The 2023 Ram 2500 is the middle offering of Ram’s heavy-duty trucks, with a towing capacity of between 14,370 lbs and 19,010 lbs. Those differences are based on which engine the 2500 comes with. There are three heavy-duty engines available for 2023, along with a freshened exterior and cabin. Let’s take a look.

Ram 2500 6.4-liter V8

The standard engine for the Ram 2500 is the highly capable 6.4-liter Hemi V8. It puts out 410 hp and 429 lb-ft of torque. It is backed by Ram’s eight-speed automatic transmission. Ram has chosen to make this combo the only package available in its Power Wagon trucks, which also only come as four-wheel drive haulers. While this is the standard engine, you can go with two optional diesel engines in all of the other trims that Ram offers. 

The 6.4-liter package can tow 14,370 lbs as a 4×4 Crew Cab. Though the lowest rating for the 2500, it is still more than most haulers will need. And it can take 3,240 lbs of cargo. Mileage ratings are not available because the EPA doesn’t determine them for trucks with Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings (GVWR) of over 8,500 lbs. The 6.4-liter also features cylinder deactivation and variable valve timing. 

Ram 2500 6.7-liter Cummins turbo diesel inline-six

Ram trucks can be ordered with either two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive combined with the 6.7-liter Cummins diesel engine. It makes 370 hp and 850 lb-ft of torque. Along with the high-output diesel for 3500 trucks, the 6.7-liter diesel is hooked to a six-speed automatic transmission. For buyers, it should be noted that both Chevy Silverado 2500 and Ford F-250 models come with modern 10-speed automatics. 

One of the few downsides besides the transmission is the diesel’s weight. It is almost 500 lbs heavier than the 6.4-liter gas-powered V8. While it won’t win any drag races, it is a highly refined diesel engine that can handle up to 3,240 lb cargo loads, and tow up to 16,870 lbs. 

Ram 3500 6.7-liter High Output Cummins turbo diesel inline-six

The High-Output turbo diesel inline-six engine is only available with the 3500, but we thought we would include it for comparison. The numbers for this top diesel engine are impressive. It packs 400 hp, 30 more than the regular 6.7-liter diesel. That adds quite a bit of grunt as it comes in at 1,075 lb-ft of torque. That’s some stump-pulling power. 

As you can imagine, this also boosts towing and cargo capacity numbers. The maximum payload is 2,380 lbs, with 19,010 lbs of towing capacity. If those numbers are too impressive for you, you’ll have to step up to the 3500 with either a single or dual rear axle configuration.