Although the HD pickup truck world is all about American truckmakers, the competition is tougher than ever. Each manufacturer of the Big Three has a wide range of versions on offer and the 2023 RAM 2500/3500 Heavy Duty lineup gets a few more novelties for the next year. This primarily refers to the new Rebel trim, which will represent another off-road version of RAM 2500. Other than that, the company also brings a new, digital instrument cluster, along with a few more features.
Despite the updates, the overall design remains the same. We are talking about a pickup that has so many great things to offer. Besides super-strong capabilities, this pickup also offers impressive ride quality, the best in the class. We also like the variety of different variants on offer, while the list of standard and available features is pretty impressive too. Finally, there are two proven and pretty capable powertrain options.
2023 RAM 2500/3500 Heavy Duty Design
As we’ve just mentioned, the 2023 RAM 2500/3500 Heavy Duty models come with a couple of updates that will make them even more appealing. One of them is that the Laramie and Limited trims are now available with a Mopar Performance hood. Also, we should mention the Trailer Reverse Steering control, which is available as an option.
Still, the biggest novelty is definitely the new Rebel trim, which is another off-road version of the 2500 model. If you wonder why would RAM need two off-roaders in the lineup, the answer is the fact that the two models feature different design approaches. Compared to the well-known Power Wagon, the Rebel is designed to be more utilitarian and more rudimental. It’s not as off-road capable but on the other hand, it offers much better towing and payload capacity.
That’s because the suspension is more basic. There is also a suspension lift, though the components are more basic. Also, this version doesn’t come with a disconnective sway bar, nor with the front locking differential. Still, you may count on off-road goodies like 33-inch off-road tires, an electronically locking rear differential, a two-speed transfer case, skid plates etc.
Interior
On the inside, the biggest novelty is the new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The new unit is available in higher trim levels and it is configurable, which brings completely new dimensions to Ram’s already amazing interior design.
The rest of the cabin continues in the same way and that’s not an issue at all. Simply, this pickup features the nicest cabin in the class, with attractive aesthetics and super-fine materials. Another reason for the cabin’s attractive look is the generous offer of tech and convenience features. We already mentioned the new instrument cluster. When it comes to infotainment screens, base models come with an 8-inch unit, while a large, vertically-oriented 12.3-inch unit is available. The upgraded infotainment system doesn’t bring just a bigger screen, but also things like navigation, a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while there are also five USB ports around the cabin.
Of course, the overall cabin layout remains the same, so you may count on three familiar cab styles on offer. The offer starts with the Single Cab layout, while you can also get Crew Cab and Mega Cab models. Each one is among the most spacious in its class.
2023 RAM 2500/3500 Heavy Duty Engines
The 2023 RAM 2500/3500 Heavy Duty engine lineup remains unchanged. Therefore, base models continue with a good-old 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine, which puts out around 410 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque. The engine comes in pair with a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission and offers pretty impressive performance.
Of course, the 2023 RAM 2500/3500 Heavy Duty models are available with a diesel engine as well. Besides better fuel economy, these versions also offer significantly more torque. Base versions of the well-known 6.7-liter inline-six are good for about 370 horsepower and 850 pound-feet of torque, while the RAM 3500 is also available with a more capable version of this Cummins turbodiesel engine. That unit features a max output of 400 horsepower and a monstrous 1.075 pound-feet of torque, which is the main reason why this pickup can tow up to 37.090 pounds. Unlike the gasoline version, the turbodiesel doesn’t come with an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission. Instead, it uses an older-generation 6-speed automatic from Aisin, which deals with this impressive torque pretty impressively.
2023 RAM 2500/3500 Heavy Duty Release Date and Price
The 2023 RAM 2500/3500 Heavy Duty models already debuted in most parts of North America, with a starting price of around 46.500 dollars. Of course, key competitors are models from the Ford Super Duty series, the Chevy Silverado HD series and GMC Sierra HD series.