Chrysler Corporation, and by extension Dodge, may have its problems, but the 2010 Dodge Ram 2500 sure isn’t one of them. This three-quarter-ton workaholic can do it all - haul a trailer cross-country, carry a full crew to the jobsite, and, in the evening, take the family to the theater – as long as there’s ample space to park. A significant interior and exterior makeover for this year has made this impressively stylish workhorse even more comely, while what used to be a mediocre cabin at best is now almost palatial in comparison.

Available in five trims, the base ST, midlevel SLT and TRX, high-end Laramie, and uniquely off-road-capable Power Wagon, these draught animals also feature two bed lengths and three cab configurations: Regular, Crew, and the ultra-roomy Mega Cab. The ST is available with a Regular or Crew Cab; the SLT with a Regular, Crew, or Mega Cab; the TRX with the Crew Cab only; and the Laramie is available with either Crew or Mega Cab. All trims are available with either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD), all come with a standard 5.7-liter V8, and all but the Power Wagon are available with a highly touted inline six-cylinder (I6) turbodiesel. Regular Cab trims tote an 8-foot bed, Crew Cabs either an 8- or 6-foot bed, and the Mega Cabs come only with the 6-footer. Market-wise, the Ram 2500 has the Ford F-250 Super Duty and Chevy Silverado 2500HD pickups to contend with, but wins hands-down on style points alone.

Powering the 2010 Ram 2500 is a standard 5.7-liter variable-valve-timed V8 and its accompanying five-speed automatic transmission. Together this matchup nets 383 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque, tows 13,450 pounds of trailer in RWD trims when properly equipped, and can haul some 3,160 pounds of payload. No mileage figures are available for the V8. However, don’t expect to pass many gas stations without pulling in to fuel up on recommended 89-octane gasoline. Also available for the Ram 2500 lineup is a torque-heavy and somewhat more fuel efficient 6.7-liter turbodiesel I6 that’s offered with either a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission. This beast pounds out 350 hp and a mountain-moving 650 lb-ft of torque, which translates into a class-leading 17,600 pounds of towing capacity for RWD trims. Again, fuel efficiency numbers are unavailable, but the turbodiesel I6 is touted to be significantly easier on fuel spending than the V8. Finally, all Ram 2500 trims are available with on-demand 4WD featuring auto-locking hubs and a low-range gear for off-road use. Additionally, the ST trims get manual hi-lo gear selection, while the STL, TRX, and Laramie trims are delivered with electronic hi-lo selection.

For 2010, the Ram 2500 ST regular cab trims come with such standard appearance amenities and creature comforts as 17-inch steel wheels, a trailer hitch and wiring, vinyl upholstery, tilt-wheel steering, auxiliary engine and transmission oil cooling, air conditioning, and a single-CD player with six speakers. Six-passenger Crew Cab versions add power windows, door locks, and heated outside mirrors, as well as split-folding rear bench seats. The STL Regular Cab trims tack standard cloth upholstery, cruise control, floor mats, and Sirius satellite radio onto the list, while the amped-up TRX adds forged aluminum wheels, premium cloth upholstery, remote keyless entry, and a vehicle information center. The Laramie features standard 17-inch polished alloy wheels, power-adjustable front seats, a universal remote garage door opener, dual-zone climate control, simulated wood cabin trim accents, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, memory for driver’s settings, four additional speakers, Bluetooth hands-free phone technology, and a USB connection. The Power Wagon is a dedicated 4WD off-road pickup that additionally features the standard electronically locking front and rear differential system, off-road suspension, and a front-mounted winch.

Options for the Ram 2500 include, for lower trims, many of the standard features for the higher trim levels, plus such additional options as side steps, an anti-spin rear differential, rear sliding window, skid plates, voice-activated GPS navigation, and beefed-up axle ratios. The SLT, TRX, and Laramie trims offer an available power sunroof and optional rear-seat DVD entertainment in the Crew and Mega Cab trims.

Standard four-wheel ABS, traction and stability control, front and, for Crew and Mega Cab versions, rear head airbags, dusk-sensing headlights, and a post-collision safety system are safety features delivered across the 2010 Ram 2500 lineup, while the TRX and Laramie trims add turn-signal-integrated mirrors, front fog/driving lights, a remote anti-theft alarm, and rear parking sensors to the mix. With its size and weight, the Ram 2500 is well able to withstand most of the hazards thrown its way.

The newly redesigned 2010 Ram 2500 has drawn loads of praise from owners, while ’09 trims are also lauded for their traditionally cutting-edge exteriors. Where this sturdy pickup has most evidently improved, as far as owners are concerned, is in its upgraded cabin materials and workmanship, which have addressed most complaints from owners of the ’09 Ram 2500 regarding lackluster, even shoddy cabin materials, not to mention inferior exterior paint jobs. Mileage, however, especially with the V8 powerplant, as well as ride comfort and a severe challenge with maneuvering and parking this animal in city traffic, continue to defy owner regard, while some issues with steering response also concern a number of ’09 owners. Positives, though, outweigh negatives in this full-size workhorse, with bold styling, engine power, cabin space and improved ambiance, as well as the turbodiesel’s bigger-bang-for-the-buck mileage estimates giving owners reason to praise the 2500’s overall value.