2026 RAM Power Wagon Review: Testing the Modern Icon
The 2026 RAM Power Wagon pays homage to its legendary ancestors which were pioneers in the 4x4 commercial pickup sector. Credit: Huw Evans
Two inch suspension lift and heavy duty 4x4 hardware make this rig ideal for accessing more remote locations. Credit: Huw Evans
Interior is spacious and accommodating, dominated by large 14.4-inch centre console screen. Credit: Stellantis
Black lower body trim and graphics pay homage to the Macho Power Wagons of the late 1970s. Credit: Huw Evans
All modern Power Wagons come as crew cabs with a 6-foot 4-inch pickup box. Credit: Huw Evans
The current RAM Power Wagon is a unique offering in the heavy duty pickup segment.
Eighty years ago, Chrysler introduced the Dodge Power Wagon. Based on the Military 3/4 ton MC-Series trucks used extensively during World War II, the Power Wagon represented the very first civilian 4x4 medium duty pickup. In production through 1968 in North America (another decade in export markets), it was highly versatile and used extensively by commercial operators for a variety of uses including as fire engines, tow trucks, snow plows, school buses, ambulances, oil and construction site general purpose trucks and as farming vehicles in additional to being a personal use off-road pickup.
After the original Military Style Power Wagon was retired, the name lived on from 1969 through 1980, as a specialized off-road version of the popular Dodge D-Series pickup, culminating in the factory-custom Macho Power Wagon trucks which sported unique graphics, paint and trim.
For the 2005 model year, the Power Wagon moniker was revived, and today, is based on the current 3/4 ton RAM 2500.
Recently, Fleet & Mobility had the opportunity to test the latest incarnation of the Power Wagon to see how it measured up and also, how it might be considered for commercial use today.
Commanding presence
Because it’s based on a medium-duty truck, the Power Wagon offers a commanding presence, both from outside and behind the wheel. A factory two-inch suspension lift adds to this aura, and the contrasting white and black livery of our tester, accentuated the Power Wagon’s no-nonsense, off-road focused mission.
The lower black body treatment and graphics on the front sides of the box, are reminiscent of the old Macho Power Wagons and the blacked out 17-inch wheels and grille further add to a distinctive visual image that stands apart from your typical modern day medium duty pickup.
The Power Wagon comes as a crew cab only, with a 6-foot, 4-inch pickup box. Our test vehicle featured the optional RamBox feature which eats into overall cargo capacity, but if it’s maximizing payload space you’re after, a long-box 2500 or 3500 would probably be a better option.
In terms of propulsion, the 2026 Power Wagon gets its motivation from a 6.4-litre HEMI V8, rated at 405 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque, teamed with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. There are some who bemoaned the fact that the legendary 6.7-litre inline-six cylinder CumminsTurbo Diesel engine wasn’t available on the Power Wagon, and a primary reason was due to clearance issues regarding the front mounted intercooler required for this engine, which interfered with the electrically operated Warn winch offered on the Power Wagon. Happily, for 2027 model year the Cummins will be listed as an option, further expanding the Power Wagon’s capability and appeal, particularly for more commercial-oriented buyers.
Other standard hardware on the Power Wagon, includes the previously mentioned two-inch lifted suspension, with its three-link front and five-link rear solid AAM axles with limited slip and Tru-Lok differentials, specialty Bilstein off-road dampers, and a 4.10 axle ratio. The part-time 4WD system is electronic shift-on-the-fly, allowing the driver to engage it via pushbuttons in the cab, including both high and also low range for serious rock crawling and terrain navigation.
Well-matched
On the road, the latest Power Wagon feels pretty refined. The HEMI V8 delivers plenty of gruntand the transmission’s gear ratios are well matched to the engine’s torque curve. For traditionalists, it’s nice to have a proper column shift lever in place of a rotary dial, though sometimes, we found shifting between park, reverse, neutral and drive a little finicky. Despite having a five link coil-sprung rear end, the Power Wagon still tends to bounce around a bit on rougher road surfaces, especially when the bed is empty.
The factory LT285/70R17D all-terrain tires delivered fairly minimal road noise at highway speeds and off the beaten path proved to be a good complement to the truck’s 4WD system. Along muddy trails and ruts, we found little difficulty in powering through and continuing on our journey.
In terms of payload and towing capacity, the Power Wagon is rated at 3,320 lbs (1.506 kg) and can tow up to 4,932 lbs (6772 kg). While decent, these aren’t super high numbers in the heavy duty pickup segment, and illustrate that the Power Wagon is more oriented toward those looking for a rig designed for Park Ranger duty, or for use by reps or supervisors requiring access to remote oil fields or construction sites, or as flagship truck for small business owners, as opposed to a true workhorse pickup.
Framed within that context however, the, the Power Wagon, is a stellar choice. It is highly capable both on and off-road, as well as comfortable to drive over both short and long distances. The interior is accommodating, with wide, comfortable front bucket seats and a supportive rear bench, plus heating functions on both rows of seats and the steering wheel are welcome in the Canadian climate, particularly if you have to head out and visit a remote job site first thing on a cold morning. The massive 14.4-inch centre stack took a bit of getting used to, especially for some of the comfort and convenience features and trailer control functions, and we’re not sure that every buyer would appreciate the level of technology in this vehicle, plus we found some electronics, including the remote lock/unlock and navigation and app functions a bit intermittent at times.
Verdict
Base price for the 2026 RAM 2500 Power Wagon in Canada is $87,395 and it’s easy to push the final sticker price well north of $110,000 when you start adding options and features. Our tester came in at $113,955 by the time all was said and done.
Yes, that’s a considerable amount of change, particularly for fleet customers who are often looking to maximize procurement returns, but then again, there are few modern trucks that are as iconic as the Power Wagon. And, as both an image builder for your business and a highly capable on off-road pickup, even at that price, it’s still tough to beat in today’s market place.
