The Ram 2500 has plenty of high-tech features, a stout towing capability, and one of the nicest interiors on the market for a heavy-duty truck. There are a couple of minor downsides, such as a suboptimal driving position and a noisy diesel engine. In the end, though, the Ram 2500 is one of our favorite trucks on the market, and we'd absolutely recommend a test drive.
Christian Wardlaw has worked in the automotive industry since 1994. He has written nearly 10,000 car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 2,000 vehicles over the course of his career. Chris is a correspondent at Edmunds and was the first editor-in-chief of Edmunds.com in the 1990s. He has also contributed to Autotrader, CarGurus, J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, NADAguides, New York Daily News Autos and WardsAuto. His mom claims that his first word was “car,” and Chris believes that Miata is always the answer.
Brent Romans has worked in the automotive industry since 1996. He has written or edited thousands of expert car reviews and road-tested hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Brent is a senior manager of written content at Edmunds and previously contributed to publications such as Super Street and Petersen's 4-Wheel & Off-Road. His personal car is a 2019 BMW M2 Competition, which he bought for its ideal combination of performance, style and practicality.
Pros
Available diesel engine generates impressive power and torque
High-tech interior with higher trim levels
Quiet and comfortable, especially for such a large and rugged vehicle
Rebel and Power Wagon trims offer terrific off-road capability
Cons
Annoying engine noise from the optional diesel engine
Some people might find the driving position too high
What's new
New Rebel trim level debuts
Upgraded trailer towing technologies
Available digital instrumentation
Part of the fifth Ram 2500 generation introduced for 2019
Overview
There is a new reason to consider a 2023 Ram 2500 Heavy Duty, and its name is Rebel. This new trim level takes most of what makes the existing Power Wagon model so capable but packages it to accept the optional Cummins turbodiesel engine, which is not available in the Power Wagon.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 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 Virginia.
In other news, Ram upgrades the 2500 Heavy Duty's towing features. The truck can still handle up to 20,000 pounds of trailer when it is properly equipped and can accept a 4,010-pound payload depending on the configuration. Now, however, new trailer tow camera views are available, along with power-telescoping trailering mirrors. A new Trailer Reverse Steering Control system is also available, making it easier to guide a trailer while reversing. Finally, Ram adds an available 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display to the 2500.
These upgrades arrive just in time to help the Ram 2500 butt heads with a completely redesigned 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty. The Ram will also battle reinvigorated 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD and GMC Sierra 2500HD models soon. Which heavy-duty truck will be best for you? Check out our test team's Expert Rating below to help you decide.
Edmunds Expert Rating
good
7.9/10
Edmunds Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds 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.
The Ram 2500 has plenty of high-tech features, a stout towing capability, and one of the nicest interiors on the market for a heavy-duty truck. There are a couple of minor downsides, such as a suboptimal driving position and a noisy diesel engine. In the end, though, the Ram 2500 is one of our favorite trucks on the market, and we'd absolutely recommend a test drive.
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 Edmunds 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.
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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 warning 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 Edmunds recommend?
While we're impressed with the new-for-2023 Ram 2500 Rebel, our recommendation remains the 2500 Big Horn (called the Lone Star in Texas). The Big Horn offers the greatest breadth and depth with regard to configurations and equipment, which means you can stick to a tight budget or spend extra to tailor the truck through appearance, capability, comfort, and technology upgrades.
