2021 Ram 2500 review
Ram 2500 highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Excellent torque and towing capacity from available diesel engine
- Upscale materials and design on higher trim levels
- Comfortable seats and quiet cabin
- Lots of impressive technology features and driver aids
Cons
- Optional diesel engine makes an unpleasant noise and vibration
- Some drivers may find the driving position too high
Mileage (EPA estimate)
(data not available)
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
2021 Ram 2500 carries on capably
The 2021 Ram 2500 (formerly called the Dodge Ram 2500) combines heavy-duty capability with an upscale interior and advanced technology features. In its higher trim levels, the Ram impresses with its driver aids, plush materials, and big touchscreen. But the bread and butter of HD trucks is their larger towing and hauling numbers, and while the Ram 2500 isn’t at the top of its class, its maximum payload capacity of around 4,000 pounds and maximum trailer towing capacity of around 20,000 pounds when properly equipped are more than enough to tackle most jobs. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories. There are only a few downsides to the Ram 2500, including the optional diesel engine’s noise level and a driving position that will feel a little too high for some drivers.
For 2021, the Ram 2500 gets an optional camera-based rearview mirror, but not much else has changed. Otherwise, the Ram continues on with the same choice of two massive engines–a gas V8 and turbocharged six-cylinder diesel–and the option of either an 8-foot or 6-foot 4-inch bed. You’ll also find the same seven trim levels, from the no-nonsense Tradesman to the fully loaded Limited model. And, for shoppers looking for more adventure, there’s always the off-road-specific Power Wagon.
All Ram 2500 years
Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Ram 2500 generation from 2011 to 2024
What is new for the 2021 Ram 2500?
- 2500 trims have been upgraded with Rear Air Conditioning, Third Row Seat, Fold-Away Third Row, Lane Departure Warning, Power Hatch/Deck Lid, and BOSE Sound System as standard equipment this year.
- Head Up Display, Quad Seats, Power Folding Third Row, Panoramic Sunroof, Rear A/C Seat(s), Automated Parking, Full Roof Rack, Dual Rear Wheels, and DVD Video System features are now available as options on select trims.
- The Lonestar trim now comes with Rear Defroster, Power Seat(s), Front Seat Heaters, Heated Steering Wheel, Parking Sensors, Blind Spot Monitor, Remote Start, Alloy Wheels, 20 Inch Plus Wheels, Navigation System, Satellite Radio Ready, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Smart Key as standard equipment.
- The Limited trim now comes with Android Auto as standard equipment.
- The Bighorn trim now comes with Smart Key and Alloy Wheels as standard equipment.
- The Longhorn trim now comes with Android Auto and 20 Inch Plus Wheels as standard equipment.
- The Laramie trim now comes with A/C Seat(s), Memory Seat(s), and Remote Start as standard equipment.
- The Power Wagon trim now comes with Apple CarPlay as standard equipment.
2021 Ram 2500 trims
Tradesman:
- 370-hp, 850-lb-ft of torque 6.7L
- 410-hp, 429-lb-ft of torque 6.4L
- Cruise Control
- Vinyl Seats
- Power Mirrors
- Traction Control
- Side Airbags
- Overhead Airbags
- Rear View Camera
- Smart Key
- View our Ram 2500 Tradesman inventory
Bighorn:
- Includes all features available on the Tradesman
- Cloth Seats
- Alloy Wheels
- View our Ram 2500 Bighorn inventory
Lonestar:
- Includes all features available on the Bighorn
- Rear Air Conditioning
- Rear Defroster
- Third Row Seat
- Power Seats
- Front Seat Heaters
- Fold-Away Third Row
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Parking Sensors
Laramie:
- Includes all features available on the Lonestar
- A/C Seats
- Memory Seats
- Leather Seats
- Alpine Sound System
- View our Ram 2500 Laramie inventory
Longhorn:
- Includes all features available on the Laramie
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Running Boards
- View our Ram 2500 Longhorn inventory
Limited:
- Includes all features available on the Longhorn
- No significant upgrades found on the Limited
- View our Ram 2500 Limited inventory
Power Wagon:
- Includes all features available on the Limited
- 149 inch wheelbase
- View our Ram 2500 Power Wagon inventory
Ram 2500 photos
5 reasons to buy the 2021 Ram 2500
What We Like
Strong engine choices: The Ram 2500 offers two engines to choose from, depending on your needs. The standard gasoline V8 makes 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque, but for maximum towing power you’ll want the optional turbocharged diesel engine and its massive 850 lb-ft of torque.
Excellent comfort: The Ram 2500 has about as refined a ride as you can find in a heavy-duty truck. It’s noticeably less bumpy and quieter on the freeway than its competitors, unless you opt for the diesel engine. The Ram’s front seats are built for the long haul, and in higher trims the cabin features plenty of upscale materials. If comfort is a priority, the Ram is definitely worth considering.
Impressive tech features: The Ram 2500 offers plenty of thoroughly modern tech options. The infotainment can be upgraded with wireless phone charging and an expansive 12.3-inch touchscreen. A full suite of advanced driver aids are also available, including blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.
What needs improvement
Diesel engine noise: The Ram 2500’s optional diesel engine is a significant upgrade to the truck’s capability, but it comes with a downside. The rough sound of the diesel engine is very audible in the otherwise quiet cabin, especially running at freeway speeds. If you’re not planning on doing heavy towing, the standard gas engine may be more pleasant to live with.
Shop with your budget in mind
Ratings & reliability
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 2500Ram 2500 features and specs
Tradesman 2WD 2D Regular Cab
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- AM/FM Stereo
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cruise Control
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Rear View Camera
- Side Airbags
- Tow Hitch
- Traction Control
- Vinyl Seats
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- Alloy Wheels
- Apple CarPlay
- Bed Cover
- Bed Liner
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Cloth Seats
- Fifth Wheel Tow Hitch
- Gooseneck Tow Hitch
- Lane Departure Warning
- Long Bed
- Parking Sensors
- Rear Defroster
- Running Boards
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
6.4L
Horsepower
410
Torque (ft-lbs)
429
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
32
Wheelbase
140.5"
Overall length
232"
Width
79.4"
Height
78"
Leg room
F 40.9"
Head room
F 39.8"
Front tires
LT245/70SR17
Rear tires
LT245/70SR17
Seating capacity
3
Max towing capacity
1504/15040 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2021 Ram 2500 FAQ
The Ram 2500 received a rating of 3 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Average. This rating ranks the Ram 2500 as 11 out of 19 among Fullsize Truck
The 2021 Ram 2500 has received an average 4.8 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2021 Ram 2500, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2021 Ram 2500 Reviews.
The 2021 Ram 2500 has a maximum towing capacity of between 10520 and 15040 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Here is what's new for the 2021 Ram 2500:
- Rear Air Conditioning
- Third Row Seat
- Fold-Away Third Row
- Lane Departure Warning
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
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