Official details and specifications for the newly refreshed 2025 Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 Heavy Duty models are finally out. Following a virtual debut of the latest Ram HD trucks a few months ago, which gave us a preview of what to expect visually, Ram Trucks finally released all the nitty-gritty technical bits.
With the current fifth-generation Ram 2500 and 3500 cresting the age of five this year by model year, this latest update represents a mid-cycle refresh for the models’ 10-year series production lifecycle. So, while it’s not a completely new truck from the ground up, there are still a lot of updates and revisions to point out.
The Cummins High-Output Turbo Diesel Is Now Available On All Ram HD Variants
As with most mid-cycle updates, the Ram HD trucks benefit from a long list of exterior and interior aesthetic revisions. Such includes redesigned front and rear ends, new wheel and color options, and other subtle makeovers that occur inside. But by and large, the Ram Heavy Duty trucks retain their original backbones from 2019.
Thus, the Ram HD’s engine choices remain the same as the outgoing model. Those choices are a gasoline 6.4-liter HEMI V-8, or a 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel inline-six in two forms, standard and High Output. The good ‘ol HEMI still produces 405 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque. The standard Cummins Turbo Diesel produces 370 hp and 850 lb-ft of torque, while the High Output variant punches out 430 hp and an Earth-stopping 1,075 lb-ft.
But while the engines produce the same output as the previous versions, there are some revisions. For instance, Ram reps say that engineers improved the cooling systems for all engines, which are crucial for reliability and long-term endurance, especially when undergoing heavy use. The 6.7-liter Cummins also benefits from a redesigned block and pistons. A new head design also features larger intake and exhaust valves, improving aspiration for its new performance intake manifold and new turbocharger. Complementing the system is also a new higher-pressure fuel injection system.
There are also some notable changes to transmission pairings and availability. Firstly, the High Output Cummins is now available on all Ram HD variants. Previously, it was only available on the Ram 3500 HD.
New 8-Speed Auto And Rear Axle For Turbo Diesel Variants
And now, all-new diesel-powered Ram HD’s come with a ZF-sourced eight-speed TorqueFlite automatic and a new rear differential. Previously, the ZF eight-speed was only available on the HEMI while diesels only came with a six-speed automatic, with all standard diesel versions getting a Chrysler-sourced unit. The 3500 with the High Output diesel was uniquely paired with an Aisin box.
Along with the new heavy-duty TorqueFlite eight-speed auto comes a new standard rear differential with a 3.42 axle ratio, which, along with the new transmission, helps to improve fuel economy while balancing quicker acceleration, all without sacrificing hauling capabilities. Previously, both the standard and high-output came with the choice of either a 3.73 ratio or 4.10 ratio axle.
Now that the Ram 2500 HD is available with the Cummins HO, its 0-60 MPH time drops from 8.0 seconds to 6.9 seconds when equipped and compared to the standard 370-hp Cummins.
When equipped with the Cummins Turbo Diesel, the Ram 3500 Heavy Duty can tow up to 36,610 pounds, while the HEMI-powered model can move up to 23,000 pounds.
“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,” Tim Kuniskis, Ram’s recently reappointed CEO said in his official statement. “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.”
For the 2025 model year, both Ram Heavy Duty trucks still come in Tradesman, Big Horn/Lone Star, Laramie, Rebel, Power Wagon, Limited Longhorn, and Limited models. Both the Ram 2500 HD and Ram 3500 HD are expected to arrive at dealers in the coming months.
Read the full article here