Ram 2500 models
The 2023 Ram 2500 is available in regular cab, crew cab and Mega Cab (an extended crew cab) styles with a standard or long cargo bed. Eight trim levels are available: Tradesman, Big Horn, Lone Star, Rebel, Power Wagon, Laramie, Limited Longhorn and Limited. Ram equips the 2500 Heavy Duty with a standard 6.4-liter V8 (410 horsepower, 429 lb-ft of torque) or an available turbocharged 6.7-liter six-cylinder diesel engine (370 hp and 850 lb-ft of torque). Four-wheel drive is optional on the Tradesman, Big Horn/Lone Star and Laramie and comes standard on all other trims. Feature highlights include:
Tradesman
Starts off the 2500 lineup with:
17-inch steel wheels
Cruise control
Tilt-adjustable steering wheel
Air conditioning
Front bench seat
Vinyl upholstery and floor coverings
5-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Four-speaker sound system
Two USB ports
Class V receiver hitch
Big Horn/Lone Star
Big Horn and Lone Star trims build on the Tradesman with:
18-inch wheels
Heated, power-folding exterior mirrors
Integrated trailer brake controller
Trailer light check system
Power windows and locks
Remote keyless entry
Cloth bench seat
Floor mats
Laramie
The Ram 2500 Laramie adds to the Big Horn's features with:
Active noise cancellation (helps to quiet the interior)
Power-telescoping exterior mirrors
Dampened tailgate
Remote engine start
Dual gloveboxes
LED interior lighting
Upgraded driver information display
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Heated steering wheel
Leather upholstery
Power-adjustable and heated front seats
8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
Amazon Alexa Built-in
Satellite radio
Ram Connect connected services including Wi-Fi access
Navigation system
Nine-speaker Alpine sound system
Rear parking sensors
Rebel
New for 2023, the Ram 2500 Rebel has enhanced off-road capability thanks to:
Four-wheel drive
20-inch wheels with all-terrain tires
Hill descent control
Off-road suspension tuning
Rear limited-slip differential
Locking rear axle (can enhance available traction when off roading)
Underbody protective skid plates
Recovery hooks
The Ram 2500 Rebel also comes with:
LED headlights
LED foglights
Cab clearance lighting
Sport hood design and fender flares
Remote rear tailgate release
Black exterior badging
Digital instrumentation display
Cloth seats
All-weather floor mats
Second-row in-floor storage bins
Power-adjustable pedals
Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Ram 2500 and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
Front and rear parking sensors
Power Wagon
The Power Wagon is a dedicated off-road version that takes the Rebel's capabilities to the next level with:
Four-wheel drive with manual-shift transfer case
Powder-coated front and rear bumpers
17-inch wheels with all-terrain tires
Disconnecting front stabilizer bar (can increase wheel articulation for off roading)
Off-road performance suspension tuning
Locking front and rear axles (can enhance available traction when off roading)
Electric winch
Limited Longhorn
Choose the Limited Longhorn for a more luxurious Ram 2500 featuring:
Automatic high-beam headlights
Rain-sensing wipers
Power-sliding rear window
Ambient interior lighting
Premium leather upholstery
Genuine wood interior trim
Premium carpeted floor mats
Wood-and-leather steering wheel
Ventilated front seats
Heated second-row seats
Memory for the driver's settings
Limited
The Limited is the most luxurious version of the Ram 2500 and comes with:
20-inch wheels
Adjustable tie-down hooks
RamBox in-bed storage bins (short bed only)
Upgraded interior trim and materials
12-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Wireless charging pad
Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
Many features found on the upper trim levels can be added to the lower trims as part of optional packages. Other significant options for the Ram 2500 include:
Power-deploying running boards
12-inch center touchscreen
Integrated navigation system
17-speaker Harman Kardon sound system
Wireless phone charger
RamBox in-bed storage bins
Safety Group package:
Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Ram 2500 and the car in front)
Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Lane departure mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position)
Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
Towing Technology Group package
Upgraded power-telescoping side mirrors for towing
I got the long horn 2500 with the diesel engine package and here are the issues.
1. The buckles on the back of the front seat pockets fell off.
2. There is an on going audio thumping due to the ANC system (active noise cancelation)
3. The tint on the front driver and passenger windows came with bubbles in it.
4. Silver wheel well screw that is not painted like the rest on both passenger … and driver side.
5. Uconnect system has tons of bugs. You will have to reset it frequently holding down the volume and the tune button for 20 seconds for a forced reboot.
1/5 stars, Not a fan - 2022 RAM 2500 Limited Mega
Unhappy customer,
Limited 4dr Mega Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A)
I custom order the truck in mid-February, 2022 and it didn't arrived at the dealership until late July. On the day I picked up the new truck, odometer already had 42mi on it. After completed all the paperwork and ready to leave the dealership, I discovered truck's front parking sensors didn't work.
