2025 RAM 2500 and 3500 HD launch review

Ram Trucks Australia has launched the Heavy Duty models in Australia, with a two model line-up. The 2025 Ram HD was only launched in the USA earlier this year, so it’s significant we get the new models here relatively soon.

While the US range of Ram HDs is extensive with various grades, models, body and cab configurations, in Australia, RTA is only offering two HD models: the 2500 and the 3500, and both of these are in high-spec luxe grade double-cab pick-up configurations. While the US truck market in Australia is growing, it’s still small stuff by US standards, so complying dozens of models for our buyers is prohibitive. 

The Ram 2500 HD will cost $172,950 plus on-road costs, while the Ram 3500 HD will hit you for $177,950 plus on-road costs. These prices remain the same as the last generation of Ram HD trucks despite the 2025 models having higher specifications and equipment.

The RAM HD’s main competitor in Australia is the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 from GMSV, but GMSV doesn’t offer a 3500 or bigger variant here. Ford doesn’t sell a Super Duty version of the F-250 in Australia; although, these and other options are available through third party importers. Toyota doesn’t manufacture a heavy-duty version of its Tundra pick-up.

Ram’s big ticket call for its Heavy Duty trucks is the upgrades to its legendary Cummins inline-six cylinder diesel engine, which now puts out a whopping 1458Nm of torque. In comparison, Chevy’s V8 diesel only makes 1322Nm while Ford’s 6.7L Powerstroke diesel makes 1423Nm in standard trim and a monster 1627Nm in HO tune. 

The main difference between the Ram 2500 and 3500 models offered in Australia by RTA are their load capacities, with the 2500’s Gross Combination Mass at 12,750kg and the payload at 785kg; compared to the 3500 ’s GCM of 14,433kg and payload of 1652kg. 

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While both Ram HD models are rated to tow up to 3500kg on a 50mm tow ball, 4500kg on a 70mm ball, or 8000kg on a fifth wheel or gooseneck connection, they both share the same chassis and axles – but the rear end of the 3500 is located on leaf springs while the 2500 rides on coil in a multi-link set-up. Both Ram models have a new eight-speed ZF transmission and part-time, dual range 4×4 transfer case. 

The front end of the MY25 HD Rams is distinguished by new headlights, grille and front end treatment. The 3500 is only differentiated by ‘3500’ badging in the bonnet vents. 

Luxurious load luggers

RTA sees the Heavy Duty models as premium towing and load-hauling vehicles and not the sort of trucks that anyone will be dropping a load of rubble in the tray of or basing an offroad racer on. As such, they spec the Australian-bound vehicles out of the USA with a host of standard features that would normally be part of the huge options list in their home country.

All RTA models get the Black Pack as standard, which does away with chrome exterior add-ons in favour of black accents, mirrors and grille. Both models ride on black-18-inch alloy wheels. Inside, features include leather seating with power adjustment, cooling and heating on the front pews. The Ram is now five-seat only with no third pew in the middle of the front row as in previous offerings. Instead, there’s a massive centre console between the front seats. The exterior rear-view mirrors are power adjustable, not only for angle but also extending for wider vision if towing. 

A new 12.3-inch digital instrument display and 12.0-inch multimedia screen extends across the dash, while the premium sound system offers wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an Alpine sound system, and a pair of wireless smartphone chargers. 

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The rear seat has plenty of space for three adults and offers huge under-seat storage and a flat load space when you fold it out for carrying gear. There’s also a powered sunroof above the front seats and a power-operated sliding rear window.

Passengers are protected by six airbags (two front, two side, two curtain); a 360-degree camera; front and rear parking sensors; lane-keeping assistance; autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection; blind zone warning; rear cross-traffic alert; and tyre pressure monitors.

While the payloads are low, the cargo bed is massive, making it perfect for a big load of polystyrene or balsa wood. The US-spec power outlets have been removed and not replaced with locally compatible ones, and there’s a damped tailgate, spray-in bedliner and kick out step underneath to make climbing in easier. 

