Overview
The 2026 RAM 2500 Heavy Duty is the mid-tier of RAM's HD lineup — above the 1500 half-ton, below the 3500 dually. The 6.7L Cummins diesel option with 1,075 lb-ft torque makes it one of the most capable non-dually trucks available.
Many RAM 2500 buyers are commercial users: farmers, contractors, RV towers, horse trailer operators. The Cummins diesel's durability and low-end torque make it exceptional for sustained heavy-duty work.
2026 Trims & Pricing
Six trims from Tradesman to Limited with gas Hemi or Cummins diesel.
Full Specs
| Spec | 6.4L HEMI V8 | 6.7L Cummins HO Diesel |
|---|---|---|
| HP | 410 hp | 420 hp |
| Torque | 429 lb-ft | 1,075 lb-ft |
| Max 5th Wheel/GN Tow | 16,320 lb | 20,000 lb |
| Max Conventional Tow | 14,710 lb | 17,540 lb |
| Max Payload | 3,160 lb | 2,780 lb |
| MPG | 11/16 mpg | 16/22 mpg |
Cummins Diesel
EPA highway rating measured at 55 mph. Real-world highway at 70 mph is typically 16–18 mpg. Towing near max capacity reduces highway fuel economy 33–43% — budget accordingly for trailer trips.
One thousand, seventy-five pound-feet of torque. At 1,600 RPM. In a production pickup truck. The Cummins High-Output diesel is one of the great mechanical achievements in American truck engineering.
The 6.7L Cummins High-Output diesel produces 420 hp and 1,075 lb-ft of torque — the highest torque output of any production truck engine available. At idle, the Cummins sounds and feels like a locomotive — deliberate, purposeful, unstoppable.
Fuel economy improves to 16/22 mpg with diesel — a significant operating cost advantage for high-mileage commercial users over the gas HEMI.
Towing Capability
20,000 lb is 10 tons. A loaded 53-foot semi-trailer is approximately 40 tons. The RAM 2500 is rated for serious commercial and agricultural towing that no half-ton can approach.
Max tow with Cummins on a 5th wheel or gooseneck hitch reaches 20,000 lb — enough for a loaded horse trailer, a large boat, or commercial equipment. Conventional hitch tow reaches 17,540 lb.
Power Wagon Off-Road
Amazon affiliate links — small commission at no extra cost. Disclosure
The Power Wagon name dates to 1945 Dodge Military surplus trucks. Today's Power Wagon carries forward that tradition as a factory winch-equipped, locker-equipped heavy-duty 4WD — a genuine working tool.
The Power Wagon is RAM's factory off-road HD truck: 12,000-lb Warn winch, front and rear locking diffs, electronic sway bar disconnect, and 14.3-inch ground clearance — all factory-installed. It's the most capable factory off-road full-size truck available.
Reliability
RAM HD reliability is strong on the proven DS platform. The Cummins diesel is legendary for longevity — 300,000+ mile examples are common in fleet use. Gas HEMI also very reliable.
| Area | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6.4L HEMI V8 | Excellent | Proven HD HEMI; extremely durable in work use |
| 6.7L Cummins Diesel | Excellent | Industry-leading diesel durability; 300K+ miles proven |
| AISIN 6-spd Auto | Excellent | Paired with Cummins; bulletproof in work use |
| Payload/Frame | Excellent | HD frame proven over many years of heavy use |
| Electronics | Good | Uconnect stable; OTAs address issues quickly |
| Overall | Excellent | Among the most reliable commercial trucks available |
Consult Consumer Reports, J.D. Power, and NHTSA for the specific model year you are considering. Build year matters significantly.
Recalls
Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls using your 17-digit VIN. New recalls are issued regularly — check before any used vehicle purchase.