2027 Ram Power Wagon Cummins First Drive Review: The Diesel Engine You Desired in the Indomitable Truck You Crave

      Byron Hurd

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      Ram has been generating significant buzz—both in noise and attention—with the return of its Hemi engine in half-ton pickups. The company even introduced an entirely new lineup of trucks to highlight the V8. However, there's additional engine news coming from Ram's heavy-duty segment: the 2027 Cummins Power Wagon has officially arrived.

      This pairing has always made logical sense but had been delayed due to the Power Wagon's capability needs. While the Cummins engine fits perfectly in the engine bay, the standard winch complicated cooling options. Ultimately, the winch was removed to accommodate the diesel engine. Ram indicates that this could change if their engineers can resolve the cooling system concerns, but for now, opting for the diesel means giving up the winch.

      And here's the key point: the diesel is highly desirable. Generally, I am cautious about diesel engines. I understand their allure from a specifications standpoint, particularly for owners who appreciate the superior highway mileage and towing capabilities. However, the initial costs are substantial, and it can take a long time to recoup that investment. If you're compensated for your time and spend considerable hours driving, this could alter your evaluation.

      The 2027 Power Wagon features a hefty price of $12,995 for the 6.7-liter Cummins upgrade. This engine delivers 430 horsepower and 1,075 lb-ft of torque, alongside a DEF system, a 3.42:1 axle ratio, and a GVWR exceeding 11,000 pounds. Indeed, this embodies a diesel truck.

      Keep in mind, this is a Power Wagon. It includes a package with locking differentials on both axles, a push-button sway bar disconnect, and factory 34-inch tires. Consequently, you receive 13.2 inches of ground clearance, a 26.1-degree approach angle, a 26-degree departure angle, and a 20.6-degree breakover angle. If you seek the ultimate all-purpose truck, this is it.

      Trucks that claim to be capable of anything often come with trade-offs. For instance, large duallies with extraordinary payload and towing capabilities tend to ride like oxcarts, especially when unloaded. The Power Wagon is less drastic, providing a maximum tow rating of 19,630 pounds, slightly below the peak for 2500 models. See? A trade-off.

      However, compromise isn't entirely negative. In this instance, Ram's decisions enhance the truck's usability for everyday driving. The robust Cummins engine runs smoothly from stoplight to stoplight if that’s your primary need. There's no sensation of restraining a wild stallion; it simply performs as required. When you need it to go full throttle, you feel every bit of that 1,075 pound-feet of torque. The only downside? It lacks the Hemi's growl.

      I had the chance to drive the 2027 Power Wagon twice. The first time was in late June, when I first experienced the 2027 Ram 1500 TRX SRT, which was a prototype missing various components, but still functional. My second drive was in July, when Ram allowed the media to spend 48 hours with their test trucks. As you can imagine, the second experience was far more informative since I wasn't distracted by the thrill of pushing a 777-horsepower pickup truck over a well-crafted jump.

      The second truck was more complete than the first and felt noticeably more cohesive on the road. Although still a prototype, it was hard to distinguish as such without checking the window sticker. It rides remarkably well, especially for a truck designed for rugged off-road performance. And remember, this is a 2500; the most you can have is a self-leveling rear air suspension, lacking air bags all around. Despite its heavy-duty nature, it manages its weight impressively. It doesn’t feel as large as it is, and it even feels distinctly over-braked, which appeals to truck buyers.

      In essence, this is all about the Cummins engine, which is superbly integrated in this setup. Aside from its distinctly non-V8 sound, there's little to criticize about the diesel Power Wagon. It occupies a logical market space; Ford offers the Super Duty Tremor with the Power Stroke diesel, and GM provides Duramax options for its heavy-duty ZR2 and AT4X off-road variants. It's easy to exceed six figures with any of these, so defining "value" becomes subjective. If anything, Ram was just catching up, and its pricing strategy reflects that.

      If you were already convinced of the Power Wagon's merits but were deterred by the gas-only engine configuration, your ideal truck has arrived.

      2027 Ram 2500 Power Wagon Diesel Specs

      Base Price (as-tested): $85,545 ($106,190)