Updated Ram Heavy Duty Coming Later This Year

Although Ram is just gearing up to launch its updated 2025 Ram 1500 (DT) pickups, the focus will now move to the brand’s Heavy Duty offerings. Ram has struggled to sell its 2500/3500 Heavy Duty pickups, with the two trucks making the top-10 worst-selling vehicles last month. Several reasons are playing a factor in the lack of sales in the Heavy Duty segment. While high interest rates might be one of them, the Ram Heavy Duty lineup is now the oldest offering on the market; however, that is about to change.

Ram will introduce an updated version of its Ram 2500 (DJ) and Ram 3500 (D2) pickups later this year. While the 2025 Heavy Duty pickups won’t be completely new from the ground up, it is expected that Ram will give the trucks an update not just in the looks department but also in what’s under the hood.

The 2025 Heavy Duty models should get new front styling, including a new grille, headlamp, and front bumper designs. We expect everything from the A-pillar back to be a carryover. A new taillight design should mimic the updated design of the 2025 Ram 1500. We would be surprised if Ram adds a full power raise and lower tailgate to its Heavy Duty pickups, a feature currently available on both Ford Super Duty and the GM HD pickups. Ram will also more than likely add onboard power to its Heavy Duty lineup as well, a feature that Ford Super Duty has, but also the updated 2025 Ram 1500.

Inside, we expect much of the interior design to stay the same. We still believe that the truck will not have a panoramic sunroof, due to it still using the aging fourth-generation Ram cab design. We can expect that the new 14.5-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen will also join the upper-scale models, as well as the same material changes seen on the Ram 1500 for the various trims, and a new Tungsten model with ultra-premium creature comforts like heated and ventilated premium quilted Natura Plus leather driver and front passenger seats with 24-way power, including memory settings and a massage function, power lumbar support, and four-way powered headrests. Also, don’t forget that the 10.25-inch passenger screen should be available on the higher models.

Under the hood, we expect much of the same. The 6.4-liter HEMI® V8 BGE or “Big Gas Engine” should return with some updates to keep the HEMI aligned with stricter emissions regulations. Power should be the same, but the Ram Heavy Duty pickups will ensure that the HEMI legacy does continue. The 6.7-liter CUMMINS I6 turbodiesel should return as well.

The best news according to our sources is that Ram will end production of the questionable 68RFE automatic transmission. Instead, ZF will be supplying its PowerLine transmission as a replacement. We discussed this back in 2020, and since the 8-speed PowerLine automatic has become a staple in some medium-duty trucks, it should be a welcomed addition to the Ram Heavy Duty lineup.

Expect the entire lineup to return, including the popular Rebel model. We also mentioned the Tungsten, so that should be a welcome addition to the lineup to take on the luxurious GMC Sierra HD Denali models.

Ram should introduce these new models later this year, with production kicking off sometime late in the fourth quarter of 2024 at the Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant in Mexico.