Ram Challenges Heavy-Duty Truck Market with New Sport Trims

Jul 8, 2025 at 12:00 AM
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Ram is strategically expanding its heavy-duty truck portfolio for the 2026 model year, introducing two compelling new sport variants designed to capture a larger share of a highly competitive market. These new trucks, the Warlock and Black Express, combine rugged performance with eye-catching aesthetics, aiming to provide outstanding value and challenge the long-standing dominance of rivals in the segment.

Unleashing Power: Ram's Bold New Heavy-Duty Contenders

Ram 2500 HD Expands Performance Lineup with Two Dynamic New Models

The heavy-duty pickup truck segment is known for its intense competition, where affordability and capability are paramount. Ram is enhancing its formidable 2500 Rebel offering by launching two new sport-oriented trims. The Warlock edition pays homage to its 1970s predecessors with a strong emphasis on off-road prowess, while the Black Express model delivers a sleek, athletic appearance. Both of these Ram 2500 sport trucks are positioned to be remarkably accessible, considering their advanced features and performance. This strategic expansion signals Ram's commitment to diversifying its heavy-duty offerings and providing consumers with more tailored options.

The Rebirth of an Off-Road Icon: Discover the Ram 2500 Warlock

The venerable Warlock nameplate, first introduced over fifty years ago, makes a powerful return for the 2026 model year. Building upon the reliable Tradesman trim, the Ram 2500 Warlock arrives equipped with distinctive 20-inch diamond-cut wheels fitted with rugged 32-inch Duratrac tires, primed for adventure. Its exterior boasts a commanding black grille surround, coordinated flares, and bumpers, all accentuated by a bold Warlock decal on the bed. A standout feature is its class-exclusive power convex trailer tow mirrors, significantly enhancing safety and ease when hauling substantial loads. This robust heavy-duty pickup is available in a single, practical configuration: a crew cab paired with a short bed, optimizing both passenger comfort and utility.

For serious off-road enthusiasts, the Ram 2500 Warlock is engineered with Bilstein shocks for superior damping, a limited-slip rear differential for enhanced traction, and a transfer case skid plate for underbody protection. The interior is designed for durability and comfort, featuring a classic cloth bench seat. Powering the Warlock is a standard 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 405 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque through a standard four-wheel drive system. For those demanding maximum pulling power, an optional 6.7-liter Cummins turbo diesel engine is available, boasting an impressive 430 horsepower and a class-leading 1,075 lb-ft of torque. The 2026 Ram 2500 Warlock commences at an attractive price point of $57,165, with the Warlock package itself adding $2,995.

Dynamic Aesthetics and Performance: The Ram 2500 Black Express

Similar to the Warlock, the Ram 2500 Black Express is based on the Tradesman trim, with its dedicated package priced at an accessible $2,495. Starting at $53,735, the 2026 Ram 2500 Black Express is exclusively offered with a crew cab, but provides drivers with flexibility in bed length (long or short) and drivetrain (two- or all-wheel drive). It's important to note that opting for the powerful Cummins diesel engine will substantially increase the overall cost.

Regardless of the chosen powertrain, every Ram 2500 Black Express features a distinctive bulging sport performance hood, complemented by body-colored bumpers and a matching grille surround. Sleek black tube side steps extend along the cabin, leading to striking 20-inch black wheels that emphasize its athletic stance. The interior maintains a straightforward, functional design, with a standard cloth bench seat and practical carpet floor mats. Tim Kuniskis, CEO of Ram, emphasized the brand's objective: “Everyone appreciates a visually appealing truck, but the real challenge lies in combining affordability with enhanced value across the entire product range. The Ram 2500 Black Express and Warlock deliver an appealing price point with bespoke aesthetics, further solidifying our position as leaders in the sport truck segment.”

Expanding the Family: Warlock and Black Express Join Rebel and Power Wagon

The Warlock and Black Express are exciting additions to the Ram 2500 sport truck family for the 2026 model year, slotting in beneath the esteemed Power Wagon and Rebel models. The 2025 Ram 2500 Rebel, priced from $68,940, already sets a high standard with its robust design and off-road capabilities, featuring styling elements perfectly suited for both demanding work and adventurous leisure, including a performance sport hood. This heavy-duty pickup is available with a choice of the potent 6.4-liter HEMI V8 or the efficient 6.7-liter Cummins turbo diesel engine, both seamlessly paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The Ram 2500 Power Wagon, with a starting price of $72,285, prioritizes raw performance and exceptional off-road prowess over sheer towing capacity. It is exclusively available with the 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and four-wheel drive. While the Rebel excels in rugged off-pavement excursions, the Power Wagon elevates off-road exploration with a touch of sophistication, complete with an integrated winch and an electronic anti-roll-bar disconnect system for maximum articulation.

Anticipating the Arrival of Ram's Latest Heavy-Duty Innovations

The 2026 Ram 2500 Warlock and Black Express sport trucks are scheduled to make their debut at dealerships this autumn. Positioned with starting prices below $60,000, these new additions to the heavy-duty truck lineup expertly bridge the gap between traditional work vehicles and high-performance, off-road titans. Crucially, the Warlock and Black Express are poised to fiercely compete with offerings from industry giants like Ford and Chevrolet, setting new benchmarks in one of the automotive sector's most competitive and demanding segments.