2026 RAM HD is one of our favorite heavy-duty vehicles because it has strong engine options, a high towing and payload capacity, and a ride that is rather smooth and quiet. The 2500 got a big makeover for 2025. It now has a new version of the famous Cummins 6.7-liter turbodiesel engine that makes 430 horsepower and 1,075 lb-ft of torque. There is also a 14.5-inch touchscreen with the newest Uconnect infotainment software that you can get.
Updates (May 29, 2025): We’ve just updated details on the latest powertrain options: 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel, 7.2L Cummins Diesel, and 6.4L HEMI V8. Check out the new features, trim levels, and pricing, starting around $48,000. Release set for Fall 2025.
The Ram 2500 comes in a range of trim levels, from the basic Tradesman work truck to the high-end Limited and Limited Longhorn variants.
Both the Ram 2500 and 3500 are quite capable vehicles. They are Ram’s two heavy-duty variants. The 2500 can haul a lot of weight and carry big loads, and you can still drive it every day.
The 3500, on the other hand, is built for the toughest work. It can tow more and carry more than the 2500. The 3500 can also come with two rear wheels, which assist in spreading the weight and make it easier to haul.
2026 RAM HD Reviews
The long-contested heavy-duty truck war continues to heat up following the all-new 2023 Ford Super Duty launch. Stellantis has unveiled the updated 2025 Ram 1500 in several variants over the past few weeks, including the Rebel, Warrior, and RHO, suggesting that upgraded heavy-duty components will soon be coming.
Ford Authority has also spotted the 2026 Ram HD testing in two different forms before the model’s official launch.
Wearing camouflage covering the front and rear of each truck, the two prototypes consist of a 2026 Ram HD 350 Dally and a Ram HD 2500 Rebel. The Dally is more of a street-legal vehicle; the Rebel puts a sportier spin on the Ram series’ workhorse.
Despite the camouflage, it’s clear that the 2026 Ram HD is slated to get new headlight designs, a minimally redesigned front grille, and some changes to the rear.
The Rebel prototype also features a set of Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac tires and a new radar panel below the front grille. The interiors of both models are extensively covered, suggesting that certain cabin upgrades are also in the pipeline.
What kind of powertrain changes might be made to the 2026 Ram HD lineup is unclear.
While the Ram 1500 made waves with its switch from a V8 to a new twin-turbocharged Hurricane I-6, previous reports have suggested Stellantis may be looking at a hydrogen alternative for the HD model that could arrive as early as late 2025. For now, it remains to be seen if that will happen.
What We Think
The 2026 Ram 2500 and 3500 heavy-duty trucks are likely to keep doing well and getting better technology, with a focus on better cabins and towing ability.
The 2026 model year is projected to have a bigger 14.5-inch touchscreen with the newest Uconnect infotainment software, new trims like Longhorn and Limited, and maybe even a new 7.2-liter diesel engine.
Here’s a closer look at what you may expect:
- Drive system: The current generation Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel is likely to be used in the 2026 model, and it may get even better.
- There are rumors that a new 7.2L diesel engine may be out, which might provide you with more power and torque.
6.4L Hemi V8: The 6.4L Hemi V8 is also likely to still be an option. - Technology: The 2026 model is likely to keep the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which may have remedies for latency problems.
- 14.5-inch Touchscreen: A larger 14.5-inch touchscreen could be supplied.
Wireless communication: It’s expected that wireless phone communication and driving assistance will be standard.
Features and levels of trim:
The Basic Tradesman model is the most basic, while the Limited and Longhorn models are the most opulent.
- Long horns: The Longhorn trim level has high-end touches like leather and wood trim.
- Limited: The Limited trim is the best one, with real wood, leather seats, and the latest technologies.
- Rebel: The Rebel trim is all about off-road performance, with options like Bilstein shocks and skid plates.
Redesign: Big Changes and Updates
So far, we know that the 2026 Ram Trucks HD has been spotted experimenting with a new prototype of the revised 2500 HD model. While this prototype is intended for the Rebel class, most cosmetic changes should be seen on other courses of heavy-duty pickups.
For the revised 2500 HD lineup, a launch for the 2026 model year makes the most sense. It would be the most significant modification to the current pickup truck that arrived in 2019.
