The original Ram 2500 pickup truck fell under the Dodge brand, and the Dodge Ram D250 was the manufacturer’s half-ton truck. Though Ram Trucks became its own brand in 2010, the branding was so strong that people still refer to the truck as the Dodge Ram to this day.
In the early days, the Dodge Ram 2500 was more of a workhorse, but in recent years—even as it has become more capable of heavy-duty work—it has added more luxury and technology, enabling it to double as a family vehicle with plush amenities, comfortable seats, a plethora of USB charging ports, and the latest in technology.
Primary competitors include the GMC Sierra 2500, the Chevrolet Silverado 2500, and the Ford F-250. Even though the Sierra has the most amenities, all the trucks in this heavy-duty segment now have bougie top-tier trims.
Each generation of the Ram 2500 pickup truck has moved the needle on the lineup, from its early partnership with Cummins to produce the first diesel engine that wasn’t built in-house, to the second generation’s revolutionary “big rig” design, all the way to the slick design and advanced features of the current generation.
Ram 2500 Buying Guide: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Ram 2500 Pros and Cons
- Ram 2500 Generations
- Ram 2500 Fifth Generation (2019–present)
- Ram 2500 Fourth Generation (2010–2018)
- Dodge Ram 2500 Third Generation (2003–2009)
- Dodge Ram 2500 Second Generation (1994–2002)
- Dodge Ram 2500 First Generation (1981–1993)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Ram 2500 years are the best?
Though Ram typically gets a bad rap for reliability, the newer models have proven more reliable than older trucks. We’d point you in the direction of the new Ram 2500, unless you really want a classic truck. Consumer Reports ranks 2023, 2020 and 2019 better than other models in the fifth generation, and CarComplaints.com shows few or no complaints for those model years.
What are the worst Ram 2500 years?
CarComplaints.com dubs 2004 the worst model of the Dodge years, due to high repair costs and problems occurring at lower mileage. However, 2003 has the most overall complaints, most of which center around a cracked dashboard. The 2013 model year is considered the worst for Ram models, due to engine problems, but 2018 has the most complaints, especially to do with the braking system.
Is a used Ram 2500 a good deal?
Looking at used truck prices, you might be tempted to say the Ram 2500 is not a good deal, but you have to consider that they’re typically $20,000 to $30,000 less than the original MSRP—and that’s a second car. The 2023 models are the newest of the best years, and Kelley Blue Book estimates you can pick up a base 2023 Tradesman crew cab for about $47,000—that’s $18,000 less than the original price. Go for the top Limited trim, and you’re looking at about $68,000, or $22,000 less than the original price.
Ram 2500 Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Impressive off-road capability
- Powerful turbodiesel engine
- Spacious and comfortable
Cons:
- Column shifter feels flimsy
- Difficult to enter and exit
- Turbodiesel engine is expensive
Ram 2500 Generations
Ram 2500 Fifth Generation (2019–present)
The redesign for the fifth-generation Ram 2500 adopted a lot of the changes from the Ram 1500, and there was a huge focus on luxury and tech. This generation ditched the crosshair grille and gained LED lighting and a more aerodynamic design. It also received a stronger frame, new suspension, and a new transmission, which meant it could tow more than 35,000 pounds and carry nearly 8,000 pounds of payload. The RamBox now included a 115-volt outlet with up to 400 watts of power.
The interior also borrowed heavily from the 1500, with a serious upgrade in terms of materials and available luxury amenities. It received a revised instrument cluster, a rotary gear selector, and a standard trailer brake controller, as well as available features such as a 360-degree camera, a 12-inch vertical touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto accessibility, and a Harman Kardon 750-watt, 17-speaker audio system. Additionally, the tire pressure monitoring system had the ability to monitor up to 12 trailer tires.
This fifth-gen Ram 2500 continued with the Regular-, Crew- and Mega-Cab configurations, with standard and long beds available, depending on trim. Ram 2500 trim levels included the Tradesman, Big Horn, Laramie, Rebel, Power Wagon, Limited Longhorn, and the Limited.
The base engine was the 6.4-liter Hemi V8, which was a carryover from the previous generation, along with the 6.7-liter Cummins diesel—but that was tweaked to deliver more power and better towing capacity. Throughout the generation, the max towing capacity ranged from 14,410 in 2019 to 20,000 in 2024.
