they're big, they're beefy, they have an optional torque-monster used engine — and they're here. the new 2019 ram 2500 and 3500 heavy-duty pickup trucks have hit the streets, and pickuptrucks.com has the full first drive of these new rigs. ram launched the new trucks at an event in southern california, and we were there to drive a number of different configurations — both loaded up with massive trailers and empty, from the immensely capable off-road power wagon to the big daddy ram 3500 dually.
what's new for 2019? aside from some styling updates outside and even more sumptuous cabins inside, the big news is the updated cummins turbo-diesel used engine . the turbocharged 6.7-liter inline-six-cylinder used engine cranks out 400 horsepower and a whopping 1,000 pounds-feet of torque - the most ever generated by a factory truck powertrain. that used engine is mated to an upgraded six-speed aisin transmission, while 6.4-liter hemi v-8 gasoline-powered hd trucks get a new eight-speed automatic and a rotary-knob gear selector.
we drove a bunch of versions of the new hd pickups, from the entry-level 2500 tradesman work truck to the 3500 longhorn. but our favorite truck of the day was the new 2019 power wagon. the new transmission provides a super-low 1st gear, creating a low-range crawl ratio of 51:1 — giving it rock-crawling skills on par with a jeep wrangler rubicon. add in the push-button front sway-bar disconnects and locking differentials, and it's practically a three-ton mountain goat.
click on over to pickuptrucks.com to read our first drive of the new 2019 ram heavy duties.
more from pickuptrucks.com:
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- auto show face-off: 2019 ram 2500 vs. 2020 chevrolet silverado 2500
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