2019 Ram HD Offers Most Powerful Pickup Engine Ever
Ram Commercial has boosted performance and capability of its 2019 Ram Heavy Duty (2500 and 3500) pickup trucks with a new, high-output 6.7L Cummins inline-six-cylinder engine with the most power of any light-duty pickup on the market.

The 2019 Ram 2500 (left) and Ram 3500 will arrive in the second quarter with an array of updates, including a high-output 6.7L Cummins turbo diesel engine.
Photo courtesy of FCA/Ram.
Ram Commercial has boosted performance and capability of its 2019 Ram Heavy Duty (2500 and 3500) pickup trucks with a new, high-output 6.7L Cummins inline-six-cylinder engine with the most power of any light-duty pickup on the market.
The trucks, which were unveiled at the Detroit auto show, also add more technology and interior upgrades, including the 12-inch landscape touchscreen found in the 2019 Ram 1500. The newly updated pickups will go on sale by July 1, 2019, according to Dave Elshoff, head of Ram Brand communications.
The Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups are powered by three engines, including a pair of updated 6.7L inline-six cylinder Cummins turbo diesels and standard 6.4L Hemi V-8. A high-output 6.7L Cummins that tops the engine lineup produces up to 400 horsepower and 1,000 lb.-ft. of torque. Ram engineers were able to achieve a significant boost in horsepower and torque, while reducing overall engine weight by 60 pounds.
The second 6.7L Cummins turbo diesel produces 370 hp and 850 ft.lb. of torque. The Ram HD's base V-8 gasoline engine power has been increased to 410 hp and 429 lb.-ft. of torque.
The engines will deliver their power via three transmissions. Ram is pairing its high-output diesel with the Aisin AS69RC six-speed automatic that improves shift quality. The standard 6.7L diesel will deliver power through an upgraded Ram 68RFE six-speed automatic transmission. Ram is pairing its Hemi V-8 with a new TorqueFlite 8HP75 8-speed automatic transmission.
The increased power has boosted the hauling capabilities of the Ram HD trucks to a maximum of 7,680 pounds of payload and 35,100 pounds of tow weight. To achieve these weights, the truck would need to be equipped with the high-output 6.7L diesel engine.
In addition to the added power, Ram has reduced overall weight by up to 143 pounds by incorporating lighter-weight materials in the frame, powertrain, and with an aluminum hood. Ram is adding a third cab, called a Mega Cab, alongside the regular and crew cab models that will offer 258 liters of interior storage capacity.
Technology upgrades include a new 360-degree surround-view camera with a trailer reverse guidance view and an advanced trailer tire pressure monitoring system that accomodates up to six pickup tires (for dual rear-wheel models), 12 trailer tires, and four towing profiles. The fully redesigned interior adds the Uconnect 4C navigation system with a 12-inch screen.
The trucks add more than 100 available safety features such as automatic emergency braking, a cargo-view camera, and Ram 3500 back-up sensors with wider coverage for dual-rear-wheel trucks.
Ram will also offer an updated 2019 Power Wagon based on the 2500 pickup with new content such as a 360-degree camera, front-mounted WARN Zeon-12 winch, and a Power Wagon package for the Tradesman model.
The trucks will be built at the Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant in Coahuila, Mexico.
Originally posted on Automotive Fleet
More Vehicle Research

2027 Silverado and Sierra Give Small Fleets Four Ways to Spec a Work Truck
GM’s 2027 Silverado 1500 and Sierra 1500 will offer four powertrains with different strengths in payload, towing, power, and driving range.
Read More →
GM Brings New Truck Focused Interface to 2027 Silverado and Sierra
GM's new pickup interface puts trailering data, camera views, vehicle controls, and smartphone integration closer to the driver in the 2027 Silverado and Sierra.
Read More →
Volkswagen Expands Driver Assistance Features Across 2027 Lineup
Volkswagen is adding lane-change assistance, expanded emergency intervention, pedestrian detection, and updated predictive cruise control features to select 2027 models.
Read More →
2027 Lexus NX Goes All-Hybrid With New Plug-In Range and Business-Friendly Tech
The 2027 Lexus NX goes fully electrified with hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, more than 40 miles of estimated EV range, and new tech that could appeal to small-business fleets.
Read More →
2027 Nissan Kicks Adds Rock Creek Package, Keeps AWD Entry Price Under $25K
The 2027 Nissan Kicks adds a new Rock Creek package with standard AWD, an Off-Road driving mode, and Hill Descent Control, while keeping its entry price under $23,000.
Read More →
2027 Toyota C-HR Offers 287-Mile Range and Standard AWD
Toyota’s 2027 C-HR brings 287 miles of estimated range, standard all-wheel drive, and NACS fast-charging capability to the compact EV market. See what its mix of performance, cargo space, and everyday technology could offer business users.
Read More →
Volvo Trucks Come to American Truck Simulator with an EV First
Volvo’s VNL and VNR Electric join American Truck Simulator, giving small fleets a virtual look at diesel and EV trucking operations.
Read More →
Chevrolet Revives 'Heartbeat of America' Campaign Ahead of America's 250th Anniversary
Chevrolet revives its iconic Heartbeat of America campaign with a modern twist, celebrating everyday Americans ahead of the nation's 250th anniversary.
Read More →
Connectivity Issues Continue to Challenge New-Vehicle Quality, JD Power Finds
J.D. Power's 2026 IQS finds Ford leads mass-market brands while connectivity issues remain a top concern for new vehicles used in business fleets.
Read More →
Nissan Frontier Milestone Reflects Growing Demand Among Small Business Owners
From towing trailers to weekend projects, Nissan's millionth Frontier highlights why the midsize pickup remains popular with small businesses.
Read More →