10 days and 300mi of driving later, I noticed there were oil spots all over my driveway. … Looked underneath the truck and could visually see oil dripping from different area under the truck but couldn't see where the leak(s) came from. Took the truck back on 8/2/22 and was told that there were 3 different leaks, transmission, DEF line and shocks. It's been two weeks since dropping off the truck and it is still sitting in the Service dept waiting for parts and repairs to be done.
Completely frustrated and dissatisfied with the quality control and workmanship aspects with this truck manufacturer.
I'm hoping they can find a way to provide some kind of remedy for the troubles that I'm going through.
1/5 stars, Owned car 2 weeks and only gotten to drive 1.5 day
NorthGA Driver,
Tradesman 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A)
Currently only driven my brand new 2500 Tradesman Diesel for a day and a half, when it would not go into reverse then check engine light came on. Once I was finally able to find a dealer that wouldn't make me wait a week to bring it in, I found out it wasnt just the solenoid pack that was bad. Metal shards all through the transmission. Been waiting a week to get Ram to authorize a new … transmission and then at least another week to actually get it shipped. Will be close to an entire month before I get to drive it again. Really concerned with what else I am going to have to deal with now.
5/5 stars, All that I thought it would be!
Jimmy,
Laramie 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A)
1 year and 10 months later, we have 31 thousand miles on it. Runs and drives like a Top. No problems what so ever.
I changed the oil myself regularly using Pennzoil 0W 40 KN oil Filter. Rotate the tires at the dealer or local tire shop whichever one suits me when they need arrives. I have absolutely zero regrets and would buy this all over again it’s a wonderful truck.
Great Truck, … everything works as expected. No issues. Uconnect 5 auto updates automatically its neat to see. I cant say enough about it. I have the Laramie and its interior is amazing. It’s Truely the luxury of trucks. We chose the Hemi and instead of the Cummins, It sounds great and has a nice rumble to it. We also chose the 4.10 gears instead of the 3.73 for better towing and pep. But you suffer like with any gear up grad a little in gas milage about 2 mpg. It drives nice, my wife was surprised as to how it takes the curves of our county roads. Make sure you get running boards lol I'm 5'10" With the 20" rims and the 285 tires you need them. The vision or the road is great sitting up high. We love it.
[MUSIC PLAYING] TRAVIS LANGNESS: If you want the most capable heavy duty offroad pickup trucks, it's going to be one of these two. The Ford Super Duty with the trimmer package or the RAM Power Wagon. [IMITATES GUITAR]
RYAN ZUMMALLEN: Now, besides their rough and tumble names, in this video, we'll tell you everything you need to know about both pickups and which one is right for your needs.
TRAVIS LANGNESS: As always, like, comment, subscribe. And for more information, click the links below to visit Edmunds and find your perfect truck, SUV, or car.
RYAN ZUMMALLEN: Have 35 inch tires ever looked so small? That seems like an insane thing to say about a factory truck, but such as the power of Tremor, an outlandish pickup truck, no matter how you look at it. $4,000 get you the Tremor package on an F-250 or F-350 on any trim, from an XLT all the way up to this Platinum.
And these things are decked out. Off the lot, you get a two inch front lift, bigger shocks, and there's a lot of window dressing on this truck, and we can argue all day about offroad capabilities. But the thing that should really worry RAM is the 35 inch tires and the upgraded 7.3 liter V8 engine standard.
Of course, this particular truck comes with the crown jewel, a 6.7 liter turbo diesel V8 engine, making 475 horsepower and 1,050 pound feet of torque. Let me say that again, 1,050 pound feet of torque. Now, you have a lot more choice in the Tremor than you do in the Power Wagon, but you need to know that it comes at a steep cost.
The diesel engine alone is a $10,000 option, and this particular truck goes for 87 grand. $87,000 for a pickup truck. We need to know if it lives up to that lofty listing.
TRAVIS LANGNESS: The Power Wagon is a little bit different. You can only get it with a 6.4 liter V8. No diesel here. RAM says it's too heavy and it won't fit with the front winch. Never mind that on the Ford, you can get that winch with either a 7.3 liter V8 or their diesel, but it is optional. It's standard on the RAM. It'll cost you three grand with the Tremor.
