2022 Ram 2500 Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?
The Ram 2500 is a versatile do-everything pickup truck with an attractive design. This is a heavy-duty truck that was engineered to handle the toughest jobs while also being able to get just about anywhere. It can tow, haul and go off-roading with the best of them. The Ram 2500 will compete against the likes of Ford's Super Duty F-250 and Chevrolet's Silverado 2500HD in 2022.
Here's a look at everything new for the latest version of the Ram 2500. This will be followed by ten of the best reasons to buy a new Ram 2500. There are also some reasons why the Ram 2500 may not be everyone's best option. Last of all, this truck will be compared directly to its top two competitors for the 2022 model year.
What's New for 2022?
Ram's Uconnect 5 infotainment system will be standard for 2022 models. There are new trim levels called the Big Horn and the Lone Star Silver Edition this year. Ram's Trailer Tow Group package now comes with a lighting system for the tow hitch. Power Wagon models get a whole bunch of new features and options such as Bristol leather seats, an electronic transfer case and Ram's Level 3 Equipment Package.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2022 Ram 2500 – The Pros
1. Plenty of Power and Torque
There are two different powertrain options for the 2022 Ram 2500. Most models come stock with a 6.4-liter V8 HEMI. This engine can produce 410 horsepower with 429 pound-feet of torque. If that's not enough, there's also an available 6.7-liter I6 turbo-diesel engine. The diesel can produce 370 horsepower and an impressive 850 pound-feet of torque.
2. Impressive Towing Capabilities
All of the power and torque available to the Ram 2500 means impressive capabilities. A Ram 2500 with the diesel engine and optimal equipment can tow up to 15,040 pounds. Those numbers give the Ram 2500 one of the best maximum-towing capacities in its class.
3. The High Payload Capacity
Not only can the latest Ram 2500 tow a heavy load, but it can haul quite a lot in the cargo bed as well. The standard-sized bed has a cargo volume of 57.5 cubic-feet. The long bed offers 74.7 cubic-feet of cargo space. This heavy-duty truck has a 4,012 pound payload capacity when properly equipped.
4. Legitimate Off-Road Abilities
The Ram 2500 has legitimate off-road capabilities. This is especially true of the Power Wagon models. It offers 4X4 all-wheel drive and Tru-Lock front and rear axles. This model also gets a front disconnecting stabilizer bar and Ram's Articulink performance suspension system. It can tackle even the roughest off-road terrain.
5. A Comfortable and Versatile Interior
The interior is comfortable with well-padded and supportive seats up front, no matter which trim level is selected. The interior can be configured in a number of ways, from more simple and easy-to-clean for a work truck, to the fully-loaded and luxurious for cozy daily driving. There are 8-way power seats with lumbar support for both the driver and the front passenger.
6. The Rugged and Handsome Exterior
The exterior of the Ram 2500 has a classic, rugged truck design. It's stylish while still maintaining the character of a tough, hard-working pickup truck. It offers LED taillights, LED reflector headlights and LED fog lamps on select models. There are a variety of sharp and modern wheel designs to choose from. The higher trim levels also get some nice chrome trim.
7. It Has a Great Infotainment System
The 2022 Ram 2500 has the excellent Ram Uconnect 5 infotainment system. This is standard for all trim levels, though the higher trims do offer some additional features for the system. There's a large 8.4-inch HD touchscreen and a built-in navigation system. There's a 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hot Spot so that the driver and all of the passengers can stay connected. The system even has Bluetooth Technology for music streaming and Voice-Recognition Technology for hands-free phone calls and hands-free access of several of the system features.
Google's Android Auto and Apple's CarPlay apps are fully compatible with this system. There's an HD/AM/FM stereo that's compatible with SiriusXM satellite radio. An Alpine audio system with nine speakers is standard. A premium system with 14 speakers by Harmon Kardon is available as an option.
8. Modern Driver-Assist Technology
There's a lot of technology in the Ram 2500 to make the driver's life easier. There's Electronic Stability and Rollover Mitigation. All trim levels get Electronic Traction Control. There's a rear-view camera for a better view of what's behind the truck. There's also a Parking Assist System as well as a Tire-Pressure Monitor. Lane-Keep Assist and a Blind-Spot Monitor make sure the driver knows what's going on around them at all time.
