Ram is expanding its already diverse heavy-duty pickup truck lineup with two new packages intended to offer buyers distinct looks at an affordable price. The 2026 Ram 2500 Black Express and Warlock each bundle unique appearance and trim tweaks with basic comfort upgrades. It might sound like some higher-up in Ram’s marketing department expensed a Dungeons & Dragons rule book to come up with naming ideas, but really, the brand is just mining its history — Ram’s first Black Express debuted in 2013, while the Warlock dates all the way back to 1976. (Both are also currently offered on the light-duty Ram 1500.)
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Both new packages are based on the entry-level Ram 2500 Tradesman and are only available with the crew cab. Ram’s 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 is standard in both trucks, providing 405 horsepower and 429 pounds-feet of torque. Buyers can also spec both the Black Express and the Warlock with the 6.7-liter Cummins diesel inline-six-cylinder, which produces 430 hp and a hulking 1,075 pounds-feet of torque but erodes the value proposition with its $10,000-plus price tag. Ram refers to the Black Express and Warlock as “sport trucks,” which may be less of a stretch with that sort of output but doesn’t quite seem applicable to a heavy-duty truck.
Black Express
Black Express buyers have a choice of rear- or four-wheel drive and a long or short bed. The truck wears a domed and vented hood, body-color bumpers and grille trim, and black 20-inch wheels. In addition to its namesake hue, the Black Express is also available in Bright White, Ceramic Grey, Flame Red, Forged Blue, Granite Crystal, Molten Red and Silver Zynith.
The Black Express is also fitted with power-telescoping tow mirrors and black side steps. In place of the Tradesman’s vinyl seat and flooring, it has cloth and carpet. Front and rear parking sensors are also included.
Warlock
Only available with 4WD and the short box, the Warlock features black fender flares, bumpers and grille trim and a black Warlock bedside decal. It, too, is fitted with a cloth bench seat, carpet and the upgraded mirrors and is available in the same selection of paint colors. But the Warlock forgoes the Black Express’ cab step and parking sensors in favor of off-road gear: 20-inch wheels wearing 34-inch all-terrain tires, Bilstein shock absorbers, a limited-slip rear differential and a skid plate protecting the transfer case.
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Availability and Pricing
Orders are open for the 2026 Ram 2500 Black Express and Warlock now, with deliveries to begin in the third quarter of 2025. Ram is charging $2,495 for the Black Express, while the Warlock’s sturdier off-road equipment demands a $2,995 premium. That brings the base price of the trucks (including the destination charge) up to $53,735 and $57,165, respectively.
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