brilliant Black, Bright Silver Metallic, Pearl White, Delmonico Red, Maximum Steel Metallic, Granite Crystal Metallic, and True Blue Pearl Coat.
You'll be eyeing a number of interior amenities if you opt for the Laramie Longhorn trim. The pickup includes a premium real wood accent interior, a stylish addition that helps transform your cabin. You'll also get the UConnect System 8.4 NAV with the 8.4-inch touchscreen, which can be supplemented by the standard nine Alpine Speakers. Best of al is the dual-zone automatics temperature control, which allows the drivers and passengers to customize the vehicle's temperatures to their specific zone.
Besides the previously-mentioned 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine, the Laramie Longhorn also featured bifunctional projector headlamps and the ParkSense front-rear park assist system (an appreciated feature for those who struggle to park). The vehicle is available in ten ordinary colors (Brilliant Black, Bright Silver Metallic, Pearl White, Black Forest Green Pearl Coat, Delmonico Red, Flame Red, Maximum Steel Metallic, Granite Crystal Metallic, True Blue Pearl, and Luxury Brown Pearl Coat), but it's also available in a variety of two-color options. These include Brilliant Black/Tan, Pearl White/Tan, Black Forest Green Pearl Coat/Tan, Delmonico Red/Tan, and Luxury Brown Pearl Coat/Tan.
The most affordable of the plus-$50,000 2500 trims, the vehicle's engineers were clearly focused on producing a vehicle that could produce some serious power. That was indicative of the 6.4-liter Hemi V8, which results in a 10,0300-pound towing capacity and a 1,510-pound max payload. Other mechanical features help improve the truck's drivability, like the electric winch, the front disconnecting stabilizer bar, the Tru-Lok front and rear axles, and the 4.10 axle ratio. Similar to before, the pickup also includes the 17-inch aluminum wheels with all-terrain tires.
The crew cab comes with the Remote Keyless Entry with AllSecure, and it's available in nine color options (Brilliant Black, Bright Silver Metallic, Bright White, Blue Streak Pearl Coat, Delmonico Red, Flame Red, Maximum Steel Metallic, Granite Crystal Metallic, and True Blue Pearl Coat). Of course, the exterior will also feature the familiar "Power Wagon" stickering and accompanying flames.
Power Wagon Tradesman ($46,560)
Outdoorsman ($46,420)
Laramie ($46,440)
Big Horn ($41,855)
SLT ($35,755)
Tradesman ($31,780)
"Our 2016 Ram Trucks own pertinent, functional titles while delivering award-winning interiors and exclusive features that entice customers," said Mike Cairns, the Director of Ram Truck Engineering.' That sentiment couldn't be truer, and a big reason for Ram's award-winning style and designs can be attributed to the features and amenities that are included in the brand's various trims. As you've read, each of the 2500 options enhances the pickup, transforming an already-great truck into one of the best in the class.