2021 Ram 2500 Pros vs Cons
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The full-size, light-duty pickup truck is one of the most popular vehicles on the road in North America today. Sometimes, their power and capabilities just aren't enough for the type of work you need to do. That's where heavy-duty trucks like the 2021 Ram 2500 come in handy. It has greatly increased towing and hauling capabilities when compared to its light-duty 1500 counterpart.
Ram's 2500 isn't only about work, however. It has one of the most comfortable and upscale interiors in its class. It even rivals some of the top luxury vehicles on the market today. Whether you're rolling around on the job site or taking a long road trip, the Ram 2500 lets you do it in style and comfort. There are a lot of good reasons to choose this truck, along with a few reasons why it may not be your best option.
What's New for 2021?
There aren't too many new additions to the 2021 Ram 2500. It gets a new special edition this upcoming year. The Limited Night Edition features a blacked-out grille and black 20-inch wheels. The interior gets an all-black color scheme as well. The towing and hauling capacities get bumped up to numbers that are better than ever before.
Ten Reasons You May Like the 2021 Ram 2500 – The Pros
1. Performance, Power and Torque
The 2021 Ram 2500 comes with two different powertrain options. Both choices offer exceptional performance. There's a 6.4-liter V8 HEMI Engine that runs off of regular gasoline. This option gets you 410 horsepower with 429 pound-feet of torque. There's also a 6.7-liter I6 Cummins Turbo-Diesel that produces 400 horsepower and a whopping 1,000 pound-feet of torque.
2. Impressive Towing Capabilities
The Ram 2500 offers a maximum-towing capacity of 19,680 pounds. This number comes from a model equipped with the 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo-Diesel Engine. The rear axle has a structural cross-member that comes installed from the factory. This structure has mounting hardware for Ram's available Fifth-Wheel Package.
3. Hauling Heavy Loads
Not only can the Ram 2500 pull a heavy trailer, it can also haul heavy loads in its cargo box. A Ram 2500 equipped with the V8 HEMI Engine can haul up to 4,010 pounds. The hauling capacity is enhanced by the unique Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension. The Ram 2500 is the only truck in its class to offer this feature.
4. Great Steering and Handling
The steering dynamics are excellent for the 2021 Ram 2500. There's an accurate and tight feeling when you turn the wheel. It provides a good amount of feedback from the road and is much easier to maneuver than you would expect from such a large truck. Traction and handling are great as well. The transmission system shifts smoothly and the brakes offer strong stopping power.
5. Plenty of Passenger Space
The 2021 Ram 2500 can accommodate three, five or six people depending on the trim level and cab style. Up front, there's 40.9-inches of headroom and the same amount of legroom. The rear seats have almost the same amount of space with 39.8-inches of headroom and 40.2-inches of legroom. The Ram 2500 is a comfortable truck to ride in, even with a full crew inside.
6. Off-Road Capabilities
The latest Ram 2500 comes in six different trim levels. Every one of them is available with 4X4 all-wheel drive. This, along with the Ram's rugged build and high ground clearance, makes it a solid performer when driving over rough terrain. This is an excellent feature for secluded worksites or camping spots. It's also great for driving in extreme weather or just for having some off-road fun.
7. A Luxurious and Comfortable Interior
The luxury interior of the Ram 2500 is one of the things that really sets it apart from the competition. The seats are large and comfortable with plenty of cushioning. Beautiful leather upholstery is available. There's even real-wood trim, aluminum accents and other expensive materials in the cabin at the higher trim levels. The front seats are power-adjustable with multiple settings and lumbar support.
8. The Modern Infotainment System
The ram 2500 infotainment system has the largest touchscreen display in its class at an enormous 12 inches. You also get an AM/FM HD Radio and available SiriusXM Satellite Radio with Travel Link and Traffic Plus. There's a navigation system and plenty of ways to connect your smartphone, such as USB ports and Bluetooth Technology. There's also an available 4G Wi-Fi Hotspot so everyone in the truck can stay connected.
