Ram HD Debuts Black Express, Warlock Packages For Base-Model Trucks

At the beginning of June, Ram launched the first of what’s expected to be 25 new products in 18 months. Some of those include the return of the Hemi V8 to the Ram 1500, and one is likely to be the pioneering Ramcharger range-extended hybrid – the first such truck on the market.

But most of those 25 are going to be a lot more like this announcement. Ram is giving its Heavy Duty line some new options by expanding its sport truck lines. The Black Express and Warlock packages, which have been offered on light-duty trucks on and off for more than a decade, will now be available on the 2026 Ram 2500 pickup.

Ram Knows Buyers Want Value And Special Editions

“Everyone likes a good-looking truck, but the challenge is making it affordable while adding value to the entire lineup,” said Tim Kuniskis, the hard-charging gearhead and recently un-retired CEO of Ram.

The 2026 Ram 2500 Black Express is meant to give the big rig some attitude. Make that more attitude, because Ram’s pickups haven’t been wallflowers since July 1993. The extras start with a sport performance hood, which is code for a scoop front and center and plastic louvers on the sides.

Ram paints the bumpers and the grille surround in one of the eight paint shades offered for the body, with offerings that include black, white, red, and blue. It comes with 20-inch wheels with black paint, black tubular side steps, and power convex trailer mirrors.

The Black Express package is offered on the base Tradesman trim truck, where it costs $2,495. It also upgrades the seats and floors to cloth and carpet.

Warlock Gets More Off-Road For Less

While the Black Express is more of a street truck, the Warlock is an off-roader. It gets 20-inch wheels with a diamond-cut shine that wear 34-inch-tall Goodyear Duratrac all-terrain tires. It comes with a limited-slip rear differential, helpful for off-roading and avoiding trouble at the boat ramp. Bilstein shocks tuned for off-road driving are added, along with a skid plate for the transfer case, and hill descent control assistance.

Visuals include a black grille surround, black fender flares, black bumpers, and a Warlock sticker on the box. The truck can be ordered in the same eight colors as the Black Express. And since the Warlock is also based on the Tradesman, Ram’s base trim, it too has cloth bench seats and carpet, plus power tow mirrors. The package adds $2,995 to the price of a bare-bonesTradesman truck.

Both pickups are strictly Crew Cab offerings. The Black Express offers a long or short bed and 4×4 or 4×2 drive. The off-road Warlock is a short bed only, and it is only sold as a 4×4.

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2025 Ram Heavy Duty First Drive Review: The Power To Get It Done

Ram updated its heavy duty lineup with improved tech, improved features, and a revised diesel engine so it’s ready for anything.

Ram is giving customers both of its HD engine options on these trucks. The standard engine is a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 that makes 405 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque. If you need more, step up to the 6.7-liter Cummins turbo diesel I6. It delivers 430 hp and the planet-towing 1,075 lb-ft that the 3/4 ton has offered since last year’s refresh. Both engines come with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Dealers are taking orders for the new trucks now, and they are expected to hit dealers in the third quarter. Ram says it will build the trucks in limited quantities.