2025 Ram Heavy Duty First Drive Review: The Power To Get It Done

The 2025 Ram Heavy Duty lineup arrives as quite a force in the heavy-duty truck segment, engineered to meet the demands of serious off-roading, towing, and hauling with all-day comfort. It includes a lineup of 2500 and 3500 models with a choice between a potent 6.4-liter V8 gas engine and an enhanced 6.7-liter 6-cylinder Cummins turbo diesel, delivering up to 1,075 lb-ft of torque. With advanced towing technology, refined interior options, and a towing capacity peaking at 36,610 pounds, the Heavy Duty range is ready to do the heavy lifting.

Our first opportunity to experience the 2025 Ram Heavy Duty lineup came at an exclusive First Drive event in Laughlin, Nevada. We had the opportunity to drive a variety of trims in multiple scenarios, including a lengthy highway drive, the infamous Davis Dam towing test, and off-road through a twisting route of steep hills and rocks. Our first impressions of the Ram Heavy Duty lineup yield results you may expect, and some that may come as a surprise.

First Drive events provide our initial impressions of a vehicle in a restricted environment under certain time constraints. Keep an eye on DrivingOnRoad for our comprehensive Test Drive review which will follow soon.

What’s Changed For This Model Year

The 2025 Ram Heavy Duty has been thoroughly refreshed. The big news is the upgraded Cummins diesel engine which is paired to a new eight-speed transmission. Ram says this combo delivers a 70% boost in torque delivery with every model packing the potential of 1,075 lb-ft of torque – which is, frankly, a ridiculous figure. There’s also new tech, new features, and exterior enhancements to keep it ahead of the pack.

Exterior Design: Bold Look For A Bold Truck

The 2025 Ram Heavy Duty is hard to miss. Its massive grille and sharp LED headlights give it an aggressive stance, while its rugged styling hints at its work-ready capability. Standout features include the standard integrated tow hooks, a tailgate with dampened assist, and the optional RamBox cargo management system, which offers lockable bedside storage for your stuff. There are beefy bumpers, available chrome accents depending on the trim, and wheel upgrades along with a solid palette of colors. It’s a good-looking truck, if you find the pickup look appealing.

Interior: Comfort Meets Capability

This is a truck that has all the features and capability you need to do work, while still having an interior that lets you relax and get comfortable. There’s seating for up to six with plenty of room front and rear. We had three adults in the back and even the six-foot guy was more than comfortable enough. The seats are supportive, and there’s enough overall room to stretch out after a long day of work or on a lengthy trip. Standard features include durable upholstery and plenty of storage with optional leather, heated seats, and wood trims that turn it into a luxury experience. It’s well-balanced, providing comfort and functionality blended seamlessly.

Infotainment: Multiple Screens

Infotainment includes either a 12-inch or new 14.5-inch touchscreen that’s cleverly designed so that it sits as a part of the dashboard rather than looking like the manufacturer just stuck a giant tablet in the middle. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and there are USB charging ports that are easy to access. Two wireless charging pads are perfectly positioned to hold your phone in place should you venture off-road where bumps and dips could otherwise send it sliding. Uconnect 5 continues to be an intuitive system that takes little time to master. There’s also an available 10.5-inch passenger screen along with a digital rearview mirror to complete the tech-forward appeal.

Powertrain & Driving: Power To Spare

The updated 6.7-liter Cummins diesel engine is an ideal setup for serious work. We had the chance to tackle Davis Dam in the 3500 with this engine while towing a heavy load. It was impressive. The 11-mile grade at Davis Dam route is a part of the testing process to be J2807 certified by the Society of Automotive Engineers. It’s an absolutely grueling drive that automakers do under extreme conditions that include high temps in the middle of summer. While we didn’t have that kind of heat, we still had heavy trailers. It was easy to get up to highway speeds and easy to manage going back down the hill. It inspired confidence, whether an expert or a towing novice.

The truck remained stable and confident with plenty of power to spare, a testament to its 36,610-pound maximum towing capability. The new eight-speed shifts smoothly with no harshness and a ride quality that is firm but composed. This well-managed power delivery might not fit the image of a big burly truck, but it does fit with the comfortable, attractive interior that lets you truly relax even when the truck is working hard.

Off-Roading

Those who live for adventures in the dirt have the Power Wagon or the Rebel models to play with. We drove the Rebel with its standard crew cab, 6-foot 4-inch box, four-wheel drive, and electronic locking rear differential. You have a choice of either engine along with some options packages to increase its visual appeal and add a few comfort features.

We spent time off-road taking this through the desert where we had a chance to pick up some speed before heading along a narrow trail with loose rocks and steep, narrow sections which are not for the faint of heart. It handled it all without issue and was surprisingly nimble for such a big truck.

Verdict & Pricing: A Heavy-Duty Contender

The 2025 Ram Heavy Duty blends brute strength with refinement across a wide range of configurations. Pricing starts at just under $50K, which is surprisingly affordable in the truck world, though that’s for a more utilitarian trim. Climb your way up to the Power Wagon and pricing is nearly $75K. The good news is there’s a wide range of trims and features so you can get exactly the truck you want at a price you can afford.

A heavy-duty truck isn’t like other trucks. It’s a specialized vehicle for people who have significant towing and payload needs. It needs to be durable and able to take a beating, whether that means towing in the blazing heat of summer or navigating a dirt trail. The 2025 Ram 2500 and 3500 do exactly that, and a little more, tempering the power and brute strength with comfort features that make this a great truck to live with.