Some other offroad goodies you get with the Power Wagon include the front and rear locking differentials and a front disconnecting stabilizer bar. There's also the usual skid plates for the transfer case in the fuel tank, as well as 33 inch tires on 17 inch wheels. Now, the least expensive Power Wagon you can get, the base one, is around $55,000, unless you start digging into the order guide.
And you can see that you can get a Tradesman, equip the Power Wagon package, and you've got a truck that's closer to $50,000. The cheapest version of the Tremor you can get is $53,000. Now, with all that said, this truck does bump right up against $70,000 the way it's equipped, but that's still nearly 20 grand less than that Super Duty.
RYAN ZUMMALLEN: But how much torque does it have?
TRAVIS LANGNESS: Not as much. No one cares about torque. We're going to talk about transfer cases later.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
RYAN ZUMMALLEN: This Platinum trim really shows the full potential of the Super Duty interior. You've got big, wide, cushy leather seats that are heated, cooled, and have a massage function. And then there are doodads everywhere. There's a smartphone charging station, trailer backup assist, trailer gain, transfer case, lane keep assist, tons of camera angles, and, oh yeah, a power sunroof.
And then everything's power adjustable too, from the steering wheel, to the pedals, and the mirrors. This is a digital truck paradise, but it may be a bit disconcerting if you're more of an analog person. There are a few areas for improvement.
It lacks a lot of the interesting storage solutions and cubbies that the RAM has in abundance. But did somebody say floor storage? In total, though, the tech-heavy Tremor is really flashy and exciting, but it feels like the RAM got the basics right. That truck is just a little more approachable and easy to live with.
TRAVIS LANGNESS: The RAM 2500 is a class leader for a lot of reasons. One of those is the interior quality. But before we go inside, I want to show you a feature that I would absolutely get if I were buying this truck with my money, and that is the RAM Box.
Essentially, it's a couple trunks on either side of the bed that you can fit all kinds of items in. Stuff like tow ball hitches, tow straps, tow hitches, inflator kits, and there's even a charge port for when you're on the go. RAM Box.
There's a $17,000 price gap between these two trucks, but that doesn't mean this RAM is lacking in the interior department. It's got great materials, and it's got stuff like heated and ventilated seats, heated seats in the rear, plenty of power ports and USB ports to plug into. And one of my favorite features is this 12 inch touchscreen.
It's one of the best in the business, not just in full size or heavy duty trucks. It's super crisp and it looks great on this dash. Plus, there's lots of great storage cubbies for you to put stuff in, plenty of cup holders, places for your smartphone. I bet Ryan's jealous of that.
And there's even a spot under the center seat we can store your laptop. Now, the only drawback, really, with the RAM's interior is the steering wheel. It tilts, but it doesn't telescope. So finding an ideal driving position might be tough.
RYAN ZUMMALLEN: Enough of all that. It's time to put these trucks on equal ground. So we're going to hit the trail. I'm especially eager, of course, to check out this 1,050 pound feet of torque and see how it does out there.
TRAVIS LANGNESS: Front rear locking diffs, smart storage solutions, 12 inch screen.
RYAN ZUMMALLEN: 1,050 pound feet of torque.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
So when things get bumpy, here's what the Fort has to offer. The Tremor gets a custom front bumper compared with other Super Duties. That gives it a really good approach angle. In fact, it's better than the Power Wagon's back there. But this truck is long. It's 11 inches longer than the RAM in total.
We're more concerned about the Tremor on some of these trails than we are about the Power Wagon. And frankly, making it through some of them safely could be a challenge. But let's see how it handles a decline like this. Approach is no issue. We should hit level ground here pretty soon. But as we get towards the back, not sure. Nope, it's fine.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
TRAVIS LANGNESS: There are a lot of differences between these trucks, but one of the things that sets the RAM apart from the Ford is the fact that it's got a disconnecting front stabilizer bar. So when you disconnect that stabilizer, or sway, or anti roll bar, whatever you want to call it, what happens is it allows for more offroad articulation, so I can get over bigger obstacles without losing traction in one of my tires, and traction is our friend.
