2020 Ram 2500 Review

　　

2020 Ram 2500 Review

byReese CountsVehicle Test Editor

　　Reese Counts has worked in the automotive industry since he started as an intern at zzdcar in 2015. He has written or edited thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Reese is a vehicle test editor at zzdcar and has also contributed to Autoblog. Reese has also been featured on Yahoo! Finance, Engadget and AOL reviewing cars and covering automotive technology, auto shows and more. Reese learned to drive in his father's C4 Chevrolet Corvette and now owns his grandfather's 1999 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG. A love for cars runs deep in his family.

　　The 2020 Ram 2500 stakes out a middle ground between the light-duty Ram 1500 and the extra-strength Ram 3500. It's available in a wide variety of cab, bed, engine and drivetrain configurations, meaning that if you're in the market for a heavy-duty truck, there's likely a Ram 2500 for you. Updates for 2020 are minor, but the truck was redesigned last year and still feels plenty fresh.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Ram 2500 Tradesman 2dr Regular Cab LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of N/A undefined in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　Not Available  for 2500 Tradesman

　　2500 Tradesman

　　Tradesman 2dr Regular Cab LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $33,895 MSRPTradesman 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $36,795 MSRPTradesman 4dr Crew Cab SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $37,450 MSRPTradesman 4dr Crew Cab LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $37,650 MSRPTradesman 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) (Most Popular) - $40,350 MSRPTradesman 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $40,550 MSRPLone Star 2dr Regular Cab LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $37,895 MSRPLone Star 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $40,795 MSRPLone Star 4dr Crew Cab SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $42,350 MSRPLone Star 4dr Crew Cab LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $42,550 MSRPLone Star 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $45,250 MSRPLone Star 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $45,450 MSRPLone Star 4dr Mega Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $46,750 MSRPBig Horn 2dr Regular Cab LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $37,895 MSRPBig Horn 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $40,795 MSRPBig Horn 4dr Crew Cab SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $42,350 MSRPBig Horn 4dr Crew Cab LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $42,550 MSRPBig Horn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $45,250 MSRPBig Horn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $45,450 MSRPBig Horn 4dr Mega Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $46,750 MSRPLaramie 4dr Crew Cab SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $49,450 MSRPLaramie 4dr Crew Cab LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $49,650 MSRPLaramie 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $52,350 MSRPLaramie 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $52,550 MSRPLaramie 4dr Mega Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $53,850 MSRPPower Wagon 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $53,350 MSRPLonghorn 4dr Crew Cab SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $56,750 MSRPLonghorn 4dr Crew Cab LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $56,950 MSRPLonghorn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $59,650 MSRPLonghorn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $59,850 MSRPLonghorn 4dr Mega Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $61,150 MSRPLimited 4dr Crew Cab LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $61,450 MSRPLimited 4dr Crew Cab SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $61,750 MSRPLimited 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $64,350 MSRPLimited 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $64,650 MSRPLimited 4dr Mega Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $66,150 MSRP

　　vs

　　$233/mo

　　Avg. Large Truck

　　Major upgrades for this generation include more high-strength steel in the frame and aluminum body panels to reduce weight and improve fuel economy, higher towing and hauling capabilities, and an improved set of standard and optional safety features. The 2500 also borrowed the interior from the recently updated Ram 1500, which we've found to be the nicest in the class. Power comes from either a 6.4-liter gasoline V8 or a turbocharged 6.7-liter inline-six diesel engine.

　　Of course, the Ram 2500 has some competition. The Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD (and related GMC Sierra 2500HD) is all-new this year, and Ford has made a bunch of updates to its F-250 Super Duty. You won't go wrong with any of them, yet it's easy to recommend the Ram given its appealing mix of capability and refinement.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.9

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the 2500 drive? For such a massive rig, the Ram 2500 accelerates, handles and stops reasonably well. Full-throttle acceleration is gradual but totally adequate. Our 4WD test truck needed 8.3 seconds to cover 0-60 mph at the zzdcar test track, which is respectable for the segment. A simulated-panic stop from 60 mph took 140 feet — which is also an average distance for a heavy-duty truck.

　　Around corners, the steering feels appropriately light, but the handling limits are low. If you ignore the 2500's size, it's actually pretty drivable in the city. For off-road use, the available Power Wagon model has some serious off-road capability that most other heavy-duty trucks don't offer.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the 2500? Both the front and back seats of the Ram 2500 are extremely comfortable. The seats are well padded and well bolstered, and they have lots of adjustments. Soft-touch surfaces are nice for hands and elbows. And the ride on the highway is as good as you can expect in a 2500 — which is to say bumpy but not disturbing.

　　Climate control is operated via touchscreen and some button controls, but the touchscreen functions are hard to find. With the optional diesel powertrain, there's a lot of vibration coming up through the pedals and steering wheel as well as a constant drone on the highway — that's not completely unheard of for the class but still annoying.

　　

Interior

8.0/10

　　How’s the interior? From the basic, no-frills Tradesman to the top-trim Limited, the Ram 2500 has an appealing interior. The buttons and interior controls are laid out in a logical and easy-to-use manner, and there's enough space in every seating position for adults. Getting in and out isn't an issue thanks to the optional power-deployable side steps and big openings from all four doors. The only minor downside is the driving position, which some drivers might find too elevated.

