Automotive News: We test drive the RAM 2500 Laramie Truck

If you want to tow something big, the world is a great place these days, and owning the RAM 2500 Laramie is a prime example.

Trucks are getting so much better and stronger that it is getting hard to believe how much more they will go. Admittedly, it does look like the horsepower war has calmed down but that doesn’t mean that the race to be better and stronger has stopped.

We got to drive one of the best in the field, the Ram 2500 with the Cummins diesel engine and wanted to see how much better it is than similar trucks from one or two decades ago.

The Ram 2500 comes in seven different trim levels. The manufacturers have all figured out that instead of having different trim levels with more luxury, the better solution is to make a sub-category for each buyer’s taste.

For example, the base truck is the Tradesman and it is for the worker. There are sporty versions, off road versions, luxury versions and even cowboy versions.

Our test vehicle was the Laramie which is the third most expensive (out of seven) and you would think that you would get a pretty simple truck, but you would be wrong. Our Laramie was full of creature comforts and it is hard to imagine someone needs more features but if you want to spend another $12,000 or so, you can go for the top of the line Limited.

People buy heavy duty trucks to tow but most people just drive them as their daily transportation. Even if you are a serious tow customer, once you get behind the wheel of the 2500, you don’t want to stop.

Let’s start out with the interior. Our Laramie’s interior was an amazing place to be. The seats are so comfortable for even the longest trip and we had so many features like adaptive cruise control, parking assist, trailer brake controller, 12 inch touch screen display, 9-speaker Alpine stereo, 12 inch TFT instrument cluster, dual zone AC, heated seats and steering wheel and much more.

If that wasn’t enough, there is the fantastic ParkView camera system that uses about a dozen cameras to help you park the truck or hitch up a trailer and even to keep an eye on the load in the bed.

If that wasn’t enough, our truck had the Laramie Level 2 Plus option for an additional $4895 which includes things like leather seats, wireless phone charging, 14.4 touchscreen center display, power heat/fold telescoping mirrors, limited slip differential, power running boards, 17 speaker Harman Kardon stereo, bedliner and more.

The centerpiece of the Ram is the engine and the base engine is the 6.4 liter gas V8 rated at 405 hp and 429 lb. ft. of torque. That was a great number but these days, it is nothing because everyone wants the Cummins diesel That engine has been revised and is even better than before.

The new Cummins Turbo Diesel engine and TorqueFlite HD eight-speed transmission upgrades enable 36,610 pounds of towing capability with a more fuel-efficient 3.42 rear axle ratio. Max towing was previously available only with a 4.10 axle ratio.

So now you can tow more and get better economy. The all-new 6.7-liter Cummins High-Output is rated at 430 horsepower and 1,075 lb.-ft. of torque that allows the Ram to do 0-60 in 6.9 seconds, if you decide to drag race the guy in the other lane.

The engine has been completely revised for 2025. The inline-6-cylinder Turbo Diesel engine boasts several improvements in drivability, fuel economy, durability, startability, serviceability, and noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).

A redesigned block and head, robust heavy-duty pistons, new performance intake manifold, a new turbo, larger intake/exhaust valves for improved port flow and a higher-pressure fuel system enhance the diesel’s hallmark durability and efficiency.

To make service easier, and improve air flow and performance, the new Cummins engine uses improved intake port geometry for top feed injectors, top load lubrication and integrated fuel filters.

The new engine is a marvel of engineering. We tried to haul a trailer up our favorite very steep hill in some diesel trucks from the early 2000s to late 2000s. The early versions really struggled to pull the same load. The later trucks were smoother and more powerful and would make it up the hill at a slow speed if you floored it. The new Ram would laugh at the hill and tell you “Is that all you got?” There is so much power that it can easily tow double what the trucks from a two decades ago could do.

Cars these days are expensive and it is hard to find a decent car for under $25,000 but the heavy duty trucks are even more expensive. The Ram 2500 starts out at $45,565 but you have to add in the $12,595 for the Cummins diesel option so figure $58,100 or roughly double your average basic economy car. For that price, the capability and the engineering that you receive is astounding.

Yes most people will end up with a Laramie like ours and with various options and packages, you end up around $90,000. Ram offers several discount packages and discounts so chances are that you can get it for less.

Think about it this way, the Ram is several vehicles in one. It is a truck; it is an economy car that gets decent fuel economy with the diesel engine; it is a luxury car that is smooth and comfortable.

Ram also just upgraded their warranty to a 10 year/100k mile plan that is the best in the full size class. What more do you want?

