2020 Ram 2500 Review

Name: 2020 Ram 2500
Brand: Ram

Price Range: $21,995 - $50,590

Ram 2500 Big Horn Crew Cab Pickup Exterior

Good

7.9

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

The 2020 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.

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Average price: $41,523

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Appraise My 2020 Ram 2500

Ram 2500 model years

Ram 2500 for Sale

Ram 2500 types

Pros

Impressive power and torque from available diesel engine
Versatile high-tech cabin, especially on higher trims
Comfortable seats and quiet cabin for such a big vehicle
Power Wagon trim offers massive off-road capability

Cons

With the diesel engine, chatter is always present
The driving position is a little too high

What's new

New optional 50-gallon fuel tank with crew-cab configuration
Lane keeping assist and adaptive steering now available as options
Part of the fifth Ram 2500 generation introduced for 2019

Overview

Written by automotive expert Reese Counts

2/25/2020

The 2020 Ram 2500 stakes out a middle ground between the light-duty Ram 1500 and the extra-strength Ram 3500. It's available in a wide variety of cab, bed, engine and drivetrain configurations, meaning that if you're in the market for a heavy-duty truck, there's likely a Ram 2500 for you. Updates for 2020 are minor, but the truck was redesigned last year and still feels plenty fresh.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale near Ashburn, VA

33 listings

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2020 Ram 2500
Big Horn Crew Cab
$42,995
good price
$5,557 below market
- 65,129 miles
- 6'4” bed, 6.7l, 6cyl
- 1,513 mi away
- Home delivery*
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Upgraded Headlights
Close
Located in Casper, WY
CarFax No Accidents Reported, Rare Find,Apple CarPlay,Back-Up Camera,Blind Spot Monitor,Bluetooth,Brake Assist,Heated Seats,Heated Steering Wheel,Keyl...
Vehicle History:
No accidents, 4 owners, personal use only
Listing Information:
VIN:
3C6UR5DL5LG145857
Stock:
9843CF
Certified Pre-Owned:
No
2020 Ram 2500
Big Horn Crew Cab
$46,895
good price
$4,864 below market
- 34,165 miles
- 6'4” bed, 6.7l, 6cyl
- 1,829 mi away
- Home delivery*
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Blind Spot Monitorin...
- Power Driver Seat
Close
Located in Pocatello, ID
CarFax No Accidents Reported, CarFax 1-Owner, Low Mileage, Rare Find,Apple CarPlay,Back-Up Camera,Bluetooth,Brake Assist,Heated Seats,Heated Steering ...
Vehicle History:
No accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
Listing Information:
VIN:
3C6UR5DLXLG227874
Stock:
LG227874T
Certified Pre-Owned:
No

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Major upgrades for this generation include more high-strength steel in the frame and aluminum body panels to reduce weight and improve fuel economy, higher towing and hauling capabilities, and an improved set of standard and optional safety features. The 2500 also borrowed the interior from the recently updated Ram 1500, which we've found to be the nicest in the class. Power comes from either a 6.4-liter gasoline V8 or a turbocharged 6.7-liter inline-six diesel engine.

Of course, the Ram 2500 has some competition. The Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD (and related GMC Sierra 2500HD) is all-new this year, and Ford has made a bunch of updates to its F-250 Super Duty. You won't go wrong with any of them, yet it's easy to recommend the Ram given its appealing mix of capability and refinement.

Edmunds Expert Rating

edmunds TESTED

by the Edmunds Experts

Good

7.9

out of 10

We drove the 2020 Ram 2500 on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

Performance

7.5/10

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

8/10

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.

Interior

8/10

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 monitoring 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.

2020 Ram 2500 trim level differences

Whatever your needs, a heavy-duty truck such as the 2020 Ram 2500 probably has a configuration that will fit them. There are three cab styles, two bed lengths, and two powertrains to choose from. The Ram 2500 also comes in six trim levels: Tradesman, Big Horn/Lone Star, Laramie, Longhorn, Limited and Power Wagon. Compare the 2020 Ram 2500 trim levels in-depth.

Which 2500 trim does Edmunds recommend?

It's hard to recommend one model given the number of configurations and the wide range of needs among heavy-duty truck shoppers. That said, the Big Horn/Lone Star trim comes with a good number of additional standard features for not much more money than the entry-level Tradesman.

See Edmunds pricing data

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Reliability

The 2020 Ram 2500 has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 10 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 3 out of 5, ranks it #12 out of 19 among Fullsize Trucks. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

3 out of 5 stars3/5Average

#12 out of 19 among Fullsize Trucks

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

$1,056/yr

vs. $752/yr
for Average Fullsize Truck

Frequency

0.89x/yr

vs. 0.98x/yr
for Average Fullsize Truck

Severity

23.2%

vs. 19.9%
for Average Fullsize Truck

Recalls

10 recalls found

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Recall Number:: 25V010000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 05C, 09C,
Number of vehicles affected:: 6066
Defect Description:: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Ram 3500, Ram 1500, 2016-2020 Ram 2500, and 2016 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis vehicles. The right and left side curtain air bag inflators may rupture due to a manufacturing defect.
Defect Consequence:: An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will replace one or both side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's numbers for this recall are 05C, 09C, and 10C.

