Introduction to Heavy-Duty Trucks
The heavy-duty truck market is fiercely competitive, particularly among the traditional big three American manufacturers. Each brand has its impressive performance characteristics, and consumers tend to gravitate towards the one that best meets their needs. It’s essential to understand that each of these heavy-duty trucks comes with its share of advantages and disadvantages. This week, I had the opportunity to drive the latest Ram 2500 Laramie, which features the highly regarded Cummins 6.7-liter inline six-cylinder diesel engine.
Brand Loyalty and Truck Preference
The choice of a substantial heavy-duty truck often boils down to personal preference or brand loyalty. The Ram 2500 is appealing, much like its competitors—the Ford F-250 with its Powerstroke Diesel and both the Chevy Silverado 2500 and GMC Sierra 2500 equipped with Duramax Diesel engines. Ram’s effective use of the Cummins engine, known for its extensive history in more substantial applications, has cultivated a devoted fan base akin to other heavy-duty diesel trucks.
Features of the Ram 2500 Laramie
The Ram 2500 Laramie strikes an excellent balance as a mid-range heavy-duty truck. It offers a notable level of luxury without a prohibitive price tag. The 6.7-liter inline-six Cummins diesel engine delivers an impressive 430 horsepower and a remarkable 1,075 lb-ft of torque. This torque figure represents a significant increase from the previous year’s Cummins engine, along with modifications aimed at minimizing harshness and vibrations typically associated with diesel engines. Additionally, the diesel is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission controlled by an electronic shifter, which retains the traditional column-mounted design that appeals to purists.
Fuel Efficiency and Range
While fuel economy ratings for heavy-duty trucks may not be readily available, I observed an impressive 17.6 MPG on the highway while maintaining a steady speed of 65 mph, and around 16.1 MPG in city driving conditions. These figures are commendable for such a large vehicle. It’s reasonable to assume that you would still achieve decent fuel economy during towing and when hauling substantial loads, further supported by the truck’s generous 31-gallon fuel tank, offering an extended range for long trips.
Driving Experience and Comfort
Driving the Ram 2500 Laramie Sport with the Cummins Diesel is surprisingly straightforward. While the size of the truck may seem daunting at first, the vehicle’s light but powerful steering and improved throttle response simplify maneuvering. The new automatic transmission shifts seamlessly through the gears, enhancing the overall driving experience. Although the truck’s size can be intimidating, the general driveability exudes confidence. However, I found the optional 360-degree camera package would have been beneficial; instead, I relied on the standard backup camera available in the mid-level Laramie Sport trim.
Advanced Infotainment System
This model year introduces Ram’s latest infotainment system, featuring a new 14.5-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen. This system, while generally user-friendly, occasionally suffers from lagging response times that can disrupt the experience. On the brighter side, it offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, which works well with the expansive screen, allowing users to view essential functions and displays like climate control simultaneously.
Interior Comfort and Utility
As expected, the seating in the Ram 2500 is spacious and designed to accommodate adults of all sizes. This truck often serves as a versatile vehicle, capable of transporting families or performing work duties effectively, aided by the new 2.4-kW power inverter. The seats, which feature both heating and ventilation functionalities, are essential considering the Ram 2500’s somewhat rigid suspension, which may lead to a jarring ride over large bumps. Nonetheless, the initial driving experience is smooth, though larger road imperfections can lead to noticeable body movements. An optional auto-leveling rear suspension is available to counteract sagging when towing heavy loads, enhancing the overall driving experience.
Towing Capabilities
The updated Cummins Diesel engine, equipped with a shift-on-the-fly electronic transfer case, boasts impressive towing capacity. With a specific four-wheel-drive setup, it can tow up to 20,000 pounds, marking it as a best-in-class contender. My Ram 2500 Laramie Sport 4×4 has a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds, a towing capacity of 19,770 pounds thanks to a 3.42 axle ratio, and a max payload capacity of 2,260 pounds. These figures underscore its robust towing and hauling capabilities. Additionally, the fully powered side mirrors come with a power-extending option that assists with towing, featuring both main and lower spotter mirror adjustments.
Safety Features
The Ram 2500 Laramie Sport comes equipped with several essential active safety features, including blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and rear cross-path detection. Also included is adaptive cruise control with steering assistance and an intelligent ParkSense front and rear parking assist system, enhancing driver confidence and safety on the road.
Pricing and Value
As prices for heavy-duty trucks continue to rise, Ram has positioned the Laramie Sport Crew Cab 4×4 with the Cummins diesel engine as a compelling option, starting at $84,545. If you choose the same trim equipped with the less powerful 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine, the base price is approximately $64,430. The Cummins diesel option adds about $12,595 to the overall cost, a worthwhile investment considering the engine’s performance, efficiency, and the updates made in the 2025 model year.
