The world of heavy duty pickup trucks seems to mainly be about who gets to claim “best-in-class” and “most powerful” descriptions. Ram Truck often gets to use those descriptors with a free hand and the 2020 Ram 2500 is a good example as to why that is.
The Ram HD lineup was completely retooled for the 2019 model year. For 2020, Ram added the option of a fifty gallon fuel tank for the Mega Cab 2500 and some driver’s aid technologies like adaptive cruise control. With one of the more high-tech cabins in the business, a surprisingly quiet road presence, and lots of capability to boot, it’s easy to see why the Ram 2500 often wins awards.
The Ram 2500 is a three-quarter-ton pickup sitting between the light duty half-ton 1500 and the extreme-duty 3500 and higher classes of truck. For most who tow or haul the usual toys, equipment, or livestock, the 2500 is the likely choice.
The model variants for the 2020 Ram 2500 include three cab options (regular, crew, and Crew Max), two bed lengths, and six trim levels. Engine options include a 6.4-liter V8 that outputs 410 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque to an eight-speed automatic transmission in rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. A 6.7-liter turbocidesel is also available, with its six cylinders outputting 370 horses and a massive 850 lb-ft of torque. That connects to a six-speed automatic transmission in either rear-wheel or four-wheel drive.
The basic trim for the Ram 2500 is the Tradesman, which comes with 17-inch steel wheels and only the most basic of amenities, though power windows and locks as well as power adjustable side mirrors are now standard as well. This basic truck starts at $34,345 plus delivery. Most buyers will be happier in the Big Horn model (called the Lone Star in Texas), which adds a lot of extras, better looks with chrome bling, and comfort items like USB charging ports and remote locks. Options are plentiful in this trim, allowing a lot of variance.
The 2020 Ram 2500 can two up to 15,040 pounds without any “only available on this trim level” options. The 2500 can be equipped with a gooseneck or fifth-wheel in the bed and comes standard with an under-bumper receiver and standard plugs.
Because the 2020 Ram 2500 is a heavy duty vehicle, the EPA does not require it undergo fuel economy testing. The gasoline engine will bring good enough economy for those used to HD trucks, breaking 20 mpg quite easily on the highway when empty of cargo. The diesel should do slightly better. Towing or hauling anything will drastically change those numbers. Our time with the truck included towing a large enclosed trailer, which reduced fuel economy by almost half when fully loaded at about 10,000 pounds.
There are plenty of options in the heavy-duty pickup truck arena, of course, but none are as comfortable or as confident in towing as is the Ram lineup. The Ram 2500 is an excellent truck.