Recall Number:: 22V904000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: ZB8
Number of vehicles affected:: 1224078
Defect Description:: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks. The tailgate may not latch properly due to misaligned tailgate strikers, which could result in the tailgate opening while driving.
Defect Consequence:: An unintended tailgate opening while driving may result in a loss of unsecured cargo, possibly creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will inspect the tailgate striker alignment to the box latch and adjust, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 22, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is ZB8.

Recall Number:: 22V835000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: ZA3
Number of vehicles affected:: 250079
Defect Description:: FCA US, LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Ram 2500 and 2020-2022 Ram 3500 vehicles. A build-up of pressure and heat inside the transmission may result in a transmission fluid leak from the dipstick tube.
Defect Consequence:: Leaking transmission fluid may contact an ignition source within the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will replace the transmission dipstick and transmission vent assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 29, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is ZA3.

Recall Number:: 22V140000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: Z20
Number of vehicles affected:: 370437
Defect Description:: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ram 2500 and 2021-2022 Dodge Durango vehicles, and 2019-2022 3500 cab chassis with GVWR less than 10,000 lbs. The ABS control module software may prevent the electronic stability control (ESC) malfunction indicator light from illuminating during certain conditions. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
Defect Consequence:: An ESC malfunction indicator light that fails to illuminate during an electronic stability control problem can increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will update the ABS control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z20.

Recall Number:: 22V035000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: Z08
Number of vehicles affected:: 171789
Defect Description:: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 vehicles, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, 5500 Cab Chassis and 3500 Cab Chassis with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 lbs. The windshield wiper arms may loosen, possibly causing the wipers to function improperly and reduce the driver's visibility in certain weather conditions.
Defect Consequence:: Reduced visibility increases the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will tighten the wiper nuts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2022. This recall is an expansion of recall number 20V-208. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z08.

Recall Number:: 21V880000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: Y78
Number of vehicles affected:: 222410
Defect Description:: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 2500, 3500 pickup trucks, and Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis vehicles equipped with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines. The High Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) may fail, resulting in a sudden engine stall without warning.
Defect Consequence:: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will replace the HPFP, update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software, and inspect and replace additional fuel system components as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters to inform owners of the safety recall were mailed on January 4, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 17, 2022. Phase 2 owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on March 2, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y78.

Recall Number:: 20V622000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: W70
Number of vehicles affected:: 19075
Defect Description:: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Ram 2500 and 1500 vehicles. The driver side mirror glass can detach from the backing plate and no longer provide a reflective surface. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Defect Consequence:: Missing driver side mirror glass reduces visibility and increases the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver side mirror glass, free of charge. The recall began November 5, 2020. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W70.

Recall Number:: 20V207000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: W24, W44
Number of vehicles affected:: 37580
Defect Description:: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 Pick-up trucks equipped with an accessory bed step. In certain side loading conditions, the bed step may unexpectedly fail while in use.
Defect Consequence:: A bed step that unexpectedly fails while in use increases the risk of injury to the user.
Corrective Action:: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the bed step support brace, free of charge. The recall began on July 9, 2020 (RAM 2500) and began on October 6, 2020 (Ram 3500). Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's numbers for this recall are W24 and W44.

Recall Number:: 20V191000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: W30-W37
Number of vehicles affected:: 319610
Defect Description:: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Jeep Gladiator and Jeep Cherokee, 2019-2020 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler, and Jeep Renegade and 2019 Dodge Challenger vehicles equipped with 8.4" or 12" radio displays. A software error can cause the rearview camera image to remain displayed after the vehicle has been shifted out of reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
Defect Consequence:: The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will update the radio display software, free of charge. Optionally, owners can choose to remotely update their software via an Over-The-Air (OTA) update available as of May 1, 2020. The recall began April 27, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W30-W37.

Recall Number:: 20V043000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: W03
Number of vehicles affected:: 87431
Defect Description:: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 2500 and 3500 Pickup vehicles equipped with six-speed automatic (68RFE) transmissions. A build up of pressure and heat inside the transmission may result in a transmission fluid leak from the dipstick tube.
Defect Consequence:: The leaking transmission fluid may contact the turbocharger or another ignition source within the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
Corrective Action:: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission valve body separator plate and reprogram the powertrain control module. The recall began March 2, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W03.

Warranty

3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 5 years / unlimited miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 5 years / 100,000 miles

Ram 2500 Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.1

32 reviews

5(62%)

4(15%)

3(3%)

2(3%)

1(17%)

See all 32 reviews of the Ram 2500

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

2020 Ram 2500 videos

2020 Ford Tremor vs. Ram Power Wagon Off-Road Drag Race! Who's Got the Best Off-Road HD Truck?

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.

2020 2500 Features & Specs

Type:

Crew Cab

Trim:

Tradesman

MSRP (New) Excludes Destination Fee	$37,450
Engine Type	Gas
Seating	6 seats
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Max Towing Capacity	19,310 lbs.
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the 2500 models:

Forward Collision Alert: Warns the driver of an imminent front-end collision and can apply the brakes to bring the vehicle to a stop.
Lane Keeping Assist: Keeps the truck in its lane on the highway by scanning the road markings and applying a mild correction to the steering wheel.
Surround-View Camera: Gives a simulated 360-degree bird's-eye view of the vehicle to help it fit into tight spaces.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
DriverNot Rated
PassengerNot Rated
Side Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Side Barrier Rating
OverallNot Rated
DriverNot Rated
PassengerNot Rated
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front SeatNot Rated
Back SeatNot Rated
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover19.8%

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