2026 Ram 2500: Power, Capability, and Technology for Inland Empire Drivers
The 2026 Ram 2500 arrives with updated credentials that matter to drivers across the Inland Empire who depend on a heavy-duty truck for work, towing, and weekend adventures. At the heart of the lineup is the 6.4L HEMI V8, producing 405 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque — enough muscle for demanding jobsites and trailer duty around Ontario, Corona, Norco, and Riverside. Drivers who need maximum pulling power can step up to the available High-Output 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6, which delivers 430 horsepower and a best-in-class 1,075 lb-ft of torque for heavy trailers, boats, and equipment.
Every 2026 Ram 2500 pairs its engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and seating accommodates up to six passengers depending on cab and trim. Whether you need a Regular Cab work truck or a Mega Cab family hauler, the lineup at Jeep Chrysler Dodge RAM FIAT of Ontario has a configuration that fits your needs.
What’s New for 2026
Ram expanded the 2500 lineup this year with two sport-truck additions — the Black Express and the Warlock — both built on the Tradesman platform for buyers who want distinctive styling at an accessible price point. Select Ram heavy-duty models also received a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating increase of up to 850 pounds through revised testing and certification procedures.
Most notably for long-term owners, Ram extended its 10-year / 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty (original owner) across the entire 2026 lineup — the best powertrain coverage in the full-size truck segment and a meaningful differentiator versus the 5-year coverage offered by most competitors.
Engine and Towing Capability
The standard 6.4L HEMI V8 delivers 405 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque, paired with the TorqueFlite 8 eight-speed automatic. HEMI-equipped models offer a maximum towing capacity of 17,750 pounds and payload up to 3,930 pounds — plenty of capability for most work and recreation needs around the Inland Empire.
Drivers needing serious towing authority can opt for the available High-Output 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6. With 430 horsepower and 1,075 lb-ft of torque (paired with the TorqueFlite HD eight-speed automatic), it unlocks a maximum towing capacity of 20,000 pounds and remains the best-in-class leader for diesel torque in the heavy-duty segment. The Cummins HO is available on every trim except the Power Wagon, which is exclusively paired with the HEMI V8 for off-road balance.
| Engine | Horsepower | Torque | Max Towing | Max Payload |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.4L HEMI V8 (standard) | 405 hp | 429 lb-ft | 17,750 lbs | 3,930 lbs |
| 6.7L Cummins HO Turbo Diesel I6 (available) | 430 hp | 1,075 lb-ft (best-in-class) | 20,000 lbs | 3,600 lbs |
Advanced Towing Technology
Every 2026 Ram 2500 includes an integrated trailer brake controller, Class V trailer hitch receiver, trailer sway damping, and Tow/Haul Mode as standard equipment. Beyond the basics, Ram offers a deep set of available towing aids designed to make backing, hooking up, and monitoring trailers easier:
- Trailer Reverse Steering Control: Use a dashboard knob to steer the trailer while the truck manages its own steering wheel
- Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring: Live tire pressure readings for up to four trailers, displayed on the available 12-inch Premium Digital Cluster (requires Tow Tech Package)
- 360-degree Surround View Camera and 360-degree Trailer Surround View Camera for precise parking and trailer alignment
- Class-exclusive heated power convex trailer tow mirrors with power-folding, telescoping, and memory functions
- Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Package with factory-installed mounting hardware
Suspension and Ride Quality
The Ram 2500 is the only truck in its class with a five-link coil rear suspension, which delivers noticeably smoother ride quality over rough roads compared to traditional leaf-spring competitors. Select trims are also available with the class-exclusive Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension, which automatically adjusts ride height to maintain balance and stability regardless of load weight — a valuable feature for drivers who tow or haul varying loads.
Off-road-focused trims like the Warlock, Rebel, and Power Wagon add 4×4 as standard, along with Bilstein performance-tuned shocks, electronic locking differentials (on Power Wagon), and transfer case skid plates.