The other big difference up front is the locking front differential. Ford's got a limited slip, which is good. But this one is a full walker, front and rear. And when you have a walking differential, what it does is it ties the two wheels together, so essentially they spin as one. That's also good for off roading, because you want to make sure you have traction even if you do eventually exceed the ability of your articulation and pop that wheel up off the ground.
RYAN ZUMMALLEN: Here's an area where the Power Wagon will definitely be better suited, but I think the Tremor can handle it pretty well. It's got these big tires, but we are pretty high up. Let me get on the truck info page. Oh, we are rocking for sure. We're totally rocking.
The truck is rocking back and forth. I think we've got at least one wheel off. Yeah, we're at 16 degrees right now according to the offroad gauge. And that works pretty well. One small bump and we're out of there.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
TRAVIS LANGNESS: So if one wheel has to go higher than the other, what you have here is the effect of articulation not being enough. And now I'm spinning the tire, and I'm bouncing around a little bit. I can feel my right rear tire is off the ground.
So I'm going to back up and engage my sway bar disconnect. Disengage my sway bar, whatever. Do the same thing. Sway bar disconnected. Back up the hill I go. And I am going much further. Now, I don't have the lockers engaged yet. But if I did, I could probably make it over this weird sideways hill I'm on. It's pretty rad.
RYAN ZUMMALLEN: Since we have this super scientific test setup, I'm going to take a very measured, proper approach. Hey, guys, how does that look? I think I got a wheel up.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
TRAVIS LANGNESS: So even though there's not a fully disconnected wheel front sway bar in the Tremor like there is in the RAM, that thinner version that they've equipped here works pretty well and will get you through some hairy stuff. Oh, man. There's that articulation at work. Here's the thing about turning these HD trucks around on a trail. It's like trying to turn a yacht around in a swimming pool. These things are huge.
RYAN ZUMMALLEN: Surround view camera test. Whew. I love that you get a ton of different camera views. So everything comes with a camera now. But if you only have one view or a pretty limited scope, then in situations like this, it doesn't really help that much. But I've got a ton of different views. I can see every angle. It just might take a couple of turns, but you're out of the sticky situation pretty quickly.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
So while may not match the figures that the RAM has, the Tremor can do some pretty impressive off roading. You're just going to have a bumpy ride. That's one of the trade offs you get here for the increased towing capacity. The Ford stuck with more traditional leaf springs in the back compared with the RAM's coil springs.
And the reason they did that is leaf springs are extremely strong and durable. So if you're going for something like a maximum towing capacity rating, like Ford was, that's what you want to go with. The beauty of it is, if you want more strength or more towing capability, you just throw more bars in there.
And that's one of the reasons you would pay an extra $10,000 for this diesel engine, because it comes with the high capacity trailer tow package. It's great for feeling confident when you've got a huge weight behind you. But with unladen bed and nothing on the hitch, in this bumpy stuff, you're going to feel some jitters.
TRAVIS LANGNESS: If you were in a bouncy castle and you got dropped from, like, a helicopter onto a trampoline, that's what it feels like when you're going over bumps in this thing. It's hilarious. Like, you don't feel unsafe. You're still in a bouncy castle. You're not going to get hurt. Unless, like, the bully kid at the party pushes you out the door. But no one needs to hear about my life experience.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
RYAN ZUMMALLEN: But that's one of the trade offs. And frankly, a lot of people are going to be fine with that, because the Ford is so good at towing. And don't forget, we have an extra two inches of lift in the front compared with other Super Duties. So as much as we talk about articulation, and departure angles, and all this super technical stuff, the Tremor can go almost everywhere the Power Wagon can go.
It's really just going to be that really, really small percentage of heavy rock or boulder crawling where this thing is going to get hung up. But don't feel like you shouldn't go out on the same trail in a Tremor that you can do in a Power Wagon. It may be a little more uncomfortable, but this truck can handle a lot.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
TRAVIS LANGNESS: One of the things that is a preference, really, for me, but I like it much better in the RAM, is this floor shifter. You can just throw it into four high or four low when you get off road, and it kind of pins the old school cool factor. Makes you feel like you're in a truck. Whereas the Tremor has a button. So I guess technology for the win or something.
