2006 Dodge Ram 2500/3500: Road Test
2006 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 ▼
- MSRP: $25,535 - $47,895
- Invoice: $22,540 - $41,990
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Our road test for the 2006 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 includes a full evaluation of the 2006 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 Dodge Ram 2500/3500, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 help you decide if a 2006 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2500 reg. cab, V8 | 2500 ext. cab 4WD, 5.9 turbodiesel | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 4.8 |
Though the diesel remains the engine of choice for heavy-duty work, the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 has good power for everyday use and is smoother than many competitors' engines. The diesel is an appealing choice for medium-duty work due to quiet operation and a copious supply of power. Both manual and automatic transmissions work well with either engine. No opportunity yet to test with Mega Cab.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2500 reg. cab, V8 | 2500 ext. cab 4WD, 5.9 turbodiesel | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 3 | 2.3 |
No opportunity to measure with the Hemi. Test diesel with manual transmission averaged 15.3 mpg. Dodge recommends 89 octane fuel for the gas engine.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2500 reg. cab, V8 | 2500 ext. cab 4WD, 5.9 turbodiesel | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.1 |
All 2500/3500 models come with 17-inch wheels, which provide adequate comfort over rough roads. Test 4WD 2500 diesel rode acceptably well, absorbing bumps easily, but often pitching a bit after impacts. Ride quality suffers as available payload capacity increases.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2500 reg. cab, V8 | 2500 ext. cab 4WD, 5.9 turbodiesel | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3.4 |
Stiff chassis and firm suspension help Ram hold the road as well as Ford or GM heavy duties. Body lean modest in turns. Steering has good road feel but is a bit slow to return to center. Brakes have excellent stopping power with firm, confident pedal feel.
QUIETNESS
| 2500 reg. cab, V8 | 2500 ext. cab 4WD, 5.9 turbodiesel | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 2 | 4.5 |
Quiet for a big truck, though wind noise can grow intrusive at highway speeds. Hemi growls nicely under hard acceleration. Turbodiesel still noisier than gas engines, but is on par with others in the class.
CONTROLS
| 2500 reg. cab, V8 | 2500 ext. cab 4WD, 5.9 turbodiesel | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6.5 |
Simple, mostly handy layout, though most drivers must stretch to reach climate, audio, and dashboard-mounted 4WD controls. High nose hides view of nearby objects, hampering sense of control in tight spaces. Dashtop vents cast distracting windshield reflections. Cabin decor ranges from work-grade rubber with vinyl upholstery to luxurious leather and suede. Materials quality competitive with domestic rivals.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2500 reg. cab, V8 | 2500 ext. cab 4WD, 5.9 turbodiesel | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8 | 8.3 |
Spacious even for big adults, though tall passengers may want more rearward seat travel in regular cabs. Center floor hump eats into passenger foot room. Seats too flat for ideal support. Power-adjustable pedals improve comfort and help shorter drivers sit a safe distance from steering-wheel airbag. Doors are heavy, and 4WD models have extremely high step-up.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2500 reg. cab, V8 | 2500 ext. cab 4WD, 5.9 turbodiesel | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 6 | 5 |
Quad Cab is no substitute for a full crew cab, though Mega Cab is designed to address this. With Quad Cab, rear seats cramped with fronts more than halfway back. Backrest more comfortably reclined than in Ford and GM rivals. Cabin wide enough for three, though floor hump limits center rider's foot space. Rear doors open nearly 90 degrees, but larger portals would help entry/exit.
CARGO ROOM
| 2500 reg. cab, V8 | 2500 ext. cab 4WD, 5.9 turbodiesel | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 6 | 4.9 |
Generous storage behind regular-cab seat, where standard plastic storage tray is handy. Quad Cab rear-seat cushions fold to expose storage bins or clever available fold-out steel load floor. Mega Cabs are similar, but seat can slide forward to increase already good space behind it. Lots of driver accessible storage bins.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2500 reg. cab, V8 | 2500 ext. cab 4WD, 5.9 turbodiesel | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 6.7 |
Dodge's heavy-duty pickups marry functional design, competitive prices, and powerful engines. The available Mega Cab is a welcome addition that addresses the Quad Cab models' lack of rear-seat room. Any Ram 2500/3500 deserves a spot on any heavy-duty truck shopper's list.
Total Score
| 2500 reg. cab, V8 | 2500 ext. cab 4WD, 5.9 turbodiesel | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 39 | 47 | 50.5 |
Total Score: 39
Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks
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