2024 Ram HD

Which 2024 Ram HD Should I Buy?

MotorDonkey's proprietary vehicle data identifies every significant version of each model so that you can compare and decide. Ordered by price from low to high, here are the versions of the 2024 Ram HD that you need to be aware of, along with our expert analysis and recommendations.

1. 2024 Ram 2500 6.4 (Gasoline V8)

• Base Price: $45,250
• MPG Combined: N/A
• Engine: 6.4-liter V8
• Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
• Transmission: 8-speed automatic
• Horsepower: 410 
• Torque: 429 lb⁠-⁠ft
• Towing Capacity: 17,740 lbs
• Payload Capacity: 4,010 lbs

The Ram 2500 gasoline V8's peak towing and payload numbers are conveniently achieved in the cheapest configuration — the 4x2 Tradesman regular cab. Note that you'll need the optional 4.10 axle ratio to unlock the top towing figure of 17,740 pounds.

2. 2024 Ram 3500 6.4 (Gasoline V8)

• Base Price: $46,255
• MPG Combined: N/A
• Engine: 6.4-liter V8
• Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
• Transmission: 8-speed automatic
• Horsepower: 410 
• Torque: 429 lb⁠-⁠ft
• Towing Capacity: 18,210 lbs
• Payload Capacity: 7,680 lbs

You'll need to swap in the Cummins diesel if you want to max out the Ram 3500's towing capability, but the gasoline V8 defeats the diesel on the payload front. In the base Ram 3500 Tradesman regular cab with the 6.4-liter Hemi and dual rear wheels, you can carry up to 7,680 pounds, which is about 1,350 pounds more than the truck itself weighs.

3. 2024 Ram 2500 6.7T (Diesel - Standard Output)

• Base Price: $55,045
• MPG Combined: N/A
• Engine: 6.7-liter inline-6
• Aspiration: Turbocharged
• Transmission: 6-speed automatic
• Horsepower: 370 
• Torque: 850 lb⁠-⁠ft
• Towing Capacity: 20,000 lbs
• Payload Capacity: 3,150 lbs

You almost get all of the diesel Ram 2500's max towing and payload capabilities listed here for the base price of $55,045. The entry-level Tradesman regular cab misses the towing crown by 10 pounds, though, topping out at 19,990, even though it's the undisputed payload champ at 3,150. To get to an even 20,000 on the towing front, you'll need to step up to the Tradesman crew cab. Note, however, that the crew cab's payload drops precipitously, so for the best all-around combination of towing and payload, the Ram 1500 Tradesman regular cab with the diesel is the way to go. By the way, you can't get the high-output version of the diesel anywhere in the 2500 range, so if that's what you're looking for, head over to the 3500 section.

4. 2024 Ram 3500 6.7T (Diesel - Standard Output)

• Base Price: $56,050
• MPG Combined: N/A
• Engine: 6.7-liter inline-6
• Aspiration: Turbocharged
• Transmission: 6-speed automatic
• Horsepower: 370 
• Torque: 850 lb⁠-⁠ft
• Towing Capacity: 22,660 lbs
• Payload Capacity: 6,830 lbs

Here again, the Ram 3500 Tradesman regular cab with dual rear wheels is the winner when it comes to max towing and payload capacities. Towing tops out at 22,660 pounds, while the payload hits a ceiling at 6,830 pounds. The base price quoted here includes the standard-output Cummins diesel but does not include dual rear wheels; however, making this truck a dually is surprisingly cheap at just $1,495.

5. 2024 Ram 3500 6.7T (Diesel - High Output)

• Base Price: $58,850
• MPG Combined: N/A
• Engine: 6.7-liter inline-6
• Aspiration: Turbocharged
• Transmission: 6-speed automatic
• Horsepower: 420 
• Torque: 1,075 lb⁠-⁠ft
• Towing Capacity: 37,090 lbs
• Payload Capacity: 6,560 lbs

Beyond the increased power and torque, which not many people actually need, the high-output Cummins diesel brings with it a different six-speed automatic transmission made by Aisin. If you read the chatter on the forums, you'll find a consensus that the Aisin is the more robust and reliable of the two transmissions, so that's something to keep in mind. Assuming the chatter is correct, it makes the $2,800 upcharge seem like a bargain, since you get the stronger engine tune in addition to that transmission. The base engine does retain the diesel payload crown, though, as the high-output version maxes out at 6,560 pounds of payload capacity. But in terms of towing, it's no contest — the Ram 3500 Tradesman regular cab with dual rear wheels (add $1,495) and the high-output diesel is rated to tow up to 37,090 pounds.