Stellantis is at a pivotal crossroads with the redesign of its Ram heavy-duty truck lineup. Following three consecutive years of sales decline, the automaker is looking to regain its footing in the competitive pickup market with the refreshed Ram 2500 and 3500 models. These trucks have undergone significant aesthetic and mechanical improvements, offering prospective buyers a more modern vehicle that aligns with their demanding work needs.
One of the standout features of the new Ram heavy-duty trucks is the introduction of the upgraded 6.7-liter Cummins turbo diesel engine. This powerhouse produces an impressive 430 horsepower and an industry-leading 1,075 foot-pounds of torque. Such specifications promise to capture the attention of traditionalists and new buyers alike, particularly those in need of robust performance for towing and hauling. Additionally, customers can opt for a 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 engine, which delivers a respectable 405 horsepower and 429 foot-pounds of torque, allowing for versatile choices tailored to varying demands.
The new models will debut with a starting price of $47,560, which reflects a $2,300 increase over their predecessors. While this may deter some budget-conscious buyers, Stellantis hopes that the newfound features and enhancements will justify the price. It’s a gamble aimed at reigniting interest in the brand amidst a concerning 19% year-over-year sales drop for Ram trucks—a decline exacerbated primarily by the slow rollout of the Ram 1500 model as pointed out by CEO Tim Kuniskis. The voice of candidness in Kuniskis’s remarks underlines the brand’s acknowledgment of its current predicament, as it seeks to position itself better against major competitors like Ford and GM.
The heavy-duty lineup will be made available to U.S. dealerships in the first quarter of this year, emphasizing Stellantis’ commitment to responding to customer needs and market trends. The collection includes a variety of models—Tradesman, Big Horn/Lone Star, Laramie, Rebel, Power Wagon, Limited Longhorn, and Limited—catered to different consumer lifestyles and work requirements. This diversified offering aims to broaden the appeal of Ram among various market segments.
While Stellantis faces an uphill battle with the Ram heavy-duty trucks, the company’s proactive approach towards modernizing its fleet indicates a promising strategy for recovery. The new trucks not only embody capability and power but also signal a commitment to addressing the shortcomings that have resulted in sales declines. If the updates meet customer expectations and improve performance metrics, Ram may once again become a key player in the heavy-duty truck segment, setting the stage for a strong comeback in the competitive landscape of American pickups.