Ram Announces Affordable New Models for Heavy Duty Trucks: Warlock and Black Express
The American market is about to witness the arrival of two new sporty and rugged packages from Ram, the 2026 Ram 2500 Warlock and Black Express. These variants are based on the entry-level Ram 2500 Tradesman Crew Cab 4x4 model, offering distinctive looks, strong performance, and competitive pricing.
Both the Warlock and Black Express models come standard with the powerful 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 engine, delivering 405 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque. For those seeking even more power, an optional 6.7-liter Cummins High-Output Turbo Diesel engine is available, boasting 430 horsepower and best-in-class 1,075 lb-ft of torque, paired with a Torqueflite HD 8-speed automatic transmission.
The Black Express package, priced at approximately $3,995 above the base Tradesman, is available on Crew Cab 4x4 trucks with either a short or long bed. The package includes a sport performance hood, body-color bumpers and grille surround, class-exclusive Power Convex Trailer Tow Mirrors, 20-inch black-painted wheels, black tubular side steps, and a traditional cloth bench seat. The Black Express is available in Forge Blue, Flame Red, and muted shades.
The Warlock package, priced at about $4,495 above the base Tradesman, is available only on Crew Cab 4x4 with a short bed. The Warlock shares similar sporty and aggressive styling cues with the Black Express, including a black grille surround, flares, and bumpers, as well as front and rear all-weather floor mats.
Both models benefit from Ram’s exclusive link-coil rear suspension system, providing superior ride quality and handling whether loaded or unloaded. These trucks emphasize a "sport truck" character combining heavy-duty capability with enhanced style and comfort.
Orders for the 2026 Ram 2500 Black Express and Warlock opened recently, and deliveries are expected to start in the third quarter of 2025. Both trucks are assembled in Saltillo, Mexico. The Black Express will begin at $53,735 and the Warlock at $57,165, including destination fees, representing respective $2,495 and $2,995 increases over the price of the existing Ram 2500 Tradesman variant.
These new models expand Ram’s strong sport truck lineup, offering rugged, powerful heavy-duty trucks with unique styling and competitive pricing for customers seeking tough trucks with personality. The Warlock, which is a resurrected name from the 1970s, comes standard with off-roading features including an anti-spin rear differential, Bilstein shocks, transfer case skid plate, and hill descent control.
Tim Kuniskis, CEO of Ram, stated that these models are part of Ram's efforts to boost affordable and sporty offerings in the HD pickup truck market. Ram earlier in June announced the return of its storied Hemi V-8 engine to its light-duty truck lineup and a new ad campaign. Both trucks offer buyers the choice of two engines: Ram’s 6.7L Cummins high-output turbodiesel or its 6.4L Hemi V-8. Each engine is mated to Ram's Torqueflite HD 8-speed automatic transmission.
However, it's important to note that these new models are not significantly de-contented beyond the seating surfaces and wheel options. They do not come with luxury-like features such as leather seating surfaces, advanced digital displays, moonroofs, or massaging seats.
These new Ram 2500 HD models are expected to face some challenges in the second half of 2025, with the auto sales market expected to be full of headwinds. Despite this, the new Ram 2500 Warlock and Black Express are poised to make a significant impact in the HD pickup truck market with their unique styling, strong performance, and competitive pricing.
In the upcoming market, the Ram 2500 Warlock and Black Express models, with their distinctive looks and competitive pricing, are set to make an entrance in the HD pickup truck sector, particularly in the financing aspects of the industry. These vehicles, available in the auto transportation markets, will cater to customers seeking rugged and powerful trucks with a blend of sportiness and personality, especially in the automotive segment.
