“I don't often get
sentimental about
long-termers, but
the Power Wagon is
going to be greatly
missed.”
Christian SeabaughService life: 12 mo/22,264 mi
Avg Econ/CO2 10.9 mpg/1.78 lb/mi
this tremendously capable pickup was
comfortable on-road, unstoppable off of
it, and capable of hauling 1,249 pounds
or towing 10,050. Was it just a vaca-
tion romance, or was there more to it?
Thankfully, Ram helped me answer that
question when a few months later we took
delivery of our Bright White 2018 Ram
2500 Power Wagon.
Over the past 12 months and 22,264
miles, the Power Wagon has proven itself
to be one of the best off-road-oriented
pickup trucks on the market. Powered by
a trusty 410-horsepower 6.4-liter Hemi
V-8 with a six-speed auto, four-wheel
drive, locking front and rear differen-
tials, electrically disconnecting anti-roll
bars, and a Warn winch rated for 12,000
pounds, there wasn’t much the Power
Wagon wasn’t capable of.
At the start of its stay with us, it
helped me and my wife a explore remote
stretches of Arizona, it yanked stuck SUVs
and motorhomes from sand and snow, and
it was even quite the commuter vehicle,
with its exceptional visibility and respon-
sive powertrain making this sky-riding
pickup far better in Los Angeles’ tightBase price $53,690 As tested $63,280
*IntelliChoice data; assumes 42,000 miles
at the end of three yearsSPECS Options Leather/Luxury Group
($4,995: Alpine audio, dual-zone climate,
leather upholstery, heated seats and
steering wheel, parking assist); RamBox
($1,295: RamBox, cargo hooks, bed
divider/extender, LED lighting); Uconnect
with 8.4-inch display ($745); Spray-in
bedliner ($495); Convenience Group
($395: auto high-beam, auto windshield
wipers); Cargo view camera ($345); CD
player ($295); Remote start ($245); Keyless
Enter 'n Go ($195); Power-adjustable
pedals ($195); Power-folding tow mirrors
($195); Rear window defroster ($195) plates
($465); Welcome lighting ($450)
Problem Areas None
Maintenance Cost $272.52 (3- oil change,
tire rotation, inspection)
Normal-Wear Cost $0 3-Year Residual
Value* $48,300 (76%) Recalls 2: NHTSA
19V-021: Risk of drag link separation.
Resolved by welding nuts to adjuster
sleeve; NHTSA 19V-347: Tailgate could
inadvertently open due to faulty actuator
limiter tab.VERDICT: 2018 Ram 2500 Power Wagon
MT GARAGE
O
ne of the best road trips of my life
was part of MotorTrend’s Trans-
Labrador Highway pickup truck
comparison test. Not only was Northern
and Atlantic Canada breathtaking in its
beauty, but our three off-road pickup
trucks were also pretty awe-inspiring in
their capability—none more so than the
test-best Ram 2500 Power Wagon.
A few weeks later and back home in Los
Angeles, I couldn’t shake the impression
the Ram Power Wagon made on me;
The Ram Power
Wagon taking
flight on the Trans-
Labrador Highway.
92 MOTORTREND.COM FEBRUARY 2020