First Impressions: 2016 Ram 2500 HD

With me getting into the test drive review around Tacoma in the 2016 Ram 2500 HD I felt like wanting to swing an axe or putting a sledge hammer to work and still operating a luxury vehicle.

How? Read on.

No, I am not a contractor nor am I am farmer but I start to appreciate the all-new 2016 Ram 2500 Heavy Duty pick-up truck my friends at Tacoma Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram gave me for a test-spin and test drive review around the vicinity of Tacoma, Sumner and Puyallup.

I know from the beginning that this test drive will be different. Tall stand she when picking her up. Even so I am 5′ 11″ I was glad the pick-up had running board allowing me to get into the driver’s cabin at ease. This Ram is a monster considering alone the specs printed on the Maroni sticker.

Test Drive Review Around Tacoma in the 2016 Ram 2500 HD

• 370 horsepower
• 800 lb-ft of torque (yes, you read right, no typo here)
• 2,155 lbs of payload
• 17,100 lbs max. towing capacity (on the model I rode – it can be upgraded to up to 17,970 lbs.)
• all paired with a 6.7l Cummins Diesel Engine

With my key-fob in pocket, I appreciated the keyless-entry and keyless-go to get me in and start driving. Huge power folding side mirrors including a individual second mirror integrated to make traveling with a trailer a breeze, eliminating almost any blind spots possible. Even so I had no trailer on the hitch, the auto-leveling rear air suspension plus the 5-link coil rear suspension allowed for an extremely comfortable ride. These two features were built into the Ram 2500 on purpose – providing all passengers with a softer ride, when not fully loaded. Gone are the days when you drove a pick-up with a unibody frame for less than 20 miles and you felt like a you just ran the finish line of the Paris – Dakar Rally.

The fasted growing Luxury Vehicle Segment in America are Pick-Up Trucks

Luxury you can notice, feel and see it inside the cabin of the Ram. Neat details of batches and embroidered Ram insignia everywhere. With my truck came not just the obligatory heated seats but wait for it…wait for it…air conditioned front seats, cooling off your buns during a long drive or strenuous day at the work-side. Interesting is when the dual zone climate control is staring to do its work, the seats automatically “chime” in and cool, too. In case you don’t want it at this moment – switch it off. Further rear passenger seating was equipped with heated seats as well (40/60 up-folding rear benches). For cold and clammy autumn and winter days, Ram equipped the 2500 HD Laramie also with a heated steering wheel. Ahhhhh….luxury.

Storage everywhere

There is plenty in-cabin storage in the 2016 Ram 2500 HD. From a huge middle console with one “deep, deep” compartment as well as more shallow compartment Ram put a lot of thoughts into the idea finding for everybody a great place to hide or put stuff. Even beneath the rear benches, you will be able to place some Easter Eggs for you kids to find. Fantastic! The glove compartment and lower compartment will swallow almost anything.

Meet my new mobile office command center

New is a “media device” holder, rubberized, where my Note 4 found easily a resting place (shown in the video). Cup holders everywhere and the door pocket cup holders are rubber inlays which can be exchanged in a second to clean them out or similar when coke spilled all over. To power eventually your different kind of devices (laptop, phones, and may even a microwave) the Ram 2500 HD comes with USB, Aux. Input and even 150 Volt jack to let you (or your devices) never down. Further, the 8.4 inch full color touch screen radio is a blast. Next to Apps, UConnect, XM Satellite Radio, WiFi Hotspot, hands-free calling and in my Ram 2500 the available Navigation made sure I’m the captain and I am in charge with this beautiful pick-up truck.

The available rear-views back-up camera will further make sure you are not running over any bicycle left on your driveway when backing up. It further it’s a great feature when trying to dock onto the trailer you are getting ready to hookup.

Now let’s have the Video Test Drive tell the Rest of the Story

Conclusion and VJ’s Rating for the 2016 Ram 2500 HD Pick-Up Truck

This would be the truck I would love to drive and own, when I would be in need for one. Ram definitely picked up the flag and run with this heavy duty truck. From luxury, versatility to capability and durability the 2016 Ram 2500 HD will get from me a “5 Thumbs Up” in VJ terms which means nothing else than “SIGN ME UP”. Congrats to the engineers of Ram to have build a masterclass pick-up truck.

Until then, I want to thank you, the readers and “watchers” of my videos and hope you are coming back to hear more about my review on the 2015 Ram 1500 REBEL – a treat for all senses, considering it comes with the beloved HEMI engine. Stay tuned. All the Best.

Auf Widersehen,

VJ

For more information you could always get in touch with me via my “contact me” section here or just visit the dealer website of Tacoma Dodge – World’s #1 Dealer for Dodge Dart and Washington States #1 Dealership for Dodge Chrysler Jeep and Ram.

photo credits: RamTrucks.com, Volker Jaeckel (VJ)