2025 Ram Heavy Duty Boasts Several Upgrades Including Beefier Cummins
The Ram 1500 is not the only one getting a serious update for the 2025 model year. The Ram Heavy Duty trucks benefit from a similar treatment, and you could say that the company has taken the ram by the horns to make hard work easier than before.
The standard engine continues to be the 6.4-litre HEMI V8 producing 405 hp (-5) and 429 lb-ft of torque. However, since more than 70 percent of customers prefer the diesel option, Ram has improved the 6.7-litre Cummins straight-six engine for 2025 and made it available exclusively in high-output configuration, even in Ram 2500 models. We’re talking about 430 hp (+10) and 1,075 lb-ft of torque, here.
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Mated to a new eight-speed TorqueFlite HD automatic transmission with an electronic column shifter (also found with the HEMI V8), the high-output Cummins delivers quicker acceleration. In the Ram 3500, maximum gooseneck and conventional hitch trailer weight ratings for 2025 are 36,610 lbs and 23,000 lbs, respectively. That first figure is down nearly 500 lbs from 2024, but it can be achieved with a more fuel-efficient 3.42 rear axle ratio (previously with a 4.10 axle ratio only).
Ram says the engine control system recognizes if the truck is loaded or unloaded, while the new TorqueFlite transmission allows for smooth second-gear starts when unladen. Incidentally, the maximum payload of 7,590 lbs requires settling for the gas engine.
Some of the upgrades to the Cummins engine that enhance durability, efficiency, startability, serviceability and drivability include a redesigned block and head, robust heavy-duty pistons, new performance intake manifold, new turbo, larger intake/exhaust valves and higher-pressure fuel system. Ideal for Canada, glow plugs help the engine start in extremely cold temperatures.
Drivers can also expect smoother and quieter operation in most conditions as well as improved performance on graded roads.
What Else?
The 2025 refresh includes redesigned grilles and wheels on every model in the Ram Heavy Duty lineup. New premium LED headlamps are available, while LEDs are now standard. In the rear, new incandescent taillamps are standard, while a premium version with LEDs with Blind-spot Monitoring is available on select models.
An improved 12-inch touchscreen with higher resolution and newly available 14.5-inch reconfigurable touchscreen with split-screen capability are the main highlight inside. The optional 10.25-inch passenger-side display is a segment first offering three major functions: co-pilot (navigation, device management), entertainment (via HDMI) and the ability to view the exterior cameras. Also exclusive to the Ram Heavy Duty is dual wireless phone charging.
Here’s something that will definitely come in handy: an on-board power inverter with two covered outlets located inside the cargo bed that turns the engine into a generator, offering up to 2.4 kW to power tools and other devices. Standard and optional safety content has been expanded with the addition of a number of features. In particular, enhanced Lane Keep Assist leverages blind spot sensors to provide additional steering corrections for lane centering.
The 2025 Ram 2500 and 3500 will continue to be built in Saltillo, Mexico and are scheduled to arrive in dealerships before the end of March. Canadian pricing will be announced by then.
