Do you want a powerful truck with uncompromised performance, state-of-the-art features, and a reputation for quality? If so, you may just be a Ram fan. Ram trucks are built to be the very best trucks on the market, and each year we see shiny new models make their way to showroom floors, and eventually, the dealership lots. However, you can also enjoy one of these fine trucks by visiting a used Ram dealership in your area.
We’re here to tell you that these trucks both can and will retain their relevance, and in cases such as the Ram 2500HD, models from several years ago can still keep up with the competition. Before you visit your local used Ram dealership, read on to learn more about how a pre-owned Ram 2500HD from a couple model years ago may just be the perfect sweet spot of value to performance.
While you’re shopping for the Ram 2500 HD, one thing you’ll notice is an abundance of trims. For the 2016 model, for instance, there are ten trims to select from, which means that not every Ram 2500HD is created equal. These range from the base model Tradesman all the way up to the luxurious Laramie Limited, and there are even the legendary Power Wagon models for off-road enthusiasts. No matter which of the ten available trims you purchase, the performance will be well worth the price. Whether it’s your first truck or your tenth, you’ll be impressed by the results.
Transformative Performance
If you’ve never owned a heavy-duty truck before, then the main thing that you’ll notice is power. Trucks such as the Ram 2500HD have been highly capable vehicles for a while, and the 2016 model, in particular, is not an exception. There are three powertrain configurations to choose from with this truck, and each one of them provides terrific performance with varying degrees of towing strength.
The base configuration features a 5.7L V8 HEMI that produces 383 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque, coming paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. With this being the standard engine inside of the Ram 2500 HD, this is likely what you’ll receive with the entry-level models. Even then, this engine can tow an impressive 13,890 lbs, but it’s worth noting that your towing capacity will vary depending on which cab and bed you’ve also selected.
For more power, you can step up to a larger 6.4L V8 HEMI that produces 410 hp and 429 lb-ft of torque. This engine comes paired with the same transmission as the previous V8, and while its 7% increase to both horsepower and torque output may not seem like much, a properly equipped example can tow up to 16,320 lbs. This is a 17.5% increase in towing capacity, and this can go a long way, although both towing capacities are perfectly fine for the average driver. The two HEMI engines alone would make a used 2016 Ram 2500HD a solid option for any shopper looking into pickup trucks, but there’s still one more engine to talk about.
The best engine that you can get for your 2016 Ram 2500 HD is a Cummins turbo-diesel 6.7L I-6 that is offered in two different specs. One of these configurations pairs this engine with a 6-speed manual transmission, while the other utilizes an automatic. Performance between the two engines ranges from minimal to drastic as the horsepower is relatively similar between the two.
The 6.7L I-6 with the manual transmission produces 350 hp while the automatic variant produces 370 hp, a 5.7% increase. The latter also has 800 lb-ft of torque, while the former only generates 660 lb-ft of torque, which is a 21% increase in favor of the automatic transmission and comes with a larger towing capacity as well. The manual option will give you a maximum towing capacity of 16,890 lbs, but for the greatest towing performance, opt for the automatic transmission as it increases this capacity to 17,980 lbs.
Beds & Cabins
The 2016 Ram 2500 HD is highly versatile as a truck, and its towing capabilities are only part of the experience. When you aren’t towing, you’ll still have plenty of cargo space as you can choose between either a 6-ft 4-in long bed or an even longer 8-ft bed. The 6-ft 4-in bed has a cargo capacity of 57.5 cu ft, and the 8-ft bed has 74.7 cu ft. And of course, the Ram 2500HD also provides a comfortable cabin that comes in various sizes.
With your cabin, you can choose between a Regular, Crew, or a Mega Cab. This is a vital piece of research when shopping for a used truck, as you need to know how many people you’ll typically have in your vehicle and what kind of cargo you expect to be trailering. Should you be in the market for a pickup truck that includes a rear-row of seats, you’ll want to choose either the Crew Cab or Mega Cab as both support a maximum seating capacity of six passengers.
This is only when you’ve opted for the three seats up in the front and the back. You can opt for two bucket seats up front, reducing the seating capacity to five but providing added comfort. Both the Crew Cab and Mega Cab support these configurations, while the Regular Cab can only have a maximum of two or three passengers as there is only a front row of seats. These seats can be either a bench for three people or captain’s chairs for two, depending on your preference.
All three cabin configurations offer enough space to feel comfortable for long drives. The Regular Cab, which is the smallest of the three cabins, offers drivers and passengers 39.9-in in headroom and 41-in in legroom. Both Crew Cab and Mega Cab have the same measurements in the front row of 41-in of headroom and 41-in of legroom, but the Mega Cab is ultimately larger for any passengers in the backseats. With the Crew Cab, the rear row gets 39.9-in of headroom and 40.3-in of legroom, and the Mega Cab gets 40.3-in in headroom and 43.3-inches for legs.
The Best Pre-Owned Truck Around
If there’s one certain thing, it’s that pickup trucks require more research than your average sedan, and there are plenty of examples out there from most manufacturers. However, when it comes to securing a vehicle that sports both incredible performance, and high levels of versatility at a far lower price than it originally launched for, then a used Ram 2500 HD should be your choice.
While you’ll likely avoid any buyer’s remorse by purchasing any Ram 2500 HD model, or even its larger sibling, the Ram 3500 HD, we find that the 2016 model is the perfect middle ground between value and top-end performance. If given a choice today, you’re far better off purchasing a used truck such as a 2016 Ram 2500 HD as it strikes the perfect balance between capability and price. Not only does it remain relevant today, but we expect this relevancy won’t fade away any time soon.
