Which Engine Is Right for Your 2026 Ram 2500 if You Tow and Commute around Glen Burnie, MD?

Jones Ram - Which Engine Is Right for Your 2026 Ram 2500 if You Tow and Commute around Glen Burnie, MD?

Choosing the right powertrain is the single most important decision you will make on a heavy-duty truck. If you are weighing the available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 against the 6.4L HEMI® V8 in the 2026 Ram 2500, here is how to think about it if you split your time between towing and daily commuting around Glen Burnie, MD.

The available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 pairs with the TorqueFlite® HD eight-speed automatic transmission to deliver Best-in-Class available base diesel torque of 1,075 lb-ft and up to 430 maximum diesel horsepower. If you regularly tow equipment, a camper, or a boat, the diesel’s low-end torque provides the authoritative launch and steady grade-climbing pull you want, and the available Automatic Smart Exhaust Brake adds downhill control. The available maximum diesel towing capacity is up to 20,000 pounds when properly equipped, and Ram’s tow-tech suite—including the 360° Trailer Surround View Camera, Digital Rearview Mirror with side camera integration, Trailer Tow Pages, and Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring—helps you stay in command.

By contrast, the 6.4L HEMI® V8 is a strong, proven gas option that shines for mixed-use duty cycles where you blend occasional towing with more daily, unloaded driving. It offers impressive payload potential and a straightforward ownership experience, with responsive power for highway merges and stop-and-go traffic. If your trailer weights fluctuate and your weekly routine leans toward commuting with light cargo, the gas engine’s balance of capability and simplicity can be a smart fit.

Towing-support technology helps both engines punch above their weight. Available Trailer Reverse Steering Control lets you guide trailer direction with a dedicated knob while the system manages the steering wheel. The available 360° Surround View Camera makes tight turns and jobsite maneuvers less stressful, and the available Digital Rearview Mirror and wired Tow Mode Camera provide visibility behind your trailer. Inside, the Largest-in-Class available 14.5-inch touchscreen with Uconnect® 5 NAV and the available 12-inch Digital Cluster Display bring tow data, navigation, and Off-Road Pages into clear view. You can even equip Best-in-Class Available Onboard Power with up to a 2.4-kilowatt inverter to run tools at the site or keep the campsite powered.

Still undecided? Think through these quick prompts to match the engine to your life, then refine from there.

  • You tow near the top of the ratings most weekends
  • You want the strongest grade-climbing torque and calmer revs
  • You value downhill control support from an available exhaust brake

Those lean toward the available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6. On the other hand:

  • You tow occasionally but drive unloaded more often
  • You prioritize straightforward gas fill-ups and ownership
  • You want confident power without diesel-specific considerations

Those lean toward the 6.4L HEMI® V8. In both cases, bed and cabin options can tailor the truck to your routine: the Class-Exclusive available RamBox® Cargo Management System for secure, drainable storage; Mega Cab® models with Class-Exclusive Reclining Rear Seats and Class-Exclusive Forward Fold-Flat Rear Seats for crew comfort; and available LED bed lighting to keep loading efficient after dark.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Does the diesel engine ride differently than the gas engine?

Ride quality is similar across comparable trims, and the Class-Exclusive available Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension can help maintain a level stance under load with either engine. The diesel’s torque lets it stay in lower revs more often, which can make heavy towing feel more relaxed.

How do the camera systems help in daily driving?

The available 360° Surround View Camera is useful even without a trailer, helping with parking and navigating tight streets. When you attach a trailer, the 360° Trailer Surround View Camera and the available Digital Rearview Mirror improve tracking and merging confidence.

Which features should I prioritize if I tow a fifth-wheel or gooseneck?

Consider the available Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Package, the available 360° Trailer Surround View Camera, Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring, and Trailer Reverse Steering Control. These options streamline setup and enhance visibility and control.

Is there a storage upgrade that makes daily use easier?

The Class-Exclusive available RamBox® Cargo Management System adds lockable, drainable bed-side bins with LED lighting and a 115-volt outlet, making it ideal for tools, wet gear, and everyday essentials.

When you are ready to compare engines back-to-back, Jones Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram can set up a tailored test drive with routes that mimic your commute and towing scenarios. Our team is serving Owings Mills, Glen Burnie, and Jarrettsville and can also review onboard power, camera options, and suspension choices to fine-tune your build for the long haul.

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