What’s New in the 2025 Ram 2500 & 3500? Engine, Interior, and Tech Upgrades
Unveiling the 2025 Ram Heavy Duty Lineup: Power, Performance, and Innovation
The Ram brand enters 2025 with an updated 1500 lineup, and a new CEO (Mopar Legend Tim Kuniskis). It has just unveiled the 2025 Ram Heavy Duty lineup, emphasizing increased power, luxury, and advanced technologies. While we have been speculating for years about what changes Ram would make when they updated their Heavy Duty lineup, we now know everything about it, and we think Ram fans will be happy.
The Ram 2500 and 3500 will be available in Regular, Crew, and Mega Cab configurations as in the past. Regular Cab models are available exclusively with an 8-foot bed. In contrast, Crew Cab models will be available with either a 6-foot, 4-inch or an 8-foot bed. Mega Cabs will soldier on with 6-foot, 4 foot beds exclusively.
Exterior –
Last refreshed for 2019, the Ram 2500 and 3500 are known for their bold, aggressive look. While Ram has played it safe here and kept the design mostly the same. They have tweaked the appearance with bold new grille designs, updated headlights, taillights, and new wheel designs.
LED headlights are now standard across the board, and premium projector LED headlights are standard on higher trim levels. Around the back, the Rams head badge is gone, replaced by large RAM lettering. New taillight designs are displayed, with incandescent taillights standard on Tradesman and Big Horn trims. A new LED design adorns the rest of the lineup. Of note is that the LED taillights are optional on Tradesman and Big Horn trims as part of the Tow Technology Group. They are also available on the Big Horn as part of the Big Horn Level 2 Equipment group.
Interior –
The bigwigs at Ram have decided not to mess with success and have left the class-leading interior alone. However, they have added many new comfort and convenience features. The 2025 Ram Heavy Duty lineup runs Stellantis’ new Atlantis electrical architecture, replacing the older Powernet system. Ram says the new Atlantis architecture allows the Uconnect 5 system to run at speeds five times faster than the previous generation.
Speaking of Uconnect 5, an 8.4-inch version is now standard on Tradesman and Big Horn/Lone Star trims. The 12-inch Uconnect 5 system has been updated with a higher resolution screen. It is standard on Power Wagon, Rebel, and Laramie trims (optional on Tradesman and Big Horn/Lone Star. The new 14.5-inch Uconnect 5 system is standard on Limited Longhorn and Longhorn (Optional on Power Wagon, Rebel, and Laramie). 12-inch and 14.5-inch Uconnect 5 system feature screens with full array local dimming, much like a higher-end TV that allows for a greater contrast ratio and is easier on the eyes at night than an edge-lit screen.
Other interior additions include a class-exclusive 10.25-inch passenger screen, and dual wireless charging. A new 2.4-kilowatt onboard power inverter is available with two covered electrical outlets in the truck’s bed.
For 2025, adaptive cruise control, with Forward Collision Warning-Plus, is now standard across the board. ParkSense front and rear park assist has been added to the Big Horn/Lone Star trim as standard equipment.
New and optional for 2025 are Drowsy Driver Detection, Traffic Sign Recognition, and Active Lane Management.
Powertrain and Performance –
Ram has simplified their powertrain offerings for 2025 down to two powertrains from the previous three:
- 6.7-liter Cummins High-Output Turbo Diesel: 430 horsepower and 1,075 lb-ft of torque.
- 6.4-liter HEMI® V8: 405 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque.
Gone is the standard output Cummins Turbo Diesel, replaced by an updated 6.7-liter Cummins High-Output offering available across the board.
In collaboration with Cummins, the 6.7-liter High-Output inline-6-cylinder Turbo Diesel engine has been enhanced. Engineers put a significant focus on drivability, fuel efficiency, durability, cold-start performance, ease of maintenance, and noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) reduction.
Cummins Updates –
Key upgrades include a re-engineered block and cylinder head, heavy-duty pistons, a newly designed performance intake manifold, a revised turbocharger, larger intake, and exhaust valves for better airflow, and a higher-pressure fuel system, all contributing to the Cummins diesels legendary strength and efficiency.
The upgraded Cummins engine incorporates optimized intake port geometry for top-feed injectors, a top-load lubrication system, and integrated fuel filters for easier servicing and improved airflow.
For easier startup in extremely cold conditions, the Cummins Diesel is now equipped with glow plugs for reliable cold starts. This is a big shift away from the older grid heater system.
Paired with a new column-shifted ZF Torqueflite HD 8AP1075 (ZF Powerline) eight-speed automatic transmission, Ram says these changes shave 1.1 seconds (6.9 seconds compared to 8.0 seconds) off the 0-60 time of a Ram 2500 diesel compared to 2024 models.
“More than 70 percent of Ram Heavy Duty customers opt for the diesel, and for 2025 we built on that demand and long-lasting durability with an improved Cummins engine coupled with a new eight speed transmission,” said Tim Kuniskis. “This is a very specific pickup segment that requires a powerful tool — every 2025 Ram 2500 we sell allows the potential of 1075 lb.-ft. of torque in every gear, for a 70 percent increase in torque delivery from the previous generation 2500.”
The 6.4-liter HEMI® Returns –
The 6.4-liter HEMI® ‘BGE’ V8 and ZF Torqueflite HD 8HP75-LCV soldier on as the standard powertrain across all trims. Rated at 405 Horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque, the HEMI is down by five horsepower for 2025. That said, many will be happy to learn that the HEMI-powered Ram Heavy Dutys are moving back to a column-mounted shifter for 2025; gone is the rotary dial shifter introduced for the Heavy Dutys in 2019.
Towing and Capability –
Ram takes towing seriously, and the 2025 Ram Heavy Duty lineup is no exception. Properly equipped, the 2025 Ram 3500 can tow up to 36,610 pounds gooseneck. Maximum bumper pull sits at 23,000 pounds. Maximum payload, when properly equipped, is 7,590 pounds.
While technically, max towing is down by 480 pounds compared to 2024 models, it is important to note that the 2025 model achieves that number with the new 3.42 axle ratio, while the 2024 model needed the optional at the time 4.10 axle ratio.
Other great features include trailer tow pages, trailer reverse steering control, power telescoping trailer tow mirrors, and a digital rearview mirror with tow mode which allows you to mount an auxiliary camera on the back of your trailer and see behind it using the rearview mirror aim to make towing a relaxed and comfortable experience.
Trim Levels and Availability –
The 2025 Ram Heavy Duty lineup includes the Tradesman, Big Horn/Lone Star, Laramie, Rebel, Power Wagon, Limited Longhorn, and Limited trims. Trucks will begin to arrive at dealerships in the first quarter of 2025. Pricing starts at $47,560 for the Ram 2500 and $48,565 for the Ram 3500.
Stay tuned as we dig deeper into the updated Ram Heavy Duty lineup in the upcoming days.
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