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2018 Ram 2500 review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

Ram 2500 highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

Pros

  • Excellent torque and towing capacity with optional diesel engine
  • High-quality cabin design and materials
  • Comfortable and quiet ride
  • Mega Cab offers roomy back seat

Cons

  • Diesel makes less power with standard manual transmission
  • Driver aids are not available

Mileage (EPA estimate)

(data not available)

Pricing for current inventory

From $46,998*

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The 2018 Ram 2500 finally gets standard rearview camera, Apple CarPlay®

The 2018 Ram 2500 (formerly known as the Dodge Ram 2500) has plenty of strengths, from its powerful optional engines to its stand-out ride quality in the heavy-duty class. For 2018, Ram made a few notable upgrades to the 2500’s technology features. First, a rearview camera is finally standard equipment on all trim levels. Second, Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay are available for the first time on the Ram 2500. That said, driver aids like forward collision alert and blind-spot monitoring are not available for 2018.

A range of trim levels and variety of cab and bed configurations offer plenty of customization to choose from, depending on your needs. The base Tradesman trim is a strong option for a work truck, while the Laramie trim adds plenty of luxuries. There’s also the Power Wagon for maximum off-road capability. Two beds are available, either a 6-foot 4-inch or 8-foot box.

All Ram 2500 years

Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Ram 2500 generation from 2012 to 2026

What is new for the 2018 Ram 2500?

  • Trim Discontinued: [Specify the trim name] - no longer available for this model year.
  • Standard Equipment on all models now includes [list key standard features], enhancing value and convenience.
  • New Equipment added: [list new features or technology], improving performance and safety.
  • Significant upgrade in [engine/transmission/suspension] technology for better efficiency and handling.
  • Optional packages now available that include [list features], allowing for more customization.

2018 Ram 2500 trims

Curious how Ram 2500 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Tradesman:

  • 383-hp, 400-lb-ft of torque 5.7L
  • 410-hp, 429-lb-ft of torque 6.4L
  • 350-hp, 660-lb-ft of torque 6.7L
  • Rear View Camera
  • Cruise Control
  • Traction Control
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Vinyl Seats
  • Tow Hitch
  • 4WD/AWD
  • Manual Transmission
  • View our Ram 2500 Tradesman inventory

SLT:

Bighorn:

Lonestar:

Laramie:

  • Includes all features available on the Lonestar
  • Parking Sensors
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • A/C Seats
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Memory Seats
  • Leather Seats
  • Alpine Sound System
  • Leatherette Seats
  • View our Ram 2500 Laramie inventory

Laramie Longhorn:

Laramie Limited:

Power Wagon:

Ram 2500 photos

What We Like

Strong optional engines: The Ram 2500’s optional turbocharged diesel engine puts out 800 lb-ft of torque, and maximizes the truck’s towing capacity. An optional 6.5-liter V8 engine offers a power bump over the standard V8, and produces 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque.

Excellent comfort: Heavy-duty trucks add capability at the cost of comfort, but the Ram 2500’s coil-spring suspension makes for a more forgiving ride than top competitors. The cabin is quiet, with cushy seats and lots of comfort upgrades in higher trims, like heated and ventilated front seats.

Off-road-ready Power Wagon: Ram equipped the Ram 2500 Power Wagon with a comprehensive list of upgraded parts and bolt-ons designed for off-roading, including locking differentials, a manual transfer case, skid plates, a power winch, and a ton of additional lights.

What needs improvement

Driver aids remain unavailable: For 2018, the Ram’s rearview camera is finally standard equipment, and Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ became available for the first time. Unfortunately, the 2018 Ram lacks driver aids like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.7 out of 5

9 customer reviews
The 2018 Ram 2500 excels in power and towing, with comfortable interior space. However, fuel economy and maintenance costs are common concerns. Technology feels dated, especially in base models. Reliability is solid overall, though isolated braking issues were reported. Ideal for those prioritizing strength over modern features.

RepairPal reliability rating

3
Average

RepairPal gave the Ram 2500 an overall reliability rating of 3 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Average. This rating ranks Ram 2500 12th out of 19 among Fullsize Trucks.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Ram 2500

Ram 2500 features and specs

Curious how Ram 2500 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Tradesman 2D Regular Cab 2WD

Standard Features

  • Cruise Control
  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Rear View Camera
  • Side Airbags
  • Traction Control
  • Vinyl Seats
  • Tow Hitch
  • Automatic Transmission
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Auxiliary Audio Input

Optional Features

  • Parking Sensors
  • Heated Mirrors
  • Cloth Seats
  • Cruise Control
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Bed Cover
  • Bed Liner
  • Fifth Wheel Tow Hitch
  • Gooseneck Tow Hitch
  • Long Bed
  • Running Boards
  • CD Audio
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Satellite Radio Ready

Drive Wheels

Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

5.7L

Horsepower

383

Torque (ft-lbs)

400

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

32

Wheelbase

140.5"

Overall length

230.4"

Width

79.4"

Height

76.2"

Leg room

F 41"

Head room

F 39.9"

Front tires

LT245/70SR17

Rear tires

LT245/70SR17

Seating capacity

3

Max towing capacity

1189/11890 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2018 Ram 2500 FAQ

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