Payload? Make that 1,510 for the Power Wagon versus 1,930 pounds, which goes to show how competitive the full-size segment has become. The 1500 starts at $33,190 in the United States for the Tradesman, but the off-road workhorse is more expensive than the Laramie at $49,345 excluding destination. The Power Wagon in 2500 flavor is $53,100 excluding destination, which is a considerable difference of the $33,395 starting price of the Tradesman.
Engine options? The 1500 comes standard with the 3.6-liter Pentastar with eTorque mild-hybrid assistance. A 5.7-liter HEMI V8 is available too, with or without eTorque. The 2500 features a heavy-duty HEMI V8 with 6.4 liters of displacement. Both trucks come with an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard, but the axle ratio differs from 3.92 for the half-tonner to 4.10 for the Power Wagon.
If you take a look at the configurator for the 2019 Ram 2500 Power Wagon, you’ll notice a promise. “The most capable off-road full-size pickup” sticks out like a sore thumb, and that’s not the case if you read the fine print. Adding insult to injury, this heavy-duty truck isn’t available with a turbo diesel. The superior fuel economy and additional grunt would’ve helped with towing.
Looking at the bigger picture, the F-150 Raptor is in a class of its own thanks to the know-how of Ford Performance. In the mid-size segment, the Jeep Gladiator in Rubicon flavor and Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison by American Expedition Vehicles are your best choices.
