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2017 Ram 2500 review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

Ram 2500 highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

Pros

  • Excellent torque and towing capacity with optional diesel engine
  • High-quality cabin design and materials
  • Comfortable and quiet ride
  • Mega Cab offers roomy back seat

Cons

  • Diesel makes less power with standard manual transmission
  • Driver aids are not available

Mileage (EPA estimate)

(data not available)

Pricing for current inventory

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The 2017 Ram 2500 gets a new off-road option

The Ram 2500, formerly called the Dodge Ram 2500, is worth considering for its relatively comfortable and quiet ride, along with powerful optional engines with added towing and hauling capability and a choice of either a 6-foot 4-inch or 8-foot bed. The Ram comes in a range of trim levels from the work-oriented Tradesman to the near-luxury Laramie Limited, so there’s a version of the Ram for almost any need. And if you need a heavy-duty truck for off-road use, the 4x4 Off-Road package includes the upgraded V8 and off-road suspension for a less purpose-built alternative to the more hardcore Power Wagon.

The most notable downside to the 2017 Ram 2500 is that it lacks driver aids like blind-spot monitoring and forward-collision alert, and infotainment features like Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™.

All Ram 2500 years

Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Ram 2500 generation from 2012 to 2026

What is new for the 2017 Ram 2500?

  • The Tradesman Power Wagon trim has been discontinued for 2017.
  • 2500 trims have been upgraded with Leatherette Seats and Bed Liner as standard equipment this year.
  • The Laramie trim now comes with Bluetooth Technology and Satellite Radio Ready as standard equipment.
  • The Laramie Longhorn trim now comes with Remote Start and Bluetooth Technology as standard equipment.
  • The Laramie Power Wagon trim now comes with Bluetooth Technology and Satellite Radio Ready as standard equipment.
  • The Laramie Limited trim now comes with Remote Start, Heated Steering Wheel, Tow Hitch, 20 Inch Plus Wheels, Bluetooth Technology, and Satellite Radio Ready as standard equipment.

Ram 2500 photos

What We Like

Strong optional engines: For maximum towing and hauling capability, look for the Ram 2500’s optional turbocharged diesel engine. The powerful diesel provides 800 lb-ft of torque.

If you’d rather stick to gasoline, the optional gasoline V8 makes 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque.

Excellent comfort: The 2017 Ram 2500 is a top pick for comfort among competitive heavy-duty trucks. Its coil-spring rear suspension makes for a smoother ride, and the cabin is quiet and well-appointed in higher trims. Add in options like heated and ventilated seats for a near-luxury truck experience.

Off-road-ready Power Wagon: The Ram 2500 Power Wagon is an off-road beast. It comes with features designed to tackle any terrain, including locking differentials, a manual transfer case, skid plates, a power winch, and plenty of additional lights.

What needs improvement

Limited technology features: The Ram 2500 does offer tech features on select trims, including touchscreen infotainment, Bluetooth®, front parking sensors, and a rearview camera. But while features like driver aids and smartphone integration were becoming increasingly common in 2017, they’re not available on the Ram.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.1 out of 5

14 customer reviews

RepairPal reliability rating

3
Average

RepairPal gave the Ram 2500 an overall reliability rating of 3 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Average. This rating ranks Ram 2500 12th out of 19 among Fullsize Trucks.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Ram 2500

Ram 2500 features and specs

Curious how Ram 2500 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Tradesman 2WD 2D Regular Cab

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Cruise Control
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Side Airbags
  • Tow Hitch
  • Traction Control
  • Vinyl Seats

Optional Features

  • Bed Cover
  • Bed Liner
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • CD Audio
  • Cloth Seats
  • Fifth Wheel Tow Hitch
  • Gooseneck Tow Hitch
  • Long Bed
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Running Boards
  • Satellite Radio Ready

Drive Wheels

Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

5.7L

Horsepower

383

Torque (ft-lbs)

400

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

32

Wheelbase

140.5"

Overall length

230.4"

Width

79.4"

Height

76.2"

Leg room

F 41"

Head room

F 39.9"

Front tires

LT245/70SR17

Rear tires

LT245/70SR17

Seating capacity

3

Max towing capacity

1189/11890 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2017 Ram 2500 FAQ

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