Refreshed 2025 Ram 2500 and 3500 heavy-duty pickups are coming (updated)

The Ram 2500 and 3500 were class-leading in nearly every way when they were launched, but it has been years since their last major updates. Rumors had pegged the 2025 model year for a refresh, and it is almost 2025 now—so what can we expect?

According to informal sources, which Ram neither confirmed nor denied, the company is currently building out the last of the 2024 Ram Heavy Duty pickups. After that, in early 2025, they will launch the 2025 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups.

One major change which is almost certain is replacing the 68RFE automatic transmission, which was end-of-lifed in last union contract. Observers indicated that the most likely replacement is a ZF eight-speed: not the one used in the Dodge Challenger and Ram 1500, but a special medium-duty eight-speed automatic Powerline model with twin power takeoff units. It has the highest torque capacity to weight ratio in the industry, shifts very quickly, and has an external heat exchanger. This would be overkill, some might say, if not for the strong possibility that the Cummins diesel will get yet another power boost.

Simply switching to the ZF PowerLine automatic could increase fuel economy by up to 10%, while providing better launches and better acceleration overall.

There has been some talk about a new gasoline engine to either accompany or replace the 6.4 liter Hemi; the 6.4 gasoline engine will almost certainly continue, possibly accompanied by Hurricane six-cylinder especially tuned for truck duty. This would out-torque and most likely out-power the gasoline engine while being tuned for durability above all else; but it’s more likely being held for 2027-28 now that gas mileage is less of a concern. A hybrid version of the pickup is not beyond the realm of thought; a hydrogen fuel cell is likely still in the future, but it has been mentioned in Stellantis future-product presentations.

The most visible updates will be to the cab, which has been refreshed as shown above. Edmunds doesn’t expect interior changes, but they do seem likely if only to the electronics.

A more complete updated is expected for the 2027-28 Ram 2500/3500 series. These will likely include a 7.2 liter Cummins diesel and a hydrogen option which might be welcomed by some fleet buyers.