2018 Ram 2500
Pros
- Diesel engine and automatic transmission yield monumental torque
- Cabin offers excellent fit and finish
- Ride is comfortable and quiet, especially for a large truck
- Power Wagon trim is highly capable off-road
Cons
- Rearview camera displays on mirror on lower trims
- Manual-shift control is in a clumsy spot on gear shifter
- Diesel engine delivers lower power with manual transmission
2018 Ram 2500 pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Which 2500 does Edmunds recommend?
Edmunds' Expert Review
Overall rating
4.5 / 5As versatile as they are, light-duty trucks are not one-size-fits-all vehicles, especially if you have serious towing and hauling needs. For that, you'll need to step up to a heavy-duty pickup such as the 2018 Ram 2500. To put it into numbers, the Ram 1500 carries a max tow and payload rating of 10,620 pounds and 1,880 pounds, respectively. The Ram 2500 comes close to doubling those figures by towing up to 17,980 pounds and carrying 3,890 pounds in the bed.
The Ram 2500 is unique in the heavy-duty truck segment because of its coil-spring rear suspension that gives it a more comfortable ride than its competitors. Such a configuration also allows for an air suspension, just like the one available for the Ram 1500. Besides improved ride comfort, the air suspension levels the bed when towing and hauling to keep the headlights pointed straight ahead.
The 2018 Ram 2500 offers something for everyone, whether you're looking for a basic work truck, a luxury equipment hauler or a trail-conquering pickup. It's an excellent all-rounder that surpasses many rivals.
Notably, we picked the 2018 Ram 2500 (including the Ram 2500 Diesel) as one of Edmunds' Best Trucks for this year.
Trim levels & features
Like many heavy-duty pickups, the 2018 Ram 2500 is available in multiple configurations. There are three cab styles, two bed lengths, three engines, two transmissions and seven trim levels: Tradesman, SLT, Big Horn/Lone Star, Laramie, Laramie Longhorn, Limited and Power Wagon. At one end of the spectrum is the Tradesman, a minimal-frills workhorse. At the other, the Limited, widens the boundaries of big-truck luxury. The Power Wagon stands alone as the off-road-ready variant.
Cab styles include a two-door regular cab, a four-door crew cab, and a four-door jumbo crew cab called the Mega Cab. The regular cab comes with a long bed (8 feet) only, while the crew cab has either the long bed or the short bed (6 feet 4 inches). The Mega Cab rides on the same wheelbase as the long-bed crew cab but combines an even bigger cabin with the short bed.
Most 2500s come with a 5.7-liter V8 gasoline engine (383 horsepower, 400 pound-feet of torque) paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. A modified version of this engine runs on compressed natural gas (CNG) and produces identical power figures to the gasoline version. The CNG option is only available on regular and crew-cab models with the 8-foot bed.
There are two optional engines: a 6.4-liter V8 (410 hp, 429 lb-ft of torque) paired to a six-speed automatic transmission and a turbocharged 6.7-liter diesel six-cylinder. The latter makes 350 hp and 660 lb-ft when matched to a six-speed manual transmission. When paired with a reinforced six-speed automatic, those numbers are 370 hp and 800 lb-ft of torque.
The Tradesman and SLT trims are available with all three cabs, while the Big Horn/Lone Star, Laramie, Laramie Longhorn and Limited versions can only be ordered with a crew cab or a Mega Cab. The off-road Power Wagon variant (crew cab, short bed only) can be ordered in Tradesman and standard forms.
The 2500 is available with either rear-wheel drive or part-time four-wheel drive, except the Power Wagon, which is available in 4WD form only.
The Tradesman is the most basic trim. Standard feature highlights include 17-inch steel wheels, a locking tailgate, air conditioning, a 40/20/40-split front bench, a tilt-only steering wheel, a driver information display, vinyl upholstery, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with an incorporated rearview camera display, and a six-speaker stereo with a USB port.
Power windows and locks, including the locking tailgate, are standard on crew-cab models, as are power-adjustable and heated mirrors. Regular-cab models have manual controls and non-heated mirrors by default.
The SLT adds chrome exterior trim, 18-inch steel wheels, an integrated trailer brake controller, power heated mirrors, a power-sliding rear window (manual on regular cabs), remote locking and unlocking, an overhead console, cloth upholstery, carpeted floors, full power accessories for all body styles, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and a 5-inch touchscreen interface that displays the rearview camera image.
The Big Horn (Lone Star for shoppers in Texas) adds 18-inch alloy wheels, a limited-slip rear differential, chrome grille slats, foglights, remote ignition, a 115-volt power outlet, a power-adjustable driver's seat, premium cloth upholstery and an extra charge-only USB port.
The Laramie builds off the Big Horn /Lone Star and adds a standard 6.4-liter V8, more chrome trim (including the bumpers), projector headlights, LED taillights, power-folding and auto-dimming mirrors, front and rear parking sensors, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, driver-seat memory settings, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, an upgraded driver information display, a 10-speaker surround-sound audio system, HD radio, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, and an 8.4-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The limited-slip differential is dropped as standard equipment but is available as an option.
