Ram 2500 Engine Power & Performance By Trim
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When you're ready to climb into the driver's seat of a new Ram 2500 truck for sale, you'll have two powerful Ram 2500 engines to compare at McGee Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Barre. The 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 engine with 410 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque comes standard. However, if you're looking for the Ram 2500 engine with the most towing, you want the available 6.7-liter I-6 Cummins® Turbo Diesel with 850 pound-feet of torque and nearly 20,000 pounds of towing capacity.1
After we compare these heavy-duty engines by the numbers, be sure to contact us with any additional questions you may have. We're happy to discuss engine size, the differences between gas- and diesel-powered engines, or anything else related to these mighty Ram pickups.
Ram 2500 Engine Differences at a Glance
- The 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 is the standard option. This gas-powered engine generates 410 horsepower of torque to provide the model's maximum payload capacity of 4,000 pounds.2
- The available 6.7-liter Cummins® Turbo Diesel I-6 spins the tires with 850 pound-feet of torque to provide the highest towing capacity in the lineup – up to 19,990 pounds when properly equipped.
- The HEMI V-8 is standard on five trims, while the Cummins® I-6 is standard on two tiers and available on three.
2024 Ram 2500 Gas vs. Diesel Engine Options
There are two powertrain setups for the current model year. The gasoline-powered 6.4 HEMI engine provides better horsepower and payload ratings, but the turbo-diesel has significantly more torque and greater towing capability. Depending on the engine you choose, the 2024 Ram 2500 towing capacity is either 17,730 pounds with the 6.4-liter HEMI1 or 19,990 pounds with the 6.7-liter Cummins® Turbo Diesel.1
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| 6.4L HEMI V-8 | 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I-6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 410 | 370 |
| Torque | 429 lb-ft | 850 lb-ft |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 17,730 lbs1 | 19,990 lbs1 |
| Maximum Payload Capacity | 4,000 lbs2 | 3,150 lbs2 |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 6-speed automatic |
The available Ram 2500 engine, the 6.7-liter Cummins® Turbo Diesel I-6, pairs with a six-speed automatic transmission with optimized gear ratios for a smooth, responsive, and, most importantly, forceful ride. Regardless of which powertrain you prefer, the engine specs for this heavy-duty pickup are exceptional, sitting at the higher end of the three-quarter-ton truck sector.
If you're considering more or less power for your needs, check out our Ram 1500 vs. 2500 vs. 3500 comparison guide and explore 10,000- or 30,000-pound towing capacities.1
2024 Ram 2500 Engine Availability by Trim
These two incredible engine possibilities are accessible for most trim levels of the Ram 2500. However, depending on your configuration, you may need to purchase the 6.7-liter Cummins® at an additional cost. Specific tiers, like the Power Wagon, cannot access the higher-torque engine at all. No matter your feature and performance preferences, we're confident that the Ram 2500 trim levels have something for everyone. See engine availability for all seven models in the chart below:
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| 2024 Ram 2500 Model | Standard Engine | Available Engine |
|---|---|---|
Tradesman | 6.4L HEMI V-8 | 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I-6 |
Big Horn | 6.4L HEMI V-8 | 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I-6 |
Laramie | 6.4L HEMI V-8 | N/A |
Rebel | 6.4L HEMI V-8 | 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I-6 |
Power Wagon | 6.4L HEMI V-8 | N/A |
Limited Longhorn | 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I-6 | N/A |
Limited | 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I-6 | N/A |
Ram 2500 Engine Upgrades Through the Years
If these powertrains sound perfect for you, but you're thinking about a used model, no worries. Over the past five years, the brand has offered the same high-quality Ram 2500 engine selection. As you'll see in the chart below, these two engines have propelled the Ram 2500 with the same performance tuning since 2020:
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| Ram 2500 Model Year | 6.4L HEMI V-8 | 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I-6 |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 |
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| 2021 |
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| 2022 |
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| 2023 |
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| 2024 |
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While you can get the same engine specs for older models, be careful! While viewing all Ram trucks in our inventory, you'll notice that towing and payload capacities vary by model year despite both powertrains producing the same horsepower and torque values. For example, a 2020 Ram 2500 has a maximum towing capacity of 19,680 pounds1 and a payload capacity of up to 4,010 pounds.2
Do You Have Questions About the Ram 2500?
Check out some popular questions we answer in our FAQ section below. If you still have questions about the 2024 Ram 2500 – be it about the available engines, trim choices, capability specs, getting a Ram 2500 6.4 HEMI crate engine delivered, or anything else – we're happy to help. Give our friendly Ram truck professionals a call at 802-636-5580 or contact us via our convenient online form. We at McGee Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Barre will help you find the answers and parts you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine is in a Ram 2500?
The new Ram 2500 has two engines depending on your model. In most cases, the 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 engine with 410 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque comes standard, and the 6.7-liter I6 Cummins® turbo diesel comes as a paid selection. The available Cummins® powertrain has more towing capacity and torque, making it better for tough jobs.
What engine will be in the 2025 Ram 2500?
There are currently no official sources with information on performance updates for the 2025 Ram 2500 engine. However, we expect the 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 to return alongside a Cummins® engine with the same – or even more – kick than we have now. For more updates on the 2025 Ram 2500, don't hesitate to contact us. We'll keep you up to date.
Which Ram 2500 engine is the best?
Both Ram 2500 engine options are potent, with the standard 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 engine producing 410 horsepower and sporting a 4,000-pound payload limit.2 The 6.7-liter Cummins® Turbo Diesel I-6 produces less horsepower and has a lower payload but dominates the road with 850 pound-feet of torque and a maximum towing capacity of 19,990 pounds.1
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1When properly equipped. See dealer for details.
2When properly equipped. Max payload ratings shown for base configuration. Additional options, equipment, passengers, and cargo weight may affect payload weights. Contact dealer for details.