A Los Angeles-area guide for choosing between the 6.4L HEMI® V8 and the 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel in your Ram 2500—based on traffic, towing, daily use, and cost of ownership.
Why Engine Choice Matters in the Los Angeles Area
Driving around Los Angeles means heavy traffic, highway grades (such as the Grapevine or Angeles Crest), and a mix of city stops and occasional towing or hauling. Your engine choice in a Ram 2500 should reflect how you’ll use it—daily commuting, weekend towing, jobsite loads, or all-of-the-above.
The Two Main Engine Choices for Ram 2500
- 6.4L HEMI® V8 (Gas) – Excellent throttle response, lower upfront cost, simpler ownership if you perform mostly city driving or light towing.
- 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel (2025 High-Output) – Massive torque and towing capacity. Ideal if you tow trailers, haul equipment, or make long highway trips from Los Angeles to the mountains or deserts.
Comparing Specs & Use-Cases for LA Drivers
| Engine | Best Use Case | Why For LA-Area Drivers |
|---|---|---|
| 6.4L HEMI® V8 | Daily driving, light towing, jobsite tools | Lower cost, fewer diesel-specific components, responsive in stop-and-go traffic. |
| 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel (HO, 2025-on) | Heavy towing (5k–20k lb), mountain/desert trips, long-haul hauling | High torque, lower RPM on highway grades, better cooling when towing long distances out of LA. |
Los Angeles Driving Realities & What That Means
- Traffic & Idling: Gas V8 shines in stop-and-go traffic with fewer emissions/heavy-duty systems.
- Highway Grades: Diesel’s torque keeps things cooler and easier on the drivetrain when towing or driving long-haul to Big Bear, Joshua Tree, or places beyond LA.
- Short Trips vs Long Runs: If most trips are short around LA city limits, gas may be simpler. If you frequently haul or tow, diesel becomes a strong advantage.
- Fuel Costs & Maintenance: Diesel often costs more per gallon in SoCal, and diesel engines include extra systems (DEF, DPF). Gas has simpler maintenance but may cost more when towing extensively.
Which Engine Should You Choose?
If you:
- Use your Ram 2500 mainly in the city, for tools, commuting, light loads → go with the 6.4L HEMI V8.
- Tow trailers, go off-site frequently, haul heavy equipment, or drive long-haul out of Los Angeles → choose the 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel (HO).
Visit Us for a Test Drive & Comparison
At :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}, we can arrange both engines for you to compare side-by-side. See how the 6.4L HEMI handles city traffic and how the 6.7L Cummins pulls on the highway.
📍 Address: 2350 1st Street, Simi Valley, CA 93065 | Sales: 805-387-9755
Location Maps – Los Angeles & Simi Valley
2350 1st Street, Simi Valley, CA 93065
Frequently Asked Questions
Which engine offers the most towing on the Ram 2500?
The 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel (High-Output) with the 8-speed HD transmission offers the highest towing capacity on the Ram 2500—ideal for heavy trailers and long-haul driving out of Los Angeles.
Is the 6.4L HEMI V8 still a solid choice for LA driving?
Yes—if you’re driving mostly around the city, using for worksite tools or light towing, the 6.4L HEMI offers simplicity, strong performance and lower upfront cost.
Do diesel engines make sense for frequent short trips in LA?
Diesel engines can incur extra wear or forced regenerations if used on short, stop-and-go trips frequently around town. If you mostly drive in the city, a gas engine may suit better.
