The only thing better than an upgraded half-ton truck is a reworked heavy-duty truck. The 2025 Ram HD lineup receives improvements to make it much better.
The big jobs are left to the big trucks, but these heavy-duty performers are often the last to receive upgrades and changes. Now that the half-ton Ram has bene upgraded, its time to see what Ram did to improve the HD lineup for the 2500 and 3500 trucks. These big brutes has upgraded powertrains, modernized styling. New seating, and some tech and safety upgrades to give you more of what you want.
The key difference
Stellantis has ditched the Hemi V8 engines in smaller vehicles but can’t get away from them for the heavy-duty trucks. The 2025 Ram HD lineup still comes with either a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine or a 6.7-liter Cummins diesel 6-cylinder engine. The smaller Ram trucks utilize the new twin-turbocharged 6-cylinder Hurricane engine for power, but the big haulers maintain their size and presence advantage with the massive power plants under the hood.
More power for the diesel
The traditional Hemi V8 engine still delivers strong power figures with 405 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque. This is the most common engine for the Ram HD trucks, but those shoppers who will turn to the oil burner will find more power in the high-output version. The Cummins diesel engine comes in two forms: the standard power or the high-output setup. For 2025, the high-output model produces 430 horsepower, which is 30 more than before. The torque figures remain the same as before at 1,075 lb-ft.
In addition to more power, the high-output version of the Cummins diesel engine will now be available in all models of the 2025 Ram HD. Previously, this power setup was only available in the 3500HD models.
More power equals lower towing figures?
You might think more power would equal better towing power for the high-output diesel engine, but that’s not the case. The new TorqueFlite HD 8-speed automatic transmission and 3.42 rear-axle ratio add more weight to the truck. The max towing power is now 36,610 pounds, which is 480 pounds less than the outgoing version of this powertrain. This is a bit of a double-edged sword for some drivers. On the one hand, the towing figures are lower, but they are still probably good enough for what they need to do. On the other hand, the system receives two additional gears, which should make the ride smoother and more efficient than before.
A new front sparks controversy
Some people simply don’t like things to change, but vehicles change every year. The new 2025 Ram HD lineup has updated front-end styling to give you improved looks. The new front is still blunt and recognizable but somewhat different from before. the Tradesman and Rebel models have blacked-out grille’s while the Longhorn and Laramie models feature chrome on the grille to offer an upscale appearance.
The lighting signature is more modern and updated than before. You’ll see sleek split-tier LED headlights, which are now standard. The rear lights can be had with a C-shaped LED piping, but that is an upgraded configuration.
The cabin reflects the smaller Ram truck
The cabin area of the new HD lineup reflects similar styling upgrades added to the light-duty Ram 1500. The dashboard now features a 12.3-inch digital cluster and a larger 14.5-inch infotainment screen. Passengers can have a new 10.3-inch display as well, giving these heavy-duty trucks the most modern qualities available. Materials for most trims have been upgraded, and you’ll find new interior color options for some trims.
More tech for safety
Adding standard safety features is a smart move, and the 2025 Ram HD models have some upgraded safety items that you’ll find on every trim. Each truck now has adaptive cruise control and forward collision alert. The Big Horn and higher trims have front and rear parking sensors as part of the standard packaging. You’ll also find drowsy-driver detection, traffic sign recognition, and lane-keeping assist, which are all optional items.
If you want to tow with your Ram HD truck, which is why you buy a heavy-duty truck in the first place, you’ll have a new 360-degree camera and automatic blind-spot cameras that activate with the turn signals are engaged.
New HD driving made better
Despite a slight dip in towing power for the high-output diesel powertrain, the 2025 Ram HD lineup is improved to give you more of what you want and need, especially if you use this big truck or long-range hauling. Which version of this big Ram will you drive?
