Want to experience the excitement of rugged terrain without giving up a big-truck capability? The 2026 Ram 2500 Warlock has the off-road swagger and heavy-duty strength. Imagine a mountain goat in a full-size pickup, capable of climbing anything, solid, and valuable for what it can do.
Are you ready to conquer bumpy terrain and look good in the process? The 2026 Ram 2500 Warlock is Ram’s inaugural Heavy-Duty truck with the legendary Warlock name. Consider it a mountain goat, in pickup form—rugged, nimble, and built to go places.
What Is the Warlock?
The 2026 Ram 2500 Warlock is a special edition of the Tradesman model and includes enhancements from the factory ready for off-road adventures. It’s Ram’s first and only Heavy-Duty Warlock, among the two new trims for the 2500, with the Black Express the other.
Bringing Back a Nameplate from the 70s
The Warlock moniker first appeared in the 1970s on the Dodge truck, representing bold style and attitude. The Warlock nameplate was revived on the 1500 a few years ago and now we have the Heavy-Duty 2500 with a legendary nameplate representing heritage and grit in an updated Heavy-Duty package.
Power: Gas vs. Diesel
- Standard 6.4 L HEMI V 8 produces 405 hp and 429 lb ft torque—suitable for everyday hauling and highway cruising.
- Available Cummins 6.7 L turbo-diesel pushes out 430 hp and mind-blowing 1,075 lb ft torque—ideal for towing heavy objects or heading off the beaten path.
Both engines are mated to the brute performance of the Torqueflite 8-speed automatic.
Off-Road Capabilities
The Warlock is ready for off-road with:
- 34-inch Goodyear Duratrac A/T tires mounted on diamond-cut 20-inch wheels
- Bilstein shocks and tune for rough terrain
- Transfer case skid plate
- Anti-spin rear differential with hill decsent control when going down those annoying hills
All of this is included with the Warlock package ($2,995) on top of the Tradesman.
Blackout Styling
The Warlock is crowchained and defiant in style: black grille surround, front and rear bumpers, fender flares, and the cool “Warlock” decals. It comes in eight colors with names like Diamond Black and Forged Blue. Its rugged style provides a serious, no-nonsense look.
Interior: Rugged & Functional
Inside is true to the work-heavy design with cloth front bench seats, carpet or all-weather floor mats, and tow mirrors. It is designed to do work and have fun—with a simple, utilitarian, and targeting an earthly build.
Configuration Options
Only available as a Crew Cab 4×4 with a short bed—Ram did not build a long bed or 2WD variation on the Warlock. It maximizes capability in a small package.
Pricing & What You Get
The Warlock package increases the base Tradesman price by $2,995:
- Total starting MSRP $57,165 (includes destination).
You get solid off-road features, lifted stance, 34-inch tires, Bilstein shocks, and a bold Warlock appearance for that price.
How It Compares
The Warlock is different enough from trucks such as the Ford F‑250 or GMC Sierra HD, that it stands out as standard with the factory off‑road equipment and bold style. It is an unfiltered, prepared, brute alternative with zero dealer-installed upgrades.
Ride & Handling
The Warlock comes standard with Ram’s unique link-coil rear suspension that delivers a better handling experience than nearly all heavy-duty trucks. Regardless of throwing a load in back or just going off-road, the ride is significantly improved over most competitors.
Pros- Cons
Pros
- Credible off-road package included
- Potent gasoline or diesel engines
- Aggressive styling
- Crew cab with more room
- Good value with included features
Cons
- No long bed or 2WD
- Cloth seats may not suit luxury buyers
- Diesel is pricey (~$10K option)
Who It is for
Ideal to heavy-duty work and to have some fun when cutting down some trails. If you tow trailers deep into the wilderness, work on rough construction sites, or just want a cool HD truck!
Conclusion
The 2026 Ram 2500 Warlock represents a well-balanced option between utility and attitude. With a heavy-duty frame, potent engines, real off-roading set-up and brash styling, the Warlock represents substantial value at $57K. It is an honest hard-working truck with a style that is worthy of those who want the adventure to begin as soon as they twist the key.
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