Which Engine Is Best for the 2026 Ram 2500 for Daily Towing near Highlands Ranch, CO?
Posted at Thu, Oct 23, 2025 10:00 AM
Perkins Motors - Which Engine Is Best for the 2026 Ram 2500 for Daily Towing near Highlands Ranch, CO?
Choosing the right engine for a heavy-duty truck starts with a clear picture of what you tow, how often you tow, and where you tow. For buyers considering the 2026 Ram 2500 near Highlands Ranch, CO, the decision usually comes down to two proven powertrains: the available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 and the 6.4L HEMI® V8. Both are matched to the TorqueFlite® HD eight-speed automatic transmission for smooth, confident power delivery at highway speeds and on steep grades across the Front Range. The diesel’s headline numbers—up to 430 maximum diesel horsepower and a Best-in-Class available 1,075 lb-ft of base diesel torque—set the tone for serious towing. Maximum available diesel towing reaches up to 20,000 pounds when properly equipped. The gas 6.4L HEMI® V8, meanwhile, shines with a maximum gas payload of up to 3,930 pounds and up to 17,750 pounds of maximum gas towing when properly equipped, making it a strong fit for mixed-use duty cycles that emphasize payload, plowing, or shorter-haul trailering.
Daily towing favors torque-rich, low-RPM power—and that’s exactly what the High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 delivers. Pair it with the available Automatic Smart Exhaust Brake for added downhill control on long descents west of town, and consider the available 50-gallon fuel tank on Crew Cab models with the 8-foot bed to extend range on long pulls. If your week-to-week workload is more varied—think heavy tools in the bed, an equipment trailer every so often, and regular commuting—the 6.4L HEMI® V8’s balance of payload, performance, and simplicity is compelling. Both engines benefit from trailering tech that reduces stress: available Trailer Reverse Steering Control, available 360° Trailer Surround View Camera, and Trailer Tow Pages in the available 12-inch Digital Cluster Display bring confidence to backing, hitching, and monitoring tires and brakes.
- Pick the High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 if you tow frequently at or near maximum capacity and value minimal downshifts on grades
- Choose the 6.4L HEMI® V8 if payload, plowing, and mixed urban-suburban driving make up most of your week
- Add the Tow Tech Package for available Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring and camera views that simplify long-haul safety checks
- Consider Best-in-Class Available Onboard Power for jobsite tools and the Class-Exclusive available RamBox® Cargo Management System for secure storage
The interior and technology story matters just as much when you live with your truck every day. The Largest-in-Class available 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen with Uconnect® 5 NAV, available dual wireless charging pads, and available 900-watt Harman Kardon® Premium Audio with 17 speakers turn long towing days into a connected, comfortable experience. Visibility upgrades like the available Digital Rearview Mirror with side camera integration and the 360° Surround View Camera help in tight shop yards and crowded trailhead lots. And because Colorado winters can be unpredictable, Snow Plow Prep comes standard, while available LED lighting and the available Transfer Case Skid Plate on 4x4 models bolster confidence in snow and ice.
Ultimately, the best engine is the one matched to your heaviest trailer and most common routes. Bring your load data and typical elevation changes, and a product specialist can map the exact configuration that fits your work and weekend plans. Perkins Motors, serving Centennial, Highlands Ranch, and Castle Rock, is ready to set up a test route that mirrors your daily reality so you can feel the difference where it counts most—behind the wheel and under load.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How does the diesel compare to gas for highway towing stability?
The available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 delivers strong low-RPM torque that reduces gear hunting on grades, especially helpful when towing near capacity. The available Automatic Smart Exhaust Brake further stabilizes downhill descents.
Will the 6.4L HEMI® V8 handle a dual-axle equipment trailer a few times a month?
Yes. With up to 17,750 pounds of maximum gas towing and up to 3,930 pounds of maximum gas payload when properly equipped, the 6.4L HEMI® V8 is well-suited to intermittent heavy towing, payload-intensive days, and mixed-use driving.
Which camera systems should I prioritize for solo hook-ups?
Start with the available 360° Surround View Camera and 360° Trailer Surround View Camera. Add the available Digital Rearview Mirror with side camera integration and the wired Tow Mode Camera for enhanced views behind the trailer.
What tech helps with backing a long trailer into tight spaces?
Available Trailer Reverse Steering Control lets you use a trailer steering knob to direct the trailer while the system manages the truck’s steering. It’s a major confidence booster when parking in narrow driveways or busy lots.
Ready to compare both engines back to back? Schedule a tailored drive that includes climbs, descents, and a compact parking test. One route, two powertrains, and the clarity you need to make the right call for your daily towing.
