Warlock name returns to HD lineup for the first time in 50 years
With June mostly behind us, manufacturers are steaming ahead with 2026 model year releases. Next in line is Ram, which has just revealed two sporty versions of its heavy-duty 2500 pickup truck: the Heavy Duty Black Express and Warlock. Both are based on the entry-level trim but add a variety of appealing extras, while also keeping the price reasonable. The smaller Ram 1500 already made a lot of noise by bringing back the Hemi V8 for 2026, so let’s see what the two new 2500 variants have to offer.
2026 Ram 2500 Black Express
Stellantis
This is the cheaper of the two new heavy-duty pickups, with a base price of $53,735 including the destination charge. That makes it $2,495 more expensive than the base Tradesman model.
Outside, the Black Express can be ordered in Crew Cab guise with a long or short bed. A sport performance hood, body-color bumpers and grille surrounds, trailer tow mirrors, and black tube cab length side steps are all added. It sits on 20-inch black wheels and there are several colors available, including Diamond Black, Bright White, Forged Blue, and Molten Red.
Inside, cloth covers the seats and there’s a carpeted floor covering. Front and rear parking sensors are a welcome addition for such a large pickup.
Buyers can choose from two powertrains, the first being the 6.4-liter Hemi V8 with 405 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque. The optional unit is the mighty 6.7-liter high-output Cummins turbodiesel with 430 hp and 1,075 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic is standard in both cases, and 4×2 or 4×4 systems are available. The link-coil rear suspension also helps this 2500 ride better than the average heavy-duty truck.
2026 Ram 2500 Warlock
Stellantis
Starting at $57,165, the new 2500 Warlock goes further than the Black Express. The upgrades here are not just visual, but turn the Ram into a genuinely more capable truck. For instance, this one comes with 4×4 exclusively, and you have to stick with the Crew Cab and short bed.
It rides on 20-inch diamond cut wheels wrapped in 34-inch Goodyear Duratrac A/T tires. Ram also adds a transfer case skidplate, hill descent control, Bilstein shocks (tuned for on- or off-road use), and an anti-spin rear differential. The trailer tow mirrors and color palette from the Black Express are the same here.
This derivative can be identified by its Warlock bedside decal and a black surround for the grille, flares, and bumpers. And, while not much changes inside, it does get front/rear all-weather floor mats to cope with the dirt and grime that will accompany more challenging off-road adventures.
The same two engines and automatic transmission are available here. Interestingly, this is the first time the Warlock name has been used for the HD range since its introduction half a century ago, when it was used in the 1970s on the Dodge D-Series lineup. The Warlock trim has already been offered on the 1500 for some time.
“Everyone likes a good-looking truck, but the challenge is making it affordable while adding value to the entire lineup,” said Tim Kuniskis, CEO of Ram. “The Ram 2500 Black Express and Warlock offer an attractive price with custom appearance, while building on our sport truck leadership position.”
The two new pickups will begin arriving at dealers in the third quarter, and Ram will hope they improve on the brand’s recent poor showing in J.D. Power’s initial quality study.
