2012 Ram 2500: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2012 Ram 2500 received meaningful mechanical and equipment updates rather than a redesign. The headline change was the switch to a new six-speed automatic transmission for HEMI-powered models.
About the 2012 Ram 2500
4th-generation Ram Heavy Duty (2010-2012), final year before the major 2013 heavy-duty redesign.
Ram positioned the 2012 2500 as a heavy-duty pickup for buyers who needed serious towing and hauling strength without giving up comfort. The core pitch was broad: strong gas and diesel choices, work-ready chassis hardware, roomy Crew Cab and Mega Cab choices, and a trim range that ran from basic work truck to luxury western-themed Longhorn and off-road Power Wagon. A big differentiator at the time was Ram’s no-DEF diesel strategy, plus the huge Mega Cab interior and factory-built specialty trims.
The 2012 lineup spans the basic ST work truck, polished mid-level versions such as Big Horn, and the trail-focused Power model with locking differentials and underbody protection. Laramie adds leather, upgraded audio, and a touchscreen, while the western-themed Longhorn has heated and ventilated front seats and navigation. A new Laramie Longhorn Limited Edition sits at the top with a more formal luxury look and full-leather seating.
What changed, by category
2012 Ram 2500 specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 6-Cyl, Turbo Dsl, 6.7L / V8, HEMI, 5.7 Liter / 6-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 6.7 Liter / V8 Cmprssd NG, HEMI 5.7L | 6-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 6.7 Liter / V8, HEMI, 5.7 Liter / 6-Cyl, Turbo Dsl 6.7L / V8 Cmprssd NG, HEMI 5.7L | V8, HEMI, 5.7 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 6.7 Liter / V8, HEMI, 5.7 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 6.7 Liter / V8, HEMI, 5.7 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 6.7 Liter / V8, HEMI, 5.7 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 6.7 Liter / V8, HEMI, 5.7 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 6.7 Liter / V8, HEMI, 5.7 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 6.7 Liter / V8, HEMI, 5.7 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Diesel / Gas / Natural Gas | Diesel / Gas / Natural Gas | Gas | Diesel / Gas | Diesel / Gas | Diesel / Gas | Diesel / Gas | Diesel / Gas | Diesel / Gas |
| Horsepower | 350–383 hp | 350–383 hp | 383 hp | 350–383 hp | 350–383 hp | 350–383 hp | 350–383 hp | 350–383 hp | 350–383 hp |
| Torque | 400–650 lb-ft | 400–650 lb-ft | 400 lb-ft | 400–650 lb-ft | 400–650 lb-ft | 400–650 lb-ft | 400–650 lb-ft | 400–800 lb-ft | 400–800 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 14600–15050 lb | 14300–14900 lb | 10250 lb | 14300–14550 lb | 14300–14600 lb | 14300–14600 lb | 14300–14900 lb | 14200–14500 lb | 14200–14500 lb |
| Rear Legroom | 40.3 in | 34.7–40.3 in | 40.3 in | 34.7–40.3 in | 34.7–40.3 in | 34.7–40.3 in | 34.7–40.3 in | 34.7–40.3 in | 34.7–40.3 in |
| Seats | 3–6 | 3–6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 3–6 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 2–4 | 2–4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2–4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||||||||
| Park Assist | |||||||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | |||||||||
| Fog Lights | |||||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||||||||
| Side Steps | |||||||||
| Tow Hooks | |||||||||
| Bluetooth | |||||||||
| Built-In Hard Drive | |||||||||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | |||||||||
| Navigation System | |||||||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||||||
| Subwoofer | |||||||||
| USB Ports | |||||||||
| 115V Power Outlet | |||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||||||||
| Dual Power Lumbar Support Front Seats | |||||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||||||
| Leather Seats | |||||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||||||
| Memory Pedals | |||||||||
| Power Adjustable Pedals | |||||||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||||||
| Remote Start | |||||||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | |||||||||
| Tilt Wheel | |||||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2012 Ram 2500?
The biggest change is a new six-speed automatic transmission for HEMI-powered Ram 2500 models. It is the headline mechanical update for 2012.
Is the 2012 Ram 2500 a redesigned truck?
No, the 2012 Ram 2500 is not a full redesign. It is the final year of the fourth-generation 2010–2012 heavy-duty truck, with mechanical, equipment, and trim updates before the major 2013 redesign.
Did the diesel Ram 2500 gain torque for 2012?
Yes, 2012 Ram 2500 diesel models with an automatic transmission produce 800 lb-ft of torque, up from the previous 650-lb-ft figure shown for the diesel Laramie Longhorn.
Did the Ram 2500 get a new luxury trim for 2012?
Yes, the Laramie Longhorn Limited Edition joined later in the 2012 model year as the top luxury trim. It has a more formal look than the western-themed Longhorn, plus full-leather seating, navigation, memory settings, and heated and ventilated front seats.
What safety and cabin equipment changed on the 2012 Ram 2500?
Tire-pressure monitoring became standard across the 2012 Ram 2500 lineup, and a new steering wheel added integrated controls. Laramie also made navigation and the rearview camera standard, while rear parking assistance became optional.