2016 RAM 2500

header-image
$31,780 - $60,870
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on September 26, 2023

ProsConsWhat's New

Impressive towing and payload capabilities

Too basic and old-looking infotainment system

5.7-liter V8 now gets a CNG-fueled version

Versatile powertrain options

Dull handling and limited city maneuverability due to the large size

No other significant changes for 2016

Smooth ride quality and an impressively well-made cabin

Optional features are expensive

Specs & Features

$46,560

price

410 hp @ 5600 rpm

horsepower

429 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

torque

6-Speed Shiftable Automatic

transmission

6.4L 8cyl 4WD 6A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The 2016 RAM 2500 Regular Cab is a prominent contender in the fullsize pickup truck segment, competing primarily with the Ford F-250 SuperDuty Regular Cab, the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Regular Cab, and the GMC Sierra 2500HD Regular Cab. Prices start off at MSRP $31,780 with the base Tradesman trim, reach all the way to the top SLT trim carrying an MSRP of $38,770, for a total of 2 trims being offered. With multiple powertrain and cab options available across multiple trims, there is a RAM 2500 for everyone. The RAM 2500 Regular Cab offers 4 exciting powertrains, each offered as both RWD and 4WD. The base engine is a 5.7L V8 engine capable of making 383 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. This engine is rated for a towing capacity of 13,890 pounds. The second powertrain is the same engine powered by CNG making the exact power figures. However, there is a stronger engine on offer which is a 6.4L V8 making 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque. All engines are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. You can also equip the RAM 2500 Regular Cab with a diesel engine available with two transmission options which have an engine output of 350 or 370 horsepower depending on the transmission. The RAM 2500 Regular Cab only comes with an 8’2” bed. All in all, the RAM 2500 Regular Cab delivers an exciting package, both in terms of performance and looks. The rugged and masculine exteriors are offered in 31 attractive colors.

Buying Advice

The 2016 RAM 2500 Regular Cab is a comfortable and capable truck in its segment. There are two trims offered and we recommend getting the more equipped SLT trim.

Trims

    Tradesman
    $31,780 onwards
    • AM/FM/Satellite-Prep
    • Manual front air conditioning
    • Vinyl Seat trim
    SLT
    $35,755 onwards
    • M Sport suspension
    • Torsen limited-slip differential
    Big Horn
    $41,855 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: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: -
    Lone Star
    $41,855 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: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: -
    Outdoorsman
    $46,220 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: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: -
    Laramie
    $46,440 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: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: -
    Power Wagon
    $51,160 onwards
    • Engine: 6.4L 8cyl 4WD 6A
    • Horsepower: 410 hp @ 5600 rpm hp
    • Torque: 429 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 7.3 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: -
    Longhorn
    $52,215 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: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: -
    Longhorn Limited
    $52,215 onwards
    • Engine: 5.7L 8cyl RWD 6A
    • Horsepower: 383 hp @ 5600 rpm hp
    • Torque: 400 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 8.5 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: -
    Limited
    $55,500 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: 169 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: -
    Laramie Longhorn
    $55,835 onwards
    • Engine: 5.7L 8cyl 4WD 6A
    • Horsepower: 383 hp @ 5600 rpm hp
    • Torque: 400 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 8.7 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: -
    Laramie Power Wagon
    $57,580 onwards
    • Engine: 6.4L 8cyl 4WD 6A
    • Horsepower: 410 hp @ 5600 rpm hp
    • Torque: 429 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 7.3 sec
    • Top Speed: 169 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: -