In 2020, the Ram 2500 added rain-sensing wipers, and in 2021, it added a digital rearview mirror option and trailer reverse guidance. In 2022, it got an infotainment upgrade with Uconnect 5, plus blind-spot monitoring as standard fare. There was a refresh in 2023, including the addition of Ram 2500 Rebel trim and a new digital cluster, while there were no significant upgrades for 2024. There are plenty of accessories available from the Mopar parts service, too. It caters to former Chrysler Corporation brands, and Ram owners can find everything from spare rear bumpers, aluminum wheels, and cloth or leather seats.
Used car listings for the current generation of the Ram 2500 are plentiful, and prices are a lot higher than models from other generations. At the low end of the spectrum, you’ll find 200,000-mile examples priced at $12,000, but if you want something a little less worn, expect to pay between $30,000 to $50,000 depending on the trim, and it will likely be found at a main dealership. At the high end of the price scale, you’ll pay more than $100,000 for top-tier trim with less than 20,000 miles, and whatever you choose, always take a test drive.
Ram 2500 Fourth Generation (2010–2018)
It was in the fourth generation that the Dodge Ram 2500 became the Ram 2500, as Ram Trucks split off into its own brand. The first year still fell under the Dodge moniker, but by 2011, the transition to Ram Trucks was complete.
More than just a work truck at this point, the fourth-generation 2500 received luxurious interiors and upmarket trims, such as the Ram 2500 Laramie Longhorn and the Ram 2500 Limited. The exterior also got more bright chrome, larger headlamps, and bigger bumpers. It also introduced technology such as the Uconnect infotainment system, cruise control, available keyless entry, and an optional 10-speaker premium Alpine sound system. It was available in Regular-, Quad- and Mega-cab configurations with 2WD and 4WD drivetrains.
Trims available with the 2010 model included the ST, SLT, Lone Star/Ram 2500 Big Horn, TRX, Power Wagon and Laramie. In 2011, the fourth-gen model dropped the TRX name and replaced it with Outdoorsman trim, while the Laramie Longhorn arrived in 2012. The ST was replaced with the Ram 2500 Tradesman in 2013.
Engine options for this generation included the 5.7-liter Hemi V8, the 6.4-liter Hemi V8, and the 6.7-liter Cummins turbo diesel. The Ram 2500 retained its manual transmission option throughout this generation, which was significant, because both General Motors and Ford had both dropped theirs by the 2011 model year.
Maximum towing capacity in this generation ranged from 14,700 pounds for early models to 17,210 pounds at the end of the generation.
In 2012, the Ram 2500 got the RamBox—a clever storage system that was first introduced in the 1500 in 2009. In 2013, the model was refreshed, with a revised interior and exterior styling inspired by the 1500, adding the likes of available push-button start, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and power-folding side mirrors. In 2014, it also received optional air suspension as well as coil-spring suspension, instead of old-fashioned leaf springs. In 2015, the truck added rear park sensors as part of the ParkSense system. In 2017, it received a new Off-Road Package, with bed-side graphics, off-road suspension, front tow hooks, and the protection package. This was also the year that the Ram 2500 Power Wagon returned. Although 2018 was the last year of this generation, there were significant tech upgrades, such as an HD Radio, a new 4G LTE modem and a hot spot provided by AT&T Wireless, a standard backup camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the Uconnect 8.4 infotainment system with an upgraded user interface.
This generation has a multitude of listings on used car websites. We saw prices ranging from $4,000 for junkyard finds to $100,000 for a 2016 model with just 130 miles on it. Decent low-mileage models in good condition can be found from about $35,000 to $55,000.
Dodge Ram 2500 Third Generation (2003–2009)
When the third-generation Dodge Ram 2500 finally entered the picture, a year after the 1500’s redesign, it got an all-new frame, new suspension, a new interior, and new sheet metal. This generation saw the addition of a nav system, dual-zone climate control, power adjustable pedals, and better quality interior materials. This generation also heralded front seats with a bucket option in addition to the bench seat for the first time.
The 2500 retained its live axels for the sake of durability, and RWD models had class-exclusive rack-and-pinion steering for their independent front suspension. It was available in a Regular Cab, Quad Cab or Mega Cab configuration, and had 2WD and 4WD drivetrain options.
