Cedar City Ram - Which engine should I choose on the 2026 Ram 2500 for towing around Washington, UT?
Selecting the right engine is the single most important choice you will make on a heavy-duty truck, especially if your daily routine includes hauling equipment, pulling a fifth-wheel, or driving over hilly terrain around Washington, UT. The Ram 2500 lineup offers two distinct personalities: the available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 and the stalwart 6.4L HEMI® V8. Each delivers serious capability, but they shine in different scenarios. The best match comes down to how often you tow, how heavy your loads are, and whether you value maximum torque or simpler gas ownership.
Below, we break down the strengths of both powertrains, share practical guidance for real-world towing, and outline which technology complements each choice. That way, you can pair the right engine with the right features for your daily routes, weekend plans, and the unique conditions you encounter across southwestern Utah.
The Case for Diesel: Effortless Pulling and Composure Under Load
If you tow regularly, the available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 is a powerhouse. It serves up Best-in-Class available base diesel torque of 1,075 lb-ft and up to 430 horsepower, enabling a maximum available diesel towing capacity of 20,000 pounds when properly equipped. On the road, that torque comes in early and holds steady, which means fewer downshifts, more relaxed merging, and calmer climbs on long grades. Pairing with the TorqueFlite® HD eight-speed automatic, the diesel powertrain is tuned for durability and reduced vibration, helping maintain control with a heavy trailer in tow.
Diesel models also benefit from available features that enhance confidence in steep or rolling terrain, like an Automatic Smart Exhaust Brake that helps manage speed on descents. If your calendar includes frequent trips with a big trailer—such as equipment hauls to job sites across Washington and beyond—diesel’s low-RPM muscle can make every mile feel more controlled and less tiring.
The Case for Gas: Strong Payload and Straightforward Ownership
For drivers who tow less frequently or pull moderate loads, the 6.4L HEMI® V8 remains a smart pick. Gas configurations can tow up to 17,750 pounds when properly equipped and can carry up to 3,930 pounds of payload. That payload advantage is a practical win for contractors who load the bed with materials, tools, and upfits. If you prioritize straightforward maintenance, drive more unloaded miles, or want a configuration that excels as a capable daily driver with occasional heavy lifts, the gas engine checks a lot of boxes.
Remember, capability is more than a headline number. Gas builds can be configured with the same advanced tow tech as diesel—so you still benefit from aids like available Trailer Reverse Steering Control and the 360° Trailer Surround View Camera, which reduce stress when you back into a tight spot or work in crowded lots.
Key Towing Technologies to Pair with Either Engine
Whichever engine you pick, the right technology transforms big jobs into manageable tasks. Start with available Trailer Reverse Steering Control, which lets you guide the trailer with a dedicated knob while the system handles steering inputs. Then add the 360° Trailer Surround View Camera for a bird’s-eye perspective around your rig, and consider the available Digital Rearview Mirror with side camera integration for live views along the trailer’s flanks. The available wired Tow Mode Camera delivers a clear view behind the trailer, and available Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring lets you keep tabs on up to four trailers right in the 12-inch Digital Cluster Display.
For long days, Class-Exclusive standard Adaptive Cruise Control, available LaneSense® Lane Departure Warning with enhanced Lane Keep Assist, and available Drowsy Driver Detection help reduce fatigue when you bounce between I-15 and local routes. Together, these features support the kind of situational awareness that heavy-duty drivers rely on across varied road conditions.
Cab, Bed, and Fuel Considerations
Think holistically about the build. If you carry crew and gear, Crew Cab or Mega Cab® models provide generous space and flexible rear-seat configurations, including Class-Exclusive Reclining Rear Seats and Class-Exclusive Forward Fold-Flat Rear Seats in Mega Cab models. Need longer runs between fill-ups with a trailer? The truck offers a Largest-in-Class available fuel tank capacity of 50 gallons on Crew Cab models with the 8-foot bed, a welcome advantage for extended towing days.
For organization, the Class-Exclusive available RamBox® Cargo Management System adds lockable, drainable, LED-lit bins built into the bed sides, with a front driver-side 115-volt outlet and key fob access. Add onboard power—400-watt inverter or Best-in-Class available 2.4-kilowatt inverter—to run tools at the site or keep essentials powered at camp.
Real-World Scenarios Around Washington, UT
For homeowners and outdoor enthusiasts towing a 9,000 to 12,000-pound trailer to local parks or up into the mountains, either engine can work, but the diesel’s extra torque brings a calm, low-RPM pull on longer grades. If your typical load is a pair of UTVs, a boat, or a work trailer under 10,000 pounds with frequent stops and short drives, the gas engine offers strong performance, excellent payload flexibility, and straightforward maintenance.
Contractors who carry heavy tools and materials in the bed will appreciate gas payload capacity and can still outfit the truck with Tow Tech for the occasional large haul. Fleet operators or drivers who pull near maximum capacity multiple times a week benefit most from the diesel’s endurance, braking support, and refined towing manners.
How to Decide with Confidence
Start with three questions: How heavy is your heaviest trailer, how often do you tow it, and how many miles do you drive unloaded? If you frequently tow at or near the top of the class with long highway miles, diesel is usually the right call. If you tow moderate loads and value payload or simplicity, gas shines. Either way, maximize your build with the available Trailer Reverse Steering Control, camera systems, and a Largest-in-Class available 14.5-inch touchscreen with Uconnect® 5 NAV for navigation and easy access to tow pages.
To try both engines and see the difference firsthand, schedule a test loop that includes a grade, a turn-in to a tight lot, and time to explore the Digital Cluster Display. That combination will reveal how each engine and the truck’s technology work in your real-world routine.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does diesel really make a big difference when towing in hilly terrain?
Yes. The available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 supplies 1,075 lb-ft of torque that helps maintain speed and reduce downshifts on grades. With the available Automatic Smart Exhaust Brake and the TorqueFlite® HD eight-speed automatic, diesel provides confident control going up and down hills.
Is the gas engine enough for a 10,000-pound trailer?
For many drivers, yes. When properly equipped, gas configurations can tow up to 17,750 pounds, so a 10,000-pound trailer is well within the capability range. We still recommend adding the available Tow Tech features for easier hookups and better low-speed control.
Do both engines get the same towing technology?
Yes. You can equip either engine with available Trailer Reverse Steering Control, the 360° Trailer Surround View Camera, the Digital Rearview Mirror with side camera integration, and Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring. Choose the features that fit your workload and comfort level.
What else should I test during a drive?
Explore the Uconnect® 5 NAV system on the Largest-in-Class available 14.5-inch touchscreen, the 12-inch Digital Cluster Display, and the available Class-Exclusive 10.25-inch Front Passenger Interactive Display. If possible, back into a space using Trailer Reverse Steering Control and compare mirror visibility with the Class-Exclusive available power convex trailer tow mirrors.
When you are ready to compare builds in person, Cedar City Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram can set up a side-by-side drive and walk you through the technology that supports your towing style. We are proudly serving Santa Clara, Hurricane, and Washington with knowledgeable guidance and a work-ready selection so you can choose the engine and features that fit your life.