Three Ways to Spec Your 2026 Ram 2500

Ram is going retro for the 2026 model year, and it’s Norwood drivers who stand to benefit. With a fully refreshed Ram 2500 hitting the market back in 2025, Ram has rolled out a relatively unchanged model for the new year, but there are two important exceptions. The brand brings us 50 years into the past with two new trims that inject the heavy-duty pickup with some fresh performance and off-road potential. As your go-to Ram dealer near Norwood, we have all the details on how the 2500 is bringing the past to the present.

’70s Style and Modern Performance: Custom Trucks Then and Now

The 1970s were an aesthetically ambitious era, and one that fully embraced the concept of customization. Drivers were eager to personalize their rides during the so-called “Me Decade”, and automakers were more than willing to help with a full lineup of custom trucks and SUVs that were all the rage in the days of disco.

From the luxurious GMC Gentleman Jim and Beau James pickups to Chevy trucks emblazoned with bold graphics packages with names like “Feathers”, “Eagle,” and “Hawk” and the half-pickup/half-camper that was the Chevy Blazer Chalet, there was no theme too cheesy for ‘70s drivers.

Dodge Expands Its Truck Options to Include Stylist and Thrilling Models

Dodge first threw its hat into the ring with the Dodge Dude sport trim package for the D100 pickup in 1970, but soon expanded its custom offerings into the full Adult Toys lineup. The roster included the Ramcharger SUV, highly customizable Street Van, and three unique pickups in the Warlock, Macho Power Wagon, and Li’l Red Express.

The Roots of the Warlock and Black Express

The Warlock trim traces its roots back to a time when wood-paneled rooms and shag carpeting were seen as the height of modern design, and the new model represents a new off-road-oriented option that gives drivers a stylish alternative to the existing Rebel and Power Wagon models.

The Li’l Red Express was the fastest production pickup of its time, thanks to the inclusion of a brawny V8 engine, and now returns to the fold with a new moniker—Black Express—a new color scheme, and an available turbocharged V8 engine that represents the latest in pickup performance.

The Warlock and Black Express represent two compelling reasons to visit us, but there are also plenty of alternatives for those more focused on the Ram 2500’s legendary towing and hauling prowess. Let’s explore three ways drivers can spec their 2026 Ram 2500 and learn why the heavy-duty pickup might just be one of the most versatile options on the market.

An Off-Road Wizard: Ram 2500 Warlock

Want to add a little magic to your weekend routine? The Ram 2500’s new Warlock trim is here to cast its spell. Designed to help drivers confidently venture into challenging off-road terrain, the Warlock trim features a full array of robust components that transform the hardworking truck into a ready-made adventure rig.

The original Warlock D Series pickup was more focused on appearance than off-road ability, boasting gold pinstriping and wheels, bucket seats, and premium materials like chrome running boards and oak sideboards. While it did prioritize performance with a standard V6 or available 440 big-block engine, the vintage pickup has nothing on the current model with its diesel engine that produces 430 hp and 1,075 lb-ft of torque.

Notable Features

The Ram 1500 was treated to its own Warlock trim in 2019, and now the heavy-duty version gets in on the fun for the 2026 model year. The model features the Tradesman trim treated to some off-road enhancements, including a tuned suspension complete with robust Bilstein dampers, a skid plate to protect the 4WD model’s transfer case, and 34-inch Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac all-terrain tires wrapped around 20-inch wheels. Of course, the Ram 2500 Warlock also includes the most vital of all off-road gear: a limited-slip rear differential that allows the pickup to power through loose, slippery surfaces with ease.

Throw in black grille, bumpers, fender flares, and a full complement of decals and badges, and you have a one-of-a-kind truck that’s perfect for both a long day on the job or a weekend spent running between the kids’ Quidditch matches. The Warlock trim is limited to a short bed and a Crew Cab, and comes standard with the 6.4-liter HEMI V8, though the Cummins diesel can also be added as an optional upgrade.

Other Off-Road Options

The Warlock might represent an exciting addition to the Ram 2500’s off-road lineup, but Norwood drivers have two other enticing options to choose from if they’re looking to explore some off-the-grid locales. The Rebel offers a winning combination of utility, luxury and off-road performance while the Power Wagon pulls out all of the stops to create a no-holds-barred off-road machine complete with electronic-locking locking front and rear differentials, increased ground clearance, and an electronically disconnecting front stabilizer bar designed to improve wheel articulation when navigating bumpy, uneven terrain.

Stylish Performance: Ram 2500 Black Express

It’s not red, and it’s certainly not “Li’l”, but the Black Express is the latest in a long line of Ram sport trucks that see the brand’s popular pickups infused with some important performance upgrades. Like the Warlock, the Black Express is based on the base Tradesman model, but is a little more flexible in terms of availability.

The trim can be added to any Crew Cab model equipped with either the long or short bed, and is available with both RWD and AWD. The Black Express is outfitted with a 405-hp V8 or an available Cummins turbodiesel, and while both engines are paired with Ram’s new TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission, the diesel is the clear choice for the thrill-seeking set with a zero to 60 mph time of just 6.7 seconds.

Unique Style Options to Choose From

The Black Express cuts a distinctive figure with its body-color bumpers and grille surround, 20-inch black wheels, and black, tubular side steps that run the length of the cab, but it’s the truck’s sporty snout that really represents the most important appearance-related upgrade. The satin-black sport performance hood marks the trim’s athletic intentions, and lends the pickup an edgy look that’s sure to turn some heads as you cruise around Norwood in your Ram 2500. The trim is available in eight alluring colors, ranging from Forged Blue to Diamond Black, Granite Crystal, and a Flame Red hue that’ll turn the truck into a modern-day Li’l Red Express.

