2012 RAM 2500

header-image
$28,990 - $51,335
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on November 3, 2023

ProsConsWhat's New

High-quality cabin with premium materials

Audio system controls are quite complex

The 5.7L V8 engine with 6-speed automatic transmission is all-new for 2012

The cabin is quiet even at high speeds

Subpar fuel economy for its segment

Strong towing capacity in its division

Specs & Features

$35,875

price

383 hp @ 5600 rpm

horsepower

400 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

torque

6-Speed Automatic

transmission

5.7L 8cyl 4WD 6A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

Part of the fullsize pickup truck segment, the 2012 RAM 2500 Regular Cab competes with the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD Regular Cab, the Ford F-250 Super Duty Regular Cab, and the GMC Sierra 2500 HD Regular Cab. A base price of MSRP of $28,990 gets you a 5.7L V8 engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission. Despite the price going up to $35,385, this single powertrain is found in all 2 trims. This engine produces 383 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, achieving a 0-60 of 8.1 seconds, and is offered as both RWD and 4WD. The RAM 2500 Regular Cab offers a single 8.1 feet cargo bed, with 3,190 pounds of payload capacity. It also offers a healthy towing capacity of 11,400 pounds.

Buying Advice

With just two trims on offer, the best choice to go for is definitely the top-level SLT trim which enhances the comfort and safety levels by adding features like electronic trailer brake control, power-folding/heated side mirrors, cruise control, a sliding rear window, satellite radio, cloth upholstery, full power accessories, and the keyless entry to make your life easier and safer inside the cabin.

Trims

    ST
    $28,990 onwards
    • AM/FM stereo
    • Manual front air conditioning
    • Vinyl Seat trim
    SLT
    $32,170 onwards
    • Night vision assist
    Outdoorsman
    $32,400 onwards
    • Illuminated vanity mirrors
    • Leather wrapped steering wheel
    Lone Star
    $36,520 onwards
    • Engine: 5.7L 8cyl RWD 6A
    • Horsepower: 350 hp @ 3000 rpm hp
    • Torque: 400 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: TBD sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: -
    Big Horn
    $36,520 onwards
    • Engine: 5.7L 8cyl RWD 6A
    • Horsepower: 350 hp @ 3000 rpm hp
    • Torque: 400 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 8 sec
    • Top Speed: 160 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: -
    Laramie
    $41,765 onwards
    • Engine: 5.7L 8cyl 4WD 6A
    • Horsepower: 383 hp @ 5600 rpm hp
    • Torque: 400 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 7.3 sec
    • Top Speed: 160 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: -
    Laramie Power Wagon
    $45,540 onwards
    • Engine: 5.7L 8cyl 4WD 6A
    • Horsepower: 383 hp @ 5600 rpm hp
    • Torque: 400 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 8.2 sec
    • Top Speed: 160 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: -
    Laramie Longhorn Edition
    $46,610 onwards
    • Engine: 5.7L 8cyl 4WD 6A
    • Horsepower: 383 hp @ 5600 rpm hp
    • Torque: 400 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 7.4 sec
    • Top Speed: 165 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: -
    Power Wagon
    $46,625 onwards
    • Engine: 5.7L 8cyl 4WD 6A
    • Horsepower: 383 hp @ 5600 rpm hp
    • Torque: 400 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 7 sec
    • Top Speed: 160 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: -
    Laramie Limited
    $46,940 onwards
    • Engine: 5.7L 8cyl RWD 6A
    • Horsepower: 350 hp @ 3000 rpm hp
    • Torque: 400 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: TBD sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: -
    Laramie Longhorn
    $47,890 onwards
    • Engine: 5.7L 8cyl 4WD 6A
    • Horsepower: 350 hp @ 3000 rpm hp
    • Torque: 400 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 8.2 sec
    • Top Speed: 160 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: -

