When it comes to the 2026 Ram Heavy Duty, Ram doubles down on the big updates it made last year. The latest 6.7-liter Cummins High-Output stays as the sole diesel offering in the lineup, paired to the modern TorqueFlite HD eight-speed automatic. Launched for 2025, the combo was the headline change, and it continues as the heart of the heavy-duty diesel package for both 2500 and 3500 models.

Did The Cummins Engine Get Revised Again For 2026?

There’s no new block or displacement for 2026; the story is continuity. The current High-Output Cummins remains a torque monster, rated up to 430 hp and 1,075 lb-ft of torque in the 2500 and 3500. The move to the eight-speed smoothed drivability and responsiveness (versus the old six-speed). These improvements carry forward unchanged this model year.

What’s The Deal With The Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission?

The eight-speed was the diesel’s game-changer in 2025, and it continues to be the standard pairing with the High-Output Cummins for the 2026 Ram Heavy Duty. Beyond crisper shifts, Ram engineered the transmission and axle ratios for lower cruise rpm and better real-world performance while towing and hauling. You’ll see the eight-speed called out across Ram’s 2026 Heavy Duty materials.

How Does Towing Stack Up For 2026?

Output figures are carryover, and capability stays stout. With the High-Out Cummins and proper configuration, the Cummins Ram 2500 can tow 20,000 pounds max (36,610 pounds max for the Cummins Ram 3500). It’s worth noting the 2025 shift to the eight-speed and a 3.42 axle brought a slight paper reduction from the previous peak, but the tradeoff improved drivability and efficiency—logic that still applies in 2026.

Are There New Trims Or Features?

Yes—Ram sprinkles in style and value plays for 2026. The Warlock and Black Express trims bring fresh looks and equipment mixes to the 2500 Heavy Duty lineup. The Ram 2500 trim rundown looks like this: Tradesman, Big Horn, Black Express, Warlock, Laramie, Power Wagon, Limited, Limited Longhorn, and Rebel. The Black Express is based on the more basic trim and comes in various cab/drive/bed configurations. The Warlock is a Crew Cab short bed 4WD with more rugged styling. Ram also continues the interior and tech upgrades that landed in 2025, including a large 14.5-inch infotainment screen, a 10.3-inch front passenger touchscreen, Uconnect 5, twin wireless charging pads, digital rearview mirror, updated driver-assist features, and more. And yes, you can still get a Mega Cab.

Any Warranty Perks Tied To The 2026 Models?

Ram added a headline-grabbing 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty for 2026 model-year Ram trucks and vans (original owner), signaling confidence in the updated Cummins and eight-speed pairing. It’s a meaningful long-term value hook if you plan to keep your Ram Heavy Duty for years. Ram claims this is America’s best full-size truck powertrain limited warranty.

Should You Pick The 2026 Ram Heavy Duty Cummins Diesel?

The 2026 Ram Heavy Duty lineup is largely a continuation of the major updates Ram rolled out in 2025—particularly the High-Output Cummins diesel and new eight-speed automatic. The new trims (Black Express, Warlock) and styling/feature tweaks help freshen things up. Overall, it’s a smooth, powerful, and refined option for those in the heavy duty truck market.