When buying a 2025 Ram 2500, you're faced with a big choice: the 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 or the 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel. The HEMI packs solid horsepower for hauling heavy loads, while the 2025 Ram 2500 diesel delivers impressive torque for serious towing jobs. Selecting the right one for your truck's needs could save you thousands and enhance your Texas driving experience significantly. At Huffines Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram (CJDR) Lewisville, we've thoroughly explored both of these engines in detail so that you can make the right choice for your needs.
Understanding Ram's Engine Legacy
Dodge Ram by peterolthof is licensed with CC BY-ND 2.0
HEMI engines first appeared around the early 1900s, becoming mainstream in the 1950s. Ram Heavy Duty trucks have featured standard HEMI engines since the third generation debuted in 2003. Since then, the HEMI has evolved from a basic truck motor to a performance platform. Its dome-shaped cylinder heads create higher compression ratios and increase the volume of the air-fuel mixture. The HEMI's Multi-Displacement System (MDS) switches from eight cylinders to four in approximately 40 milliseconds, reducing fuel consumption by up to 20% during cruising.
Cummins engines date back to 1919, when Clessie Cummins built an innovative design. These diesels feature iron-block and head construction, along with a steel timing gear, designed to withstand extreme heat and pressure. Cummins diesels are famous for longevity. Many perform well beyond 300,000 miles, while second-generation Dodge Rams with 5.9L Cummins straight-sixes can exceed 500,000 miles with basic maintenance. Diesels compress air to high temperatures, then inject fuel to create combustion. This produces massive torque while maintaining reliability.
Power and Performance
Each engine has its strengths. The 6.4L HEMI V-8 produces 405 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque, making it quick, responsive, and easy to handle during daily driving. The 6.7L Cummins High-Output Turbo Diesel makes 430 horsepower and a whopping 1,075 lb-ft of torque, which is huge when you need pulling power. The diesel's torque peaks at lower rpm and stays strong longer, making a real difference when pulling heavy loads.
Both 2025 Ram 2500 engine options offer good acceleration for big trucks. The 2025 Ram Heavy Duty with a diesel engine accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 6.9 seconds, while the new eight-speed automatic transmission in all Cummins-powered Ram 2500s enhances gear spacing and delivers smoother power.
Towing and Hauling Capabilities
With the 6.4L HEMI V-8, your Ram 2500 can tow up to 17,750 pounds and carry a max payload of 4,680 pounds. The Cummins Turbo Diesel increases the Ram 2500's towing capacity to 20,000 pounds, but it reduces the maximum payload to 2,740 pounds, so the V-8 models generally carry more in the bed. If you're a Texas contractor hauling daily loads, the HEMI's payload advantage often outweighs the diesel's towing capacity.
Fuel Economy
Ram doesn't publish official fuel economy for the 2500 (the trucks are exempt from EPA testing). However, based on manufacturer data, the 6.7L Cummins diesel engine achieves approximately 16 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway. The 6.4L V-8 gets about 14 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway. Real-world testing showed 11.7 mpg in mixed driving under harsh conditions.
Both engines utilize smart technology to conserve fuel. The HEMI uses its MDS to shut off four cylinders during easy driving, while the Cummins relies on turbocharging and an available exhaust brake. You get a 31-gallon tank standard, with an optional 50-gallon tank for a longer range.
Long-Term Reliability and Maintenance
Cummins diesels are incredibly durable, with many reaching 400,000 miles with proper care. Both engines can achieve over 300,000 miles with proper maintenance, although the 6.7L requires more attention to its supporting systems.
The 6.7L Cummins is prone to common emissions-related issues, especially on frequent short trips or during excessive idling. HEMI maintenance is more straightforward. Oil changes are recommended every 15,000 miles under ideal conditions, but for heavy use, such as frequent towing, long idling, or driving in dusty environments, consider changing your oil every 7,500 miles. HEMI engines are quieter than diesels, making early-morning starts less disruptive. Cummins-equipped trucks have higher resale values, which offset the more complex maintenance requirements.
Purchase Price and Value
The Cummins diesel costs $12,595 more than the standard HEMI V-8. That means the base Tradesman with a two-wheel drive (2WD) V-8 engine and Regular Cab starts at $45,565, while the same setup with a diesel engine costs $58,160.
The Big Horn starts at $49,710 for the Regular Cab and 2WD, while Laramie models begin at $61,795 for the Crew Cab. Higher trim levels can exceed $90,000 when fully loaded. Check out Ram trucks for sale in Lewisville to see current pricing.
Diesel trucks typically retain their value better over time. This more substantial resale value, combined with better fuel efficiency and durability, can justify the diesel's higher purchase price over time, especially for high-mileage drivers.
Find Your Perfect Ram 2500 Engine at Huffines CJDR Lewisville
Try both 2025 Ram 2500 options yourself at Huffines CJDR Lewisville, Texas, where our team can walk you through the pros and cons based on your specific requirements. We know that choosing between these powerhouses is a big decision, and we're here to help you explore everything they have to offer. Contact us today to schedule a test-drive and find the perfect Ram 2500 engine for your hauling, towing, and driving needs.
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RAM 2500