The Ram 2500 uses an 8-speed automatic transmission with gasoline engines and a 6-speed automatic with the Cummins 6.7L diesel; there is no factory manual option in modern Ram 2500 models.
This article provides a concise overview of how Ram pairs transmissions to the 2500’s engines, and how those choices can vary by model year and trim. It aims to reflect the latest official specifications and common configurations for current buyers and owners.
Transmission options by engine
Ram’s heavy-duty lineup aligns transmissions with engine choices to optimize towing, performance, and reliability. The gasoline lineup uses an 8-speed automatic, while the diesel uses a 6-speed automatic. Exact transmission designations can vary by year and market.
Gasoline engines
Gasoline Ram 2500 models equipped with the 5.7L Hemi V8 or the 6.4L Hemi V8 are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The commonly used unit is Chrysler’s TorqueFlite 8HP70 family, which provides smooth shifts and strong towing performance across recent model years.
- 5.7L Hemi V8 with 8-speed automatic (TorqueFlite 8HP70)
- 6.4L Hemi V8 with 8-speed automatic (TorqueFlite 8HP70)
In practice, most current Ram 2500 builds with gas engines rely on the 8-speed automatic to balance efficiency and payload capability. Some older configurations before the current generation used different transmissions, but the 8-speed is standard in recent years.
Diesel engines
The 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel in Ram 2500 models uses a heavy-duty 6-speed automatic transmission. This six-speed setup is designed to handle the high torque output of the Cummins engine and the demands of towing heavy loads, aligning with Ram’s premium heavy-duty focus.
- 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel with a 6-speed automatic transmission
Diesel Ram 2500s therefore rely on a six-speed automatic, with no manual option available in current production lines.
Summary
For the Ram 2500, gasoline-powered versions pair with an 8-speed automatic transmission, while the Cummins 6.7L diesel uses a 6-speed automatic. There is no factory manual transmission option in modern Ram 2500 pickups. Because specifications can change with new model years and regional offerings, always verify the exact transmission type for your specific truck via the manufacturer’s official specs or your VIN.