2014 Ram 2500 SLT Package $24,990

The 2014 Ram 2500 is a top pick for a heavy-duty truck thanks to its top-notch interior, comfortable ride quality and impressive towing and hauling capabilities. Vehicle overview Heavy-duty pickup trucks like the 2014 Ram 2500 are made for buyers who do lots of towing and hauling. Consistent with the breed, the Ram 2500 is available in multiple body styles with several varying powertrains and various equipment levels. And not only can it tow well over 5 tons without breaking a sweat (indeed, tow ratings approach 18,000 pounds if you're using a fifth-wheel connection), it's also impressively comfortable and refined. The Ram 2500 gets several changes this year, among them a new 6.4-liter V8 engine. Rated at 410 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque, this new gasoline-fueled V8 is a lower-cost alternative for buyers who don't need the gargantuan torque of the pricey turbodiesel engine but still require more capability than the base 5.7-liter V8 offers. Equally significant is the new coil-spring rear suspension that's standard on every 2014 Ram 2500. As on the lighter-duty Ram 1500, the switch from rear leaf springs to coil springs gives the heavy-duty Ram a more compliant, civilized feel whether you're pulling a heavy load or driving around with the bed empty. In addition, a load-leveling rear air suspension is now available as an option (late availability) as is integrated fifth-wheel trailer preparation -- making it that much easier to set up your truck for large towing jobs.