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Ram 2500 Vs. Ram 1500: Detailed Specs And Features Comparison

Ram 2500 Vs. Ram 1500 Shop New Ram Trucks

Pickup trucks come in many shapes and with many powertrains, which is why a Ram 1500 vs. 2500 guide can help you choose the right beast for your upcoming jobs. The Ram 1500 is a half-ton pickup with a lot to work with, featuring over 100 standard and available safety features, three hard-working engines, and a suite of convenience technologies perfect for daily driving. The Ram 2500 is a larger, more muscular three-quarter-ton truck, made for some of the toughest jobs a vehicle can manage.

We at McGee Automotive Family want to make it easy for you to choose between these two expressive, hard-working haulers. View the highlights below, then come for a test drive!

2025 Ram 1500 vs. 2500 at a Glance

  • The Ram 1500 is smaller and designed for lighter work, sporting 11,550 pounds of maximum towing capacity1 compared to the Ram 2500 and its 20,000-pound towing capacity.1
  • The Ram 2500 also has higher overall payload and cargo limits thanks to its larger size.
  • The Ram 1500 is much more fuel efficient, but the Ram 2500 has a more spacious interior with a stronger standard engine.
  • The Ram 1500 creates a cabin focused entirely on internal luxury, with available features like 20-way driver's seats and a 23-speaker Klipsch® sound system. The Ram 2500 has many similar features but stops a bit short of the top-tier Ram 1500 trims.

2025 Ram 2500 vs. Ram 1500 Specs

Looking at the engines and size of these new Ram trucks, you'll see the most obvious difference between them: Where the Ram 1500 is an everyday light-duty truck, the Ram 2500 conquers trailers of nearly any size with a stronger chassis and larger build.

2025 Ram 15002025 Ram 2500
Max. Horsepower540430
Max. Torque521 lb-ft1,075 lb-ft
Number of Engine Options32
Max. Towing Capacity11,550 lbs120,000 lbs1
Max. Payload Capacity2,370 lbs23,940 lbs2
Seating Capacity5-62-6
Length (Crew Cab, Max. Bed)241.8 in260.8 in
Body Width (Crew Cab, Max. Bed)82.1 in79.4 in
Height (Crew Cab, Max. Bed)77.6 in80.1 in
Max. Box Length76.3 in98.3 in
Max. Box Capacity61.5 cu ft74.7 cu ft
Ram 1500 vs. 2500 Towing Capacity

Ram 1500 vs. 2500 Towing Capacity

As shown above, the Ram 2500 is designed with heavy lifting in mind, offering up to 20,000 pounds of towing capacity.1 That lets the Ram 2500 easily handle most trailers, such as fifth-wheel campers, a typical flatbed trailer, livestock trailers, and much more.

That's not to say the Ram 1500 isn't impressively capable – far from it. Hitch a large enclosed utility vehicle, small horse carrier, or large travel trailer to the back of a Ram 1500 and see how far its 11,550-pound maximum towing capacity1 can get you.

Ram 2500 vs. Ram 1500 Trims

Ram 2500 vs. Ram 1500 Trims

Where the Ram 1500 starts to show its strengths is in the realm of trim breadth and convenience features. Do you want an affordable work truck? You got it in the Tradesman. Looking for luxury that your family won't want to live without? See the Limited. Ten Ram 1500 trim levels await you:

  • Tradesman
  • Tradesman HFE
  • Big Horn
  • Warlock
  • Laramie
  • Rebel
  • RHO
  • Limited
  • Limited Longhorn
  • Tungsten

The Ram 2500 lineup is divided into seven trims. Most of what's available above is here:

  • Tradesman
  • Big Horn
  • Laramie
  • Rebel
  • Power Wagon
  • Limited Longhorn
  • Limited
Ram 2500 vs. Ram 1500 Interior Features

Ram 2500 vs. Ram 1500 Interior Features

No matter what trim you select, the Ram 1500 typically stays one step ahead of the Ram 2500 in comfort and convenience. As mentioned earlier, the Ram 1500 has available 20-way driver's seats with front-row heating and ventilation, along with a 23-speaker premium audio system. The Ram 2500 has 14-way driver's seats and a 17-speaker Harman Kardon® audio system.

Safety and driver assistance is a similar story. Both models have expansive sensor technology, like Adaptive Cruise Control, ParkSense Front and Rear Park-Assist, and full-speed forward collision warning. However, the Ram 1500 offers a few additional features not found on their big sibling, like the standard Active Lane-Management System or available Selec-Speed Control. The Ram 2500 does come with additional standard trailer controls, like an integrated Trailer Brake Controller.

See the Ram 2500 vs. Ram 1500 Matchup In Person

See the Ram 2500 vs. Ram 1500 Matchup In Person

We can't wait to show off these models from our Ram 1500 vs. 2500 comparison when you visit our McGee Automotive Family locations! See different trim levels, add-ons, and designs with a quick appointment!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary differences between the Ram 1500 and Ram 2500?

The most significant differences between the Ram 1500 and Ram 2500 are size and capability. The Ram 1500 is a fuel-efficient, more maneuverable light-duty truck designed to handle medium-sized tasks with its 11,550-pound towing capacity.1 The Ram 2500 is a three-quarter-ton, heavy-duty behemoth, spending more fuel to return up to 20,000 pounds of towing capacity.1

What engine options are available for the Ram 1500 and Ram 2500?

The Ram 1500 comes with one of three different engines:

  • 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6
  • 3.0-liter Hurricane twin-turbo I-6
  • 3.0-liter high-output Hurricane twin-turbo I-6

The Ram 2500 has fewer options, but each comes with exceptional power:

  • 6.4-liter HEMI V-8
  • 6.7-liter high-output Cummins® turbo diesel I-6

Are there differences in ride comfort and suspension with the Ram 1500 vs. Ram 2500?

You will find minor differences in suspension between the Ram 1500 and Ram 2500, though both trucks offer a smooth drive over most terrain. The Ram 1500 can come with raised ride height, adaptive damping, and four-corner air suspension across several trims. The Ram 2500 also has raised ride height but sports heavy-duty suspension on most models, though you can find Articulink or automatic-leveling air suspension systems.

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1When properly equipped. See dealer for details.

2When properly equipped. Max payload ratings shown for base configuration. Additional options, equipment, passengers, and cargo weight may affect payload weights. Contact dealer for details.