The 2026 Ram 2500 is one of our favorite heavy-duty trucks thanks to its brawny engine options, high towing and payload capacities, and relatively smooth and quiet ride. The 2500 got a big update for 2025, which included a new version of the venerable 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel engine tuned to 430 horsepower and a Herculean 1,075 lb-ft of torque. It's the same for 2026. An available 14.5-inch touchscreen running the latest Uconnect infotainment software was also added to the options list. The Ram 2500 is available in many trim levels, ranging from the basic Tradesman work truck to the luxurious Limited and Limited Longhorn models.
Big discounts and slow sales make the 2026 Ram 2500 one of the stronger heavy-duty truck deals right now.
You can save about $6,700 total on a new 2500. Buyers are already paying about $4,690 below MSRP, and Ram adds a $2000 customer cash rebate on top. Most trims cluster near that discount, but the Laramie stands out as a value play with nearly 8% off MSRP before rebates.
New inventory is plentiful at 12,199 trucks nationwide, which gives you more room to shop dealers against each other. The mix matters, though. Tradesman, Big Horn, and Laramie trims are easiest to find, while Limited Longhorn stock is very thin.
Remaining new inventory is moving slowly, with a median 143 days to turn versus 34 days for the average new vehicle. That usually helps your leverage. Ask for a bigger dealer discount, not just the rebate.
Lease payments are steep. Expect around $1,120 a month with about $6,700 due at signing on a typical 36-month lease, so compare that against financing before you commit.
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2026 Ram 2500 trim level differences
The 2026 Ram 2500 is a heavy-duty pickup available in regular cab, crew cab and Mega Cab (a larger crew cab with reclining rear seats) body styles. While the crew cab can be had in every trim level (Tradesman, Black Express, Big Horn, Warlock, Laramie, Rebel, Power Wagon, Limited and Limited Longhorn), the regular cab is limited to the Tradesman and Big Horn, while the Mega Cab is Laramie, Limited and Limited Longhorn only. An 8-foot bed is standard with the regular cab and available with the crew cab. A 6-foot-4-inch bed is standard on the crew cab and mandatory with the Mega Cab. Compare the 2026 Ram 2500 trim levels in-depth.
Trim we recommend
We like the Laramie trim for the best all-around value. It also gives you lots of flexibility in picking a cab size and an engine option.
Competitors to consider
There are only a handful of HD trucks on the market, so the updated Ram 2500's main rivals are the usual suspects: the Ford F-250 Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD and GMC Sierra 2500HD. The Ford offers an optional 7.3-liter gas V8, which makes more power and torque than the Ram's 6.4-liter V8. It also has an available high-output 6.7-liter turbodiesel V8 that makes an incredible 1,200 lb-ft of torque. GM's heavy-duty twins also offer a turbodiesel V8, though it doesn't pass the 1,000-lb-ft mark. GMC has the high-end Denali and Denali Ultimate trim levels, which use more upscale materials and give the higher trims of the Ram 2500 a run for their money.
Edmunds spotlight: Many changes last year
Ram's two heavy-duty models, the Ram 2500 and 3500 (reviewed separately), are both highly capable trucks. The 2500 can tow a decent amount and handle large payloads and still be drivable every day. The 3500, on the other hand, is designed for the toughest jobs, with higher max towing and payload figures than the 2500. The 3500 is also available with dual rear wheels, which help distribute the load and increase towing capacity.
Overall, owner sentiment is mixed. Owners like the truck's strong power, roomy feel, and comfortable ride, and some say it tows well and has great features. But many owners report big problems like check engine lights, electrical trouble, leaks, broken parts, and long waits for repairs. A few also say the ride is rough or the seats are not comfortable.
This summary is AI-generated from the text of owner reviews
The 2026 Ram 2500 has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 7 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 3 out of 5, ranks it #12 out of 19 among Fullsize Trucks.
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
powered by RepairPal
Recalls
7 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:
26V531000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
78D
Number of vehicles affected:
844027
Defect Description:
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2026 Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Gladiator, Jeep Compass, Jeep Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Jeep Grand Wagoneer L, Ram Promaster, Ram Promaster EV, Ram 1500, Ram 2500, Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid, Chrysler Voyager, and 2026-2027 Chrysler Pacifica and Dodge Charger vehicles. The rearview camera image may fail to display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Defect Consequence:
A rearview camera image that fails to display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
Radio software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning September 2, 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 78D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov on August 20, 2026.
