BEHIND THE WHEEL: More than one option in this category, but the 2022 Ram 2500 Crew Cab has the perfect good vibe with an edge

So, what do we have here on the 2022 Ram 2500 Crew Cab. Well, the top-of-the-line towing alongside a heavy duty high-end performance, what else do you need.  Just for good measure add a bit of luxury – it is quite impressive. Of course, Ram never fails to meet its customer’s needs in most categories anyway. I will shout out to the diesel engine noise as it can cause a bit of stir if the Starbucks attendant can’t hear your proper latte order. While you’re enjoying the ride and sipping your coffee, notice how much you are enjoying the comfortable seats. After all, the Ram folks do have the 2500 down to an art.  This is the fifth generation originally introduced in 2019.

COMPETITION

In the world of good energy, the Ram 2500 has a lot of that to offer. The competition in this class is as expected from Chevrolet, Ford, and GMC, all with a particular take on the same type of truck. At this point it really does become the manufacturer you prefer and why. And the extras each vehicle offers also plays a big part in the final decision – is it worth the price tag? The Ram is full-on with great extras, advanced technology, that aforementioned comfortable ride and well, that Ram truck vibe that you know when you know.

TRIM LEVEL

The 2022 Ram 2500 has a variety of configurations for trim level options. There are three different cab styles, and did you know the 2500 Big Horn, is called the Lone Star in Texas (of course it is). Oh, and that is the trim I test drove – the Lone Star Silver Crew Cab 4 X 4 to be exact.

To make it all simple the Ram 2500 offers a regular cab, crew cab and extended crew cab. The trims are the Tradesman, Big Horn/Lone Star, Power Wagon, Laramie, Limited Longhorn and Limited.

With so many trims let’s just say the basic Tradesman comes with features like 17-inch steel wheels, cruise control, tilt-adjustable steering wheel, front bench seat, vinyl upholstery, six speakers, and two USB ports, not bad. By the time you get to the top-of-the-line Limited you are going to have 20-inch wheels, power-deploying running boards, adjustable tie-down hooks, RamBox in-bed storage bins, upgraded interior trim and floor mats, a wireless charging pad and even a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert.

As for the Power Wagon that trim has a mind of its own and is the dedicated off-road version of the Big Horn or the Laramie.

UNDER THE HOOD

The 2022 Ram 2500 engine can be either gasoline or diesel. The engine is a standard 6.4-liter V8 that offers 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque. There is also the fancy turbocharged 6.7-liter six-cylinder diesel engine. For that option you get 370 horsepower and 850 lb-ft of torque. The four-wheel drive feature is an option on every trim except the Power Wagon. The Power Wagon is the trim that comes full-on with four-wheel drive the standard.

SAFETY FIRST

While just about every vehicle these days tout’s excellent safety measures, the standouts I found on the 2022 Ram 2500 Crew Cab begin with the forward collision warning with active braking. What does that mean? That this truck has some serious stopping power to avoid accidents and other skirmishes.  This feature even works with a trailer attached. The adaptive cruise control and stop helps allow for a safe distance as per the driver’s choice and that is another standout safety option. The truck will automatically adjust its speed as requested and that is even with the trailer attached.

ParkSense® Front and Rear Park Assist helps parking in tight spaces, we all hate that don’t we? I will say there are a lot of bells and whistles going off during this assistance and the sensor alerts do successfully help you get into that tight space safely. You might also enjoy the 360° Surround View Camera with Trailer Reverse Guidance View if needed. You can safely drive seeing both sides of the vehicle and what you are hauling with the surround view camera.

INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR HIGHLIGHTS

The interior on the Ram 2500 depends on the trim level. Either way everything is laid out logically for ease of use. That is always appreciated. To handle the climate inside the vehicle you will adjust your options via a touchscreen. Entering and exiting the 2022 Ram 2500 is easy if you opt for the power-deployable side steps.  That is a big help. The door openings on all four doors are very adequate too.  The touchscreen is either the 12.3-inch option or the 8.4-inch option and work alongside Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone. I also like the very large storage bin in the middle console, but I will say there is plenty of cargo and storage space all around.

ALONG FOR THE RIDE

The 2022 Ram 2500 has such the impressive towing capacity, it can handle up to 4,010 pounds of payload and 20,000 pounds of trailer towing capacity if everything is equipped properly. For a big truck like the Ram 2500 it doesn’t waste any time getting up to speed and that is appreciated.  The 4WD model took a little over 8 seconds from 0 to 60, and when braking, you will find that feature handles well in such a big vehicle. While not as easy to park in the city as a smaller option, if you love your big trucks and have a need for the size, you get a recommend from me on this one.

Should You Need to Know: Opt for the new Silver Edition package for the Big Horn/Lone Star trims and the Equipment package on the Power Wagon offering updates also take note of the better trailering technology and lighting in 2022.

Miles: The 2022 Ram 2500 Crew Cab has reportedly been consistent according to reports with about 15 miles per gallon in the city and 20 on the highway.

Cost: The price range for the 2022 Ram 2500 Crew Cab is from $46,395 to $73,840, but this price can go higher since the Lone Star trim I drove had a price tag of $75,840.

Rita Cook is a member of Women’s World Car of the Year and Texas Motor Press. She writes books, and covers the lifestyle, car, travel, crime, and politics beat. You can follow her at @ritatheroguewarrior on instagram and @ritacook13 on twitter.