Ram 2500 vs 3500: Which Heavy-Duty Ram Is Right for You?
The Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 are both heavy-duty trucks, so the choice comes down to how much you tow and haul. The 2500 pairs strong capability with a smoother everyday ride, while the 3500 steps up to the heaviest towing and payload, with a dually option. Here is how to tell which one fits you.
Ram 2500 vs Ram 3500: the specs side by side
| Specification |
Ram 2500 |
Ram 3500 |
| Class |
Three-quarter-ton heavy-duty |
One-ton heavy-duty |
| Starting MSRP |
About $46,855 |
About $47,195 |
| Standard engine |
6.4L HEMI V8 (410 hp) |
6.4L HEMI V8 (410 hp) |
| Top diesel |
6.7L Cummins (370 hp, 850 lb-ft) |
6.7L HO Cummins (430 hp, 1,075 lb-ft) |
| Max towing |
Up to 20,000 lbs |
Up to 36,610 lbs |
| Max payload |
Standard for the class |
Up to 7,680 lbs |
| Dual rear wheels (dually) |
Not available |
Available |
| Factory off-road |
Power Wagon available |
Not offered |
| Ride unladen |
Smoother |
Firmer, built for max load |
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.
Which one is right for you?
Choose the Ram 2500 if
- You want heavy-duty capability with a smoother everyday ride
- You want the factory Power Wagon (winch, lockers)
- Single rear wheels are easier to live with daily
- Towing up to 20,000 lbs covers your needs
Choose the Ram 3500 if
- You tow the heaviest loads, up to 36,610 lbs
- You need maximum payload, up to 7,680 lbs
- You want the High Output Cummins (1,075 lb-ft)
- You want a dually for a large fifth-wheel or gooseneck
How much capability do you need
Both are heavy-duty Rams, so this comes down to how much you tow and haul. The 2500 tows up to 20,000 pounds and offers the factory Power Wagon for off-road work, with a smoother unladen ride. The 3500 steps up to 36,610 pounds of towing and up to 7,680 pounds of payload, with a dually option for the biggest fifth-wheel and gooseneck trailers.
Diesel and daily use
Both offer the 6.4L HEMI V8 and the 6.7L Cummins diesel, but the 3500’s High Output Cummins makes up to 1,075 lb-ft of torque versus 850 in the 2500. If you want maximum towing and payload, the 3500 leads; if you want strong capability with an easier daily ride and the Power Wagon option, the 2500 fits.
What the Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 share
Both are heavy-duty Ram trucks with the 6.4L HEMI V8, an available 6.7L Cummins diesel, crew-cab options, and Ram’s 5-year / 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. New models at ALM CDJR Perry are also eligible for ALM VIP Club benefits.
The bottom line
Neither is better across the board; the right pick is the one that matches how you drive and what you haul. Look over the strengths above, then come see both at ALM CDJR Perry near Warner Robins. Our team can line them up side by side.
Ram 2500 overview | Ram 3500 overview
All Ram 2500 comparisons | All Ram 3500 comparisons
Ram 2500 vs Ram 3500: common questions
Should I buy the Ram 2500 or 3500?
The 2500 offers heavy-duty capability up to 20,000 pounds, the Power Wagon, and a smoother ride. The 3500 tows the heaviest, up to 36,610 pounds, carries up to 7,680 pounds of payload, and offers a dually. Choose by how heavy you tow and haul.
What is the difference between the Ram 2500 and 3500?
The 2500 is a three-quarter-ton and the 3500 is a one-ton with more towing, more payload, a stronger High Output Cummins, and an available dually.
How much can the Ram 2500 and 3500 tow?
Up to 20,000 pounds for the 2500 and up to 36,610 pounds for the 3500, properly equipped.
Does the Ram 3500 come as a dually?
Yes. The 3500 offers dual rear wheels for maximum capacity; the 2500 is single-rear-wheel only.
Which has more diesel torque, the 2500 or 3500?
The 3500’s High Output Cummins makes up to 1,075 lb-ft, versus 850 lb-ft in the 2500’s Cummins.
Do the Ram 2500 and 3500 have the same warranty?
Yes. Both carry Ram’s 5-year / 60,000-mile powertrain warranty, and both qualify for ALM VIP Club benefits at ALM CDJR Perry.