Every season Ram is bringing small updates to its trucks. This is going to be the case for the 2025 YM, as far as we talk about the design and interior features. A big mechanical switch is expected. The ZF transmission is about to be replaced with the Allison gearbox. It is going to make the truck more efficient and increase the towing capacity. The 2025 RAM 3500 might end up hauling 40,000 pounds with additional equipment.
Of course, to get the best of the HD truck, you need a diesel engine and a dual-rear-wheel drive. The 2025 RAM 3500 also offers a petrol unit. There are more options to pick when building the truck. Three cab configurations are available and two bed lengths. Of course, FCA always offers plenty of trim levels and additional options. Still, the new transmission will steal the show.
Engines and Specs
The entry-level setup is offering a 6.4-liter V8 petrol mill. It is also offered on some other big SUVs, which is something new for the HD class. Chevrolet and Ford are using special gasoline engines for their trucks. The Ram 3500 is not squeezing all the power from a V8, getting only 400 hp. Even Ram 1500 can get a configuration with 475 hp. The towing capacity of the truck with this drivetrain will stay around 21,000 lbs.
2025 RAM 3500 Diesel
Cummins is delivering a mighty configuration with 1,075 lb-ft of torque, that will help the truck get superb towing capacity. Currently, the HD rig can haul 37,000 pounds. Every year, engineers manage to push it a bit further. By 2025, the Ram 3500 could hit 40k pounds.
We already see a way to achieve it more easily. Current gearbox is an outdated ZF AISIN case. We see the Chevy Silverado HD working smoother with a new Allison transmission. Since there are no announcements about updates on the AISIN case, rumors about the replacement started to swirl. Fans expect the Allison gearbox, but the official statement is still missing. Speculations are serious, so the 2025 RAM 3500 Allison transmission could be a truck to watch. However, a switch is not so easy and many owners don’t believe the new gearbox would work fine with the Cummins engine.
Options, Features, Grades
There will be three cab configurations for the HD truck. The 2025 Ram 3500 Mega Cab is probably the most interesting since this combo is hard to find elsewhere. Regular Cab and Crew Cab are available on all Ram trucks. However, you will have to pick one of the high-end trim levels with this cab configuration. The base version combines the Tradesman grade and Regular Cab. This cabin also offers Big Horn and Lone Star packages. Crew Cab can be combined with all the trims.
The entry-level setup is not going to impress. Steel wheels, manual tailgate, and a 5-inch screen are really the minimum you can get from a vehicle nowadays. The Big Horn/Lone Star edition improves the image with alloy wheels, chrome trim, power mirrors and controls for trail brakes. The Laramie is an entry-level package for the Mega Cab. It adds plenty of premium features, such as leather seats, soft tailgate closing, an 8.4-inch touchscreen, navigation, and rear parking sensors. Highlights of the Longhorn model are bedliner, premium leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and remote trailer release. The Ram 3500 Limited is boosting a few things. Wheels are 20-inchers, premium wood is added to the interior, the center of the infotainment system is a 12-inch screen, and the safety is improved with blind-spot monitor and rear-cross traffic warning.
Towing Capacity and Competition
The maximum towing for the current Ram 3500 is 37,000 pounds, but the company is looking to improve this number. A few years ago, 30k was a magnificent number. But all the truckmakers that deliver an HD model are above 35,000 pounds nowadays. And the evolution of Chevy Silverado and Ford F-350 trucks is making the Ram pay more attention to the series 3 models. To achieve the best results, the truck needs a dual-rear-wheel setup. The 2025 Ram 3500 Dually requires special tuning, including Mega Cab and 4WD.
Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra 3500 are mechanical twins and the only difference is in styling and packages. We like GMC more because of the AT4x off-road package and super-premium Denali Ultimate trim level. Ford is a leader in the truck industry. F-350 is a representative in this segment and there is also the F-450 taking the spot above. Toyota could launch the Tundra HD soon, while Nissan is considering a discontinuation of Titan XD, which was something between a half-ton and an HD truck.
2025 Ram 3500 Release Date
The new 2025 Ram 3500 will cost above $50,000, even with the modest equipment of the entry-level version. The release date of the truck depends on the Allison transmission. This feature would change the entire segment, so it will be worth of waiting.
