2026 Ram 2500 Engines & Performance

Gas or diesel, the 2026 Ram 2500 matches its powertrain to the weight of the work ahead. Two engines make up the lineup. The standard 6.4L HEMI V8 delivers gas power for daily driving and routine towing, while the available high-output 6.7L Cummins turbo diesel inline six-cylinder (I6) engine tops the lineup with the highest torque and towing ratings. Both pair with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and most trims offer a choice of 4x2 or 4x4.

Each engine carries supporting technology that helps manage a heavy load. With the 6.4L HEMI V8 engine, fuel-saving cylinder deactivation works alongside variable cam timing, which helps deliver consistent power across a wide torque band. Its eight-speed automatic transmission uses on-the-fly shift mapping to adjust shift points to the load and conditions. The high-output 6.7L Cummins turbo diesel I6 engine is paired exclusively with the TorqueFlite® HD eight-speed automatic transmission, which senses the load and selects first or second gear for smoother starts. Heavy-duty four-wheel disc antilock brakes are standard, with an automatic smart exhaust brake available for added stopping support.

See the following engine specifications for more details.

2026 Ram 2500 Towing & Payload Capacities

Fifth-wheel campers, equipment trailers, and boats bound for the lake are within reach of the 2026 Ram 2500, which tows up to 20,000 pounds when properly equipped. That maximum belongs to the available high-output 6.7L Cummins turbo diesel I6 engine in a crew cab 4x2 with the 8-foot bed, while the standard 6.4L HEMI V8 engine tows up to 17,740 pounds as a regular cab 4x2 with the available 4.10 axle ratio. Maximum payload comes from the 6.4L HEMI V8 engine, which carries up to 4,580 pounds as a regular cab 4x4, while the high-output 6.7L Cummins turbo diesel I6 engine carries up to 3,600 pounds as a crew cab 4x2 with the 6-foot-4-inch bed. Ratings shift with cab, bed length, drivetrain, and axle ratio, so the right configuration depends on the trailer you plan to pull.

Dedicated equipment is available for each stage of a tow with the 2026 Ram 2500. The available auto-level rear air suspension levels the truck automatically under the weight of a trailer and adjusts its height at the push of a button to simplify hooking up. When it’s time to back into a campsite or down a boat ramp, available trailer reverse steering control provides steering support, using a dedicated knob to set the direction of the trailer. For trailers that mount in the bed, the available Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck Tow Prep Group supplies factory-installed mounting provisions.

View the following towing and payload specifications for more information.

2026 Ram 2500 Trim Availability

Engine availability varies across the 2026 Ram 2500 lineup, with the high-output 6.7L Cummins turbo diesel I6 engine available on every trim except the off-road Power Wagon® trim and standard on Mega Cab® models.

Review the following engine availability by trim.

S: Standard A: Available

Learn More About the New Ram 2500

Powertrain choice is one part of selecting a new Ram 2500. Continue your research on standard features, pricing, and available packages with the following resources from Tri-Lakes CDJR.

• Ram 2500 review
• Ram 2500 trims guide

New Ram 2500 for Sale in Branson, MO

Tri-Lakes CDJR has the new Ram 2500 for sale in Branson, MO, and our team can help you match an engine to the trailer or payload you have in mind. Browse our inventory to see which trims, cabs, and powertrains are currently available. When a truck stands out, schedule a test drive to feel how it performs on the road. Questions are always welcome, so contact us online or call us at (417) 334-7543.