9. Lots of Safety Features
Every version of the Ram 2500 comes equipped with Advanced Multistage Front Air Bags. There are also supplemental side airbags for the front and rear. There are even side-curtain airbags both up front and for the rear passengers. Forward Collision Warning Plus offers a heads up if sensors detect and impending crash. This system even works at full speed.
10. The Unique Multi-Functional Tailgate
One of the great features that sets the 2022 Ram 2500 apart from its competitors is the unique multi-functional tailgate. This tailgate can be locked into different positions for different work situations. It opens in different ways to accommodate loading and unloading of cargo. Little touches like this make the Ram 2500 an excellent work truck.
Reasons Not to Buy a 2022 Ram 2500 – The Cons
1. The Noisy Diesel Engine
The diesel engine is a welcome addition to the powertrain options for this truck. It offers the most torque and the best towing numbers available for the Ram 2500. Unfortunately, this diesel can be noisy. Many drivers will learn to live with it. Others may find it just a bit too annoying to endure.
2. A High Driving Position
The seating position for the driver's seat is just a touch too high. This is yet another negative that some will simply get used to. After all, this truck offers so much, and for such a great price at the lower trim levels. Hopefully, Ram will fix this issue on models of the 2500 in the future.
3. It May Be Difficult to Park
Any full-sized heavy-duty truck may present some problems when it comes to parking. These are not small vehicles. One issue for the 2500 is the dual-rear-wheel axle. This makes the cargo-bed area wider than the front of the truck. This may provide some difficulty for drivers as they try to squeeze in and out of tight parking spots.
4. Top Trim Levels Are Pricey
The base model of the 2022 Ram 2500 is competitively priced for its class. At the highest trim levels, however, things start to get pricey. If the buyer can settle for one of the lower trim levels, then this won't be a problem at all. If they want the best of what Ram has to offer, the price can elevate quickly.
How It Stacks Up to the Competition:
2022 Ram 2500 vs 2022 Ford Super Duty F-250
Ford has been at the top of the pack when it comes to American pickup trucks for several years now. The F-250 is likely to be the Ram 2500's toughest competitor for 2022. Both vehicles have similar starting prices, but the Ford becomes significantly more expensive at the highest trim levels. While the Ram 2500 gets expensive at the top trim levels too, it's nowhere near the costs of the Ford. They have similar features and performance stats at the top level too, making the Ram a much better bargain.
When it comes to capabilities, both manufacturers offer models that do well off-road. Both trucks offer gasoline or diesel engines with massive amounts of horsepower and torque. Ram wins the towing competition, if just barely, at a maximum of 15,040 pounds compared to the Ford's 15,000 pounds. The payload capacities are about the same as well. Ram wins out here as the 2500 offers almost everything the F-250 does, but at a lower price.
2022 Ram 2500 vs 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
The Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD will be provide even more competition for the Ram 2500 in 2022. It comes in at a base price that's slightly lower than the Ram's. The prices stay close when comparing these two trucks at every similar trim level too. Like the Ram, the Silverado has both gasoline and diesel powertrain options. The Ram has slightly more horsepower and torque when comparing the most powerful engines.
The available features are once again similar when comparing the Ram to its competitor here. This goes for the convenience features, infotainment systems, safety features and driver-assist technology. The Ram 2500 comes out ahead when the capabilities of these two heavy-duty trucks are compared. The Ram 2500 can tow and haul more weight, and even has slightly better off-road capabilities. The 2022 Ram 2500 is simply the better truck here, even if it is a close match up.
Conclusion
The 2022 Ram 2500 is a fantastic choice for anyone who needs a heavy-duty, three-quarter ton truck. It has powerful engine options that can produce massive amounts of horsepower and torque. The Ram 2500 has impressive capabilities to get the toughest of jobs done. It's also a nice daily driver with a comfortable and well-equipped interior. The Ram 2500 comes loaded with convenience features and luxury appointments at a great price.