Compare to similar cars

Price

$28,990- $51,335

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

7

Horsepower

383 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque

650 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm

Capacity

6

Read Review

$30,160- $46,860

Gasoline

7.35

335 hp @ 3100 rpm

685 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm

3

Read Review

$29,100- $45,740

Gasoline

7.95

360 hp @ 5400 rpm

380 lb.-ft. @ 4200 rpm

3

Read Review

$22,195- $49,620

Gasoline

7.61

195 hp @ 4600 rpm

260 lb.-ft. @ 2800 rpm

-

Read Review

$29,785- $51,910

Gasoline

8.14

400 hp @ 2800 rpm

800 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm

3

Read Review

$29,065- $50,525

Gasoline

8.7

400 hp @ 2800 rpm

800 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm

3

Read Review

$30,595- $49,855

Gasoline

8.27

322 hp @ 4400 rpm

380 lb.-ft. @ 4200 rpm

3

Read Review

$29,100- $48,985

Gasoline

8.07

360 hp @ 5400 rpm

380 lb.-ft. @ 4200 rpm

3

Read Review

$22,195- $49,990

Gasoline

8.59

195 hp @ 4600 rpm

260 lb.-ft. @ 2800 rpm

3

Read Review

2012 RAM 2500 vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    2012 RAM 2500

    Ranked #2

    6.6 sec--
    6.4 sec15 sec-
    7.1 sec-158 mph
    7.1 sec--
    8.2 sec16.2 sec110 mph
    8.2 sec--

    2012 RAM 2500 vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      2012 RAM 2500

      Ranked #3

      12 mpg18 mpg15 mpg35 gal.-
      15 mpg20 mpg17 mpg26 gal.390/520 mi.
      15 mpg20 mpg17 mpg26 gal.- -
      13 mpg18 mpg16 mpg36 gal.-
      ---36 gal.-
      ---36 gal.-

      2012 RAM 2500 vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        2012 RAM 2500

        Ranked #1

        231 in.78.9 in.73.3 in.7.4 in.140.5 in.
        227.6 in.104.9 in.76.5 in.-137 in.
        227.6 in.104.9 in.76.6 in.-137 in.
        225 in.80 in.77.4 in.-133.7 in.
        225 in.80 in.77.6 in.9.1 in.133.7 in.
        225 in.80 in.77.6 in.9.1 in.133.7 in.

        2012 RAM 2500 vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          2012 RAM 2500

          Ranked #9

          74.7 cu.ft.46 cu.ft.-
          284.4 cu.ft.104.2 cu.ft.284.4 cu.ft.
          15.2 cu.ft.172 cu.ft.94.2 cu.ft.
          --83.1 cu.ft.
          75.5 cu.ft.142.3 cu.ft.75.9 cu.ft.
          75.5 cu.ft.108.1 cu.ft.67 cu.ft.

          2012 RAM 2500 vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            2012 RAM 2500

            Ranked #1

            -74.7 cu.ft.-98 ft.
            33.5 cu.ft.60.7 cu.ft.60.7 cu.ft.79 ft.
            13.4 cu.ft.9.8 cu.ft.13.4 cu.ft.79 ft.
            83.1 cu.ft.-83.1 cu.ft.98 ft.
            75.9 cu.ft.75.5 cu.ft.75.9 cu.ft.98 ft.
            67 cu.ft.75.5 cu.ft.67 cu.ft.98 ft.

            2012 RAM 2500 vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Gooseneck/5th Wheel Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              2012 RAM 2500

              Ranked #4

              15500 lbs.-3190 lbs.5464 lbs.
              17800 lbs.10200 lbs.3704 lbs.5596 lbs.
              17800 lbs.10200 lbs.3670 lbs.5630 lbs.
              16700 lbs.-4290 lbs.-
              16600 lbs.-4140 lbs.-
              14500 lbs.-4922 lbs.-

              Top RAM Cars

              2012 RAM 1500

              Horsepower : 390 hp @ 5600 rpm

              MPG Combined : 16 mpg

              0-60 : 6.3 sec

              #1

              2012 RAM 2500

              Horsepower : 383 hp @ 5600 rpm

              MPG Combined : 15 mpg

              0-60 : 6.6 sec

              #2

              2012 RAM CV

              Horsepower : 283 hp @ 6400 rpm

              MPG Combined : 20 mpg

              0-60 : 7.8 sec

              #3