2026 Ram 2500 Warlock Is a HD Off-Road Truck That’s Affordable
The new Warlock model starts at $57K and has dirt-oriented add-ons, while the street-focused Black Express starts at $54K.
The 2026 Ram 2500 lineup adds two new value-minded models: the Black Express and the Warlock.
The Warlock starts at $57,165 and includes 34-inch-tall all-terrain tires, an off-road-tuned suspension, unique visual add-ons, and cloth bench seats.
The Black Express starts at $53,735 and comes with black 20-inch wheels, a sporty hood, body-colored bumpers, and tubular side steps.
Truck makers have the most creative names for their off-road-focused pickups. Chevy’s Trail Boss and Ford’s Tremor treatments immediately spring to mind, and Ram offers the Rebel. For the 2026 model year, Ram’s heavy-duty lineup adds a Warlock trim, which is the most affordable model for those who like to go past where the blacktop ends.
Warlock Helps You Save a Buck
The Warlock moniker dates back to the 1970s, when it was used on the Dodge D-series trucks. More recently, it was resurrected on the Ram 1500, and it remains the best off-road value. The same is true for the first heavy-duty Warlock, which is based on the Ram 2500 Tradesman. The Warlock’s only available configuration includes the crew cab and shorter cargo bed. Four-wheel drive and a 405-hp Hemi 6.4-liter V-8 are standard. It starts at $57,165, but opting for the Cummins diesel 6.7-liter straight-six is expected to add $12,595. For comparison, the Ram 2500 Rebel has a $77,015 base price ($89,610 with the Cummins), and the Hemi-only Power Wagon starts at $80,510.
So, what do you get with the Warlock? Every model rides on 34-inch-tall Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac all-terrain tires that are mounted on 20-inch wheels. Its suspension has been revised for dirt duty and features a set of Bilstein dampers, the transfer case has a skid plate for extra protection, and there’s a limited-slip rear diff to help with low-traction situations. Warlocks can be easily identified by their bedside decals. Black bumpers, fender flares, and grille surrounds add to the rugged aesthetic. Inside, there’s cloth upholstery instead of leather and an absence of high-end features, but we appreciate the bench seats
An Affordable Street Truck
Not everyone wants their big truck to roll on knobby tires, instead preferring a sportier look. That’s where the 2026 Ram 2500 Black Express comes into play. Like the Warlock, it’s based on the entry-level Tradesmen. While the crew-cab body style is mandatory, Ram lets customers choose between rear- and all-wheel drive. The former starts at $53,735, but that price is expected to rise by $12,595 for those who want the Cummins diesel.
2026 ram 2500hd warlock front quarter
Ram
Regardless of what’s under the Black Express’s special bulging hood, every version features black 20-inch wheels as well as bumpers and a grille surround that match the body color. Paint options include Diamond Black, Bright White, Granite Crystal, Silver Zynith, Forged Blue, Flame Red, Ceramic Grey, and Molten Red. A pair of cab-length tubular side steps helps passengers climb into the cabin. Like the Warlock, the bench seats are covered in cloth, and the floor and floor mats are carpeted. Towing mirrors and parking sensors at both ends are standard fare.
The 2026 Ram 2500 Warlock and Black Express are now available to order, with the first deliveries expected to reach dealerships sometime in July through September.