The Ram 2500 Heavy Duty has undergone its most significant upgrade since 2021, receiving changes that refine its exterior appearance, elevate interior comfort, and, most notably, enhance its engine performance. These updates are designed to place the Ram 2500 at the top of the heavy-duty ute segment. Interestingly, even with the expanded list of standard features and improvements, the asking price remains unchanged at $172,950 before on-road costs for the only trim level offered in Australia, the Laramie.
This updated model represents the third right-hand-drive version tailored specifically for Australian buyers since the Ram 2500 was first introduced locally in 2015. The timing of its launch coincides with Ram Trucks Australia celebrating the remanufacture of its 35,000th vehicle. One of the most noticeable visual enhancements is the inclusion of the Black Pack, a feature that is usually optional for the North American market. This package brings a darkened aesthetic theme, adding black finishes to the grille, alloy wheels, mirror caps, and side steps. It also includes the distinctive ‘Sport Hood’ bonnet design, which incorporates a power bulge for a more aggressive and muscular front-end appearance.
Inside, the cabin has been updated to offer more luxury and convenience. A new 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster now sits behind the steering wheel, providing a sharper and more modern display of vehicle information. The addition of two wireless smartphone charging pads and a nine-speaker Alpine sound system enhances everyday usability and entertainment. Perhaps the biggest interior change is the removal of the traditional three-person front bench. In its place are two individually contoured, leather-trimmed seats that provide increased comfort and allow space for a larger, more practical centre console. These seats include eight-way electric adjustment and come equipped with both heating and cooling functions. The pedals are also electrically adjustable to accommodate different driver heights more comfortably.
Safety and technology have seen noticeable improvements as well. The lane-keeping assistance has been fine-tuned, while the active safety suite now introduces speed sign detection, driver fatigue alerts, and upgraded autonomous emergency braking that can detect pedestrians and cyclists. Additional new features include compatibility with Android Auto, four USB-A and four USB-C charging ports, six airbags, and a sunroof positioned over the front seating area. The towing-focused side mirrors feature two separate mirror surfaces and can electrically extend outward for improved trailer visibility.
Under the bonnet, the well-known 6.7-litre Cummins inline-six turbo-diesel engine has undergone extensive re-engineering. The upgrades include a redesigned turbocharger, strengthened engine block and head, a higher-pressure fuel injection system, revised valve hardware, and a new intake manifold. As a result, the engine now produces 313kW, while torque has surged by 26 percent, reaching an impressive 1458Nm—one of the highest outputs in the heavy-duty segment. The gearbox is also entirely new: an eight-speed automatic co-developed with ZF and TorqueFlite, designed to offer a smoother delivery of power and more efficient cruising thanks to revised gear ratios.
When it comes to towing ability, the Ram 2500 remains a serious workhorse. It can tow up to 3500kg using a 50mm tow ball and up to 4500kg when equipped with a 70mm ball. For those needing maximum hauling capability, fitting a fifth-wheel or gooseneck setup increases towing capacity to a massive 8000kg. The truck’s Gross Combination Mass is rated at 12,750kg, while its payload capacity stands at 785kg.