Ram’s New Heavy-Duty Pickup Poses Tough Challenge for Ford and Chevy

Key Takeaways

  • The 2026 Ram 2500 lineup introduces two new sport trims: Warlock and Black Express.
  • The Warlock focuses on off-road capability, while the Black Express emphasizes sporty styling.
  • Both trims are priced competitively, making them attractive options for heavy-duty truck enthusiasts.

2026 Ram 2500 Warlock

The 2026 Ram 2500 Warlock brings a nostalgic name back to life, designed primarily for off-road enthusiasts. Building on the Tradesman trim, it comes standard with 20-inch diamond-cut wheels and 32-inch Duratrac tires. Key exterior features include a robust black grille, fender flares, and exclusive Warlock decals. The truck is equipped with class-exclusive power convex trailer tow mirrors to enhance towing safety. The Warlock is offered only in a crew cab with a short bed.

For off-road performance, the Ram 2500 Warlock has Bilstein shocks, a limited-slip rear differential, and a transfer case skid plate, along with a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine that delivers 405 horsepower. An optional 6.7-liter Cummins turbo diesel engine boosts performance to 430 horsepower and a class-leading 1,075 lb-ft of torque. The starting price for the Warlock is $57,165, with the off-road package available for an additional $2,995.

2026 Ram 2500 Black Express

Like the Warlock, the Ram 2500 Black Express is based on the Tradesman trim but features a sporty design, including a bulging performance hood and body-colored bumpers. It starts at $53,735 and offers configurations with a crew cab, long or short bed, and either two- or all-wheel drive. The package itself costs $2,495, and opting for the Cummins diesel engine will significantly increase the price.

The aesthetic appeal of the Black Express is amplified by black tube side steps and 20-inch black wheels. Interior features include a standard cloth bench seat and carpet floor mats. Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis emphasized the challenge of combining good looks with affordability, stating that these new trims enhance value while maintaining competitive pricing.

Expanding the Ram 2500 Family

The Warlock and Black Express trims join the existing lineup that includes the Rebel and Power Wagon. The 2025 Ram 2500 Rebel starts at $68,940, designed to balance rugged aesthetics with off-road performance. It is available with the same engine options as the Warlock, featuring a sport performance hood.

The Power Wagon, priced from $72,285, focuses on performance and off-road capability, equipped solely with the 6.4-liter HEMI V8. It adds more luxury features for adventurous terrain, such as a winch and electronic anti-roll-bar disconnect.

Upcoming Models

The 2026 Ram 2500 Warlock and Black Express are set to hit dealerships this fall. With pricing below $60,000, they cater to buyers looking for a bridge between traditional work trucks and full-fledged off-road vehicles. The arrival of these trims positions Ram competitively against Ford and Chevrolet in this highly contested segment of the automotive market.

The content above is a summary. For more details, see the source article.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

ADVERTISEMENT

Become a member

RELATED NEWS

Become a member

Scroll to Top