2026 Ram 2500 just dropped and it’s turning heads. Yeah, I said Ram, but old habits die hard—it’s still the Dodge Ram in spirit for us longtime fans. Launched quietly this summer with orders opening up, deliveries start hitting lots in Q3 2025. Ram’s keeping the momentum from last year’s refresh, adding two fresh trims that make this beast even more approachable. Let’s dive in and see what makes this truck tick.
That Bold First Look and Killer Exterior Vibes
Pull up to the 2026 Ram 2500, and it’s got that aggressive Ram family face staring you down—a massive grille with bold badging that screams power. The body lines are clean and muscular, especially on the new Black Express and Warlock trims. The Black Express rocks a sleek all-black finish with dark accents, perfect for those who want stealth mode on the job site. Warlock? It’s got orange highlights, beefier off-road tires, and skid plates for when you veer off the pavement.
Dimensions-wise, it’s a big boy: up to 238 inches long with the crew cab and long bed. LED headlights and taillights come standard, and options like the RamBox storage system keep your gear secure. From every angle, it looks ready to tackle mud, mountains, or the daily commute. First impressions? This thing owns the road.
Inside Scoop: Cozy Interior for Long Hauls
Step inside, and the 2026 Ram 2500 feels more like a rolling lounge than a workhorse. The cabin’s got premium materials in higher trims—soft-touch surfaces, heated and ventilated seats that hug you just right. The crew cab setup seats five comfortably, with plenty of legroom even for tall guys like me.
Tech steals the show here. The Uconnect 5 system runs on a 12-inch touchscreen (or go big with the 14.5-inch), and there’s an optional 10.3-inch passenger screen for maps or Netflix on road trips. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are baked in, plus wireless charging. Storage? Cupholders galore, console bins, and door pockets that swallow tools. It’s quiet too, thanks to better insulation—feels upscale without the luxury price tag.
Power Under the Hood: Engine Sound and Raw Muscle
Fire it up, and that signature Ram rumble hits you. The base 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 growls with 405 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque—pairs smooth with an eight-speed automatic for quick shifts. But the star? The optional 6.7-liter Cummins turbo diesel, pumping 430 hp and a monstrous 1,075 lb-ft. It sounds deeper, more refined than older diesels, with less clatter but plenty of that low-end thunder when you mash the pedal.
Towing maxes at 20,000 pounds with the diesel, payload up to 4,420 pounds on gas. Fuel mileage? Expect 14-18 mpg combined on gas, dipping to 12-15 on diesel under load. Not sipping coffee, but hey, efficiency’s improved a tick over last year. Acceleration? Zero-to-60 in about 7.5 seconds—peppy for a 7,000-pounder.
Standout Features That Make Life Easier
Ram loaded the 2026 2500 with goodies for pros and weekend warriors. Safety first: Adaptive cruise, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warnings, and drowsy driver alerts are available. The digital rearview mirror with trailer cams is a game-changer for hitching up blind.
Power outlets? Up to 2.4 kW in the bed—run saws or lights like a mobile generator. Off-road fans get Bilstein shocks on Warlock, plus hill descent control. And don’t sleep on the five driver profiles—tune it for towing, efficiency, or sport mode. It’s all about making tough jobs feel simple.
Showroom Price
Starting at $45,525 for the base Tradesman, the 2026 Ram 2500 keeps things affordable. Add the Black Express package for $2,495 (total around $53,735 delivered), or Warlock at $2,995 extra ($57,165). Top out with Limited trim near $90,000 loaded. MSRPs dipped slightly from 2025 on most 2500s, and that $1,200 bump to 3500 feels fair. Factor in rebates, and it’s a steal against Ford or Chevy rivals.