Performance
Engines
The 2021 Ram 2500 comes equipped with your choice of two powerful and efficient engines. The 6.4-liter HEMI V8 gas engine comes standard on each trim. It features variable cam timing to improve engine performance and variable valve timing with Fuel Saver Technology cylinder deactivation to improve fuel economy. This engine delivers a best-in-class 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque. The second engine is an available 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 that provides 370 horsepower and 850 lb-ft of torque. The HEMI V8 will get the edge in acceleration and payload capacity, while the Turbo Diesel will be the champion for towing purposes.
Transmissions
Ram has paired each of its engines with a specific transmission. The HEMI V8 has an 8HP75 eight-speed automatic transmission that has a fully electronic operation and on-the-fly shift mapping. This means that you can shift gears quickly, effectively, and efficiently. This transmission will improve overall engine efficiency while providing you with maximum control. The Turbo Diesel is paired with a Corporate six-speed automatic transmission that is multi-range and electronically controlled. Ram has designed this transmission specifically for the Ram 2500’s Turbo Diesel to maximize performance from the specific gear ratios.
Towing
One of the main reasons to buy a heavy-duty truck is for its ability to tow heavy trailers. Whether you are towing a piece of machinery for your business or a recreation vehicle for a family vacation, you need the peace of mind that only a heavy-duty truck can deliver. In this regard, the 2021 Ram 2500 does not disappoint. When equipped with the HEMI V8 engine, the Ram 2500 is capable of towing up to 17,540 pounds. If you need even more strength, then the Ram 2500 with the optional Turbo Diesel can help you tow up to an impressive 19,680 pounds. Keep in mind that your choice of cab, payload bed, and drivetrain will have an effect on the amount of weight your truck can handle. So, you should always check the specific specifications for your Ram 2500 before hitching a trailer.
Payload
Heavy-duty trucks are known for their ability to handle heavy loads, and the 2021 Ram 2500 is one of the top models in its segment when it comes to hauling payload. The Ram 2500 with the Turbo Diesel can carry up to 3,160 pounds in its payload bed, while the model with the HEMI V8 can haul an astounding 4,010 pounds. The 2021 Ram 2500 features your choice of two different trailer bed configurations of either 8-feet or 6-feet 4-inches, except on the Power Wagon, which only comes with a 6-foot 4-inch bed. The 8-foot bed provides 74.7 cubic feet of cargo space, while the 6-foot 4-inch bed has 57.5 cubic feet of space for cargo.
Trims
The Standard (and Not so Standard) Trims
The 2021 Ram 2500 has a base MSRP of $34,095. This price is for the base Tradesman with a two-door regular cab, but the Tradesman is also available in crew cab configuration. This trim features easy-to-clean work grade vinyl seats, 17-inch styled steel wheels, a Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch color touchscreen and 4-speaker audio system, and available remote keyless entry. Next, the Big Horn has an MSRP of $38,120, and features a 7-inch driver information digital cluster display with trailer light check, a 6-speaker audio system on the Uconnect infotainment system, and 18-inch styled steel wheels. This trim is available in regular and crew cab configurations.
The Laramie features 18-inch aluminum wheels, a 10-speaker audio system, a special chrome billet grille, and a full-color 3-D data display. This trim comes in crew cab only and has an MSRP of $49,735. Moving up the line, the Power Wagon is crew cab and four-wheel drive only. It is designed for off-roading with a front disconnecting sway bar, 17-inch forged aluminum wheels, a WARN ZEON-12 winch that can handle up to 12,000 pounds, and front and rear axle locks. The Power Wagon has an MSRP of $53,735.
The Limited Longhorn has style to burn with a trim level exclusive chrome billet grille, a narrow-profile wheel-to-wheel side step, and 18-inch polished aluminum wheels with painted accents. This Ram 2500 trim level carries the styling inside with comfortable leather seats. The Limited Longhorn has an MSRP of $57,280 and is available in crew cab only.
The top trim level is the Limited, with an MSRP of $61,835. Ram has really pulled out all the stops on the 2021 Ram 2500 Limited. It starts with LED headlights and taillights, and carries over to an exclusive grille design, a power side step, 20-inch painted aluminum wheels, and plenty of chrome accents. On the inside, you and your passengers are sure to enjoy the available Uconnect system with navigation on an available 12-inch touchscreen. This will help keep your smart devices connected through Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
Special Editions
There are also two special editions of the 2021 Ram 2500 available. The Night Edition features a monochromatic color scheme and adds black badging, black grille billets, 20-inch black aluminum wheels, and smoked headlight and taillight bezels. The Power Wagon 75th Anniversary is a special edition built around the 2021 Ram 2500 Power Wagon off-road trim. This special edition takes off-roading to the next level with 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, exclusive interior and exterior badging, and Mopar rock rails with step pad. If you are into off-roading, then this is the 2021 Ram 2500 for you.
Safety
Ram is an industry leader when it comes to safety, and it shows with the myriad of safety features that come standard or are available on the 2021 Ram 2500. The base model Tradesman is equipped with a set of airbags to protect you and your passengers, as well as 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, stability control with anti-roll, driveline traction control, and brake assist. Even with all these great standard safety features, Ram still offers more options for your 2021 Ram 2500 truck.
Helpful Camera Systems
One of the new features on the Ram 2500 is an available Digital Rearview Mirror that provides a streaming video from the truck’s rear view camera. This allows you to constantly see what is behind you, even if there is cargo in the payload that would normally block your mirror. If you plan on using your Ram 2500 for towing, then you should consider the available 360-degree Surround View Camera with Trailer Reverse Guidance View. This feature utilizes the Uconnect infotainment system to provide views all around your truck, including the trailer, which can be crucial, especially when towing a heavy load. This will also eliminate any and all blind spots when you are driving your truck.
Other Helpful Safety Features
The 2021 Ram 2500 also offers an available Adaptive Forward Lighting System. This features LED lights that can turn up to 15 degrees, helping you with better visibility during nighttime driving. Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Path Detection that is standard on the 2021 Ram 2500 Limited lets you know if there is a vehicle traveling in your truck or trailer’s blind spot, reducing the chance of collision. ParkSense Front and Rear Park Assist is also standard on the Limited trim and helps make it easier to get into and out of even the tightest parking spots. Available Forward Collision Warming with Active Braking helps alert you when you are getting too close to the vehicle in front of you and will assist you in applying the brakes to avoid a collision. Finally, available LaneSense Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist will help keep your 2021 Ram 2500 on the road and avoid accidents with cars in other lanes. As you can see, Ram offers you the safety features you need to stay safe in your 2021 Ram 2500.
