Reliability
RepairPal reliability rating
RepairPal gave the Ram 2500 an overall reliability rating of 3 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Ram 2500 17th out of 25 among Fullsize Trucks.
Cost
RepairPal reports that the average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Ram 2500 is $1039, compared to an average of $767 for Fullsize Trucks and $619 for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
Frequency
According to RepairPal, Ram 2500 owners bring their vehicles into a repair shop for unscheduled repairs an average of 0.8 times per year, compared to an average of 2.3 times for Fullsize Trucks and 1.4 times for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
Severity
RepairPal reported that the probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 21% for the Ram 2500, compared to an average of 20% for Fullsize Trucks and 12% for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
2019 - present
With two powerful engines to choose from, a stronger, lighter frame, a more upscale interior, and lots of comfort and tech features, the current-generation Ram 2500 blends luxury and heavy-duty utility.
With its 2019 redesign, the Ram 2500 gained more capability over its predecessors and took a quantum leap forward in terms of technology features.
The old 5.7-liter V8 is gone, and the more powerful 6.4-liter gasoline V8 is the Ram’s standard engine. The six-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine boasts the same impressive 850 lb-ft of torque as before, but it has been redesigned to improve efficiency. With a max towing capacity of 19,990 pounds and max payload of 3,910 pounds, the Ram 2500 is very competitive in the heavy-duty segment.
This generation Ram 2500 offers a smoother and quieter ride compared to direct competitors, and it can be optioned up with an impressively luxurious and high-tech cabin. The seats are comfortable for long drives, and the Mega Cab configuration offers plenty of space for rear passengers. The large touchscreens are easy to use and include smartphone connectivity, and you get crisp visibility for the available camera systems. The optional 12-inch touchscreen is especially impressive.
The Ram 2500 started offering driver aids such as automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring in 2019, finally bringing advanced driver assist technology to the 2500 lineup.
What you can expect to pay for a 2019 - 2022 Ram 2500
Model highlights
850 lb-ft of torque from optional diesel engine
Available 12-inch touchscreen infotainment
Available Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ smartphone integration
Available forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking
Available heated and cooled seats
Available 360-degree camera
2011 - 2018
The 2011-2018 Ram 2500 is a capable truck with a surprisingly quiet ride and a much more upscale interior than its competitors at the time. A number of technology features only appear in later years, but that doesn’t detract from this generation’s competence.
The Ram 2500 was technically redesigned for the 2010 model year, when it was still sold as the Dodge Ram 2500. In 2011, Ram moved out from under Dodge and became its own brand.
This generation features a more upscale interior than previous trucks, a retuned suspension for improved ride comfort, and a new crew-cab configuration, replacing the older Quad Cab body style. The 2011 model also introduced an electronic brake controller (to help with towing heavy trailers) and a tire pressure monitor as well as a more powerful optional turbodiesel engine.
A 5.7-liter V8 making 383 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque came standard in this generation, paired with a six-speed automatic from 2012 on. A more powerful, optional 6.5-liter gasoline V8 was added for 2014. For enhanced towing capability, there is a 6.7-liter inline six-cylinder Cummins turbodiesel that produces up to 350 horses and up to 850 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic and makes the most power when matched to the automatic.
Trim levels changed slightly over the course of this generation but generally included the workhorse Tradesman, the volume-selling SLT, and the luxurious Laramie. There are also the plusher Laramie Longhorn and Limited trims and the off-road-oriented Power Wagon. Among the Power Wagon's notable features are skid plates, all-terrain tires, and electronically locking differentials.
Higher trim levels offer standard and optional niceties like dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, and even heated and ventilated seats. Early 2500 models offer Bluetooth® and a GPS navigation system.
A major refresh in 2013 added more technology and capability. Ram strengthened the truck’s frame and increased maximum power from the optional turbodiesel, increasing max towing capability. Ram also added an easy-to-use 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a major improvement over the older navigation unit. Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay® were finally added in 2018.
