CAUGHT: Updated Ram Heavy Duty Big Horn Crew Cab Dually
Exterior Updates Appear Minor, But The Big Changes Are In The Powertrain
As Ram prepares to launch the updated 2025 Ram Heavy Duty lineup, testing appears to be in full force. Last week, we showed you the 2025 Ram 2500 Rebel testing in light camouflage, and this week, our spy photographers have caught a 2025 Ram Heavy Duty crew cab dually. This truck appears to be a Big Horn trim with both the front end and taillights covered up, as we have seen in previous spy photos.
Refreshed Designs and Unchanged Foundations
The 2025 Heavy Duty lineup is set to receive significant updates, following the design cues of the 2025 Ram 1500. The refreshed models will feature a new grille design, revamped front headlamps, an updated front bumper, and new taillights. However, those hoping for a shift from the fourth-generation heavy-duty cabs to the fifth-generation design may need to wait longer, as the latest round of spy photos reveal that the cab design remains unchanged.
| Crew Cabs | Ram HD | Ford | GM | Ram DT Cab |
| FR Headroom (in) | 40.9 | 40.8 | 43 | 40.9 |
| FR Legroom (in) | 40.9 | 43.9 | 44.5 | 40.9 |
| FR Shoulder room (in) | 65.9 | 66.7 | 66 | 66 |
| FR Hip room (in) | 62.9 | 62.5 | 61.1 | 63.4 |
| R Headroom (in) | 39.8 | 40.4 | 40.1 | 39.9 |
| R Legroom (in) | 40.2 | 43.6 | 43.4 | 44.8 |
| R Shoulder room (in) | 65.6 | 65.9 | 65.3 | 65.7 |
| R Hip room (in) | 62.7 | 64.7 | 60.2 | 63.4 |
| *Mega cab | ||||
| R Headroom (in) | 40.3 | |||
| R Legroom (in) | 43.1 |
Interior and Technological Enhancements
Inside the trucks, changes are expected to align closely with the 2025 Ram 1500. This includes the introduction of a 14.5-inch touchscreen, which will be standard on higher trims and optional on mid-level trims. The 8.4-inch Uconnect 5 system will likely continue in Tradesman models, with the 12.1-inch Uconnect 5 system also making a return, as evidenced in these spy shots.
There is still uncertainty about whether the updated Heavy-Duty trucks will adopt the new Atlantis electrical architecture debuted in the 2025 Ram 1500. Without this update, newer technologies like the passenger screen, heads-up display (HUD), and hands-free highway driving features might not be available in the 2500/3500 models at this time.
Exterior Styling and Performance Updates
Externally, the Heavy-Duty models will retain most of their current styling, with the exception of updated grilles, front headlights, potentially the front bumper, and new taillights. The new headlight modules appear to have a horizontal styling element likely carried over from the grille, separating the headlight and turn signals. LED headlights are expected to become standard across all trims.
Based on the exhaust, this pre-production model is likely testing the 6.4-liter Hemi V8, which is rumored to receive emissions-focused updates. While there is speculation about the inclusion of the new Hurricane inline 6 twin-turbo engine, current insights suggest it won’t be featured in the Heavy Duty lineup anytime soon if at all.
However, the spotlight is likely to shine on the Cummins Turbo Diesel powertrain, as Ram is poised to replace the older 68RFE and Aisin AS69RC 6-speed automatic transmissions with the more modern and efficient ZF Powerline 8-speed automatic.
According to our sources, Ram plans to capitalize on this move by going to a single diesel powertrain option across the board instead of the standard output and high output strategy they have been using for just over 10 years now.
Anticipation for Market-Leading Performance
With these updates, there is strong anticipation around the power and torque improvements in the Cummins engines, as Ram aims possibly to surpass the benchmarks set by Ford’s 6.7-liter Powerstroke High Output, which delivers 500 horsepower and 1200 lb-ft of torque.
2025 promises to be an exhilarating year for the Ram brand, with significant updates across their most popular products. Keep an eye on this space as we continue to bring you the latest news and updates on the Ram truck lineup. Stay connected for more details and insider looks as we approach the much-awaited launch.
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