If you need to haul heavy loads, the 2018 Ram 2500 delivers the power and performance necessary. Accomplish work tasks, tow your favorite toys, and enjoy the ride in this heavy-duty pickup truck.
Trim Levels
The 2018 Ram 2500 is available in a wide array of configurations, with three cab styles, seven trim levels, and two bed lengths. The seven trims are the Tradesman, SLT, Big Horn (called Lone Star for buyers in Texas), Laramie, Laramie Longhorn, Limited, and Power Wagon. The base model comes with 17-inch steel wheels and automatic headlights. With the SLT comes power-adjustable and heated side mirrors, a power-sliding rear window, and 18-inch chrome-clad wheels. The Big Horn adds chrome grille slats and 18-inch alloy wheels.
The Laramie trim tacks on projector headlights, two-tone paint, and LED taillights. Choose the Laramie Longhorn for a spray-in bed liner, running boards, a chrome mesh grille, and cream-colored bumpers, or step up to the luxurious Limited to get 20-inch wheels, chrome trim, automatic wipers and high beams, and monotone paint. The off-roading Power Wagon offers dual-projection blacked-out headlights, matching black accents, and LED taillights.
Engine
Most trim levels come equipped with a 5.7-liter V-8 engine, which pumps out 400 pound-feet of torque and 383 horsepower. It works with a six-speed automatic transmission. The first optional engine is a 6.4-liter V-8, producing 429 pound-feet of torque and 410 horsepower. It pairs with a six-speed automatic transmission. You can also choose a 6.7-liter turbocharged diesel-powered V-6, which delivers 660 pound-feet of torque and 350 horsepower with the six-speed manual. The automatic transmission takes the output to 800 pound-feet of torque and 370 horsepower.
Performance
When you’re shopping for a heavy-duty pickup truck, you’re probably more concerned with the towing and hauling capacity than you are with the fuel economy. The 2018 Ram 2500 doesn’t disappoint, boasting a best-in-class gas-powered towing capacity of 16,320 pounds when properly equipped. With the diesel engine, the max towing goes up to 17,980 pounds. The maximum payload with the gas engine is 3,900 pounds.
Interior
The base trim level of the 2018 Ram 2500 comes equipped with a six-speaker audio system and vinyl upholstery and flooring. Available features on the higher trim levels include power-adjustable, heated and ventilated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated rear seats, and black upholstery. You can also get the unique RamBox cargo management system, which comes with an adjustable bed divider, storage compartments, and tie-downs.
Tech options are available on upper trims as well, including Bluetooth connectivity, high definition radio, a 10-speaker surround-sound audio system, and navigation.
Safety Features
Standard safety equipment on all trim levels of the 2018 Ram 2500 includes advanced multistage front, front seat-side, and side-curtain air bags, electronic stability control, and a rearview camera. The Laramie trim adds front and rear parking sensors as standard features. With the Power Wagon, you’ll get off-road safety additions like hill descent control, a front anti-roll bar with the option to electronically disconnect it, and an integrated front winch.