Third-gen Dodge Ram 2500 trims started with the ST, SLT, ST Quad Cab, SLT Quad Cab, Laramie, and Laramie Quad Cab. Three engines were available at launch: a 5.7-liter Hemi V8, the 5.9-liter Cummins diesel, and an 8.0-liter Magnum V10. In 2007, a 6.7-liter Cummins diesel replaced the 5.9-liter unit. Manual and automatic transmission options were available, and maximum towing power at the end of this generation reached 13,250 pounds.
While this was a relatively short generation for the Dodge Ram 2500, a Power Wagon was introduced to the 2500 platform for 2005, available with the regular cab and long bed or the quad cab and short bed. It was equipped with the 5.7-liter Hemi V8, electronic locking differentials, an electronic disconnecting front sway bar, off-road tires, factory lift springs, fender flares, full underbody skid plates, Power Wagon nameplates instead of the standard Ram badging, and a 12,000-pound winch.
Third-generation Dodge Ram 2500s are readily available on used car websites, and you’ll see prices ranging from about $2,000 for salvage vehicles to about $50,000 for low-mileage models in excellent condition. Good, higher-mileage example will be in the $20,000 to $30,000 range.
Dodge Ram 2500 Second Generation (1994–2002)
The second-generation RAM 2500 was also produced under the Dodge brand, but the 250 designation disappeared in favor of 2500, which was a three-quarter-ton truck. Similar to the full-size 1500 trucks, the 2500 got a complete redesign with a big-rig-style front end. It also received improved seats, a more comfortable interior, trailer tow mirrors, and basic tech upgrades.
The second-gen Dodge Ram 2500 was available in both Regular- and Club-Cab configurations, but the Regular Cab only came with a long bed, whereas the Club Cab offered a choice of beds. It also had both 2WD and 4WD drivetrain options.
The Cummins diesel engine was a carryover from the previous generation, and the second-gen Dodge Ram 2500 added an 8.0-liter V10 engine, which was only available in trucks with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) above 8,500 pounds. This made the 2500 the first factory V10-powered truck, with specs of 300hp and 450 lb-ft of torque. Other available engines included a 3.9-liter V6 and a 5.2-liter V8, while manual and automatic transmission options were available.
From 1994 to 1996, the 2500 was available with two gross vehicle weight ratings: 7,500 and 8,800 pounds, and the point of having a light- and heavy-duty 2500 was to replace the discontinued one-ton, single-rear-wheel trucks. These light-duty trucks had a semi-floating rear axel, and were built on the same frame as the 1500s. The only engine options on the light duty truck were the 5.2-liter or 5.9-liter V8s.
Though the 1500 entered its third-generation for 2002, the 2500 was carried over an extra year due to a hold up with the new 5.7-liter Hemi engine.
Prices vary wildly based on the kind of shape the truck’s in. If you want a junker, you can find that for about $1,000. If you want a functional truck, you’ll probably find something for around $20,000. If you also want it to be low-mileage, you’re looking at $40,000.
Dodge Ram 2500 First Generation (1981–1993)
The first-generation Ram 2500 fell under the Dodge brand, and replaced the D-Series trucks introduced in 1972. In fact, this original Dodge Ram, was just a facelifted version of that truck, with a square body design and utilitarian look. Dubbed the Dodge Ram 250, this medium-duty truck came in Regular Cab and Club Cab configurations, and had both 2WD and 4WD drivetrain options.
At launch, the first-gen Dodge Ram 2500 was equipped with a 5.9-liter, gas-powered V8 engine. Then, starting in 1989, it was fitted with a 5.9-liter inline-six cylinder Cummins diesel engine, delivering 160hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. This gave the Dodge Ram heavy-duty trucks a competitive advantage over Ford and General Motors, as the engine had direct injection. This Cummins was also turbocharged, whereas Ford and GM engines were naturally aspirated, while the maximum towing capacity with this engine was 11,000 pounds and manual and automatic transmission options were available.
You aren’t really going to see any first-generation Dodge Ram trucks on used car websites, and any you do see will likely be more collectible than drivable. Classic.com lists the average transaction price for a truck of this generation as about $24,000, and the top sale price we saw was $165,000 for a custom modified D200.
