2025 is turning out to be an important year for the Ram brand. With the launch of an updated Ram 1500, a new high-performance off-roader with the RHO, and two new electrified pickup trucks, along with the introduction of the Ram REV and Ramcharger, you might think that Ram would have its hands full. However, that isn’t stopping the automaker from updating its Heavy Duty pickup lineup either.
While not a complete overhaul, the 2025 Ram Heavy Duty is scheduled to get a modest update at the end of this year. And thanks to these latest images of spy photos, we can finally get an idea of how drastic these new changes are.
This 2025 Ram 2500 Rebel tester shows that Ram is focused on a minor update to keep itself relevant. Following in the footsteps of the 2025 Ram 1500, the Heavy Duty will receive a new grille design, front headlamps, updated front bumper, and a new set of taillights. The trucks recently got a new performance hood option, which is clearly carried over for the 2025 model year.
For those who were hoping that Ram would update its heavy-duty cabs from the aging fourth-generation design to the fifth-generation design, you will sadly be waiting a while longer. As we can clearly see in these photos, the cab design remains untouched.
We can also spot that the dash is slightly covered up, showing what could be the new 14.5-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen that the 1500 models just got on its upper-level models. While we don’t see new technologies like the presence of a heads-up display (HUD) through the windshield, it makes us curious if Ram gave the updated Heavy Duty trucks the new Atlantis electrical architecture that the half-ton models received. If not, it could halt some of the newer technologies making their way to the 2500/3500 trucks at the moment.
However, while the design changes might not be a complete overhaul, our sources have told us that the most important changes are underneath the skin for some time. According to several sources, the new Heavy Duty diesel trucks will be sporting a new standard ZF-sourced 8-speed PowerLine® transmission. This will be a significant update for diesel owners, allowing the trucks to achieve better fuel economy, smooth shifting, and greater towing capabilities. The ZF PowerLine transmission is already currently used in several medium-duty commercial truck applications and should have those 2500/3500 customers who have dreaded the Chrysler-built 68RFE, who are very happy.
For those who don’t opt for diesel power, the 2025 Ram Heavy Duty trucks will continue to offer HEMI® power under the hood, as the 6.4-liter HEMI® (BGE or Big Gas Engine) V8 returns with minor updates to meet growing emissions requirements. That engine, we are told, will continue to be mated to a ZF-sourced 8HP75-LCV 8-speed automatic transmission.
The updated 2025 Ram Heavy Duty lineup will begin production later this year at the Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant in Mexico.
2025 Ram 2500 Rebel Crew Cab 4×4 Tester Image Gallery:
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