Ram 2500 Compared: Rivals and Trims
Shopping three-quarter-ton trucks? The Ram 2500 pairs a standard HEMI V8 and an available Cummins diesel with a comfortable cabin and a unique factory Power Wagon. Open a one-on-one comparison below, see how it stacks up, and walk through the trims.
Ram 2500 matchups, one on one
Already have a rival in mind? Each link opens a full side-by-side of the Ram 2500 against that specific truck, spec for spec.
How the Ram 2500 measures up
| Model |
Starting MSRP |
Standard engine |
Diesel option |
Max towing |
| Ram 2500 |
About $46,855 |
6.4L HEMI V8 (410 hp) |
6.7L Cummins (850 lb-ft) |
Up to 20,000 lbs |
| Ford F-250 |
About $45,975 |
6.8L V8 (405 hp) |
6.7L Power Stroke (up to 1,200 lb-ft) |
Up to 23,000 lbs |
| Chevrolet Silverado 2500 |
About $48,195 |
6.6L V8 (401 hp) |
6.6L Duramax (975 lb-ft) |
Up to 22,420 lbs |
| GMC Sierra 2500 |
About $49,295 |
6.6L V8 (401 hp) |
6.6L Duramax (975 lb-ft) |
Up to 22,430 lbs |
Starting MSRP is the manufacturer’s suggested retail price and may or may not include destination charges; it excludes taxes, title, and dealer fees. Contact us for current pricing.
The Ford F-250 and the GM twins (Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and GMC Sierra 2500) edge the Ram 2500 on maximum diesel towing, but the Ram counters with the only factory Power Wagon in the class and one of the most comfortable heavy-duty cabins. All four offer a gas V8 standard and a turbo-diesel option. Open a head-to-head above for the full breakdown.
Worth knowing about the Ram 2500
- The Ram 2500 is the only heavy-duty truck offered as a factory Power Wagon.
- It comes standard with a 410-horsepower 6.4-liter HEMI V8, with the Cummins diesel available.
- It is known for one of the most comfortable, upscale cabins in the heavy-duty class.
Ram 2500 trim comparison
The Ram 2500 lines up from the work-ready Tradesman to the luxury Limited, with the off-road Power Wagon and Rebel in between.
| Trim |
Highlights |
Best for |
| Tradesman |
Work-ready value with the standard HEMI V8 |
Value and work |
| Big Horn / Lone Star |
Popular midrange with more comfort and features |
Most buyers |
| Power Wagon / Rebel |
Factory off-road hardware, winch, and locking differentials |
Off-road |
| Laramie / Limited Longhorn / Limited |
Leather and near-luxury appointments |
Comfort and luxury |
Ram 2500 comparison FAQ
What trucks compete with the Ram 2500?
The Ram 2500 is most cross-shopped with the Ford F-250, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, and GMC Sierra 2500. We have a dedicated comparison for each; open the links above.
Which heavy-duty truck tows the most?
Among these, the Ford F-250 leads at up to about 23,000 pounds, with the Silverado 2500 and Sierra 2500 at up to about 22,400, while the Ram 2500 tows up to 20,000 pounds.
Does the Ram 2500 have a diesel?
Yes, the available 6.7-liter Cummins turbo-diesel makes 370 horsepower and 850 lb-ft of torque. The F-250 and Silverado 2500 also offer turbo-diesels.
What makes the Ram 2500 different from its rivals?
The Ram 2500 is the only one offered as a factory Power Wagon, with a winch and locking differentials, and it is known for one of the most comfortable heavy-duty cabins.
What is the difference between the Ram 2500 and Ram 3500?
Both are heavy-duty trucks that share the 6.4-liter HEMI V8 and the available 6.7-liter Cummins turbo-diesel. The Ram 3500 steps up capability: it offers the High Output Cummins with 1,075 lb-ft of torque, an available dual-rear-wheel (dually) setup, and tows up to 36,610 pounds with a much higher payload. The Ram 2500 tops out around 20,000 pounds of towing and rides a bit smoother day to day, which suits buyers who do not need maximum capacity.
Which Ram 2500 trim is best?
Tradesman for work, Big Horn or Lone Star for most buyers, Power Wagon for off-road, and Laramie and above for luxury.
