First Impressions
There is something beastly about the newest Dodge Ram in terms of presence. The styling is reminiscent of the 1500 Ram with extra height. If you place a 1500 (view photos) next to a 2500 and 3500 (as Dodge recently did during a press event in San Antonio, Texas) there is a noticeable difference in body, bumper and hood height.
The 2010 Dodge 2500 and Dodge 3500 Rams have some interesting options including a proper crew cab and the reintroduction of the massive “Mega Cab,” adding an additional 9 inches of rear cab space. Six-foot four-inch and 8-foot beds are available and all tailgates have the integrated, aerodynamic lip.
Most notably for lovers of dually trucks is the superbly designed, all steel and aerodynamic dual-wheel rear fenders. This is not an afterthought plastic/fiberglass add-on like you’ll see on the Ram’s competitors. This dually configuration is available on both bed lengths.
I was utterly dumbfounded by the imposing presence of the Power Wagon. Dodge has reintroduced the Power Wagon, keeping and enhancing its legendary off-road prowess with a stunning array of beefy components and a sweet sounding HEMI. Seriously, this thing should be military grade.
The overall impression of these heavy duty pickups reminds me of football. Imagine a professional NFL defense (that’s the new Dodge Heavy Duty trucks) vs. a Pop Warner Football offense (everyone else).
They just look mean – and that’s a good thing!
Pricing, Trims and Options
Base prices for the Ram 2500 start at $27,215 for the ST Regular Cab and top out at $38,480 for the Power Wagon. Dodge Ram 3500 trucks base prices range from $34,680 (3500 ST Regular Cab) to $50,645 (Laramie Mega Cab).
These new Heavy Duty Dodge trucks will be available in regular, Crew Cab and Mega Cab configurations. There are five trim levels including ST, SLT, TRX, Laramie and Power Wagon.
Based on the equipment level, up to five gear ratios are available for the 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty Ram trucks: 3.42, 3.73, 4.10 or 4.56.
The Power Wagon is only available with the 5.7 liter HEMI and the Crew Cab configuration. Exclusive (standard) features include an electronic disconnecting sway bar, beefier 32-inch tires, heavy-duty shocks, skid plate protection and a Warn winch.
Interior Features
Still leading the competition in interior features and details, Dodge adds a few interesting goodies to the Heavy Duty Rams.
Dodge was smart to not only increase the size of the glove box, but to add another one. Now, 800 cubic inches of storage space are available between the two glove boxes. A fully integrated trailer brake comes standard in all Heavy Duty Rams and is located to the lower left of the steering-column.
Seating in all trims is very comfortable. Even bouncing around off road, I felt comfortable. Seats have optional heating and cooling, which is quite nice. Better still, the steering wheel has an option for heating, which will go over quite well in colder climates.
Stitching on the higher end interiors is most noticeable on the dashboard as it spans door to door. Seams and gaps are very tight and most materials have a thick, quality feel to them. I will go as far as to say that the higher end, Heavy Duty Dodge Rams have the best interiors in their bracket.
Safety, Quality and Reliability
Scores for the Dodge Ram 2500 are not yet available from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), however, we can assume that the smaller Ram 1500’s scores will be similar. According to the IIHS, the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 received a “good” score for frontal offset test results, side impact test results are “marginal” as is the seat/head restraint geometry and all Dodge Ram models score a “good” for the rear seat dynamic rating.
Although Chrysler LLC’s lifetime powertrain warranty is one of the best in the business, it does not cover the Diesel engine or any SRT vehicle.