Ford & Chevy Won't Be Happy With Ram's New Heavy Duty Pickup
Ram's Warlock nameplate dates back more than half a century, and the manufacturer has revived it for the 2026 model year. The Ram 2500 Warlock builds on the Tradesman trim and rolls out on 20-inch diamond-cut wheels wrapped in 32-inch Duratrac tires. The heavy-duty pickup features a black grille surround, flares, and bumpers complemented by a Warlock decal on the side of the bed. Class-exclusive power convex trailer tow mirrors make pulling heavy loads both safer and simpler. The 2026 Ram 2500 Warlock is available in a single configuration: a crew cab with a short bed.
As for its off-road focus, the Ram 2500 Warlock features Bilstein shocks, a limited-slip rear differential, and a transfer case skid plate. Inside, the Warlock comes equipped with a cloth bench seat. Under the hood lies a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, producing 405 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque with standard four-wheel drive. Upgrading to the optional 6.7-liter Cummins turbo diesel nets you 430 horsepower and class-leading 1,075 lb-ft of torque. The Ram 2500 Warlock starts at $57,165, with the package alone running $2,995.
Like the Warlock, the Ram 2500 Black Express builds on the Tradesman trim, with the package itself priced at $2,495. Priced from $53,735, the 2026 Ram 2500 Black Express is solely available with a crew cab, but Ram gives drivers a choice between long or short bed and two- or all-wheel drive. Expect that price to rise significantly if you opt for the Cummins diesel engine.
No matter the powertrain, the Ram 2500 Black Express features a bulging sport performance hood with body color bumpers and grille surround. Black tube side steps run the length of the cab, giving way to athletic 20-inch black wheels. Inside, the Black Express keeps it fairly basic, with a cloth bench seat and carpet floor mats coming standard.
"Everyone likes a good-looking truck, but the challenge is making it affordable while adding value to the entire lineup," said Tim Kuniskis, Ram CEO. "The Ram 2500 Black Express and Warlock offer an attractive price with custom appearance, while building on our sport truck leadership position."
The Warlock and Black Express join the Ram 2500 sport truck lineup for the 2026 model year, slotted beneath the Power Wagon and Rebel. Priced from $68,940, the 2025 Ram 2500 Rebel boasts a rugged design and an off-road focus with styling elements designed for work and play, including a sport performance hood. The heavy-duty pickup is available with either the 6.4-liter HEMI V8 or 6.7-liter Cummins turbo diesel engine, both of which come mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The Ram 2500 Power Wagon starts at $72,285 and prioritizes performance and off-road capability over towing capacity. It's only available with the 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine, eight-speed automatic transmission, and four-wheel drive. While the Rebel is rough and tough off the paved path, the Power Wagon brings a certain level of elegance to off-road terrain, complete with a winch and electronic anti-roll-bar disconnect.
The 2026 Ram 2500 Warlock and Black Express sport trucks are expected to arrive at dealers this fall. Priced below $60,000, the latest additions to the heavy-duty truck lineup bridge the gap between work truck and full-fledged off-road titan. Perhaps more importantly, the Warlock and Black Express arrive to challenge the likes of Ford and Chevrolet in one of the most competitive segments in the automotive industry.
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