​Your truck is your office on wheels, your equipment hauler, and what keeps money coming in. With Plano's construction scene booming and the Texas Department of Transportation managing numerous ongoing projects, choosing the right 2026 Ram 2500 engine could make or break how well your business runs. Whether you're hauling landscaping equipment through McKinney or transporting construction trailers to Richardson job sites, your decision affects everything from your daily fuel costs to your long-term profits. Our team at Huffines Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (CDJR) Plano breaks down the gas and diesel options for the Ram 2500.
Complete 2026 Ram 2500 Engine Lineup Overview
You have two different engine styles to choose from with the 2026 Ram 2500. The 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 gasoline engine delivers 405 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque, working with a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission. This gas-powered option provides quick power response and maintenance routines familiar to most Plano contractors. For more pulling power, the standard 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel I-6 pushes out 370 horsepower and 850 lb-ft of torque through a reliable six-speed automatic transmission.
The next-generation high-output 6.7-liter Cummins engine cranks out 430 horsepower and 1,075 lb-ft of torque. Paired with the new TorqueFlite HD eight-speed automatic transmission, this diesel powerhouse comes with a turbocharger that intelligently adjusts power output based on what you're doing. Its smart turbo technology means that the engine adapts whether you're crawling through Plano traffic or climbing highway grades with heavy loads. Both diesel options give you better fuel economy for long-distance jobs, while the gasoline engine costs less upfront and starts more easily in cold weather.
Different work situations around North Texas require different engines. The HEMI V-8 works for contractors who want lower initial costs and familiar service procedures, while Cummins diesel options really shine when towing capacity and fuel efficiency top your priority list. When you're choosing between gasoline and diesel engines, consider your specific work needs, how you drive daily, and where you want your business headed long-term.
Engine Performance Analysis for Plano-Area Work Applications
Real-world performance is what separates decent trucks from outstanding ones. The 2026 Ram 2500 offers a maximum towing capacity of up to 20,000 pounds with the Cummins diesel engine while maintaining a maximum payload capacity of up to 4,000 pounds across all versions. This towing ability becomes valuable when you consider the heavy equipment demands of Texas infrastructure projects. Better towing performance means faster acceleration from 0 to 60 mph and improved quarter-mile times even under heavy loads, which translates directly to jobsite efficiency.
Torque makes a difference when you're accelerating from stops with heavy payloads or climbing grades with equipment trailers. Diesel engines naturally produce more torque than gasoline engines, perfect for contractors who regularly haul excavators, skid steers, or multiple pallets of materials. Texas heat creates additional challenges that favor diesel engines, since they typically handle sustained heavy loads better when it's blazing hot outside. Trucks such as the Ram 2500 have become favorites among landscaping companies for their maneuverability in urban areas, letting you navigate through Plano neighborhoods more easily while still providing commercial-grade capability.
Plano-Specific Considerations
The Texas climate and local regulations play a role when you're selecting engines for work trucks. Hot climates may require additional cooling solutions for optimal engine performance, and cold-air intake systems boost performance while improved cooling and airflow management become critical during brutal summer months. Local fuel pricing also impacts operating costs, though diesel's better fuel economy often makes up for the higher per-gallon cost in heavy-duty situations.
Emissions regulations affect Plano-area truck owners differently from rural Texas operators. Gas-powered vehicles from 1996 onward require onboard diagnostics checks for emissions system functionality, which is sometimes more complex for diesel systems. Knowing these requirements helps you avoid compliance problems that could sideline your work truck during busy seasons.
Resale value considerations favor diesel trucks in the North Texas market. Higher initial costs for diesel engines are offset by better long-term ownership value and fuel efficiency, especially for high-mileage commercial applications. Rising interest rates are squeezing small contractors' budgets, particularly in Plano and Richardson, making certified preowned trucks increasingly popular among small businesses in McKinney and Mesquite as cost-effective options that still deliver reliable work capability.
Our knowledgeable staff understands the specific requirements of North Texas contractors and can match engine options to your particular work applications. Trust our full-service sales, service, and parts departments to handle everything at one location, from your initial purchase to your long-term maintenance needs.
Experience the 2026 Ram 2500 Engines at Huffines CDJR Plano
Test-driving both engine options will give you the clearest picture of which one fits your work demands. Hands-on experience with both engine options lets our team provide detailed comparisons of towing capacity, payload specifications, and total cost-of-ownership calculations tailored to your business needs. Don't make this important decision based on specifications alone — visit our dealership for a personalized consultation and test-drive that'll help you choose the right 2026 Ram 2500 engine for your Plano-area work needs.