2025 Ram 2500 HD Review: A Powerhouse Refined for the Modern Era

Under the Hood: The Heart of the Beast Gets Stronger

Before discussing the new aesthetics, it’s crucial to address the mechanical core of this truck. Ram has made substantial changes to the legendary Cummins turbo-diesel inline-six engine, resulting in notable gains in performance and fuel economy.

Unlike rivals who favor turbo-diesel V8s, Ram stays true to its roots with the 6.7L Cummins turbo-diesel inline-six. For 2025, Ram and Cummins collaborated on a comprehensive redesign, starting from the engine block itself. The internals, including pistons and valves, have been re-engineered, and it features a brand-new turbocharger. Significantly, for consumer-grade trucks, Ram is now offering this engine exclusively in a high-output configuration.

Key Powertrain Specifications:

Note: Chassis cab models retain a detuned version producing 375 hp and 800 lb-ft of torque.

The shift from a six-speed to the sophisticated ZF eight-speed automatic transmission is a major upgrade. This transmission is engineered to improve both shifting smoothness and overall efficiency, better managing the immense torque output.

As heavy-duty vehicles are not required to have EPA fuel economy ratings, official MPG figures are unavailable. Our test truck, equipped with a 31-gallon fuel tank, displayed an estimated range of around 400 miles on a full tank. For those requiring even greater range, an massive optional 50-gallon fuel tank is available. In terms of performance, while Ram doesn’t quote official 0-60 mph times, previous models achieved the sprint in approximately 6.7 seconds.

Towing and Payload: Built for the Heavy Lifting

You buy a truck like this for its brute strength. This specific 2025 Ram 2500 HD Laramie configuration can tow just under 20,000 pounds and handle a payload of nearly 2,500 pounds in its bed. It’s important to note that while the diesel engine adds significant capability in torque and tow rating, its substantial weight does reduce the maximum payload compared to a gasoline-powered model. For those needing absolute maximum capacity, other configurations of the Ram HD can tow over 36,000 pounds and haul up to 7,700 pounds of payload.

The base engine remains the 6.4L Hemi V8, producing 405 horsepower, but the Cummins diesel is the crown jewel, commanding a premium of approximately $12,600.

Exterior Styling: A Bold and Polarizing New Face

The 2025 Ram HD’s most immediate change is its front-end design, which has proven to be a topic of debate among truck enthusiasts. The look varies significantly by trim level, and our Laramie tester, equipped with the $2,500 Sport Appearance Package, presents one of the more appealing interpretations.

Painted in Granite Gray Crystal Metallic, the truck boasts a sophisticated look with complementary chrome accents. The body-colored bumper and grille surround from the Sport package create a cohesive and athletic appearance. The massive grille is functional, allowing air to pass through, and features a repositioned Ram badge.

The headlights are a defining feature with their four-point, full-LED design. Higher trims like the Laramie benefit from premium projector LEDs, LED daytime running lights, and LED fog lights. A prominent, non-functional hood scoop is a styling cue that may frustrate purists, though functional extractor vents on the sides of the hood add a touch of authenticity.

From the side, the truck’s imposing dimensions are clear. Our test vehicle is a Crew Cab with a 6’4″ long bed, resulting in a 149-inch wheelbase and an overall length of 239 inches. For those needing maximum cargo space, an 8-foot bed with the Crew Cab is available, stretching the truck to nearly 262 inches long. The width is a significant 83.5 inches, with dual-rear-wheel (DRW) models adding another foot.

The Laramie’s 20-inch polished wheels from the Sport Appearance Package complement the design well, riding on 285/60R20 Firestone street tires. The truck features a solid front axle and recirculating ball steering, which prioritizes durability and towing prowess over the car-like feel of rack-and-pinion systems. Standard features like power-folding, extending tow mirrors with integrated blind-spot monitoring and cameras are essential on a vehicle of this size.

The rear design remains largely unchanged from the pre-refresh model, maintaining a classic and recognizable Ram truck appearance. Full LED taillights, a polished bumper, and a massive side-exit exhaust tip round out the look.

The Cargo Bed: A Workhorse Ready for Duty

The 6’4″ bed on our tester is a cavernous space, further enhanced by an optional spray-in bed liner, LED lighting, sturdy tie-down hooks, and a power outlet. The tailgate is nicely damped for easy operation, though it lacks a power-open/close feature found on some rivals.

Interior: A Sanctuary of Technology and Comfort

Stepping inside the 2025 Ram 2500 HD reveals the other major area of improvement. The cabin blends rugged capability with modern luxury and technology.

Key Interior Features & Dimensions:

The Laramie trim features comfortable black leather and suede seats with contrast stitching. The 12-way power-adjustable seats (with heated and ventilated functions included in an upgrade package) make it easy to find a perfect driving position. The door panels and dashboard are adorned with soft-touch materials, faux wood trim, and contrast stitching, creating a premium ambiance.

The centerpiece is the new, standard 14.5-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen. This massive display is responsive and houses nearly all vehicle functions, from climate controls to the trailer brake controller. The resolution is sharp, and the menu structure is generally intuitive, though some lag can be noticed when navigating between certain apps. The top-down 360-degree camera system is incredibly useful for maneuvering this large vehicle, offering multiple views including a unique look into the cargo bed.

Ahead of the driver is a fully digital 12.3-inch gauge cluster that is clear, customizable, and provides all essential driving information. The steering wheel, adorned with the new Ram logo, is leather-wrapped and feels substantial. It’s worth noting that the steering wheel only tilts; it does not telescope, which could be a limitation for some drivers seeking an ideal driving position.

Practicality is a strong suit. The center console is massive, featuring a two-tiered design with ample space for storage. The inclusion of four USB ports (a mix of Type-A and Type-C) and dual wireless charging pads ensures all devices stay powered. The traditional column shifter for the 8-speed transmission and the manual four-wheel-drive selector knob keep the center console area clean and functional.

Driving Impressions and Real-World Performance

On the road, the 2025 Ram 2500 HD makes its presence known. The characteristic diesel clatter on startup is satisfying, signaling the robust power within. The primary improvement from the powertrain updates is felt in refinement and responsiveness. The new eight-speed transmission executes smooth, timely shifts, making the immense 1,075 lb-ft of torque effortlessly accessible. Whether merging onto a highway or passing slower traffic, the truck builds speed with surprising authority for its size.

The ride quality is firm, as expected from a heavy-duty truck with solid axles, but the Laramie’s suspension does a commendable job of isolating occupants from harsh impacts. It remains composed and stable, even over broken pavement. The steering is accurate but requires more effort than a half-ton truck, communicating its workhorse nature.

In terms of real-world fuel economy, during mixed driving conditions, we observed an average that translated to the estimated 400-mile range on the 31-gallon tank. For a vehicle of this size and capability, the efficiency gains from the new engine and transmission are a welcome, tangible benefit.

The integration of the exhaust brake system is seamless. Activated via a button on the dashboard, it provides significant engine braking when descending grades or slowing down, preserving the service brakes and adding confidence when towing heavy loads.

The Verdict: Who is the 2025 Ram 2500 HD For?

The 2025 Ram 2500 HD successfully evolves a proven formula. It retains the rugged capability and diesel powertrain excellence that has defined the nameplate, while thoughtfully integrating the technology, comfort, and efficiency that modern truck buyers demand.