What Is a Ram Power Wagon?
What is a Ram 2500 Power Wagon, and how does it stack up to other trucks in Ram’s 2500 lineup?
Written by Alex Healey
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
The original Dodge Power Wagon was a medium-duty pickup, produced in various model series between 1945 and 1980. The name was reborn 25 years later, as a 4WD version of the Dodge Ram 2500.
In 2010, to coincide with Dodge trucks being rebranded as
Ram
, the 2500 Power Wagon received a major redesign. From then on, it was only available as a crew cab, and with enhanced features for serious off-roading and rock-crawling.Over the course of the last decade,
Ram has continued to improve
the Power Wagon’s off-road prowess, while also improving comfort levels in an attempt to appeal to daily drivers.
The 2022 Ram 2500 Power Wagon
More than ever, the latest Ram Power Wagon is designed to be an off-road specialist, rather than a towing and hauling truck.
The 2022 model boasts fine-tuned suspension, an electronic sway bar disconnect, and electronically locking differentials, but the payload and towing capacity (approximately 1,500 lb and 10,000 lb respectively) are lower than those of other heavy duty trucks.
It is powered by a beastly 6.4 L Hemi V8 engine, capable of cranking out 410 hp and 429 lb. ft. of torque. And since 2019, all Ram 2500 Power Wagons have relied on ZF 8-speed transmissions.
As with previous model years, the 2022 Ram 2500 Power Wagon is only available as a crew cab with a 6 ft. 4 in. bed, but this is the best-looking version yet.
In his YouTube review,
Ben Hardy
says it has “so much road presence.” The only aesthetic change he recommends is upsizing the Power Wagon’s wheels from 33s to 35s (or even 37s!). On the inside, he praises the truck’s beautiful leather interior and massive infotainment screen. The Power Wagon has light steering and great ride quality for a heavy duty vehicle, smoother than some mid-size trucks. While the size may be too much for some city slickers, it is comfortable enough to use every day, and Hardy says being so high gives the driver a “king of the road” feel.
Intrigued? You should be, but with a starting MSRP of $57,755, and most trim levels costing well over $60,000, this rock-crawling behemoth doesn’t come cheap.
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How is the Ram 2500 Power Wagon different from the Ram 2500?
The most obvious difference between the Power Wagon and a standard Ram 2500 is the exterior design. 2022 model Power Wagons are only available in five striking colors, and they are covered in “POWER WAGON” branding.
The Power Wagon’s blacked-out grille is reminiscent of the Ram 1500 Rebel, in contrast to the chrome grilles used on most 2500 models.
Optimized for off-roading, the 2022 Ram 2500 Power Wagon is only available with a few strict modifications, unlike the rest of the Ram 2500 lineup which offers buyers a variety of configurations.
For example, all new Power Wagons come equipped with a 6.4 L Hemi MDS V8 engine, while other 2500s have three engine options, ranging from a standard 5.7 up to a 6.7 L turbo diesel engine.
The Power Wagon has specially tuned Bilstein shocks, part of a suspension system that can handle the rockiest terrain. Its 14.3-inch ground clearance is 2.3 inches higher than standard Ram models, and the Power Wagon also comes equipped with a 12,000 lb. electric winch.
Impressively, the 2022 model Power Wagon even has a special hill-descent control feature, allowing drivers to moderate speed via the column shifter when faced with very steep terrain.
All of this equipment makes the Ram Power Wagon the best choice for off-road enthusiasts, but if you need a truck for heavy-duty work, a standard Ram 2500—with significantly better towing and hauling capacity—is a much smarter choice.
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