9. Driver-Assist Technology
Modern technology makes driving and parking easier than ever before. This is especially helpful when you have a large vehicle like the Ram 2500. There's an available Forward-Collision Warning with Active Braking. Lane-Departure Warning with Lane-Keep Assist help make sure you don't drift too far away from your safety zone. Blind-Spot Monitoring helps you to maintain awareness of your surroundings.
10. Features To Keep You Safe
The driver and front passenger get front-impact airbags and side-impact airbags. There is also an overhead curtain airbag up front. Standard ABS brakes make sure that your brakes don't lock up in an emergency situation. Traction Control makes sure that every wheel receives the correct amount of power to keep you moving safely forward, even over wet or slick pavement. There's even Electronic-Stability Control with an Anti-Roll System.
Reasons You May Not Like the 2021 Ram 2500 – The Cons
1. This Truck Is Large
The 2021 Ram 2500 has an exterior body length of 232 inches. It's 79.4-inches wide and has a wheelbase measurement of 140.5 inches. It's a large vehicle and may be difficult for some to maneuver if they're not already used to driving a heavy-duty truck. Fortunately, it offers good handling and a number of features, like a rear-view camera, to assist you.
2. Poor Fuel Economy
This is really a problem with most large heavy-duty trucks. It's not something unique to the Ram 2500. Still, it's something to be aware of before you decide on a purchase. A Ram 2500 with the V8 gasoline engine will only get around 10 miles-per-gallon in the city and 15.3 miles-per-gallon on the highway. For better performance, the diesel engine will get you around 13 miles-per-gallon in the city and 18 miles-per-gallon on the highway.
3. Higher Trim Levels Are Expensive
The base model of the 2021 Ram 2500 is reasonably priced. As you go up to the higher trim levels, however, things start to get pricey. The highest trims are rather expensive even when compared to the competition in their class. Still, the Ram 2500 offers a level of luxury and quality that many of its competitors don't. This will make the price worth it for many buyers.
How It Stacks Up to the Competition:
2021 Ram 2500 vs 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
The Chevrolet Silverado 2500 will be one of the top competitors to the Ram 2500 in 2021. The Silverado is a solid truck and comes in at a base price that's almost identical to the cost of a Ram. With the right trim level, engine and equipment, it has a maximum towing capacity of 18,500 pounds. That's impressive, but it falls short of the Ram 2500 that can tow up to 19,680 pounds with the right setup.
Both vehicles offer a diesel engine with massive amounts of torque. The Chevrolet Silverado 2500 has models with more horsepower and torque than what the Ram 2500 can do. Still, the Ram hauls and tows more due to the superior suspension system and overall better engineering. When it comes to the interior build and comfort level, there's no competition at all. The Ram 2500 wins easily in those categories.
2021 Ram 2500 vs 2021 Ford Super Duty F-250
Ford makes some of the best-selling trucks in America. It's no surprise that their Super Duty F-250 would provide stiff competition for the 2021 Ram 2500. The Ford will set you back more than the Ram. Its starting price is a bit higher than the Ram's, and the difference gap grows exponentially as you move up through the trim levels. Ford claims a maximum towing capacity of 20,000 pounds, just 320 pounds more than the Ram.
Ford's F-250 comes loaded with a lot of nice standard features. It has a solid interior and an outstanding infotainment system. The inside of the Ram is a lot nicer with a higher quality of materials and a better fit and finish. The Ram provides a more comfortable ride quality too. While the Ford can tow a bit more, the differences aren't big enough to justify the higher cost of the vehicle. The Ram 2500 wins out here.
Conclusion
This heavy-duty pickup truck beats out the competition when it comes to comfort and style. It also offers some of the best towing, hauling and off-road capabilities in its class. The size may take some getting used to if you're new to heavy-duty trucks. This is helped out greatly by some smart technology and driver-assist features. Ram also offers plenty of safety features to protect you and your passengers.
As a pure work truck, the 2021 Ram 2500 is rugged, reliable and powerful. As a daily driver and family hauler, it offers a smooth ride, a luxurious interior and plenty of convenience features. It's a really great choice for anyone who wants reliable transportation and the ability to tow extra-heavy trailers over long distances on occasion. In short, the Ram 2500 is a versatile truck that should suit the needs of a wide variety of consumers.