On- and off-road performance

Climb inside the Ram 2500 and the cabin is as big, spacious and luxurious as you would expect. The seating position is high, offering a good view over the massive bonnet, and all the controls are relatively easy to find and operate. 

Our 30-minute road drive took in highways, backroads, hills, valleys and a bit of gravel road. The Ram 2500 was stable and surefooted in all the conditions and easy to handle on the narrower sections. The 6.7L Cummins engine has torque on tap for any condition and was never lacking. This is a heavy vehicle, so it’s no sports ute.

The abundance of torque available needs to be managed at times because the Ram will light up the back tyres if you floor it from a standstill. We experienced this when pulling on to a 100km/h highway, where we wanted to get up to speed quickly and safely but tyre spin triggered the traction control, cutting the power and causing a hesitation in getting on to the highway. 

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While the electronic traction (ETC) control is doing its job, we know this could be better managed with a full-time or on-demand 4×4 system like what is fitted to the Ram 1500. We experienced similar problems when driving the Ram 1500 in the wet, but switching the transfer case from 2WD to 4×4 Auto managed the wheelspin without cutting power, resulting in much smoother and safer acceleration. The DH rams have no 4×4 auto function. This problem is amplified when you start adding even more weight to the truck, like a heavy trailer behind it; just as many owners will be doing. 

With a 3500kg caravan hooked on to the back of the Ram 3500, we floored the throttle on a dry road and it spun the rear wheels through first and second gear and into third, with the ETC chattering away. This would be a lot worse on wet or gravel roads, and having full-time 4×4 would go a long way to eliminating it.

Once up and running, the Ram 3500 made light work of towing the big van. There’s no shortage of power, the transmission works smoothly and the leaf-sping rear suspension was unfazed by the load. It is designed to carry considerably more. The Cummins engine is also fitted with an exhaust brake to help slow the rig down on long, steep descents, or just to feed your truck-driving fantasies. 

Verdict

Towing heavy trailers in comfort and luxury is what the Ram HD is made for, and it does it well. The specifications of the driveline and equipment levels are spot on the job and the price-point, but the lack of on-road 4×4 is the one big deficiency. 

When you travel the highways and see the size of vans, boats and other trailers that people are hitching up behind these trucks and consider the load is often worth a lot more than the trailer, you can see why owners want to be able to do the job safely and in comfort. 

The Ram HD 2500 and 3500 models fill that role very well and are so comfortable, it feels like you could drive for days.

Technology and features

• New front fascia (new)
• Bi-LED headlights (new)
• Black pack including grille, wheels, side mirrors, side steps (new)
• Sports Hood ‘power bulge’ bonnet (new)
• Five-seat layout with large, multi-level centre console (new)
• Eight-way electrically adjustable heated and ventilated front seats
• Memory seat settings for the driver
• Leather trimmed upholstery
• Sunroof above front seats (new)
• Power-operated sliding rear window
• Rear privacy glass
• Extendable sun visors with illuminated and covered vanity mirrors
• Push button start
• Damped tailgate with remote release and central locking
• Spray-in bedliner
• 12.3-inch widescreen digital instrument display (new)
• 12-inch infotainment screen
• Wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (new)
• 9-speaker TBC Alpine premium audio system including sub-woofer
• Dual wireless smartphone charging (new)
• Four USB-A charging ports (new)
• Four USB-C charging ports (new)
• Six airbags (two front, two side, two curtain)360-degree camera
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Speed sign recognition (new)
• Lane-keeping assistance
• Adaptive cruise control and standard cruise control
• Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection (updated)
• Blind zone warning
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Tyre pressure monitors
• Height-adjustable brake and accelerator pedals
• Electronic column shifter
• Foot operated park brake (left of pedals)
• Quick release park brake (bottom right of dash)
• AdBlue fuel gauge in the instrument cluster
• Electric adjustment for all four side mirrors
• Electric adjustment for side mirror extension 

Specs: MY25 Ram 2500 HD