2016 Ram 2500
The 2016 Ram 2500 stands as a formidable contender in the heavy-duty pickup truck segment, offering robust capability, impressive towing and hauling prowess, and a surprisingly comfortable ride for its class. Designed for demanding work and serious towing needs, the Ram 2500 excels in delivering the muscle required for construction sites, towing large trailers, and tackling challenging terrain.
Highlights
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Engine Options:
- 6.4L HEMI V8: This gasoline engine delivers a healthy 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for most towing and hauling tasks. It's paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
- 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel: The legendary Cummins engine is the star for ultimate capability, churning out 350 horsepower and a colossal 660 lb-ft of torque. This diesel powerplant is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission and is ideal for those who frequently tow heavy loads.
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Safety Features:
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Trailer Sway Control: This system helps maintain vehicle stability by automatically applying brakes to individual wheels and reducing engine power if it detects the vehicle is starting to fishtail. Trailer Sway Control specifically helps counteract the side-to-side swaying of a towed trailer.
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): Prevents wheel lock-up during hard braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control.
- Traction Control System (TCS): Helps prevent wheel spin during acceleration, particularly on slippery surfaces, by reducing engine power or applying brakes to the spinning wheel.
- Optional ParkView Rear Back-Up Camera: Provides a visual aid when reversing, displaying the area behind the truck and assisting with parking and hitching.
- Optional ParkSense Front and Rear Park Assist System: Utilizes sensors to detect obstacles when parking, providing audible alerts to the driver.
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Trim Summary:
- Tradesman: The no-nonsense workhorse, offering essential functionality, durable interior materials, and the core capabilities of the Ram 2500.
- SLT: Adds a bit more comfort and convenience with features like chrome exterior accents and a more refined interior.
- Big Horn: Builds upon the SLT with enhanced exterior styling, a Uconnect touchscreen infotainment system, and upgraded interior appointments.
- Laramie: A significant step up in luxury and technology, featuring leather seating, heated and ventilated front seats, and a more premium cabin experience.
- Laramie Longhorn: The pinnacle of luxury for the Ram 2500, incorporating premium leather, distinctive Western-themed accents, and advanced comfort features.
- Limited: Offers a highly refined and technologically advanced cabin, often mirroring the luxury of the Laramie Longhorn with its own distinct styling cues and premium materials.
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Notable Aspects:
- Excellent Ride Quality for a Heavy-Duty Truck: Ram is renowned for its coil spring rear suspension, which contributes to a smoother and more compliant ride compared to many competitors that utilize leaf springs.
- Impressive Towing and Payload Capacities: The Ram 2500 is engineered to handle substantial weight, making it a capable choice for towing gooseneck and fifth-wheel trailers, as well as carrying heavy payloads.
- Spacious and Comfortable Cabins: From the utilitarian Tradesman to the opulent Limited, all Ram 2500 cabins offer generous space for passengers, with particularly ample legroom in the crew cab configurations.
- User-Friendly Uconnect Infotainment System: Available on higher trims, the Uconnect system is intuitive and responsive, offering features like navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and smartphone integration.
What to Expect
Owning a 2016 Ram 2500 typically involves an experience centered around capability and durability. You can expect a truck that feels substantial and planted on the road, with the power to confidently tow large trailers or haul significant weight. The ride quality, while still firm as expected from a heavy-duty vehicle, is generally considered more comfortable than many rivals, especially when not under load.
Maintenance will likely be more involved and potentially more expensive than a lighter-duty truck or a passenger car. Regular fluid changes, filter replacements, and tire rotations are crucial, especially if you're regularly utilizing its towing and hauling capabilities. The diesel engine, while powerful and efficient for its size, will require specific diesel maintenance practices. Insurance costs can also be higher due to the truck's size, value, and potential for use in demanding situations. It's advisable to get quotes from multiple insurance providers to understand the cost of coverage.
Potential Considerations
- Fuel Economy: As expected with a heavy-duty truck, especially the diesel variant, fuel economy will not be a strong suit. Expect lower MPG figures than a half-ton pickup, particularly when towing or under heavy load.
- Maneuverability in Tight Spaces: The sheer size of the Ram 2500 can make it challenging to maneuver in parking lots or tight urban environments.
- Towing Mirror Requirements: For safe and legal towing of larger trailers, you will likely need to purchase extended or trailer towing mirrors, as the standard mirrors may not provide adequate visibility.
- Diesel Emissions Systems: If opting for the Cummins diesel, be aware of the diesel particulate filter (DPF) and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems. These require specific maintenance and can be costly to repair if issues arise.
- Interior Noise: While Ram has made strides in cabin refinement, some road and engine noise, particularly from the diesel engine, can still intrude into the cabin during acceleration or at highway speeds.
Overall Summary
The 2016 Ram 2500 is a highly competent and capable heavy-duty truck that excels in towing, hauling, and overall work performance. Its combination of potent engine options, a surprisingly comfortable ride for its class, and a range of well-equipped trims makes it a compelling choice for those who need a robust and reliable partner for demanding tasks. While fuel economy and maneuverability are inherent trade-offs of its heavy-duty nature, the Ram 2500 delivers on its promise of strength and utility.