A Tale Of Two Trucks – Part 2
2016 Ram 2500 Laramie Longhorn
Serving as our second test vehicle, the 2016 Ram 2500 Laramie Longhorn takes a different approach to luxury and in the process becomes a completely different truck. Like the 3500 Limited, the Longhorn package comes equipped with an impressive resume of standard and optional equipment, and it also came equipped with the same 6.7 liter Cummins diesel engine. But unlike the black on black color scheme that defined the dually, the interior of the Longhorn embodies the spirit of the American west, and as a result features brighter colors with our tester sporting attractive Cattle Tan leather seats and grey accents. The wood trim in our tester was also a shade brighter, and it really helped add a visual exclamation point to the beautifully crafted interior. Our favorite interior feature is the wood trim on the door panels and the center console which boasts a noticeable grain that can easily be discerned by the touch a trait that none of its other rivals have.
Being a 2500 meant that it missed out on the dually package, but that’s actually a good thing since it was easier to maneuver and park than our first tester, and its optional air suspension (as well as the lack of dual rear wheels) helped improve ride quality which was a plus with passengers. The steering feel is noticeably numb when compared to some of its rivals, but handling is still confident and assured though body roll is evident when pushed into sharp turns. The exterior styling is more subdued than the Limited (minus the bold Longhorn badges) and that allowed the truck to blend into traffic a bit better than its bigger counterpart. In addition, the Longhorn’s $70,885 price was over $6,000 cheaper than the dually, and allows it to be on par with comparably equipped rivals such as the Silverado High Country as well as the Ford F-350 King Ranch.
Ultimately choosing between the two trucks will depend on what kind of jobs buyers will have lined up for them. If maximum towing and hauling capabilities are top priority then the 3500 dually will be their cup of tea, otherwise the 2500 especially in Longhorn and Limited guises makes a compelling case for itself as an attractive alternative for heavy duty truck buyers.
Read about the new 3500 Limited in Part 1 Here
Model: 2016 Ram 2500 Laramie Longhorn 4×4
Engine: 6.7 L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6
HP/Torque: 385/865
EPA Fuel Economy: Exempt from government testing
Options:
- Longhorn Package
- Convenience Group $395
- Anti Spin Differential Rear Axle $395
- 7 liter Cummins Turbo Diesel $8,995
- Power Chrome Trailer Tow Mirrors $180
- Auto Level Air Suspension $1,595
- Ram Box Cargo Management System $1,295
Price as Tested: $70,885 with $1,195 destination charge
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.