The 2026 Ram 2500 Trim Lineup
The Ram 2500 is available in nine trim levels for 2026, each engineered for a specific buyer profile — from value-focused work trucks to off-road-ready specialists to flagship luxury pickups.
| Trim | Positioning | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|
| Tradesman | Value-focused work truck; vinyl bench, 8.4″ Uconnect, Snow Plow Prep standard | 4×2 / 4×4 |
| Black Express (new) | Blacked-out sport styling on Tradesman platform; 20″ black wheels, gloss-black grille surround, body-color bumpers, satin-black sport performance hood | 4×2 / 4×4 |
| Warlock (new) | Off-road sport truck; 20″ diamond-cut wheels with 33-inch all-terrain tires, Bilstein shocks, anti-spin rear differential, skid plates | 4×4 only |
| Big Horn | Mainstream comfort and convenience; chrome accents, available 12″ Uconnect 5 NAV, cloth or premium cloth seats | 4×2 / 4×4 |
| Laramie | Premium leather-trimmed seats, dampened tailgate with remote release, dual-zone climate, 12″ Uconnect NAV standard | 4×2 / 4×4 |
| Rebel | Aggressive off-road styling, Bilstein shocks, sport performance hood, premium 10-speaker audio | 4×4 only |
| Power Wagon | Most off-road-capable full-size pickup; Tru-Lok locking front and rear differentials, Articulink suspension, WARN winch available, HEMI V8 only | 4×4 only |
| Limited Longhorn | Western-themed luxury with genuine barn-wood accents and Filigree leather seats | 4×2 / 4×4 |
| Limited | Flagship luxury; 17-speaker Harman Kardon, 14.5″ Uconnect 5 NAV standard, power-deployable running boards, 10.25″ passenger display | 4×2 / 4×4 |
The Ram 2500 is available in Regular Cab (8-foot bed), Crew Cab (6’4″ or 8′ bed), and Mega Cab (6’4″ bed, 4×4 only) configurations. Overall length ranges from roughly 231 to 267 inches depending on cab and bed, with a consistent 79.4-inch width across all models.
Cabin Comfort and Storage
The Ram 2500 interior is designed to handle long workdays, family outings, and weekend trips with equal capability. The Tradesman sets a durable baseline with HD vinyl bench seating that stands up to work-site wear. Moving up the lineup, Big Horn and Black Express introduce premium cloth seating with additional comfort features, while Warlock and Rebel add heated front seats for cooler mornings in the San Gabriel foothills.
Laramie, Limited Longhorn, and Limited step into genuine luxury territory with leather-trimmed front seats (available with suede inserts and ventilation), a dampened tailgate with remote release, dual-zone automatic climate control, and available power-deployable running boards.
Storage is thoughtfully integrated throughout the cabin. Crew Cab models offer class-exclusive in-floor rear storage bins. The available RamBox Cargo Management System adds lockable, illuminated bedside bins with integrated power outlets — useful for keeping tools and gear secure. Mega Cab models provide reclining rear seats and additional passenger space for larger families or work crews.
Uconnect Technology and Infotainment
Every 2026 Ram 2500 includes Uconnect 5 with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility as standard. The Tradesman starts with an 8.4-inch touchscreen; Big Horn, Black Express, and Warlock upgrade to the available 12-inch Uconnect 5 NAV display; Laramie, Rebel, and Power Wagon make the 12-inch NAV display standard; and Limited Longhorn and Limited models feature the Largest-in-Class available 14.5-inch Uconnect 5 NAV touchscreen, paired with a segment-first 10.25-inch Front Passenger Interactive Display.
Additional technology highlights across the lineup include:
- Premium 12-inch Digital Cluster Display standard on Rebel, Power Wagon, Laramie, Limited Longhorn, and Limited
- Class-exclusive dual wireless charging pads with cooling vents on upper trims
- Digital Rearview Mirror with side camera integration available on most trims
- 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot standard on all trims
- Ram Connect services for remote start, lock/unlock, and vehicle status via smartphone app
- 900-watt Harman Kardon 17-speaker premium audio on Limited; premium 10-speaker Surround Sound system on Laramie, Rebel, and Power Wagon (with select equipment groups)
Safety and Driver Assistance
The 2026 Ram 2500 includes a strong standard safety suite across every trim. Class-exclusive Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking are standard lineup-wide, along with a Rear Seat Reminder Alert.
