Promoted for its power and strength, the Ram HD heavy-duty pickups balance style, comfort, and towing and hauling capability.Essentially a toughened-up offshoot of the Ram 1500, the Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 versions can be ordered as a stripped-down work truck, a luxury hauler, or anything in between.

A new top-rung Limited Tungsten edition joins the Ram HD lineup for the 2018 model year.A rearview camera has become standard on all models.The optional infotainment system, with 8.4-inch screen, gets some helpful upgrades in resolution, as well as operation with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Eight trim levels are offered: Tradesman, SLT, Lone Star, Big Horn, Power Wagon, Laramie, Laramie Longhorn, and Limited.The new Limited Tungsten edition, with body-color running boards, is an option group.So is the Sport version.Rear-drive is standard, with four-wheel drive available.

Standard engine in Tradesman, SLT, and Lone Star/Big Horn trim is a 5.7-liter V8, developing 383 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque.The optional upgrade, standard in upper trim levels, is a 6.4-liter V8, rated at 410 horsepower and 429 pound-feet.Both engines mate with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Heavy-duty pickups come in three cab configurations: two-door Regular, four-door Crew Cab, and massive Mega Cab.Regular and Crew Cab models are fitted with an 8-foot bed.A 6-foot 4-inch bed is optional for Crew Cab and standard on Mega Cab trucks.

The 6.7-liter inline six-cylinder turbodiesel engine is the best choice for towing.The diesel six makes 350 horsepower and 660 pound-feet with a 6-speed manual gearbox, or 370 hp and 800 pound-feet with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Like other heavy-duty pickups, Rams have solid front and rear axles.Instead of the usual leaf springs, however, coil springs are installed at the rear.An air suspension is available, too.

Crash-testing by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the Ram 2500 a four-star score overall and for frontal impact, but five stars for side-impact.Ram HD trucks lack most advanced safety features, including blind-spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking.

Ram HD comes standard with an 8-foot bed, manual windows, vinyl bench seat, and easy-clean interior, with 5.7-liter V8 and 17-inch steel wheels.

SLT adds cloth upholstery, keyless entry, upgraded audio with 5.0-inch screen, chrome bumpers, heated power mirrors, and 18-inch wheels.

Lone Star and Big Horn editions feature special equipment.Laramie gets the 6.4-liter V8, leather upholstery, and upgraded audio with 8.4-inch touchscreen.Laramie Longhorn has two-tone paint and saddle-inspired leather.Limited features bountiful chrome and monochrome paint.

Crew Cab Power Wagon is a special model built on Lone Star/Big Horn foundation that features 6'4″ bed, 4WD , 6.4-liter V8 and off-road technology, including raised suspension, skid plates, 33-inch tires, winch, and locking differentials.

Inspired by big commercial trucks, the stylish Ram 2500 and 3500 are similar in appearance to the lighter-duty Ram 1500, with a taller grille and larger headlights.

Each trim level has a distinct approach to the character of big domestic heavy-duty pickups.On the work-ready Tradesman, bumpers are unpainted and wheels are steel.SLT, Lone Star, and Big Horn renditions add abundant chrome.

Available only with four-wheel drive, the Power Wagon stands apart from its mates, courtesy of a high-riding stance and running light atop the roof.A winch is integrated into the bumper.

Clean-looking and functional inside the cab, the Ram HD conveys a softer note than its rough-shod exterior suggests.Each model is comfortable and roomy up front.

Most controls sit within easy reach, on a symmetrical dashboard that's nicely laid out.Materials range from durable plastics in Tradesman trucks to soft-touch surfaces in higher-end models.Upholstery possibilities start with vinyl in the Tradesman, escalating to various grades of cloth and leather.Semi-aniline leather in Laramie Longhorn and new Limited Tungsten versions exceeds materials used in some luxury cars.

Like most heavy-duty pickups, Ram trucks suffer from very tall step-in heights – higher yet on four-wheel-drive versions.

Crew Cabs and bigger-yet Mega Cab models provide ample stretch-out room for five adults (six, with the standard front bench seat).

Any Ram HD ranks as a workhorse.Robust engines and compliant suspensions enhance hauling/towing confidence.Ram 3500 models with dual rear wheels offer greater stability when towing in crosswinds and other challenging conditions.They also offer larger tongue-weight capacities.

More than adequate for lighter loads, the 5.7-liter V8 can struggle on upgrades or when fully loaded.The 6.4-liter engine is smooth and strong, though thirsty.Diesel-engine power impresses for sheer brute force.

Helped by their rear coil springs, Ram trucks ride better than rivals, even when pulling a trailer.Compared to passenger cars or a Ram 1500, though, the less-composed ride is stiff and bouncy when empty.

The hydraulically boosted steering is light and vague.With an optional air suspension, a Ram can be lowered to ease entry and cargo-loading, or raised for additional ground clearance, a nice feature.

With abundant ground clearance and locking differentials, the Power Wagon scores for off-road tenacity, but it's too big for narrow trails and it rides rough around town.

Like their Dodge-brand ancestors, heavy-duty Rams look the part of a potent truck and perform well, though steering/handling could be better.They're available with a dizzying variety of options, like other full-size pickups.

Driving impressions by Andrew Ganz, The Car Connection.James M.Flammang contributed to this report.