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2021 Ram 2500 review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

Ram 2500 highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

Pros

  • Excellent torque and towing capacity from available diesel engine
  • Upscale materials and design on higher trim levels
  • Comfortable seats and quiet cabin
  • Lots of impressive technology features and driver aids

Cons

  • Optional diesel engine makes an unpleasant noise and vibration
  • Some drivers may find the driving position too high

Mileage (EPA estimate)

(data not available)

Pricing for current inventory

From $37,998*

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2021 Ram 2500 carries on capably

The 2021 Ram 2500 (formerly called the Dodge Ram 2500) combines heavy-duty capability with an upscale interior and advanced technology features. In its higher trim levels, the Ram impresses with its driver aids, plush materials, and big touchscreen. But the bread and butter of HD trucks is their larger towing and hauling numbers, and while the Ram 2500 isn’t at the top of its class, its maximum payload capacity of around 4,000 pounds and maximum trailer towing capacity of around 20,000 pounds when properly equipped are more than enough to tackle most jobs. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories. There are only a few downsides to the Ram 2500, including the optional diesel engine’s noise level and a driving position that will feel a little too high for some drivers.

For 2021, the Ram 2500 gets an optional camera-based rearview mirror, but not much else has changed. Otherwise, the Ram continues on with the same choice of two massive engines–a gas V8 and turbocharged six-cylinder diesel–and the option of either an 8-foot or 6-foot 4-inch bed. You’ll also find the same seven trim levels, from the no-nonsense Tradesman to the fully loaded Limited model. And, for shoppers looking for more adventure, there’s always the off-road-specific Power Wagon.

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 2021 Ram 2500?

  • 2500 trims have been upgraded with Rear Air Conditioning, Third Row Seat, Fold-Away Third Row, Lane Departure Warning, Power Hatch/Deck Lid, and BOSE Sound System as standard equipment this year.
  • Head Up Display, Quad Seats, Power Folding Third Row, Panoramic Sunroof, Rear A/C Seat(s), Automated Parking, Full Roof Rack, Dual Rear Wheels, and DVD Video System features are now available as options on select trims.
  • The Lonestar trim now comes with Rear Defroster, Power Seat(s), Front Seat Heaters, Heated Steering Wheel, Parking Sensors, Blind Spot Monitor, Remote Start, Alloy Wheels, 20 Inch Plus Wheels, Navigation System, Satellite Radio Ready, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Smart Key as standard equipment.
  • The Limited trim now comes with Android Auto as standard equipment.
  • The Bighorn trim now comes with Smart Key and Alloy Wheels as standard equipment.
  • The Longhorn trim now comes with Android Auto and 20 Inch Plus Wheels as standard equipment.
  • The Laramie trim now comes with A/C Seat(s), Memory Seat(s), and Remote Start as standard equipment.
  • The Power Wagon trim now comes with Apple CarPlay as standard equipment.

2021 Ram 2500 trims

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

Tradesman:

  • 370-hp, 850-lb-ft of torque 6.7L
  • 410-hp, 429-lb-ft of torque 6.4L
  • Cruise Control
  • Vinyl Seats
  • Power Mirrors
  • Traction Control
  • Side Airbags
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Rear View Camera
  • Smart Key
  • View our Ram 2500 Tradesman inventory

Bighorn:

Lonestar:

  • Includes all features available on the Bighorn
  • Rear Air Conditioning
  • Rear Defroster
  • Third Row Seat
  • Power Seats
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Fold-Away Third Row
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Parking Sensors
  • View our Ram 2500 Lonestar inventory

Laramie:

Longhorn:

  • Includes all features available on the Laramie
  • Rear Seat Heaters
  • Running Boards

Limited:

Power Wagon:

Ram 2500 photos

What We Like

Strong engine choices: The Ram 2500 offers two engines to choose from, depending on your needs. The standard gasoline V8 makes 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque, but for maximum towing power you’ll want the optional turbocharged diesel engine and its massive 850 lb-ft of torque.

Some competitors offer more power, but the Ram has plenty for most real-world tasks.

Excellent comfort: The Ram 2500 has about as refined a ride as you can find in a heavy-duty truck. It’s noticeably less bumpy and quieter on the freeway than its competitors, unless you opt for the diesel engine. The Ram’s front seats are built for the long haul, and in higher trims the cabin features plenty of upscale materials. If comfort is a priority, the Ram is definitely worth considering.

Impressive tech features: The Ram 2500 offers plenty of thoroughly modern tech options. The infotainment can be upgraded with wireless phone charging and an expansive 12.3-inch touchscreen. A full suite of advanced driver aids are also available, including blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.

What needs improvement

Diesel engine noise: The Ram 2500’s optional diesel engine is a significant upgrade to the truck’s capability, but it comes with a downside. The rough sound of the diesel engine is very audible in the otherwise quiet cabin, especially running at freeway speeds. If you’re not planning on doing heavy towing, the standard gas engine may be more pleasant to live with.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.6 out of 5

5 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

Bighorn 2WD 2D Regular Cab

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Cloth Seats
  • Cruise Control
  • Heated Mirrors
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear View Camera
  • Side Airbags
  • Tow Hitch
  • Traction Control

Optional Features

  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • Alloy Wheels
  • Alpine Sound System
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Bed Cover
  • Bed Liner
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Fifth Wheel Tow Hitch
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Gooseneck Tow Hitch
  • Head Up Display
  • Heated Mirrors
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Long Bed
  • Navigation System
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Rear Defroster
  • Remote Start
  • Running Boards
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Smart Key
  • Tow Hitch

Drive Wheels

Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

6.4L

Horsepower

410

Torque (ft-lbs)

429

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

32

Wheelbase

140.5"

Overall length

232"

Width

79.4"

Height

78"

Leg room

F 40.9"

Head room

F 39.8"

Front tires

LT275/70SR18

Rear tires

LT275/70SR18

Seating capacity

3

Max towing capacity

1497/14970 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2021 Ram 2500 FAQ

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