2019 Ram 2500 Review: Refined Mobility With A Rugged Edge

More than half a million units sold in 2018 is no mean feat for any vehicle, but when the Ram pickup's chief rival, the Ford F-Series, sold nearly a million units for the year, it puts things into perspective just a little. Third place is a great achievement, but Ram wants a bigger slice of America's favorite automotive pie, which is why for 2019, the company introduced an all-new Ram 2500 heavy-duty truck - one it's hoping will have what it takes to significantly eat into the F-250's sales.

Available in Regular, Crew, and Mega Cab body styles, the full-size truck makes use of either a burly 6.4-liter HEMI V8 or a 6.7-liter Cummins straight-six diesel with 850 lb-ft of torque available, which it pairs with either 2WD or 4WD. With towing capacities of up to 19,780 lbs, a payload capacity of up to 4,520 lbs, and two available load bin sizes, the 2500's versatility is impressive. Add to that standard coil-spring suspension and the Ram 2500 has the makings of the ultimate three-quarter-ton truck for the modern man or woman.

What's the Price of the 2019 Ram 2500?

From top to bottom, you can double the price of a Ram 2500, showing just how broad the product lineup is. Prices start as low as $33,395 excluding licensing, tax, registration, and a $1,695 destination charge for the Regular Cab 4x2 Tradesman, with the Regular Cab Big Horn carrying an MSRP of $37,645. Crew Cab models start at $36,950 for the Tradesman, while a standard wheelbase Laramie starts off at $49,100 in 4x2 form, with an extra $200 added for the large box. The Power Wagon asks $53,350 before options. Laramie Longhorn models start getting pricey at $56,300, while a SWB Limited model starts at $61,300. If size matters, then nothing short of the Mega Cab will do. Expect to pay $46,500 for the cheapest Big Horn Mega Cab model, while the most expensive base price comes attached to the 4x4 Mega Cab Limited at $65,700. On models not sold as 4x4 by default, $2,900 gets you a 4x4 drivetrain, while opting for the Cummins diesel-six will set you back $9,100.

2019 2500 Exterior

Dimensions

2019 2500 Performance

Handling and Driving Impressions

One of the biggest changes to the new 2500 has been the inclusion of a coil-spring rear suspension setup instead of the traditional leaf-spring configuration that has been a staple of the full-sized truck for decades. While the 2500 hasn't lost any capability through the upgrade, it's gained hugely in the comfort and handling stakes. The steering is still light and slow, and on-road it's at times rather vague, but the suspension is supple - for a truck - and there's a better sense of connection with the road, even when unladen. It makes the 2500 feel far smaller than it is, which is saying something of a truck this size. But, Ram offers even more choice and versatility, now, with an available air suspension setup geared towards even greater comfort and ease of use. It has multiple modes to make regular driving, loading, and heavy hauling, as easy as possible, but the biggest takeaway is hugely improved ride comfort and the ability to soak up broken tarmac and gravel roads exceedingly well.

2019 2500 Interior

2019 2500 Trunk and Cargo Space

Warranty

Verdict: Is the 2019 Ram 2500 A Good Truck?

Ram wasn't content with playing second-fiddle in the full-size truck segment, so it's thrown absolutely everything it can at the 2500 to make sure it can rival, and best, the Ford F-250. Through powerful engines, innovative storage solutions, class-leading payload capacity, and monumental towing power, the Ram 2500 has emerged from the fray as what seems to be the best workman's truck available in the segment. But buyers these days care for more than just functional capability, and this is where the 2500 truly excels. The broad range of trims ensures there's a truck for anyone and everyone, with utilitarian models built to withstand the most rugged working conditions and high-end trims like the Limited kitted to the hilt with massive infotainment screens, high-quality upholstery and in-cabin materials, and loads of advanced tech to keep all occupants content. The sheer number of safety systems is something not found at this level, and it simply adds the cherry to the top of the finest HD truck on the market. The Ford F-Series may still dominate the sales charts, but if you want the best HD truck for your money, the 2500 is it.

What Ram 2500 Model Should I Buy?

Which Ram 2500 you buy will largely come down to your needs, but unless you're towing immense loads, we'd avoid the diesel engine and stick with the stock HEMI V8. The Power Wagon is a must if you plan on going off-road or wish to conquer the wilderness, but for most who'll regularly use the 2500 as a hard-working leisure vehicle, we'd opt for the Laramie Crew Cab. Sure, you miss out on a bunch of extra luxury finishes, but you still get upscale materials, leather-trimmed seats, LED exterior lighting, heated power-adjustable seats, dual-zone climate control, and full smartphone integration via the Uconnect 8.4-inch touchscreen. To make it the best possible version of itself, equip the auto-leveling rear air suspension and Safety Group package, taking the total outlay to $52,240 with the 6'4" box.

2019 Ram 2500 Comparisons

2019 Ram 2500 vs Ford F-250 Super Duty

The Ford F-Series trucks outsell the Ram offerings nearly two-to-one, but when it comes to heavy-duty offerings, this time around the Ram is the better buy. The optional Cummins diesel in the Ram may fall short of the F-250's outputs, but it puts them to better use, towing 19,780 lbs to the F-250's 18,500-pound maximum. The 2500 also offers more practicality with its Mega Cab offerings, and the RamBox cargo management system is simply brilliant. Both trucks offer the availability of high-end interiors, but it's once again the Ram that takes the cake, with more premium finishings, more tech, and better infotainment when equipped with the range-topping 12.3-inch infotainment screen. With standard coil-spring suspension and optional air suspension, the Ram rides and handles better, and while the F-250 might be the go-to option for many, it's simply outclassed by the newer Ram 2500.

2019 Ram 2500 vs Ram 1500

Like the 2500, the 1500 is also all-new for 2019, with a new lightweight chassis and a pair of heavy-duty engines, including a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with mild-hybrid assistance. This helps it easily decimate the big 2500 from a gas mileage perspective, but when it comes to pulling power, the 2500 separates the men from the boys. Its class-leading towing capacity of 19,780 lbs with the available Cummins diesel engine is 7,030 lbs more than the 1500, proving why the 2500 is classified as heavy-duty. Both come with the same class-leading innovations like a coil-spring suspension and optional air suspension, as well as a slew of available safety features that very few offer, but which is better will come down to individual needs. If you need superior capability and versatility; the three cab styles, two box lengths, and monstrous engines of the 2500 will get the job done. But if you want a cheaper, more lifestyle-oriented pickup that can do the job when needed, the 1500 is cheaper to buy and run, and will make an easier daily companion.