Recall Number:
26V288000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
43D
Number of vehicles affected:
12736
Defect Description:
Chryser (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2023-2026 Ram 2500 Pick up trucks. A software error in the powertrain control module may improperly allow the vehicle speed to exceed the tire speed rating, which can result in a loss of vehicle control.
Defect Consequence:
Loss of vehicle control increases the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 21, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 43D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 14, 2026.
Recall Number:
26V244000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
36D
Manufactured from:
2025-09-13 to 2025-11-15
Number of vehicles affected:
6605
Defect Description:
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2026 Ram 2500 Pickup trucks. The trucks may be equipped with steering column control modules that can cause a loss of electronic stability control. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
Defect Consequence:
A loss of electronic stability control increases the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will replace the steering column control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 7, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 36D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning April 23, 2026.
Recall Number:
26V225000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
35D
Manufactured from:
2024-08-21 to
Number of vehicles affected:
65348
Defect Description:
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 4500 Cab Chassis, and Ram 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. A software error may cause the instrument panel display to fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards numbers 102, "Transmission Shift Position Sequence," 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems," 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment," 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems for Light Vehicles," 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems," 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring System," and/or 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Defect Consequence:
An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as gear selection and warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will update the instrument panel software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 5, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 35D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning April 16, 2026.
Recall Number:
26V059000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
03D
Number of vehicles affected:
456287
Defect Description:
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Jeep Wagoneer S, 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 4500 Cab Chassis, Ram 5500 Cab Chassis, and 2026 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. Due to an improperly designed trailer tow module, the trailer lights may fail to illuminate and the trailer brakes may fail.
Defect Consequence:
Trailer brake lights and turn signals that do not illuminate reduce visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, trailer brakes that fail increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will replace the trailer tow module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning March 17, 2026. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 03D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 10, 2026.
Recall Number:
25V826000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
B4C, B8C
Number of vehicles affected:
72509
Defect Description:
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Ram Cab Chassis, and Ram 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. A software error may cause the instrument panel cluster display to be blank. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems," 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems," and 102, "Transmission shift lever sequence, starter interlock, and transmission braking effect."
Defect Consequence:
An instrument panel display that does not show critical information, such as warning lights or gear selection, increases the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will inspect and update the instrument panel software or replace the instrument panel cluster, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 18, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's numbers for this recall are B4C and B8C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning December 4, 2025.
Recall Number:
25V530000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
79C
Manufactured from:
2025-04-04 to 2025-07-31
Number of vehicles affected:
2885
Defect Description:
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2026 Ram 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 2500, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. The instrument panel may display an incorrect brake system warning light. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Displays."
Defect Consequence:
An incorrect warning light can fail to alert the driver to critical safety information, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will replace the instrument panel cluster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 9, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 79C.
The Edmunds experts tested the 2026 2500 both on the road and at the track. 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 2026 Ram 2500?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2026 Ram 2500:
New Warlock trim level
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 average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2026 Ram 2500 a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2026 Ram 2500 is a good car. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2026 2500 is a good car for you. Check back soon for the official Edmunds Rating from our expert testing team Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2026 Ram 2500?
The least-expensive 2026 Ram 2500 is the 2026 Ram 2500 Tradesman 2dr Regular Cab LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $46,855.
Other versions include:
Tradesman 2dr Regular Cab LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) which starts at $46,855
Tradesman 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) which starts at $49,785
Big Horn 2dr Regular Cab LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) which starts at $50,605
Lone Star 2dr Regular Cab LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) which starts at $50,605
Big Horn 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) which starts at $53,535
Lone Star 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A) which starts at $53,535
If you're interested in the Ram 2500, the next question is, which 2500 model is right for you? 2500 variants include Tradesman 2dr Regular Cab LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A), Tradesman 2dr Regular Cab 4WD LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A), Big Horn 2dr Regular Cab LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A), and Lone Star 2dr Regular Cab LB (6.4L 8cyl 8A). For a full list of 2500 models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more