　　

Technology

8.5/10

　　How’s the tech? The Ram's top-end 12.3-inch touchscreen is only rivaled by much more expensive luxury systems from Mercedes and Audi. The crisp, clear screen has an easy-to-learn organizational structure. But we also like the less expensive 8.4-inch touchscreen. Both of them offer easy access to your connected smartphone and voice controls that work well.

　　Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration operates seamlessly, and you'll find all the USB ports you could ask for. Those willing to spend extra for great sound can opt for an excellent 17-speaker premium stereo. Driver aids such as adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring are effective without being intrusive.

　　

Towing and Storage

8.5/10

　　How are the towing and storage? As you'd expect from a truck such as the Ram 2500, towing and hauling capability is massive. The available rear air suspension's exclusive kneeling function makes loading and trailer hookups easy. The Ram's maximum payload and towing capacities are impressive, even among the admittedly strong competition.

　　The Ram 2500's center console storage bin is huge, and the rear half of the cab has cavernous cargo capacity as well. If you're carrying kids, the ultra-wide back seat can easily hold three child seats, and the seat anchors are accessible.

　　

Fuel Economy

7.5/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? The EPA exempts heavy-duty trucks from fuel economy ratings. Depending on conditions and driving style, our test truck with the diesel engine ranged between 15 and 20 mpg, which is pretty respectable for a truck this big and capable.

　　

Value

7.5/10

　　Is the 2500 a good value? Ram is really leading the way, with impressive controls and high-quality materials that feel worthy of the price tag. The exterior body panels and add-on extras such as the bed cover are well put together, too. The Ram 2500 has similar warranty coverage to its main rivals from Chevy and Ford.

　　In this class, the sky's the limit when it comes to pricing. A Ram 2500 can easily crest $70,000, but so can a heavy-duty Ford or Chevy. Don't get too carried away with the options list and you should be fine.

　　

Wildcard

7.5/10

　　The Ram 2500 is a big truck with a big personality. It's one of the classiest trucks in the segment, yet it's still somehow intimidating as you see it driving down the road. But like other heavy-duty trucks, it's not exactly fun to drive on a daily basis, especially if you're on anything other than wide-open country roads.

　　

Which 2500 does zzdcar recommend?

It's hard to recommend one model given the number of configurations and the wide range of needs among heavy-duty truck shoppers. That said, the Big Horn/Lone Star trim comes with a good number of additional standard features for not much more money than the entry-level Tradesman.

　　

2020 Ram 2500 models

Whatever your needs, a heavy-duty truck such as the 2020 Ram 2500 probably has a configuration that will fit them. There are three cab styles, two bed lengths, and two powertrains to choose from. The Ram 2500 also comes in six trim levels: Tradesman, Big Horn/Lone Star, Laramie, Longhorn, Limited and Power Wagon.

　　Standard power comes from a 6.4-liter V8 (410 hp, 429 lb-ft of torque) paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Aside from the Power Wagon, every Ram 2500 also offers an available turbocharged 6.7-liter diesel six-cylinder engine (370 hp, 850 lb-ft) paired with a six-speed automatic. Four-wheel drive is optional on all but the Power Wagon, which comes with standard four-wheel drive.

　　The Tradesman is the most basic trim. Standard features include 17-inch steel wheels, air conditioning, a front bench with vinyl upholstery, a tilt-only steering wheel, Bluetooth, a USB port and a 5-inch touchscreen interface. Power windows and locks are standard on crew-cab models, as are power-adjustable heated mirrors.

　　The Big Horn (Lone Star for shoppers in Texas) adds chrome exterior trim, 18-inch steel wheels, an integrated trailer brake controller, remote locking and unlocking, a power-sliding rear window, remote ignition, cloth upholstery, carpeted floors, and an extra charge-only USB port.

　　The Laramie, Longhorn and Limited build off the Big Horn/Lone Star, adding more features, more chrome and more premium interior touches. Highlights, depending on the trim, include LED lighting, a 115-volt power outlet, power-folding auto-dimming mirrors, parking sensors, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable driver's seat, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a larger infotainment screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, and the RamBox cargo management system (includes bedside storage compartments, an adjustable bed divider and tie-downs).

　　Many features are available on lower trim levels as part of packages or as stand-alone options. Other key options include a load-leveling air suspension, tow mirrors, a cargo-view camera, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, a 360-degree surround-view parking camera, fifth-wheel trailer preparation and a sunroof.

　　Finally, there's the off-road-themed Power Wagon. It adds some visual flair and brings upgrades including all-terrain tires, off-road shock absorbers, tow hooks, skid plates, a manual transfer case, electronically locking differentials with a 4.10 axle ratio, hill descent control, an integrated front winch, and an electronic disconnect for the front stabilizer bar. The Power Wagon option package can also be added to a crew-cab Tradesman V8 4WD. You get all of the Power Wagon mechanical bits but none of the bodywork styling cues or graphics.

　　

2020 2500 Highlights

Type: Crew CabMega CabRegular CabCrew Cab

　　Trim: TradesmanLone StarBig HornLaramiePower WagonLonghornLimitedTradesman

　　

Base MSRP	$37,450
Engine Type	Gas
Seating	6 seats
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Max Towing Capacity	19,310 lbs.
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles