Laramie 4dr Crew Cab 6.4 ft. SB 4WD (6.4L 8cyl 6A)
Laramie 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft. SB 4WD (6.7L 6cyl Turbodiesel 350 hp 6A)
Big Horn 4dr Mega Cab 6.4 ft. SB 4WD (5.7L 8cyl 6A)
Tradesman 4dr Crew Cab 8 ft. LB 4WD (5.7L 8cyl 6A)
Lone Star 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft. SB 4WD (6.7L 6cyl Turbodiesel 350 hp 6A)
SLT 4dr Crew Cab 8 ft. LB 4WD (5.7L 8cyl 6A)
Big Horn 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft. SB 4WD (6.7L 6cyl Turbodiesel 350 hp 6A)
Longhorn 4dr Mega Cab 6.4 ft. SB 4WD (6.4L 8cyl 6A)
Tradesman 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft. SB 4WD (6.7L 6cyl Turbodiesel 350 hp 6A)
Laramie 4dr Crew Cab 4WD (6.7L 6cyl Turbodiesel 370 hp 8A)
Laramie 4dr Crew Cab 8.1 ft. LB 4WD (6.7L 6cyl Turbodiesel 350 hp 6A)
SLT 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft. SB 4WD (6.7L 6cyl Turbodiesel 350 hp 6A)
Tradesman 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft. SB 4WD (6.7L 6cyl Turbodiesel 350 hp 6A)
Laramie 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft. SB 4WD (6.7L 6cyl Turbodiesel 350 hp 6A)
Don’t want to go far?
Find all cars near me?Tradesman 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft. SB 4WD (6.4L 8cyl 410 hp 6A)
Big Horn 4dr Crew Cab 8 ft. LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A)
Tradesman 4dr Crew Cab 6.4 ft. SB 4WD (5.7L 8cyl 6A)
Laramie 4dr Mega Cab 4WD (6.7L 6cyl Turbodiesel 370 hp 8A)
Tradesman 4dr Crew Cab 4WD (6.7L 6cyl Turbodiesel 370 hp 8A)
Tradesman 4dr Crew Cab 8.1 ft. LB (6.7L 6cyl Turbodiesel 350 hp 6A)
Big Horn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD (6.7L 6cyl Turbodiesel 370 hp 8A)
Tradesman 4dr Crew Cab 8 ft. LB 4WD (6.4L 8cyl 8A)
Big Horn 4dr Crew Cab 8.1 ft. LB 4WD (6.7L 6cyl Turbodiesel 350 hp 6A)
Laramie 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft. SB 4WD (6.7L 6cyl Turbodiesel 350 hp 6A)
Overall Rating
The 2018 RAM 2500 is soft, which is the plain truth. The RAM comes with a great deal of hauling capabilities, but the numbers are just not high enough to compete with the Ford F-250 Super Duty and the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD. The RAM does come with an exceptional cabin experience, though.
The 2018 RAM 2500 is a well-equipped, balanced pickup truck that offers an optimized hauling and driving experience. The RAM 2500 lacks the numbers on paper, but can pull enough tricks to keep the average user satisfied with its capabilities. While other trucks boast better performance numbers, the 2018 RAM 2500 comes with an unparalleled cabin experience. Starting at a price of $36,145, the RAM 2500 is the cheapest truck in this segment. There are flexible trim options to choose from, Limited being the fully loaded one. The Power Wagon trim is built for extreme off-roading and offers an interesting mix of versatility to the 2500 lineup.
Since the base trims have nothing much to offer, it is not easy to recommend one. So, in order to take this on one, we would recommend the SLT trim. This trim offers a handful of value-added features along with solid tech amenities. We also recommend you to upgrade to the performing 2.0-liter engine.
Longhorn 4dr Crew Cab 8 ft. LB 4WD (6.4L 8cyl 6A)
Tradesman 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft. SB 4WD (6.7L 6cyl Turbodiesel 350 hp 6A)
Laramie 4dr Crew Cab 6.4 ft. SB 4WD (6.4L 8cyl 8A)
Big Horn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD (6.7L 6cyl Turbodiesel 370 hp 8A)
Big Horn 4dr Crew Cab 4WD (6.7L 6cyl Turbodiesel 370 hp 8A)
Tradesman 4dr Crew Cab 6.3 ft. SB 4WD (6.4L 8cyl 410 hp 6A)
The 2018 RAM 2500 is soft, which is the plain truth. The RAM comes with a great deal of hauling capabilities, but the numbers are just not high enough to compete with the Ford F-250 Super Duty and the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD. The RAM does come with an exceptional cabin experience, though.
The 2018 RAM 2500 is a well-equipped, balanced pickup truck that offers an optimized hauling and driving experience. The RAM 2500 lacks the numbers on paper, but can pull enough tricks to keep the average user satisfied with its capabilities. While other trucks boast better performance numbers, the 2018 RAM 2500 comes with an unparalleled cabin experience. Starting at a price of $36,145, the RAM 2500 is the cheapest truck in this segment. There are flexible trim options to choose from, Limited being the fully loaded one. The Power Wagon trim is built for extreme off-roading and offers an interesting mix of versatility to the 2500 lineup.
2018 RAM 2500 is offered in 7 different trims, but the Regular Cab models only come in 3 trim levels, namely Tradesman, SLT and Lone Star. With every trim, you get a choice of 3 engines and 3 transmissions. A 5.7L HEMI V8 churning out 383 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, 6.4L HEMI V8 with 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque and a 6.7L Cummins Inline-6 turbo-diesel making 385 horsepower and 930 lb-ft of torque are yours for the taking. The following table gives you a brief overview of the various trims and features offered with the 2018 RAM 2500 Regular Cab.
Trims |
Tradesman |
SLT |
Lone Star |
---|---|---|---|
MSRP (2WD) |
$37,245 |
$42,345 |
$44,340 |
MSRP (AWD) |
$40,045 |
$45,145 |
$47,140 |
Features |
18-inch Steel Wheels and Automatic Headlights |
SLT adds Chrome Exterior trim and Chrome Wheels |
Alloy Wheels and Chrome Grille Slats |
Black Grille and Bumpers, Tow Hooks and a Locking Tailgate |
Integrated Trailer Brake Controller and Heated Mirrors |
Fog Lights and Power-Adjustable Driver's Seat |
|
Limited-Slip Rear Differential |
Manual Rear Window |
Premium Cloth Upholstery and Leather-Wrapped Steering |
|
Air conditioning, 40/20/40-Split Front Bench, Tilt-Only Steering Wheel and Vinyl Upholstery |
Remote Locking and Unlocking, Overhead Console and Cloth Upholstery |
Steering Wheel Audio Controls, and a Charge-Only USB Port. |
|
Driver Information Display and Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror |
Carpeted Floors, Full Power Accessories, Bluetooth, and Satellite Radio |
||
Six-Speaker Stereo |
5-inch Touchscreen Interface |
||
USB Port. |
The Tradesman is the base trim level which is a basic work truck that starts from $37,245 for 2WD version and $40,045 for the AWD version. The Lone Star trim offers a balance of luxury and capability, and offers a relatively more plush and comfortable cabin. In the SLT trim, the focus is more on the capability than on comfort, but the trim does offer better tech and convenience features to improve on the basic 2500’s workhorse character.
2018 RAM 2500 Regular Cab Buying Advice
Since the base trims have nothing much to offer, it is not easy to recommend one. So, in order to take this on one, we would recommend the SLT trim. This trim offers a handful of value-added features along with solid tech amenities. We also recommend you to upgrade to the performing 2.0-liter engine.
The 2018 RAM 2500 is a powerful truck with some heavy duty responsibilities to take care of. The 5.7L HEMI V8 can take on heaviest tasks with ease, and this heavy duty truck was built for just that. While being a heavy duty truck, the RAM 2500 comes equipped with a much smoother transmission. The RAM puts down 383 horsepower and a reasonable 400 lb-ft of torque. While the numbers aren’t quite as high as that offered with its competition, the truck finds itself hauling and towing most heavy-duty items with ease.
Models |
2018 RAM 2500 |
2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD |
2018 Nissan Titan |
2018 Ford F-250 Super Duty |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$34,740 |
$35,895 |
$31,425 |
$34,645 |
Engine |
5.7L V8 |
6.0L V8 |
5.6L V8 |
6.2L V8 |
Drivetrain |
RWD |
RWD |
RWD |
RWD |
Transmission |
6-Speed Automatic w/OD |
6-Speed Automatic |
7-Speed Automatic w/OD |
6-Speed Automatic |
Power |
383 hp |
360 hp |
390 hp |
385 hp |
Torque |
400 lb-ft |
380 lb-ft |
394 lb-ft |
430 lb-ft |
For comparison, we have taken the 2018 RAM 2500 Tradesman 4x2 against the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Work Truck 4x2, the Nissan Titan S 4x2 and the Ford F-250 Super Duty XL 4x2, all in Regular Cab configuration. The Nissan Titan offers the highest horsepower figure, albeit by a small margin compared to the competition. The Ford F-250 Super Duty has the most torque to offer, and also comes with a better 7-Speed Automatic Transmission.
Heavy-duty trucks are not very quick on their feet, they are like Japanese Sumo wrestlers.The 2018 RAM 2500 manages to climb to 60 miles an hour in a tardy 8.8 seconds. The 250 also crosses the quarter-mile mark in 17.2 seconds, establishing itself as one of the slower trucks in the market. The 2018 RAM 2500 weighs a whopping 6303 lbs, and manages to come to a complete halt from 60 miles per hour in 135.5 feet.
Models |
2018 RAM 2500 |
2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD |
2018 Nissan Titan |
2018 Ford F-250 Super Duty |
---|---|---|---|---|
0-60 MPH |
8.8 sec |
7.4 sec |
6.0 sec |
8.5 sec |
Quarter Mile |
17.2 sec |
15.6 sec |
14.9 sec |
18.1 sec |
Curb Weight (lbs) |
6306 |
6242 |
5521 |
6060 |
60-0 MPH (ft.) |
135.5 |
138 |
133.8 |
140 |
Towing Capacity (lbs) |
11520 |
13000 |
9400 |
12900 |
There are much quicker options to consider in this segment but you'll have to sacrifice a bit on hauling capacity and ruggedness. The quickest option to consider in this segment is the Nissan Titan, which can reach the 60mph mark in just 6.0 seconds. In terms of towing, the Chevrolet Silverado shows the most promise with a 13,000-pound towing capacity.
The 2018 RAM 2500 Regular Cab offers a dismal 15 miles to the gallon in city driving conditions, and returns 21 miles to the gallon on highways. The result is a combined MPG figure of 18. The RAM 2500 also comes with a 31 gallon fuel tank, which lets the truck traverse as much as 651 miles without refueling.
Model |
2018 RAM 2500 |
2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD |
2018 Nissan Titan |
2018 Ford F-250 Super Duty |
---|---|---|---|---|
MPG (City) |
15 |
17 |
15 |
NA |
MOG (Highway) |
21 |
23 |
21 |
20 |
MPG (Combined) |
18 |
19 |
18 |
NA |
Fuel Capacity (Gallons) |
31 |
36 |
26 |
34 |
Range (City/Highway) |
465 / 651 |
612 / 828 |
390 / 546 |
NA |
Comparing the competition, the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD has the best fuel economy to offer. The Silverado outperforms all the competing trucks in terms of highway and combined MPG figures. The Silverado also comes with a sizable 36 gallon fuel tank, and offers the best range among the competition.
The 2018 RAM 2500 comes with a comfortable interior which brings out the turtle polishness of the truck. The RAM might be a heavy-duty truck, but with well-crafted interiors and a perfect seating position, the truck genuinely makes you feel like you’re in a regular SUV. The suspension might be stiff but it offers much better comfort than any of its competitors. The seats are comfortable and prove perfect for touring and long drives. The interior is cleverly laid out and offers an immense amount of ergonomic convenience. The Regular Cab comes with basic convenience features such as auto-dimming rearview mirrors, manually adjustable seats and manual air conditioning. Fancier trims will get you electrically adjustable leather seats, climate control and a leather-clad steering wheel.
Model |
2018 RAM 2500 |
2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD |
2018 Nissan Titan |
2018 Ford F-250 Super Duty |
---|---|---|---|---|
Passenger capacity |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) |
41.0/66.0/41.0 |
42.8/64.8/45.2 |
41.0/63.3/41.8 |
40.8/66.7/43.9 |
Comparing passenger space specifications, the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD offers the most headroom. The Ford F-250 Super Duty comes with the most shoulder space, offering enough space to move around while seated. The Silverado also has the most legroom to offer, establishing itself as the roomiest truck in the lot. Some key infotainment features offered with the 2018 RAM 2500 Regular Cab include:
The 2018 RAM 2500 offers limited capability compared to its competitors, but when it comes to interior, and specifically the infotainment, it takes the baton from its Ford and Chevrolet counterparts. The 5-inch infotainment screen comes basic and offers a lot more than what is offered in the Silverado and the F-250. The infotainment features Bluetooth audio streaming, along with intuitive maps and a navigation system. USB and Aux are also supported. The major infotainment features offered with the 2018 RAM 2500 Regular Cab include:
The 2018 RAM 2500 Comes with a good amount of cargo space, and comes at par with its competitors. While the RAM 2500 might offer slightly compromised capability, the cargo area is roomy enough to haul all kinds of cargo. The 2500 comes with a cargo volume of 74.7 cubic feet, which is large enough to get all kinds of jobs done. The interior also offers a good deal of practicality. The cabin comes with all kinds of storage spaces, offering a fair bit of interior storage space in the form of a large glove box, armrest storage and large door bins.
Model |
2018 RAM 2500 |
2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD |
2018 Nissan Titan |
2018 Ford F-250 Super Duty |
---|---|---|---|---|
Cargo Volume (Cubic Feet) |
74.7 |
76.3 |
74.7 |
78.5 |
The 2018 Ford F-250 Super Duty has the most cargo volume to offer, while the Silverado 2500HD follows closely behind. The RAM 2500 and the Nissan Titan slot behind the Silverado, both offering 74.7 cubic feet of storage space.
The 2018 RAM 2500 Regular Cab instantly comes off as a strong and bold-looking pickup truck that screams utility and ruggedness. The 2018 2500 Regular Cab’s proportions are classic RAM, with a bold front end and a massive grille with the “RAM” lettering which carries an air of authority. The front also features a good amount of chrome on higher trims, which adds to a premium yet retro hot-rod feel to the 2500. The front quarter view is arguably the best-looking angle for the 2500 Regular Cab, thanks to its exaggerated proportions and loud exterior accents. At the back, the design is subtle yet functional, with an elegantly designed tailgate and simple tail lamps that do the job well enough. The overall design stands grand and elegant, and some would argue that the RAM 2500 looks much better than its Ford and Chevrolet counterparts.
Model |
2018 RAM 2500 |
2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD |
2018 Nissan Titan |
2018 Ford F-250 Super Duty |
---|---|---|---|---|
Length (in) |
237.4 |
239.5 |
228.1 |
250.0 |
Width (in) |
79.5 |
80.5 |
79.5 |
80.0 |
Height (in) |
76.9 |
78.2 |
75.4 |
78.3 |
Ground Clearance (in) |
6.1 |
9.6 |
8.3 |
8.5 |
Wheelbase (in) |
149.0 |
153.7 |
139.8 |
160.0 |
Comparing the competition, the 2018 Ford F-250 Super Duty measures the longest, while the Silverado 2500HD boasts the greatest width of 80.5 inches. The Ford F-250 also stands as the tallest vehicle in the lot, measuring 78.3 inches. The Silverado 2500HD, however, offers the greatest ground clearance of 9.6 inches, while the RAM 250 is much more slow-slung, having a ground clearance of 6.1 inches. The F-250 offers the longest wheelbase of 160 inches, while the Nissan Titan comes with the shortest, measuring just 139.8 inches.
Along with a good amount of capability and a well-appointed interior, the 2018 RAM 2500 offers compelling safety aids that step up its occupant protection merit. The RAM comes equipped with an array of airbags, along with advanced safety features such as Roll Avoidance that establish it as an extremely safe truck for regular use. Some key safety features offered with the 2018 RAM 2500 include:
The Ford F-250 is America's most loved heavy-duty truck, and to give this truck competition, you'd need some serious numbers and the 2018 RAM 2500 lacks just that. Ford's class-leading torque numbers and over 7 decades of truck-making experience keeps this heavy duty truck on the top of many buyers’ priority list. F-250's interior might not gain as much attention as RAM's, but that is easily overpowered by Ford's hauling and towing capacity.
The 2018 Chevrolet Silverado is one of the toughest competitors of the RAM 2500. The RAM lacks the numbers and punch that is required to keep up with the Silverado. The Silverado's hauling and towing capabilities, combined with its muscular and bulky look gives the RAM a hard time keeping up. The plush interior, well-equipped infotainment and a power-packed diesel variant is what is keeping RAM alive in this segment.
The 2018 Nissan Titan is a fairly similar truck to the 2018 RAM 2500. The Titan comes at a lower price, and offers nearly identical power figures as the RAM 2500. The Titan is also quicker in a straight line, but comes with compromised hauling and towing capabilities. Fuel economy figures of both trucks are similar, and so is the cargo capacity. The RAM’s interior is slightly more well-appointed than that of the Titan, and also offers better infotainment features.
Despite what the look suggests, the 2018 RAM 2500 Regular Cab is a highly polished pickup truck. It offers a good deal of capability, albeit not as high as that of its Chevrolet and Ford counterparts. However, the RAM 2500 comes with an unparalleled interior experience, offering superior comfort and convenience options. The infotainment is also well-equipped, an aspect where other trucks tend to lag behind. Gas mileage is decent, and the RAM 2500 comes with low running costs and great reliability. If you need a truck and extremely heavy-duty hauling is not your priority, the 2018 RAM 2500 offers an excellent alternative to the Ford F-250 and the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, offering a much more comfortable cabin and infotainment tech for nearly the same price.