The camouflage kit shows lighting changes at both ends and a new front fascia design. Specifically for the Rebel, a new grille also appears to be scheduled.
The new grille appears to have a more streamlined look than the existing one (pictured below), following in the footsteps of the smaller Rebel 1500, which also saw its grille cleaned up with its 2025 model year update. It also features reasonably large sensors.
The 2026 Trucks prototype rides on Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac All-Terrain tires, the same type used on the modern Rebel.
Our photographer claims the prototype’s interior also features camouflage gear, suggesting an upgrade to the cabin.
V-8 engines are being phased out under the Stellantis brand, including Ram’s revised 1500 series, which will be gone by 2025. Even the 1500 TRX, with its Hellcat, has been replaced by the new 1500 RHO, which has a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-6.
However, the revised 2500 HD should retain its V-8 for now. Its 410-horsepower 6.4-liter V-8 is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The other is a 6.7-liter turbodiesel inline-6 from Cummins, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
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2026 Ram HD 7.2L ZF Trucks
During the first half of this year, the Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, and Ram brands all saw their sales plummet; the auto industry went wild trying to figure out why. Claiming that underperforming brands could be sold or merged with other groups, Stellantis executives dismissed rumors that they might sell Maserati and Chrysler or blamed the regional headquarters executives for the recent disappointing performance.
Their high standards for what’s currently on offer are to blame.
Furthermore, do they believe Dodge will achieve milestone sales with the Charger, which doesn’t have the venerable Hemi V8 under its hood, or with the Hornet, an unstable Alfa Romeo in disguise?
Fortunately, rumors suggest the company is hard at work on the other end of the spectrum; a heavy-duty version is expected to arrive later this year or early 2025 for the 2026 model year, either as a new generation or through a complete refresh.
Reports suggest the big Ram HD could even double its diesel output with a new 7.2-liter Cummins inline-six alongside the current 370-hp and 420-hp 6.7L options and will retain the 6.4-liter Hemi V8 a bit longer.
In terms of power (around 500 horsepower) and especially in terms of 1,200 lb-ft of torque, the latter could finally match the Ford Super Duty. Of course, take all this with a grain of salt, including installing ZF’s famous eight-speed automatic transmission that should deliver 10% fuel economy and better throttle response.
READ NEXT: 2025 RAM 2500: All-New Update Heavy Duty Truck Review, Specs and Price
The parallel world of automotive CGI is already challenging at work in the imagination of digital car content creators. Based on this new assumption, the good folks at YouTube’s AutoYa info channel have unofficially imagined a CGI rendering of the upcoming 2026 Ram 2500 and 3500 heavy-duty models and included these interesting technical details.
The channel’s resident pixel master has chosen to highlight the Ram 2500 and 3500 HD from several angles, including a conventional color roll and a glimpse at possible interior upgrades. So, what do you think?
2026 RAM HD Payload
The 2026 Ram HD will probably still be able to tow and carry a lot of weight. Better towing technology, such as towing assist cameras and enhanced hook guidance, is likely to come out.
Competitor
There aren’t many HD trucks on the market right now, therefore, the Ford F-250 Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, and GMC Sierra 2500HD are the Ram 2500’s main competitors. Ford has an optional 7.3-liter gasoline V8 that makes more power and torque than the Ram’s 6.4-liter V8.
Ford also makes a 6.7-liter turbodiesel V8 with a lot of power. It has 1,200 lb-ft of torque. GM’s heavy-duty twins also have turbodiesel V8s, but they don’t go over 1,000 lb-ft. The Denali and Denali Ultimate trim levels from GMC feature more opulent materials and are comparable to the higher-end Ram 2500 trims.
2026 RAM HD Release Date
- Date of Release: Fall 2025
2026 RAM HD Price
- Price Range: About $48,000
Verdict
The most recent 2026 Ram HD models are predicted to vary significantly in the following years. Both prototypes, which feature the 2026 Ram HD 350 dually and the Ram HD 2500 Rebel hidden by camouflage covering the front and back of every pickup, should show changes. The Dally is more of a regular vehicle; the Rebel gives the formidable Ram lineup some sportiness, and the 2026 Ram HD will have a new headlight design, redesigned front grille, and some rear changes.
We’ll keep you updated with more developments regarding the 2026 RAM HD, so be sure to bookmark our website for more RAM HD news and coverage of exciting RAM information.