Also, this Power Wagon has a better crawl ratio. It is 51 to 1, well Ryan's diesel Tremor is 44 to 1. Yes, if you get the F-250 with the 7.3 liter V8, that goes up to 53 to 1, so it's higher. And yes, he has larger tires, 35s. But if you're comparing the two trucks we have here, I have the better crawl ratio, and that's what matters.
RYAN ZUMMALLEN: But crawl ratios don't matter when you have 1,050 pound feet of torque. On top of all that grunt we have under the hood, Ford brings a lot of tech to off roading with the Tremor. We've got a hill here with a pretty impressive incline, but it's not super difficult, so this is kind of overkill. But I just want to demonstrate how it works.
All you have to do is push this button up here. That activates it. OK. And then you want to hit the Set button, the same one that you use for cruise control, and it works exactly the same way. And you can move it up in increments of one mile an hour, so you can start really slow. So I'll just start off with one.
My feet are off the brake and throttle and the truck is moving all by itself. So I can just concentrate on the inputs I'm giving into the steering wheel, and this is actually really slow. So let's kick it up to two, three. So the incline is getting steeper. We're now at 15 degrees, 16. I can't see anything over the hood in front of me.
And we're at the top and leveling off. There's another one that we're going to come up to. We were actually pretty concerned about the break over angle on both of these hills, but it's not a problem so far. Let's go back down to two, because this one has a really steep drop.
Here's the break over part. It's fine. Again, I'm not on the brakes, and now we're starting to go down. I'm not on the brakes at all. The truck is doing it itself. We're at 16 degrees, decline, 18. I'm not touching the brakes. It's holding itself, two miles an hour set to.
So that's it. It's a very easy system to use. And again, just to keep things in perspective, this is a truck that weighs four tons, and this system drove it up that degree of an incline by itself, so I could just focus on the steering, and then brought it back down safely. Pretty cool party trick in your Tremor. Is it cheating? Maybe. But does it get you home safely? Yeah, I think so.
[WALKIE TALKIE BEEPING]
All right then. What's next?
TRAVIS LANGNESS: Hey, there we go, lockers front and rear. Boom. No limited slip here.
RYAN ZUMMALLEN: You're good. You just need to go slow. You're going to go over a rock now.
[CRUNCHING GRAVEL]
You're good. You're good.
TRAVIS LANGNESS: Forward camera, I love this.
RYAN ZUMMALLEN: Easy work, man. Clear on your right. Light work, baby.
TRAVIS LANGNESS: Too easy, locking difs, bro.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
RYAN ZUMMALLEN: More driver, more driver, more driver. OK. Cool. Straighten out.
[CRUNCHING GRAVEL]
[TRUCK BEEPING]
TRAVIS LANGNESS: Ooh, the beep, beep, beep, the beep, beep, the beep, beep.
RYAN ZUMMALLEN: Killing it-- that thing was a lot easier-- or handled it a lot better than we thought it was going to. I thought it was going to take a lot of weaving around rocks and stuff, but tons of clearance, no issues at all. I feel excited to see what the Tremor's going to do now. Because that handled that pretty easily. And I don't know how [LAUGHS] the Tremor's going to be able to do it the same way or not. I'm going to put it into 4 low. [CLICK] OK. I'm going to [CLICK] lock the rear locker. I'm going to not lock the front locker, because I don't have a front locker.
[ENGINE REVVING]
[CRUNCHING GRAVEL]
TRAVIS LANGNESS: Well, that was easy.
RYAN ZUMMALLEN: I know he says it's easy. But it feels like I'm really close to everything.
TRAVIS LANGNESS: You going to put it in Hill Descent Control?
RYAN ZUMMALLEN: Yes, sir.
TRAVIS LANGNESS: Some guys did it with just their foot.
RYAN ZUMMALLEN: Some guys spent $90,000.
TRAVIS LANGNESS: [LAUGHS]
RYAN ZUMMALLEN: 16-degree descent, not touching the brakes.
