2011 Ram 2500 Review

For 2011, the Ram 2500 (it's no longer a "Dodge") gains a new trim package, "Outdoorsman." Among the list of newly standard features are an electronic brake controller (for all but the base ST trim), an electronic vehicle information display and a tire-pressure monitor. The navigation system has been updated and a spray-in bedliner is now optional. Midway through the model year, the 6.7-liter turbodiesel engine gains a power boost for a total of 800 pound-feet of torque. Lastly, the gross combined vehicle weight rating (GCWR) goes up to 22,000 pounds in some models.

The 2011 Ram 2500 is a top pick for a heavy-duty truck thanks to its top-notch interior, comfortable ride quality and impressive towing and hauling capabilities.

Last year's redesign brought the Ram pickup wide acclaim, and the 2011 Ram 2500 boasts a few features that keep it in the thick of the fight for supremacy in this competitive market segment. The much-improved cabin has an attractive design and high-quality materials, making the Ram the leader in this area. Ride comfort is also commendable thanks to a relatively forgiving suspension, hydraulic cab-to-frame mounts and low levels of road and wind noise.

As far as the Ram 2500's work ethic, there's good reason they call these rigs "heavy duty." Properly equipped, its maximum towing capacity can be more than 15,000 pounds (depending on body style and powertrain choice) while maximum hauling capacity tops out at 3,120 pounds. The standard 5.7-liter V8 is rated at 383 hp and 400 lb-ft, but to fully live up to this truck's heavy-duty classification, you'll want to go with the diesel. The 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel inline-6 that cranks out 350 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque in early model year Rams, but that torque number goes up to 800 lb-ft when equipped with an automatic transmission. That makes a big difference in leveling the playing field with GM and Ford.

Lined up against its few rivals, the 2011 Ram 2500 is practically in a dead heat against the 2011 Ford F-250 and 2011 Chevy Silverado 2500HD. But we doubt we'll find any argument when we say the Ram has the most attractive styling and an uncommonly upscale interior.

The 2011 Ram 2500 is available with rear-wheel or four-wheel drive (4WD is electronically engaged at the high trim levels and mechanically engaged at the lowest one). The 4WD version has a solid front axle and recirculating-ball steering setup, while the 2WD model gets an independent front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering.

Every Ram 2500 comes standard with a 5.7-liter V8 engine that produces 383 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. The 5.7 is paired with a five-speed automatic. In Edmunds testing, a 4WD 2500 Power Wagon equipped with the gasoline V8 went from zero to 60 mph in a respectable 8.1 seconds. The optional engine is a 6.7-liter turbodiesel inline-6 that produces 350 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque with a six-speed manual transmission, or 800 lb-ft of torque with a six-speed automatic.

Opting for the diesel will also get you an exhaust brake. Typically seen only on big rigs, an exhaust brake provides additional stability and braking power when towing very heavy loads. And those loads can be quite substantial. The Ram 2500 has maximum a tow rating of 20,000 pounds with the gasoline engine or the manual-equipped diesel. That rises to 22,000 with the automatic and diesel engine.

Standard safety equipment for the 2011 Ram 2500 includes antilock disc brakes and side curtain airbags. Optional on the SLT and standard on the Laramie are power-adjustable pedals. In Edmunds braking tests, a Dodge Ram Power Wagon came to a stop from 60 mph in 141 feet, which is about average for a heavy-duty pickup.

Even though the 2011 Ram 2500 is built to tackle demanding pickup duties, it remains comfortably composed in most situations. The ride is firmer than that of its smaller 1500 sibling (which features a coil-spring rear suspension), but the 2500's leaf spring rear is as good as most other heavy-duty trucks.

Further isolating the occupants from the outside world are hydraulic cab-to-frame mounts that are tuned to reduce the jolting ride that is typical of an unloaded heavy-duty truck. On the highway, road and wind noise are nicely quelled. Both of the Ram's engines are strong and provide plenty of power for towing and hauling heavy loads. He highly recommend finding a diesel-powered 2500 from later in the model year or one hooked up to the six-speed automatic transmission. Its 150 extra lb-ft of torque makes a huge difference in towing ability.

The Ram 2500 takes a page out of the Ram 1500's playbook by offering the best interior among all pickups. On the higher trim levels, soft-touch materials and tasteful stitching are abundant throughout the cabin, while the plush seats and metallic accents are almost too nice for work truck status. Interior storage is generous, with plenty of bins and pockets to supplement the dual gloveboxes.

The controls are within easy reach and user-friendly, except for the audio system when it's paired with the optional navigation. In this configuration, the absence of hard buttons and knobs needlessly complicates some of the most basic functions. Fortunately, the steering-wheel-mounted controls help to alleviate this problem.