2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duties

2010 Dodge Ram
2010 Dodge Ram
2010 Dodge Ram

Dodge follows up its redesigned line of light-duty Ram pickups with the introduction of new heavy-duty versions and chassis cabs at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show. The 2010 Ram Heavy Duty pickups come in 2500 and 3500 versions and Dodge says the addition of a crew-cab model to its stable of heavy-duty trucks gives it entry to the highest-volume piece of the segment. Other improvements for 2010 include increases in towing capability and Gross Combined Vehicle Weight.

The new 2010 Ram Heavy Duty is offered in regular cab, crew cab, and Mega Cab styles. There are 6.4-foot and 8-foot cargo boxes, and 3500-series trucks are available with dual-rear wheels. Five trim levels are offered: Base ST, SLT, TRX, Laramie, and off-road-equipped Power Wagon. Heavy Duty Rams look different than their light-duty little brothers thanks to specific grille, bumper, and hood designs. The new hood has Viper-style hood louvers that the company says help engine cooling.

CG Says...
Dodge's improved line of 2009 Ram light-duty pickup trucks impressed the Consumer Guide staff enough to win a 2009 Best Buy award. The 2010 Ram Heavy Duty and Chassis Cab models should bring many of those same improvements, especially clever interior storage solutions, to their respective classes. Hopefully for the company as well as the country, the economy will improve by the time these new workhorses hit the market.
Two engines are offered. Standard on 2500-series trucks is a gas-powered 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 good for 383 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. The 3500-series units are equipped with a 6.7-liter inline 6-cylinder Cummins turbodiesel that puts out 350 horses and 650 pound-feet of torque. The Hemi is backed up with a 5-speed automatic transmission and the diesel can be mated to either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic.

Ram Chassis Cabs come in 3500, 4500, and 5500 models with either regular or crew cabs. Dodge says the new chassis cabs are "upfit friendly" for the installation of various aftermarket bodies. These trucks share engines with the Ram Heavy Duties, but trim levels are limited to ST, SLT, and Laramie. Both lines of trucks will be built at Chrysler's Saltillo Assembly Plant in Coahuila, Mexico and go on sale in fall 2009. Pricing has not been announced.

The company also announced some news for the 2010 Ram 1500. A two-mode hybrid version is being added to the line. Light-duty models will also be available with an optional diesel engine.

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