[CRUNCHING GRAVEL]
I think we're good. Cool.
TRAVIS LANGNESS: He had way more than enough clearance on there, a lot more than I did. Shh.
RYAN ZUMMALLEN: Tremor!
[MUSIC PLAYING]
One thing that automakers often say when it comes to trucks is, you'll forget you're even driving a diesel engine. That is definitely not the case with this 6.7 liter turbo V8.
[ENGINE STARTING]
The sound is very distinctive and so is the way it drives. You are just barely feathering the throttle. Because there's so much torque at your disposal, you just don't need very much to get up to speed on the street and even on the highway. But the power delivery is really smooth. It works great in conjunction with the 10-speed transmission, which we haven't always been huge fans of. But there are several different driving modes.
There's even an eco mode. And on the way out here, I averaged 21.5 miles per gallon. You're going to get some jitters on the road. Small cracks and bumps are definitely going to be felt through the cabin. But that's the trade-off you get for the amount of towing capacity that you have in the Tremor. But if comfort is much of an issue, there's not a whole lot you can do about it. I would probably just start thinking Power Wagon.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
TRAVIS LANGNESS: The Ram's coil-spring suspension has it lagging behind the Tremor in terms of towing and hauling capability. But there's a trade-off. And that trade-off is comfort. This is a much more comfortable truck on the highway. It's less bouncy. And I would rather take it on a road trip. Now, the Tremor can tow about 15,000 pounds. And this Ram can only tow 10,350. But I still think that's plenty, especially for a truck with all of this off-road capability. That's why I prefer the Ram. Ryan, after a day in the dirt, what do you think of your truck?
RYAN ZUMMALLEN: I'm pleasantly surprised. I started to get numb to the numbers that I was throwing out-- 35-inch tires, 1,050 pound-feet of torque!
TRAVIS LANGNESS: We get it.
RYAN ZUMMALLEN: And I started to list all of the things that this truck doesn't have, the front locker and disconnecting front-sway bar, and I started to think it was going to be at a big disadvantage. But the truth is, it has so much ground clearance. And the technology really does come in handy. It was a blast out here. I had a lot of fun. The problem is the price is offensive to me on a personal level.
TRAVIS LANGNESS: Yeah.
RYAN ZUMMALLEN: This is still a truck built for towing that's been adapted for off-road use. And if people look at that and say, that's for me, then they're absolutely right. And they should get it. But what was your takeaway?
TRAVIS LANGNESS: Look, I was worried about the fact that you had 35s and you have a way higher payload capacity, towing capacity. This truck's faster in a straight line. But I still prefer the Ram-- all of that off-road tech, the front and rear-locking difs, the disconnecting sway bar up front, and that awesome interior, not to mention the fact that I would pay $20,000 less, essentially, for this truck than you would for that one. I mean, I'm the kind of idiot--
RYAN ZUMMALLEN: Yes, you are.
TRAVIS LANGNESS: Hey. OK. Hold on-- that would put a camper shell on a truck and go overlanding. I'd love to live out of something like this and just spend six months on the road. But that's not quite appealing enough for me to increase my monthly payments as much as it would over this. The Ram is still the truck for me. What about you?
RYAN ZUMMALLEN: I hate to say it, but I agree.
TRAVIS LANGNESS: Yes!
RYAN ZUMMALLEN: That's the one.
TRAVIS LANGNESS: Ram wins! And as always, click the link below to subscribe. And for more information on both of these trucks, go to Edmunds.com and find the perfect truck, SUV, or car for you.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
2020 Ford Tremor vs. Ram Power Wagon Off-Road Drag Race! Who's Got the Best Off-Road HD Truck?
NOTE: This video is about the 2020 Ram 2500, but since the 2023 Ram 2500 is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.
You've watched the comparison video, but with this one we need to answer a simple question: Which is quicker off-road, the Ram Power Wagon or the Ford F-250 Tremor? In this video, Travis Langness and Ryan ZumMallen find out and demonstrate in the process just how much power the Ford… Super Duty's turbodiesel has on hand.