The available Safety Group package expands protection significantly and is offered on every trim. Standard on Limited and Limited Longhorn, optional elsewhere, it adds:
- Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Path and Trailer Detection (critical for trailering)
- ParkSense Front and Rear Park Assist
- 360-degree Surround View Camera
- Drowsy Driver Detection
- Traffic Sign Recognition
- LaneSense Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist
For drivers navigating freeway traffic between Ontario, Corona, Riverside, and Claremont, these systems add meaningful peace of mind on daily commutes and tow days alike.
2026 Ram 2500 Pricing Overview
The 2026 Ram 2500 starts at $46,485 MSRP including destination for the Tradesman Regular Cab 4×2 with 8-foot bed — the lineup’s entry point. Crew Cab configurations, which most Inland Empire buyers choose, begin at $50,475 MSRP (before destination) for the Tradesman. The table below shows Crew Cab 4×2 baseline pricing across the lineup:
| Trim | Starting MSRP (before destination) | Starting MSRP (including destination) |
|---|---|---|
| Tradesman | $50,475 | $53,070 |
| Black Express | $52,600 | $55,195 |
| Warlock | $56,030 | $58,625 |
| Big Horn | $54,225 | $56,820 |
| Laramie | $62,310 | $64,905 |
| Rebel | $69,755 | $72,350 |
| Power Wagon | $69,755 | $72,350 |
| Limited Longhorn | Contact us for current pricing | Contact us for current pricing |
| Limited | $74,610 | $77,205 |
Notes: Figures reflect Crew Cab 4×2 baseline configurations. The available High-Output 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 adds $12,995 and is offered on all trims except the Power Wagon. Destination charge is $2,595. Regular Cab Tradesman and Big Horn configurations start lower; Mega Cab configurations (Laramie, Limited Longhorn, Limited) start higher. Optional equipment, packages, and 4×4 drivetrain selection affect final pricing. Please contact us for final pricing.
For a detailed quote on a specific build, current incentives, or financing options, contact our sales team or apply for financing online.
Factory Warranty Coverage
The 2026 Ram 2500 is backed by what Ram calls America’s best full-size truck powertrain limited warranty — a segment-leading coverage package new and extended across the entire 2026 lineup:
| Coverage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Basic Limited Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Limited Warranty (original owner) | 10 years / 100,000 miles |
| Anti-Corrosion Perforation (outer body panels) | 5 years / unlimited miles |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
The 10-year / 100,000-mile powertrain coverage — applicable to the original owner — provides long-term confidence for drivers planning to keep their truck well beyond the typical loan term.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many passengers can the 2026 Ram 2500 seat?
Seating accommodates up to six passengers depending on cab style and trim. Regular Cab models seat two to three with a bench seat, Crew Cab models accommodate up to six, and Mega Cab models add reclining rear seats for class-leading second-row comfort.
What engine options are available on the 2026 Ram 2500, and which delivers the most torque?
The standard engine is the 6.4L HEMI V8 producing 405 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque. The available High-Output 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 produces 430 horsepower and a best-in-class 1,075 lb-ft of torque. The Cummins HO is available on every trim except the Power Wagon.
What is the maximum towing capacity of the 2026 Ram 2500?
When properly equipped with the High-Output 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel engine, the 2026 Ram 2500 can tow up to 20,000 pounds. HEMI V8-equipped models can tow up to 17,750 pounds.
Which 2026 Ram 2500 trims come standard with 4×4?
The Warlock, Rebel, and Power Wagon are 4×4-only. All other trims — Tradesman, Black Express, Big Horn, Laramie, Limited Longhorn, and Limited — are available in both 4×2 and 4×4 configurations.
What Uconnect touchscreen sizes are available on the 2026 Ram 2500?
The Tradesman includes an 8.4-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen standard. A 12-inch Uconnect 5 NAV display is available on most trims and standard on Laramie, Rebel, and Power Wagon. The Largest-in-Class 14.5-inch Uconnect 5 NAV touchscreen is standard on Limited Longhorn and Limited.