RAM FORCE

BIGGER IS BETTER IN US PICKUPS AND THE RAM HD IS A BIG TRUCK DESIGNED TO HAUL BIG LOADS

- WORDS MATT RAUDONIKIS

RAM Trucks Australia (RTA) has launched its heavy-duty models locally, introducing a two-model lineup.

The 2025 RAM HD range was only released in the US earlier this year, so it's significant that Australian buyers are getting the new models so soon.

While the US range of RAM HDs is extensive - with various grades, models, body styles and cab configurations - in Australia RTA is offering just two: the 2500 and the 3500, both in high-spec, luxury-grade, dual-cab pickup configurations. While the US truck market in Australia is growing, it's still small by American standards, so homologating dozens of variants for our buyers would be prohibitive.

The RAM 2500 HD is priced at $172,950 plus on-road costs, while the RAM 3500 HD will set you back $177,950 plus on-roads. These prices are unchanged from the previous generation of RAM HD trucks, despite the 2025 models boasting higher specifications and more equipment.

The RAM HD's main competitor in Australia is the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 from GMSV, although Chevrolet doesn't offer a 3500 or larger variant locally.

Ford doesn't sell a Super Duty version of the F-250 in Australia, although these and other models are available through third-party importers. Toyota, meanwhile, doesn't produce a heavy-duty version of its Tundra pickup.

RAM's big-ticket headline for its heavy-duty trucks is the upgrade to the legendary Cummins inline six-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, which now produces a massive 1458Nm of torque. By comparison, Chevrolet's V8 Duramax diesel generates 1322Nm, while Ford's 6.7-litre Power Stroke diesel makes 1423Nm in standard trim and a hefty 1627Nm in HO tune.

The main difference between the RAM 2500 and 3500 models offered in Australia by RTA lies in their load capacities. The 2500 has a Gross Combination Mass (GCM) of 12,750kg and a payload of 785kg, compared to the 3500's GCM of 14,433kg and payload of 1652kg.