The Laramie Longhorn adds to the Laramie's substantial features list by including a chrome mesh grille, accent-colored bumpers, running boards, a spray-in bedliner, LED bed lights, remote ignition, a full center console, upgraded floor mats, upgraded leather upholstery, wood interior and steering wheel trim, power-adjustable pedals with memory settings, front bucket seats, heated rear seats and a navigation system.
The Limited trim adds monotone paint, color-keyed bumpers, 20-inch wheels, additional chrome exterior trim, automatic high beams, automatic wipers, the RamBox cargo management system (includes bedside storage compartments, an adjustable bed divider and tie-downs), keyless entry and ignition, and special black leather upholstery.
Finally, there's the off-road-themed Power Wagon, which is available only in crew-cab 4WD with the short bed and the 6.4-liter V8. It has some slightly different exterior and interior styling changes, but it's the extensive mechanical upgrades that make a Power Wagon. They include unique 17-inch wheels shod with aggressive all-terrain tires, Bilstein off-road shock absorbers, tow hooks, skid plates, a manual transfer case, electronically locking front and rear differentials with a 4.10 axle ratio, hill descent control, an integrated front winch, and a front anti-roll bar than can be disconnected electronically to improve wheel articulation off-road.
Interestingly, the Power Wagon isn't just a trim level. It's also an option package you can add to a crew-cab Tradesman 4x4 with a 6.4-liter Hemi engine. Here you'll get all of the Power Wagon mechanical bits, including the fender flares, but without any other bodywork styling cues or graphics. It's a stealthy working man's Power Wagon at a lower price.
Those who aren't looking for the extreme capability of the Power Wagon can select the 4x4 Off-Road package that is available on 2500 crew-cab and Mega Cab 4x4 models. This package is available with any engine and includes hill descent control, tow hooks, a transfer case skid plate, upgraded shocks, a limited-slip differential, and all-terrain tires.
Many upper trim features are available on lower trim levels as part of packages or as stand-alone options. Other option highlights include a load-leveling air suspension, tow mirrors, a cargo-view camera, fifth-wheel trailer preparation, off-road tires, a CD player and a sunroof.
Trim tested
Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of a Ram 2500 Laramie Longhorn Crew Cab (turbo 6.7L inline-6 diesel | 6-speed automatic | 4WD).
NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current Ram 2500 has received some revisions, including a revised 8.4-inch touchscreen system for 2018. Our findings remain applicable to this year's Ram 2500.
Driving
4.5Acceleration
4.5Braking
4Steering
4.5Handling
5Drivability
4.5Off-road
4.5Comfort
4.5Seat comfort
4.5Ride comfort
Noise & vibration
3.5Interior
4.5Ease of use
5Getting in/getting out
3Roominess
5Visibility
3Quality
5Utility
4.5Small-item storage
Cargo space
4Towing
5Hauling
Technology
Top consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2018 Ram 2500.
Features & Specs
Safety
Our experts’ favorite 2500 safety features:
- ParkSense Front/Rear Park Assist System
- Alerts the driver to unseen objects front or rear. Crucial in a big truck such as this with limited forward and rearward visibility.
- ParkView Rear Back Up Camera
- Displays an image of the area immediately behind the bed. Now standard equipment, it displays the image on the touchscreen in most models.
- Cargo View Camera
- Shows an image of the truck bed, including any fifth-wheel tow hitch assembly.
2018 Ram 2500 for Sale
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Edmunds shoppers get on average $235 more for their trade-in.
Receive offers from our dealer partners fast.
See your car's valueHalf-ton pickups (those with 150 or 1500 in the model name) may seem big and burly, but there are some jobs they just can't do. If you have serious loads to haul, you'll need to step up to a heavy-duty pickup. We consider the 2018 Ram 2500 to be a top pick because it bundles tremendous towing and hauling abilities with best-in-class ride comfort.
What sets the Ram 2500 apart from the competition is its coil-spring rear suspension. It stands in stark contrast to the leaf springs that have been used in trucks since Henry Ford first put a pickup bed on a Model T. Coils provide a more comfortable ride — though such things must be considered in their context; any truck built to haul this much weight is going to ride firmly. They also maintain better control of the rear axle, which means that bumps and ripples don't send the rear end skittering around as much as a leaf-spring-equipped truck. The Ram's steering is heavy yet accurate, and it tracks through the corners very nicely considering its bulk. A roomy well-finished cabin with easy-to-use controls rounds out this likable truck.
The base engine in the Ram 2500 is a 5.7-liter gasoline-fueled V8 (also available in a natural-gas-fueled version) that delivers 383 horsepower and 400 pound-feet. An optional 6.4-liter V8 puts out 410 hp and 429 lb-ft, and both engines come with a six-speed automatic transmission. But the Ram 2500 is arguably most famous for its 6.7-liter six-cylinder turbodiesel built by big-rig diesel manufacturer Cummins. Ram is also the only manufacturer offering a heavy-duty pickup with a manual transmission; it comes paired to a 350-hp, 660 lb-ft version of the Cummins engine. But if you want to unleash the diesel's full potential, you'll need to opt for an automatic. So equipped, output rises to 370 hp and 800 lb-ft of torque. Because of the truck's weight capacity, Ram is not required to provide EPA fuel economy estimates.
