Dodge Ram 2500/3500

Dodge Ram 2500/3500
On Sale: November
Base Price: $28,165
Drivetrain: 5.7-liter, 383-hp, 400 lb-ft; RWD, five-speed automatic
Curb Weight: 5,492 lb
0-60 mph: n/a
Fuel Economy (EPA): n/a
A year after its overhaul of the Ram 1500, Dodge stampedes into 2010 with updated heavy-duty 2500 and 3500 models that boast increased capabilities, ride comfort, new styling and the addition of a crew-cab model.
Previously, a crew-cab body style wasn't available on Ram HD models, but with crew cabs accounting for nearly 50 percent of the of the truck market in 2008, Dodge saw the need for one. Regular and mega-cab models also will be available. In addition to the new cab style, HD models receive a new, taller hood with louvers on each side, larger grille, front bumper and one-piece rear wheel fenders on dually versions.
Powertrains carry over, including the standard 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 383 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque connected to a five-speed automatic. The upgrade option remains a Cummins 6.7-liter turbocharged diesel I6 delivering 350 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque, which was first launched in 2007. The diesel comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission and available with six-speed automatic.
The most impressive improvement is without a doubt in the HD's ride comfort. Last year, Dodge made waves by using a link coil suspension on the 1500, giving the Ram better ride quality. For the HD, Dodge needed to retain traditional leaf springs out back for heavy-duty capability. Instead, engineers retuned the suspension components and added a C-pillar with a fluid-filled hydro mount to improve the ride.
In this class, towing and hauling are big parts of the equation. The Ram HD delivers, with a gross combined weight rating for diesel 3500 dually models increasing to 24,500 pounds from 24,000. An optional max tow package ups that to 25,400 pounds. Of further interest to people who frequently tow is the standard exhaust brake system on diesel-equipped models that reduces brake fade, extends brake life and makes hauling heavy loads downhill easier.
We spent an afternoon driving around winding back roads and expressways in a 2500 SLT Crew Cab 4x4 outfitted with the Cummins diesel and marveled at how well-behaved the truck rode unloaded. At no time did the rear end hop wildly out of control and the truck was remarkably smooth at speed on the expressway. After rides in equivalent Chevrolet and Ford products, it was clear that Dodge has the truck-suspension formula down.
Steering felt good in large-truck terms, the brakes provided confident stopping performance and the Cummins diesel provided all the power we could want. At Chrysler's Chelsea, Mich., proving grounds, we put the diesel to the test by towing a 16,500-pound tractor loaded up on a gooseneck trailer. The 3500 dually used to pull it did so effortlessly and we quickly sprinted to 70 mph. On a downhill, the exhaust brake worked well, slowing down the rig without us having even to touching the brake pedal.
During our drive, we also enjoyed the updated interior that borrows from the 1500's updates last year. Plenty of soft-touch surfaces are found throughout the cabin and a total of 42 nooks and crannies (up from 26) provide lots of storage spots. The seats were extremely comfortable, which is good for long hauls, and cabin isolation is a strong point.
When the Ram HDs arrive in dealerships next month, they will be available as ST, SLT, TRX and the off-road focused Power Wagon. Pricing starts at $28,165 for the bare-bones ST regular-cab model with a Hemi V8.