A Variety of Must-Have Tech

The Black Express was designed to be judged by its head-turning cover, but Ram has also included a number of cutting-edge tech features that proves the pickup’s appeal is more than skin deep and make the trim one of the best values in the 2026 lineup. Like all three-quarter-ton models, the Ram 2500 can be a little unwieldy for those who aren’t accustomed to piloting a heavy-duty pickup, but Ram has engineered around this issue with its ParkSense Front and Rear Park Assist System. The feature uses a network of ultrasonic sensors to scan your surroundings and provide audio and visual cues that’ll allow you to nestle the Ram 2500 into even the tightest parking spot.

Towing Made Easy

While ParkSense is sure to simplify the driving experience, it’s the Black Express’ power convex trailer tow mirrors that mark one of the trim’s most enticing attributes. While it might trade on its athletic appearance, the Black Express can also tow with the best of them the available Cummins High-Output turbodiesel allowing the truck to pull up to 20,000 lbs, but the advanced trailer tow mirrors mirrors help to round out the package to create a safer, more successful towing experience.

While larger trailers can present a problem when trying to get a clear view of the road, the power-telescoping mirrors can extend away from the truck to provide a wider field of view, especially when peering into the convex lower portion. The mirrors can be retracted when trying to nestle into a garage or parking space, and even include a power-folding function that’ll ensure you never encounter any unwanted contact with other vehicles or obstacles. The class-exclusive trailer tow mirror also features integrated lighting, including turn signals and a blind spot monitoring function.

The Ultimate Towing Rig: Ram 2500 Laramie

Every 2026 Ram 2500 model is ready to put in a hard day’s work with the sort of towing and hauling capacity that lesser trucks can only dream of, but what if you want to max out the pickup’s towing credentials? The Ram 2500 makes it easy to design a purpose-built towing rig that’s equipped to handle a wide range of towing applications, from pulling fully loaded trailers and heavy machinery to boats, RVs, powersports equipment, and other recreational cargo. While it’s hard to go wrong when picking between Ram trims, we thought we would outline one possible build that’ll turn your truck into a jobsite MVP.

Engine Options

It all starts with the Laramie trim, which offers a satisfying balance of modern tech, comfort, and utility without breaking the bank. Noted for its exceptional value, the Laramie allows drivers to access the undisputed champ of the 2026 engine lineup in the 6.7-liter Cummins High Output turbodiesel inline-six. Capable of pulling up to 20,000 lbs when properly equipped, the turbodiesel provides the sort of raw power that traditional gas-powered engines simply can’t match. Those who are more focused on payload capacity might consider the base 6.4-liter HEMI V8 which can haul as much as 4,420 lbs, but the turbodiesel is certainly no slouch with 2,740 lbs to its name.

RWD or 4WD?

While the Ram 2500’s available 4WD system is perfect for tackling harsh winter weather or off-road conditions, the truck’s RWD setup is actually preferable in terms of towing ability. Pulling a heavy trailer or RV can put increased weight on the rear axle, which also happens to be the same place where a RWD pickup sends all of its power. This means the rear wheels can offer superior traction, while the front wheels are freed up to focus on steering, enabling the Ram 2500 to provide a more balanced and responsive ride. RWD systems also weigh less than their 4WD counterparts due to their simpler design, which results in increased towing and payload capacity.

Towing Packages and Features

The Laramie is already ready to handle most towing tasks right out of the box, but if you want to really up your chances of success you should consider springing for a few optional add-ons and packages. The available 4.10:1 rear axle ratio provides maximum torque and represents a substantial improvement over the standard 3.73:1 design while the 5th Wheel/Gooseneck Towing Prep Group prepares the pickup to handle the heavy-duty towing systems that are required to accommodate some of the heaviest loads.

The Tow-Mode Digital Rear-View Mirror Package includes a wired tow-mode camera that can be affixed to the trailer and monitored directly from the digital rearview mirror. The Towing Technology Group includes plenty of purpose-built gear that’s sure to increase your confidence when towing, thanks to its trailer tire pressure monitoring system, a surround-view camera system, and a trailer reverse guidance system that takes all of the guesswork out of maneuvering a fully-loaded trailer.

The Towing Technology Group also adds a cargo-view camera that gives Norwood drivers the chance to monitor the bed without letting their eyes stray too far from the road. Finally there’s the Tow Technology Plus Group, which adds the digital rear-view mirror with additional side cameras along with an innovative trailer reverse steering control system. Every pickup driver has struggled with that mirror-image thinking that comes with trying to reverse their pickup, but trailer reverse steering control makes such spatial challenges a thing of the past with a knob-based steering system that allows drivers to guide the Ram 2500 into place without even using the steering wheel.

Explore the Lineup at Zimmer Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

All work and no play makes the average pickup a dull option. The Ram brand has long been known for its industrious ethos, and has earned a solid reputation amongst contractors, farmers and trade pros by routinely producing some of the hardest-working trucks on the market, but the two new trims also prove that the pickup knows how to have a little fun. The Warlock represents a stylish new off-road option that allows drivers to explore the road less traveled without investing in the pricier Rebel or Power Wagon trims.

The Black Express honors its Lil’ Red predecessors with a performance-focused design that’s sure to inject a little excitement into your daily commute through Norwood and look good doing it with its black exterior details and sport performance hood. The Cummins-equipped Laramie is the clear standout in terms of towing potential with its 20,000-lbs capacity, but it also includes many of the comfort and convenience features that can have such a big impact on the daily driving experience. Want to learn more about any of these three 22026 models, or explore other new and used Ram 2500 options? Zimmer Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is always here to help.