What you can expect to pay for a 2012 - 2018 Ram 2500
Model highlights
Optional diesel engine produces up to 800 lb-ft of torque
Available heated and cooled seats
Available rearview camera (standard for 2018)
Available touchscreen infotainment
Available Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (added for 2018)
Available Bluetooth connectivity
No major driver aids available
Similar vehicles
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Changes by year
Latest generation from 2019 - present
2022 Ram 2500
New for 2022
Latest generation hardware and software for infotainment touchscreens
Trailer tow package now includes remote trailering camera systems for improved visibility and awareness
Electric transfer case and upgraded stereo now available for the off-road-oriented Power Wagon trim
Learn more
2021 Ram 2500
New for 2021
Optional digital rearview mirror added
Longhorn trim now called Limited Longhorn
Learn more
2020 Ram 2500
New for 2020
Lane-keeping assist and adaptive steering become new options
Optional 50-gallon fuel tank added
Learn more
2019 Ram 2500
New for 2019
Completely redesigned with new construction, powertrains, technology, and design
Lighter body and stronger frame than previous generation
Base 5.7-liter gasoline V8 discontinued
6.4-liter gasoline V8 (410 hp, 429 lb-ft) now standard
New optional turbocharged six-cylinder diesel engine (370 hp, 850 lb-ft)
Tow rating increased to 19,990 pounds (with gooseneck/fifth-wheel trailer)
Available driver aids, including automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring
Available 12-inch infotainment screen
Available 360-degree camera
Compressed natural gas V8 engine discontinued
SLT trim discontinued, replaced by base Tradesman trim
Laramie Longhorn and Laramie Limited trim levels renamed Longhorn and Limited
Learn more
Previous generation from 2011 - 2018
2018 Ram 2500
New for 2018
Rearview camera standard on all trim levels
Available Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Manual transmission option for diesel engine discontinued
Learn more
2017 Ram 2500
New for 2017
4x4 Off-Road package includes upgraded V8 engine and suspension upgrades
Outdoorsman trim discontinued
Design updates to Power Wagon, including new colors and upholstery
Learn more
2016 Ram 2500
New for 2016
Compressed natural gas V8 availability expanded
Optional front parking sensors
Optional bed camera view
Max towing capacity updated to 17,980 pounds
Limited trim renamed Laramie Limited
Learn more
2015 Ram 2500
New for 2015
Optional power-folding tow mirrors added
Hill-descent control now standard on Power Wagon
Learn more
2014 Ram 2500
New for 2014
Optional 6.5-liter gasoline V8 (410 hp, 429 lb-ft)
Coil-spring rear suspension added to improve ride quality
Optional load-leveling rear air suspension
Optional gooseneck/fifth-wheel trailer preparation
Max towing capacity updated to 17,970 pounds
New top-tier Limited trim introduced
Learn more
2013 Ram 2500
New for 2013
Significant refresh with revised exterior and interior design
Updated gauge cluster with larger optional digital information display
Available 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Optional turbocharged diesel engine producing 385 hp and 800 lb-ft of torque
Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) reservoir
Optional front-axle disconnect on 4x4 models to improve fuel economy
Available proximity entry and push-button start
Available Class V conventional trailer hitch system with 17,000-pound capacity
Max towing capacity updated to 18,350 pounds
Learn more
2012 Ram 2500
New for 2012
Six -speed automatic transmission now standard with gasoline V8
RamBox® storage available for short bed models
Max towing capacity updated to 15,500 pounds
Learn more
2011 Ram 2500
New for 2011
Vehicle name changes from Dodge Ram 2500 to Ram 2500
Optional diesel engine produces 350 hp and 800 lb-ft of torque when equipped with 6-speed automatic transmission
Standard 5.7-liter gasoline V8 (383 hp, 400 lb-ft) with five-speed automatic transmission
Power Wagon package becomes standalone trim level
Outdoorsman trim added, with both off-road and trailering features standard
Crew-cab model available
Available Bluetooth connectivity and iPod® integration
Available GPS navigation
Available heated and ventilated seats
Available power-adjustable pedals
Available electric trailer brake controller
Optional RamBox bed storage compartments
Max towing capacity of 15,450 pounds
Learn more
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