Compare to similar cars

Price

$27,095- $53,315

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

7.44

Horsepower

285 hp @ 5300 rpm

Torque

305 lb.-ft. @ 3900 rpm

Capacity

3

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$34,055- $57,840

Gasoline

8.75

360 hp @ 5400 rpm

380 lb.-ft. @ 4200 rpm

3

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$33,535- $57,790

Gasoline

9.03

360 hp @ 5400 rpm

380 lb.-ft. @ 4200 rpm

3

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$33,280- $59,340

Gasoline

8.14

385 hp @ 5500 rpm

405 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

3

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$31,780- $60,870

Gasoline

7.34

410 hp @ 5600 rpm

800 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm

6

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$34,635- $58,125

Gasoline

9

360 hp @ 5400 rpm

380 lb.-ft. @ 4200 rpm

3

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$32,955- $56,935

Gasoline

8.22

360 hp @ 5400 rpm

380 lb.-ft. @ 4200 rpm

3

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$27,715- $54,540

Gasoline

8.07

285 hp @ 5300 rpm

305 lb.-ft. @ 3900 rpm

3

Read Review

$32,285- $61,860

Gasoline

7.42

383 hp @ 5600 rpm

400 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

3

Read Review

$32,385- $57,240

Gasoline

8.26

440 hp @ 2800 rpm

405 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

3

Read Review

2016 RAM 2500 vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    2016 RAM 2500

    Ranked #7

    7.9 sec16.3 sec-
    5.8 sec--
    7 sec--
    7 sec-165 mph
    7 sec--
    7.1 sec-173 mph

    2016 RAM 2500 vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      2016 RAM 2500

      Ranked #3

      ---32 gal.-
      16 mpg24 mpg20 mpg26 gal.468/624 mi.
      16 mpg24 mpg20 mpg26 gal.468/624 mi.
      2016 RAM 3500

      Ranked #2

      12 mpg18 mpg15 mpg32 gal.-
      ---35 gal.-
      ---36 gal.-

      2016 RAM 2500 vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        2016 RAM 2500

        Ranked #1

        231 in.78.9 in.73.3 in.7.4 in.140.5 in.
        2016 RAM 3500

        Ranked #2

        230.4 in.79.4 in.77.7 in.6.5 in.140 in.
        227.6 in.79.9 in.76.5 in.8.5 in.137 in.
        227.6 in.79.9 in.76.6 in.8.5 in.137 in.
        224.4 in.80.1 in.77.8 in.8.8 in.133.6 in.
        224.4 in.80.1 in.77.8 in.8.4 in.133.6 in.

        2016 RAM 2500 vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          2016 RAM 2500

          Ranked #4

          -99 cu.ft.13.1 cu.ft.
          76.3 cu.ft.98 cu.ft.136.5 cu.ft.
          10 cu.ft.52 cu.ft.10 cu.ft.
          --77.3 cu.ft.
          76.3 cu.ft.105.8 cu.ft.70 cu.ft.
          76.3 cu.ft.102.9 cu.ft.53.4 cu.ft.

          2016 RAM 2500 vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            2016 RAM 2500

            Ranked #1

            79 cu.ft.-13.1 cu.ft.98 ft.
            2016 RAM 3500

            Ranked #2

            16.5 cu.ft.74.7 cu.ft.16.5 cu.ft.98 ft.
            136.5 cu.ft.76.3 cu.ft.136.5 cu.ft.98 ft.
            14.8 cu.ft.61 cu.ft.61 cu.ft.79 ft.
            70 cu.ft.76.3 cu.ft.70 cu.ft.98 ft.
            53.4 cu.ft.76.3 cu.ft.53.4 cu.ft.98 ft.

            2016 RAM 2500 vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Gooseneck/5th Wheel Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              2016 RAM 2500

              Ranked #2

              17980 lbs.-3060 lbs.5939 lbs.
              18000 lbs.14800 lbs.3558 lbs.5742 lbs.
              18000 lbs.14800 lbs.3583 lbs.5717 lbs.
              2016 RAM 3500

              Ranked #3

              17910 lbs.14450 lbs.4080 lbs.6022 lbs.
              16600 lbs.12900 lbs.4040 lbs.5941 lbs.
              16500 lbs.12900 lbs.3920 lbs.6010 lbs.

              Top RAM Cars

              2016 RAM 3500

              Horsepower : 383 hp @ 5600 rpm

              MPG Combined : 15 mpg

              0-60 : 8.4 sec

              #1

              2016 RAM 1500

              Horsepower : 305 hp @ 6400 rpm

              MPG Combined : 20 mpg

              0-60 : 7.1 sec

              #2