Expectations for Ram HD Pickup Truck Engine in 2025

Photo Source: Ram

In March 2024, speculation that the 2025 Ram 2500/3500 Heavy Duty pickup trucks would alter their diesel powertrain strategy made the rounds. For years, Ram has offered a standard-output (S/O) Cummins Turbo Diesel engine on the Ram 2500 and 3500 and a high-output (H/O) version for the Ram 3500 model. From June 24-30, 2024, numerous sources within the company confirmed that those rumors were valid. 

Indeed, the automaker plans to simplify its Heavy Duty truck offerings with a single Cummins diesel option, made possible by  the upcoming ZF Powerline eight-speed automatic transmission. Expectations are high that this engine will exceed the performance specifications of the current high-output iteration, promising greater torque and power. This also means buyers will not need to step up to a 3500 to receive the most robust variant of the Cummins. On the other hand, Chassis Cab models are expected to continue with different power ratings to help ensure longevity for challenging endeavors.

Why is Ram Changing the Transmission to the ZF Powerline Eight-Speed Automatic?

As mentioned, the ZF Powerline eight-speed automatic will replace the current 68RFE and AS69RC Aisin six-speed automatic transmissions in the Ram Heavy Duty lineup. The Powerline was assembled specifically for heavy-duty commercial vehicles. This transmission is customized for a variety of applications such as leasing and rental fleets, school buses, distribution trucks, construction machinery, beverage trucks, utility trucks, refuse vehicles, and heavy-duty pickup trucks.

The Powerline’s fully integrated transmission control unit is a tribute to advanced engineering. For example, it showcases comfort strategies, a single central electrical connector with programmed adaptive shifting, and automatic skip shifting for a 30 percent improvement in acceleration. The transmission-mounted oil cooler, dual damper lock-up converter, and a significant reduction in weight compared to conventional six-speed transmissions contribute to a 10 percent boost in fuel efficiency while enhancing the driveline capacity.

A Refresh Awaits in 2025

As with the upgraded 2025 Ram 1500, the Ram Heavy Duty lineup will encounter a refresh for the 2025 model year. Recent spy photographs indicate that the pickup trucks will boast new tail lights, headlamps, a new front bumper design, and possibly new wheels on select models to round out the exterior modifications. The cabin is expected to add a 14.5-inch Uconnect 5 system on upper-level trims along with other relatively slight changes dotted throughout. 

That said, it is not yet known if the Heavy Duty pickups will use all of the Ram 1500’s technology, such as the passenger display, driving assist features, heads-up display (HUD), and massaging seats. That will likely depend on whether the trucks’ electrical systems are updated to Stellantis’ new Atlantis architecture.

Ram 2500/3500 Powertrain

The standard engine for the Ram 2500/3500 will remain the 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 (Big Gas Engine). Sources suggest that the 6.4-liter Hemi will get emissions upgrades in 2025. Nonetheless, it is unlikely that any alterations in torque or horsepower will be made. Along similar lines, the 2025 Ram Heavy Duty lineup will probably not incorporate the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter Hurricane inline-six engine. On the contrary, Stellantis will continue to depend on the notion that there is “no replacement for displacement.”

Prepare for New Ram HD Trucks at Miami Lakes Automall!

The pickup truck segment is rife with competition, so higher towing numbers, payloads, and output figures from the Cummins power plant would be unsurprising. Additionally, as these Ram trucks are due for a 2025 release and we are halfway through the year (2024), buyers should expect to see them very soon. 

If you are anticipating the arrival of new Ram 2500/3500 trucks, please come visit Miami Lakes Automall. We are all about helping our customers enjoy their shopping experience. We have a friendly and passionate sales team that will make your buying, leasing, or selling needs easy for any of our new vehicle inventory.