2025 RAM 2500 Laramie Specifications

Powertrain and Performance

• Engines:
  • Standard: 6.4L HEMI® V8
    • Horsepower: 405 hp
    • Torque: 429 lb-ft
    • Transmission: 8-speed automatic (ZF TorqueFlite® 8HP75-LCV)
  • Optional: High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6
    • Horsepower: 430 hp
    • Torque: 1,075 lb-ft
    • Transmission: 8-speed automatic (ZF TorqueFlite® HD 8AP1075, column-shifted)
• Drivetrain:
  • Standard: Rear-wheel drive (4×2)
  • Optional: Four-wheel drive (4×4)
• 0-60 mph: Approximately 6.9 seconds with the Cummins diesel (1.1 seconds faster than the 2024 model)
• Fuel Economy: Specific MPG figures for the 2025 model are not detailed, but the Cummins diesel is noted for improved efficiency over previous models.

Towing and Payload

• Maximum Towing Capacity:
  • Up to 20,000 lbs with the 6.7L Cummins diesel when equipped with the Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Package (crew cab, 8-foot bed)
  • Up to 17,750 lbs with the 6.4L HEMI V8
• Maximum Payload Capacity: Up to 4,440 lbs, depending on configuration
• Towing Features:
  • Available Trailer Reverse Steering Control for precise trailer maneuvering
  • Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Package with integrated mounting hardware
  • Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension with Bed Lowering Mode (available on 4×4 models)
  • Live tire pressure readings for up to four trailers on the 12-inch Digital Cluster Display

Dimensions and Weight

• Cab Configurations:
  • Crew Cab (standard for Laramie)
  • Mega Cab (optional)
• Bed Lengths:
  • 6’4” or 8’ box options
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): Varies by configuration; specific GVWR not listed but typically ranges from 10,000 to 11,400 lbs for the Ram 2500
• Length: Approximately 232–260 inches, depending on cab and bed configuration
• Height: Approximately 78 inches
• Seating Capacity: Up to 6 passengers (Crew Cab)

Exterior Features

• Redesign Updates:
  • New front grille with trim-specific designs
  • Sleeker split LED headlights
  • Updated LED taillights
  • New hood design for a modern, aggressive look
  • New color options, including Forged Blue
• Wheels: 18-inch or optional 20-inch aluminum wheels
• Additional Features:
  • LED fog lamps
  • Available power running boards
  • Chrome or black exterior accents (trim-dependent)

Interior and Technology

• Infotainment:
  • Standard: 12-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen with higher resolution
  • Optional: 14.5-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen (Largest-in-Class)
  • Class-Exclusive 10.25-inch Passenger Interactive Display (optional)
• Interior Features:
  • Premium leather upholstery
  • Eight-way power front seats
  • Dual-zone automatic climate control
  • Remote start system
  • Rear under-seat storage and available in-floor storage
• Technology Upgrades:
  • Atlantis electrical architecture for faster processing (5x faster than previous Powernet system)
  • Full-array local dimming on 12-inch and 14.5-inch screens for better contrast
  • Available 12-inch Digital Cluster Display
  • Enhanced safety features, including blind-spot monitoring with trailer detection, adaptive cruise control, and ParkSense front/rear park assist

Suspension and Ride

• Suspension:
  • Class-Exclusive Link Coil Rear Suspension for a smooth ride
  • Optional Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension (4×4 models) with adjustable ride height and Bed Lowering Mode
• Ride Quality: Noted for comfort, especially with the Cummins diesel and added trailer weight, rivaling luxury vehicles

Safety and Warranty

• Safety Features:
  • Multiple cameras for towing and parking
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Lane-keeping assist
  • Blind-spot monitoring with trailer and cross-path detection
• Warranty: Specific details not provided, but typically includes:
  • Limited Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles
  • Powertrain Warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles (gas) or 5 years/100,000 miles (diesel)
  • Check www.ramtrucks.com for full warranty details

Pricing

• Starting MSRP: Approximately $62,255–$78,540 (depending on cab and drivetrain; 2023–2025 pricing trends)
• Cummins Diesel Option: Additional $12,595
• Note: Prices exclude freight ($2,095–$2,795), taxes, and fees. Dealers may sell for less; check www.ramtrucks.com for customization and pricing.

Additional Notes

• The Laramie trim offers a balance of luxury and capability, making it a popular choice among heavy-duty truck buyers. It’s customizable with many features from higher trims like the Limited, allowing buyers to tailor it to their needs without paying for unwanted extras.
• The Cummins diesel is recommended for those prioritizing towing and performance, while the HEMI V8 is sufficient for lighter tasks and is quicker in non-towing scenarios.
• Customer sentiment is mixed, with praise for comfort, power, and towing but some reports of engine, transmission, and electrical issues.

For the most detailed and up-to-date specifications, visit www.ramtrucks.com or use the Build & Price tool to customize your 2025 Ram 2500 Laramie. You can also contact a local Ram dealer for inventory and test drives.

Note: Some specifications, such as exact GVWR or fuel economy, may vary by configuration and require confirmation from Ram’s official resources or a dealer.