2021 Ram 2500 Review

　　

2021 Ram 2500 Review

byRyan ZumMallenContributor

　　Ryan ZumMallen has worked in the automotive industry since 2012. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Ryan has also contributed to Road & Track, Autoweek, Trucks.com and more. In 2019, Ryan published his first book, Slow Car Fast, on the millennial generation and its unique take on modern car culture.

　　The world of heavy-duty trucks is one of serious work and toughness — these massive pickups need to withstand the rigors of a work site over years of use. Typically, comfort and technology do not fit into the equation. The Ram 2500, however, is the exception to this rule. Since its debut in 2019, the latest version of the Ram 2500 has set new benchmarks for the class when it comes to ride smoothness, interior luxury and touchscreen size. Advanced driver assistance aids are on hand to improve safety on the road.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 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) - $34,095 MSRPTradesman 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $36,995 MSRPTradesman 4dr Crew Cab SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $37,650 MSRPTradesman 4dr Crew Cab LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $37,850 MSRPTradesman 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) (Most Popular) - $40,550 MSRPTradesman 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $40,750 MSRPLone Star 2dr Regular Cab LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $38,020 MSRPLone Star 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $40,920 MSRPLone Star 4dr Crew Cab SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $42,475 MSRPLone Star 4dr Crew Cab LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $42,675 MSRPLone Star 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $45,375 MSRPLone Star 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $45,575 MSRPLone Star 4dr Mega Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $46,875 MSRPBig Horn 2dr Regular Cab LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $38,020 MSRPBig Horn 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $40,920 MSRPBig Horn 4dr Crew Cab SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $42,475 MSRPBig Horn 4dr Crew Cab LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $42,675 MSRPBig Horn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $45,375 MSRPBig Horn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $45,575 MSRPBig Horn 4dr Mega Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $46,875 MSRPLaramie 4dr Crew Cab SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $49,635 MSRPLaramie 4dr Crew Cab LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $49,835 MSRPLaramie 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $52,535 MSRPLaramie 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $52,735 MSRPLaramie 4dr Mega Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $54,035 MSRPPower Wagon 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $53,535 MSRPLonghorn 4dr Crew Cab SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $57,080 MSRPLonghorn 4dr Crew Cab LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $57,180 MSRPLonghorn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $59,980 MSRPLonghorn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $60,180 MSRPLonghorn 4dr Mega Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $61,480 MSRPLimited 4dr Crew Cab LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $61,635 MSRPLimited 4dr Crew Cab SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $61,935 MSRPLimited 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $64,535 MSRPLimited 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $64,835 MSRPLimited 4dr Mega Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) - $66,335 MSRP

　　vs

　　$233/mo

　　Avg. Large Truck

　　The Ram 2500 is our top-rated choice for heavy-duty trucks based on its unique coil-spring suspension and powerful engine lineup. Since it's relatively new on the scene, there are few changes to the pickup for the 2021 model year. That's a good thing. The Ram 2500 provides an upscale interior that competitors are trying to catch up with, and its maximum towing and payload capacities are formidable across its many trims and configurations. This is a truck whose primary purpose is work, but it doesn't require you to suffer as a result. Read on for our full breakdown of the 2021 Ram 2500.

　　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?

One step up from the base model, the Big Horn (called the Lone Star for Texas buyers) provides impressive towing and hauling capabilities along with a strong set of standard features. It's a more comfortable Ram 2500 for everyday use than the no-frills Tradesman. If you're looking for a boost in capability, consider the Towing Technology Group package for upgraded mirrors, exterior lights and safety sensors.

　　

2021 Ram 2500 models

The Ram 2500 is available in seven distinct trim levels: Tradesman, Big Horn, Lone Star, Laramie, Limited Longhorn, Limited and the off-road-specific Power Wagon. The standard engine is a 6.4-liter V8 (410 horsepower, 429 lb-ft of torque), and a 6.7-liter turbodiesel six-cylinder (370 hp, 850 lb-ft) is optional on all trims except the Power Wagon. Four-wheel drive is optional on all trims except for the Power Wagon, which gets 4WD standard.

　　Tradesman

　　The base model offers a utilitarian interior and these standard features:

　　17-inch steel wheels Black bumpers, door handles and exterior mirrors Push-button start Tilt-adjustable steering wheel 3.5-inch driver information display 5-inch touchscreen Two USB ports 12-volt power outlet Bluetooth compatibility Air conditioning Front bench seat Four-way power adjustable driver's seat Vinyl upholstery Six-speaker sound system Class V receiver hitch Seven-pin wiring harnessStandard safety equipment includes:

　　Rearview camera Hill start assist Trailer sway damping (adjusts vehicle brakes to help control trailer movement if a trailer begins to sway)Available on all trims is the optional Safety Group package, which comes with:

　　Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Ram 2500 and the car in front) Blind-spot and cross-path detection (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing) Digital rearview mirror (allows you to see out the back even with a fully loaded cargo area) Forward collision warning (alerts you of a possible collision with the car in front) Lane keeping assist (steers the Ram 2500 back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)Big Horn/Lone Star

　　For a step up in comfort, it comes with the following:

　　18-inch wheels Acoustic front glass Body-colored door handles and bright bumpers Chrome-surround grille Cloth bench seat Carpeted floor, front and rear floor mats Center storage drawer Trailer brake controller Extended towing mirrorsLaramie

　　The Laramie requires a jump in price but takes the heavy-duty truck experience to another level:

　　LED foglights and taillights Aluminum wheels Chrome exterior mirrors 7-inch color driver information display 8.4-inch touchscreen Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration Eight-way power-adjustable front seats with two-way power lumbar support LED interior lighting Power-adjustable pedals and mirrors Heated steering wheel and front seats Leather steering wheel and seats Dual-zone climate control Nine-speaker sound system Dual gloveboxes Rear power-sliding window Front and rear parking sensors Front and rear 115-volt outlets 400-watt inverter Dampened tailgateLonghorn

　　A premium trim with luxury features such as:

　　LED projector headlights Chrome side steps Navigation Wi-Fi hotspot Wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel Ventilated front seats Heated second-row seats Premium leather seats Rear floor storage bins LED bed lighting Spray-in bedliner Remote tailgate release Tow hooksLimited

　　A top-of-the-line heavy-duty truck thanks to this equipment:

　　20-inch wheels Power-deploying running boards Upgraded interior trim and floor mats 12-inch touchscreen Wireless charging pad Blind-spot warning with cross-path detection Chrome tow hooks RamBox in-bed storage bins (short bed only)Power Wagon

　　This dedicated off-road variant offers rugged equipment such as:

　　Black exterior badging and fender flares Black headlight and taillight bezels Powder-coated front and rear bumpers 17-inch wheels with all-terrain tires Power-adjustable cloth bench seat Front and rear rubber floor mats Disconnecting front sway bar Hill descent control Performance-tuned shock absorbers Locking front and rear axles Underbody protective skid plates Electric winch

　　

2021 2500 Highlights

Type: Crew CabMega CabRegular CabCrew Cab

　　Trim: TradesmanLone StarBig HornLaramiePower WagonLonghornLimitedTradesman

　　

Base MSRP	$37,650
Engine Type	Gas
Seating	6 seats
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Max Towing Capacity	19,290 lbs.
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles