The new Ram Heavy Duty just broke cover at the 2019 Detroit Auto Show with a brand-new, menacing face. It also features a more powerful Cummins engine and regains the best-in-class title for maximum tow rating.

It's Massive and Intimidating

Okay, so it's really big news that the Ram Heavy Duty is one massive truck. The same can be said about the Ford Super Duty, but look at that face.The grille's thick frame also extends to incorporate the long headlamps, and the fact that the massive bumper is almost connected to the grille makes it look as if the Ram Heavy Duty has a full-chrome fascia. Add in the massively bulged engine hood, the tall ride height, and the really big mirror caps and you're looking at the most menacing truck you can buy.

If a film director ever makes a sequel to Maximum Overdrive, the new Ram Heavy Duty should definitely be included in that gang of sinister semi-trailer trucks.

Design Highlights

The hood is made from aluminum, which shaves 143 pounds off the old model. The RamBox lights were moved in the lids for better illumination, while the wheel flares, side moldings, side steps, and antenna were revised. The full-length rear bumper now includes larger corner steps, a lower center step, and a section that masks the parking sensors.

You can choose between 12 exterior colors, including new shades like Billet Silver, Patriot Blue, and Diamond Black Crystal. Ram introduced new eight-lug wheels. They range from 17 to 20 inches and you can pick between six designs.

What's Going On Inside?

The Heavy Duty's interior looks a lot like the Ram 1500, but everything is obviously bigger. The instrument cluster incorporates a 3.5-inch screen in the entry-level model, but you can opt for a larger, seven-inch display.

There's also more storage room than before. The console area is now 2.9 liters larger at 22.6 liters and includes 12 storage configurations. You can use it for larger items, Including big tablets.

Loads of Torque

The mill cranks out 400 horsepower at 2,800 rpm, which is far from outstanding, but it steals the show in the torque department with a whopping 1,000 pound-feet from only 1,800 rpm. There's a less powerful version of this diesel as well, rated 370 horsepower and 850 pound-feet. The third engine option is the familiar but potent 6.4-liter Hemi V-8, which generates 410 horsepower and 429 pound-feet in this application.

Best-In-Class Towing

The Cummins diesel isn't just torquey, it enables the Heavy Duty to haul a whole lot of cargo. The truck now comes with a 7,680-pound max payload and a 35,100-pound tow rating. That's an extra 40 and 100 pounds over the current Ford Super Duty, respectively. Ram is once again king of the towing kingdom!

Further Reading

Read our full review on the 2019 Ram 1500.

Read our full review on the 2019 Ram 1500 Classic.

Read our full review on the 2019 Ram 1500 Rebel 12.