Speed is not the diesel Ram's mission in life, but we still clocked it to 60 mph in a respectable 8.7 seconds. This is a workhorse, and work it does: Properly equipped, the Ram 2500 can haul up to 3,890 pounds in the bed and tow up to 17,980 pounds.
The Ram 2500 is offered with three cab styles (regular, extended and crew); two bed lengths; and seven trim levels: Tradesman, SLT, Big Horn (sold in Texas as the Lone Star), Laramie, Laramie Longhorn, Limited and Power Wagon. The Tradesman is a stripped-down work truck designed to deliver lots of ability at a low price point, while the Limited has bells and whistles we'd expect from a luxury car. The Power Wagon is an off-road-themed version with a manual transfer case and other off-road-specific features, many of which are available on other models as part of the Off-Road package. Whichever suits you best, Edmunds can help find the perfect 2018 Ram 2500 for you.
2018 Ram 2500 Overview
The 2018 Ram 2500 is offered in the following submodels: , , . Available styles include Tradesman 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Laramie 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 6A), Big Horn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Tradesman 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Laramie 4dr Mega Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 6A), Power Wagon 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 6A), Longhorn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 6A), Laramie 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.4L 8cyl 6A), Lone Star 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Tradesman 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Big Horn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), SLT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Big Horn 4dr Mega Cab 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Longhorn 4dr Mega Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 6A), Limited 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 6A), Tradesman 4dr Crew Cab LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Tradesman 4dr Crew Cab SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Limited 4dr Mega Cab 4WD SB (6.4L 8cyl 6A), Lone Star 4dr Mega Cab 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), SLT 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Tradesman 2dr Regular Cab LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), SLT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), SLT 4dr Mega Cab 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), SLT 4dr Mega Cab SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Longhorn 4dr Crew Cab SB (6.4L 8cyl 6A), Limited 4dr Mega Cab SB (6.4L 8cyl 6A), Longhorn 4dr Mega Cab SB (6.4L 8cyl 6A), Limited 4dr Crew Cab LB (6.4L 8cyl 6A), Lone Star 4dr Crew Cab LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Big Horn 4dr Crew Cab SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Lone Star 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Big Horn 4dr Crew Cab LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Limited 4dr Crew Cab SB (6.4L 8cyl 6A), Limited 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.4L 8cyl 6A), SLT 4dr Crew Cab LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Big Horn 4dr Mega Cab SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Laramie 4dr Crew Cab SB (6.4L 8cyl 6A), Laramie 4dr Mega Cab SB (6.4L 8cyl 6A), Longhorn 4dr Crew Cab LB (6.4L 8cyl 6A), Longhorn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD LB (6.4L 8cyl 6A), Lone Star 4dr Crew Cab SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Laramie 4dr Crew Cab LB (6.4L 8cyl 6A), SLT 4dr Crew Cab SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), Lone Star 4dr Mega Cab SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A), and SLT 2dr Regular Cab LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A).
What do people think of the 2018 Ram 2500?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2018 Ram 2500 and all its trim types. 0 Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2018 2500.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 Ram 2500 and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 2500 featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What's a good price for a New 2018 Ram 2500?
2018 Ram 2500 Tradesman 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A)
The 2018 Ram 2500 Tradesman 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $40,725. The average price paid for a new 2018 Ram 2500 Tradesman 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) is trending $10,360 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $10,360 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$30,365.
The average savings for the 2018 Ram 2500 Tradesman 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) is25.4% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 11 2018 Ram 2500 Tradesman 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2018 Ram 2500 Tradesman 2dr Regular Cab LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A)
The 2018 Ram 2500 Tradesman 2dr Regular Cab LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $37,345. The average price paid for a new 2018 Ram 2500 Tradesman 2dr Regular Cab LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) is trending $9,653 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $9,653 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$27,692.
The average savings for the 2018 Ram 2500 Tradesman 2dr Regular Cab LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) is25.8% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 2 2018 Ram 2500 Tradesman 2dr Regular Cab LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
Which 2018 Ram 2500s are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2018 Ram 2500 for sale near. There are currently 517 new 2018 2500s listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $37,695 and mileage as low as 0 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2018 Ram 2500. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $15,284 on a used or CPO 2018 2500 available from a dealership near you.
Can't find a new 2018 Ram 2500s you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a new Ram 2500 for sale - 6 great deals out of 18 listings starting at $11,010.
Find a new Ram for sale - 8 great deals out of 15 listings starting at $17,151.
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Should I lease or buy a 2018 Ram 2500?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Ram lease specials
Check out Ram 2500 lease specials
Related vehicle information
2018 Ram 2500 Information
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