The redesigned 2023 Ford F Series Super Duty is a formidable foe of the other heavy-duty trucks sold in America. Based on Ford's claims, it will haul more payload and tow more weight than the competition and offer superior technology. Still, brand loyalty runs deep among buyers of full-size pickup trucks, and the Ram 2500 can hold its own in many respects.
Chevy hasn't made many changes to the 2023 Silverado 2500HD, so the Ram 2500 remains an appealing alternative for its slightly better towing capacity, nicer interior, more advanced infotainment system, and its Rebel and Power Wagon off-road trim levels. However, the landscape could shift when the refreshed 2024 Silverado 2500HD arrives, complete with a new ZR2 off-roader of Chevy's own.
GMC does its best to out-big-rig the Ram 2500 with the Sierra 2500HD. Bold design, bigger grilles, more chrome, and clatter from the available diesel engine option are convincing, but the Ram still outhauls and out-tows the GMC. However, as is true of its Chevy Silverado cousin, the GMC is set to get a thorough update for 2024 that aims to resolve some of its competitive shortcomings.
The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price excludes destination freight charge, tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment. Click here to see all Chevrolet vehicles' destination freight charges . Dealer sets the final price.
Safety
Our experts’ favorite 2500 safety features:
Digital Rearview Mirror with Tow Mode
Uses a camera to show an unobstructed view of what's behind the truck on the rearview mirror display. When towing, the system uses a camera mounted to the trailer.
Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking
Warns the driver when a collision might occur and, if the driver takes no action, applies the brakes to prevent or mitigate a crash.
LaneSense
Warns the driver when the truck unintentionally starts to depart from its lane and can steer the Ram 2500 back toward the middle of the lane of travel.
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FAQ
Is the Ram 2500 a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2023 2500 both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.9 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2023 2500 gets an average rating of 3 stars out of 5 (based on 35 reviews) And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Ram 2500. Learn more
What's new in the 2023 Ram 2500?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2023 Ram 2500:
New Rebel trim level debuts
Upgraded trailer towing technologies
Available digital instrumentation
Part of the fifth Ram 2500 generation introduced for 2019
To determine whether the Ram 2500 is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the 2500. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the 2500's 3-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2023 Ram 2500 a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2023 Ram 2500 is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2023 2500 and gave it a 7.9 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2023 2500 gets an average rating of 3 stars out of 5 (based on 35 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2023 2500 is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2023 Ram 2500?
The least-expensive 2023 Ram 2500 is the 2023 Ram 2500 Tradesman 4dr Crew Cab SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $49,670.
Other versions include:
Tradesman 4dr Crew Cab SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) which starts at $49,670
Tradesman 4dr Crew Cab LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) which starts at $49,870
Tradesman 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) which starts at $52,600
Tradesman 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) which starts at $52,800
Big Horn 4dr Crew Cab SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) which starts at $55,110
Lone Star 4dr Crew Cab SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) which starts at $55,110
Lone Star 4dr Crew Cab LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) which starts at $55,310
Big Horn 4dr Crew Cab LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) which starts at $55,310
Lone Star 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) which starts at $58,040
Big Horn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) which starts at $58,040
Big Horn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) which starts at $58,240
Lone Star 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) which starts at $58,240
Laramie 4dr Crew Cab SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) which starts at $63,480
Laramie 4dr Crew Cab LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) which starts at $63,680
Laramie 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) which starts at $66,405
Laramie 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) which starts at $66,610
Rebel 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) which starts at $68,805
Power Wagon 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) which starts at $69,900
Limited Longhorn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.7L 6cyl Turbodiesel 6A) which starts at $83,820
Limited Longhorn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.7L 6cyl Turbodiesel 6A) which starts at $84,020
Limited 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.7L 6cyl Turbodiesel 6A) which starts at $87,665
Limited 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.7L 6cyl Turbodiesel 6A) which starts at $87,715
If you're interested in the Ram 2500, the next question is, which 2500 model is right for you? 2500 variants include Tradesman 4dr Crew Cab SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A), Tradesman 4dr Crew Cab LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A), Tradesman 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 8A), and Tradesman 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A). For a full list of 2500 models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more