2026 Ram HD Expert Review
Reviewed by Bob Hernandez
Known for its powerful engine options, comfortable interior, and impressive towing capacity, the 2026 Ram 2500 is one of two heavy-duty pickup trucks in Ram's lineup (the other being the 3500). It’s designed for both work and play, offering a range of configurations to suit various needs.
Heavy-duty truck competitors include the Ford F-250 Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, and GMC Sierra 2500HD.
What’s New
Taking a page from the 1500’s playbook, Ram now has value-focused Black Express and Warlock sport truck versions of the 2500. It’s the first time the brand has used the model names with its heavy-duty lineup.
With the 2026 2500 Warlock, features include:
Basics
- Crew Cab 4WD short bed configuration only
- Rear limited-slip differential
- Bilstein dampers
- Transfer case skidplate
- Hill Descent control
Exterior
- Black grille surround, flares, and bumpers
- Warlock bedside decal
- A set of 20-inch diamond cut wheels wrapped in 34-inch Goodyear Duratrac all-terrain tires
- Power Convex trailer tow mirrors
- Diamond Black, Bright White, Granite Crystal, Silver Zynith, Forged Blue, Flame Red, Ceramic Grey, and Molten Red available exterior colors
Interior
- Front and rear all-weather floor mats
- Cloth bench seats and carpet
The 2026 2500 Black Express is standard with:
Basics
- Crew Cab that can be configured with RWD or 4WD and a long or short bed
- Front and rear parking sensors
Exterior
- Sport performance hood
- Body colored bumpers and grille surround
- Power Convex trailer tow mirrors
- A set of 20-inch black wheels
- Black tube cab-length side steps
- Diamond Black, Bright White, Granite Crystal, Silver Zynith, Forged Blue, Flame Red, Ceramic Grey, and Molten Red exterior color options
Interior
- Cloth bench seat
- Carpet floor covering
- Carpet floor mats
This page will be updated with more insights and photos as information becomes available.
What We Think
The 2026 Ram 2500 has long been a MotorTrend favorite, and the updates introduced for the previous model year only made that more so.
The combination of the excellent turbodiesel engine with a more modern transmission makes the truck more drivable, efficient, and capable than before. Additionally, it’s a welcome change to see Ram make the same engine options available for both the 2500 and 3500 models, instead of reserving the highest torque version exclusively for the 3500. The new Black Express and Warlock sport truck trims are capable and refined, but don't expend them to handle with athletic verve.
The Ram 2500 has always been tech-forward, but the 2025 updates further elevate the cabin with larger and more advanced digital displays. Enhanced processing power, along with an optional co-pilot screen for the passenger, make it easier to do work on the road.
This year’s updates also bring specialized configurations to the more affordable end of the range. With these changes, the Ram 2500 remains firmly positioned at the top of its class in the heavy-duty truck category, solidifying its place in our rankings.
Top-Ranked Competitors:
MotorTrend Tested
The Ram 2500 can be configured with one of two powertrains. The highest maximum output comes from a 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel inline-six engine that generates 430 hp and 1,075 lb-ft of torque. With a slightly less powerful version of this engine and a less refined six-speed automatic transmission, since replaced by a newer eight-speed automatic, the 2023 2500 Rebel sprinted to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds.
Ram also offers a 6.4-liter non-turbo V-8 gas engine that churns out 405 hp and 429 lb-ft of torque. With this setup, a pre-refresh 2500 hit 60 mph in 7.5 seconds in MotorTrend testing.
The rival GMC Sierra 2500HD is available with a 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel V-8 making 470 hp and 975 lb-ft of torque. In Denali specification, it can sprint to 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds.
Safety Features
- Automatic emergency braking
- Adaptive cruise control
- Available lane keeping
- Available blind-spot monitoring
- Available parking sensors
Bed and Cab Configurations
The 2026 Ram 2500 offers a variety of body and bed configurations. The 6-foot, 4-inch short bed measures 76.3 inches in length, and the 8-foot bed extends to 98.3 inches. Both beds are 66.4 inches wide (51.0 inches between the wheelwells) and about 20 inches deep.
There’s room for three people on the bench seat in the base two-door regular cab. The four-door crew cab accommodates up to six, and the space- and comfort-prioritizing Mega Cab is designed for five passengers.
Technology
Infotainment
The base touchscreen is a 12.0-inch display, but a 14.5-inch center interface is also available. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included with both.
Sound System
A six-speaker sound system is the base arrangement. Nine- and 17-speaker setups are also on offer.
Available Upgrades
A 12.3-inch driver display and 10.3-inch front passenger touchscreen are available. More tech upgrades include twin wireless charging pads, a 360-degree camera, bed-view cameras, and a digital rearview mirror. An optional power inverter can deliver up to 2.4 kW through outlets in the truck bed.
Value
Standard Features
The lineup’s strong engines can be paired with a variety of 2500 bodies that mostly feature modern interiors and agreeable driving dynamics.
Recommended Trim
For those looking to use their 2500 as an all-rounder—a road trip vehicle, everyday luxury cruiser, and occasional off-roader—the Power Wagon or Limited trims are a perfect fit.
