Ram 1500 vs 2500

The 1500 & 2500: Two Powerhouse Trucks With Purpose

When it comes to powerhouse trucks built with purpose, the Ram 1500 and Ram 2500 stand tall as two of the most capable and dependable options on the road. Whether you're looking for a versatile light-duty pickup or a heavy-duty workhorse, both trucks deliver impressive performance, durability, and advanced features. The Ram 1500 combines refined comfort with strong towing capability, making it an ideal choice for both everyday driving and weekend adventures. Meanwhile, the Ram 2500 offers exceptional strength and payload capacity for demanding job sites and heavy hauling. Choosing between the two depends on your lifestyle, workload, and the level of power you need to complete the task.

Performance, Towing, & Payload Capacity

When comparing the performance of the Ram 1500 and Ram 2500, the differences come down to power and capability. The Ram 1500 offers multiple engine options, including a 5.7L HEMI® V8 with eTorque, delivering up to 395 horsepower and a maximum towing capacity of around 12,750 pounds. Its payload capacity can reach up to 2,300 pounds, making it a solid choice for light-duty work and recreational use. On the other hand, the Ram 2500 is built for heavy-duty performance, with engine choices like the 6.4L HEMI® V8 or the available 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel, pushing towing capacity up to an impressive 19,990 pounds and payload capacity up to 4,000 pounds when properly equipped. If you need brute strength for hauling heavy trailers or equipment, the Ram 2500 is the clear choice, while the Ram 1500 remains a balanced performer with everyday practicality.

Ram 1500 Engine Options

  • 3.6L Pentastar V6 with eTorque: 305 horsepower / 273 lb-ft of torque
  • 5.7L HEMI V8: 395 horsepower / 410 lb-ft of torque

Ram 2500 Engine Options

  • 6.4L HEMI® V8: 410 horsepower / 429 lb-ft of torque
  • 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6: 370 horsepower / 850 lb-ft of torque

Technology & Safety

Regarding technology and safety, both the Ram 1500 and Ram 2500 are packed with advanced features, though each caters slightly differently to drivers’ needs. The Ram 1500 stands out with its refined interior and available 12-inch touchscreen with Uconnect® 5, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, and a premium sound system, making it feel more like a luxury SUV than a truck. It also offers towing technology like Trailer Reverse Steering Control and an available 360° Surround View Camera to make hauling easier. The Ram 2500, while also offering Uconnect® 5 and similar connectivity features, puts a stronger emphasis on work-ready capability with features like the available Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring System, Trailer Light Check, and an integrated trailer brake controller. On the safety side, both trucks offer available features like Blind Spot Monitoring, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking, giving drivers added confidence whether towing a camper or navigating busy roads. Ultimately, the Ram 1500 offers a tech-rich, comfort-focused experience, while the Ram 2500 delivers heavy-duty functionality with advanced towing and safety tools to match.

Differences Between the RAM 1500 and the RAM 2500

2025 Ram 1500 Features 2025 Ram 2500 Features
305 hp 405 hp
Towing capacity up to 12,750 lbs Towing capacity up to 19,990 lbs
Payload capacity of 2,300 lbs Payload capacity of 4,000 lbs
61.5 cu. ft. of box cargo volume 74.7 cu. Ft. of box cargo volume
Class III bumper hitch Class V receiver hitch
Four-way manual front seats Four-way manual front seats
Trailer sway damping Trailer sway damping and trailer brake controller
No diesel option Diesel option

Visit Our Lum’s Auto Center Stores and Test Drive Both the RAM 1500 & 2500 Today!

Visit one of our Lum's Auto Center stores, like Lum's CDJR, to test drive the powerful Ram 1500 for sale and Ram 2500 model for sale and see which truck best fits your lifestyle and work demands. Whether you're drawn to the refined performance and everyday capability of the Ram 1500 or need the heavy-duty strength and towing power of the Ram 2500, our team is here to help you compare features and performance firsthand. While you're here, be sure to value your trade-in to maximize your upgrade and explore financing options tailored to your needs. Stop by today and get started on finding your next Ram truck at Lum’s!