2021 RAM 2500

The 2021 RAM 2500 is a heavy-duty truck offered in seven trim levels, which are Tradesman, Big Horn, Lone Star, Laramie, Longhorn, Limited, and Power Wagon. Exterior equipment on the base Tradesman trim includes black side mirrors and bumpers, 17-inch steel wheels, halogen automatic headlights, cargo area lighting, and a black front grille. The Big Horn (known as Lone Star in Texas) tacks on 18-inch wheels and chrome accents, while the Laramie has LED taillights, fog lights, and alloy wheels.

Choose the Longhorn trim to get LED projector-beam headlights and chrome side steps. The luxurious Limited trim has power-deploying running boards and 20-inch wheels. At the top of the list, the Power Wagon is geared toward off-roading. It comes with black fender flares and badges, all-terrain tires, powder-coated bumpers, black lighting bezels, locking front and rear axles, performance-tuned shock absorbers, and underbody protective skid plates.

This truck has two powertrain options, allowing buyers to find what works for their needs. The standard engine is a 6.4-liter V-8 unit that makes 410 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque. If you want diesel power, the optional 6.7-liter turbo-diesel V-8 engine pumps out 370 horsepower and 850 pound-feet of torque. It's available on all trims except the Power Wagon. Both engines pair with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

All trim levels of the 2021 RAM 2500 come with rear-wheel drive as standard, with the exception of the Power Wagon, which comes standard with four-wheel drive. You can also upgrade any of the other six trims to include RAM's four-wheel-drive system. If you plan to tow heavy loads, the turbo-diesel engine is a must. When properly equipped with this powertrain and the required towing features, this pickup can tow a maximum of 20,000 pounds. The payload capacity maxes out at 4,380 pounds.

Within the cabin of the Tradesman trim level, standard features include vinyl upholstery, a six-speaker sound system, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and manual climate control. On the tech side, you also get a six-speaker audio system, dual USB ports, a 5-inch touch screen, and Bluetooth connectivity.

As you move through the higher trim levels, additional comfort and tech features become available. On the comfort side, upgrades include cloth or leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, and additional power adjustability on the front seats with adjustable lumbar support. Tech options include wireless device charging, a premium audio system, an 8.4-inch or 12-inch touch screen, additional USB and 115-volt outlets, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, and a larger 7-inch color driver information display.

Every 2021 RAM 2500 comes outfitted with anti-lock brakes, airbags throughout the cabin, stability and traction control, hill-start assist, trailer sway damping, and a rearview camera. The Safety Group package is optional on all trims and bundles adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot and cross-path detection, forward collision warning, and a digital rearview mirror.