Ram 2500 vs F250: Heavy-Duty Truck Showdown
Wondering about the Ram 2500 vs F250? These trucks are leaders in the heavy-duty market. The Ram 2500 and Ford F-250 offer great performance and reliability.
We’ll compare engines, towing abilities, and tech features to help you choose. Need a truck for big loads or off-roading? Comparing the Ram and F250 is key.
The F-250 has a powerful turbo-diesel V8 engine. The Ram 2500’s turbo-diesel I6 is also strong. Towing capacity is top-notch, with the F-250 able to pull 23,000 pounds. The Ram 2500 has a high rating too.
We’ll also cover interior comfort and the technology in both trucks. This guide helps you see every angle. By the end, you’ll know which truck fits your needs. Let’s dive in!
Introduction To Heavy-Duty Trucks
Anyone who needs top-notch towing and hauling abilities should learn about heavy-duty trucks. Such vehicles, like the Ram 2500 and Ford F-250, tackle tough tasks while providing impressive performance in different conditions.
They have strong frames and powerful engines, making them great for both work and play. These trucks can carry big loads and drive over rough terrains easily.
For example, the Ford F-250 has a 6.8-liter V8 engine with 405 horsepower. It also offers two strong diesel engines with up to 500 horsepower.
Meanwhile, the Ram 2500 features a 6.4-liter V8 engine with 410 horsepower and a diesel option that has 850 pound-feet of torque.
Looking into these heavy-duty trucks, you’ll see they meet various needs with their design and tech.
Whether you need advanced towing tools, comfy interiors, or high-end performance, knowing what these trucks offer helps in choosing the right one for you.
Why Choose Heavy-Duty Trucks?
Heavy-duty trucks offer many benefits for work and play. They perform well in tough situations, making them a great choice for serious drivers.
These trucks aren’t just about power; they can also tow heavy loads easily. The Ram 2500, for example, can tow up to 19,900 pounds. This is perfect for pulling trailers or big loads.
The Ford F-250 can tow even more, up to 23,000 pounds, demonstrating their strength. This means you can move large items or equipment without trouble.
These trucks have cool tech and features too. For instance, the Ram 2500 has a special RamBox storage system built into its bed walls.
This gives you extra space for your tools without using up bed space. The Ford F-250 has a built-in step ladder, making it easier to reach the bed when you’re carrying stuff.
But there’s more to these trucks than just toughness. They also have new comfort features and safety tech.
The Ram 2500 has a fancy Uconnect 5 system with a 12-inch touchscreen, and wireless phone hook-up. Safety tools like Adaptive Cruise Control and Blind Spot Monitoring keep you safer on the road.
With their mix of strength, reliability, and new technology, heavy-duty trucks are a smart buy. They’re perfect for anyone who needs a dependable vehicle for work or fun.
Overview of Ram 2500
The Ram 2500 is a top-notch heavy-duty truck. It perfectly combines power, comfort, and modern features.
There are many options to suit different needs. This ensures the truck is versatile and performs well in various situations.
Engine Options and Performance
The Ram 2500 delivers strong performance with two engine choices. Its standard 6.4-liter V8 engine has 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque. For more power, there’s a 6.7-liter turbodiesel six-cylinder engine.
This comes in two versions: one with 370 horsepower and 850 lb-ft of torque, and a high-output variant with 430 horsepower and 1,075 lb-ft of torque. These options offer excellent capabilities for towing and carrying heavy loads.
Interior Features and Comfort
The Ram 2500’s interior makes driving enjoyable. It uses quality materials and includes the latest tech. It has a large 14-inch touchscreen and spots for wireless charging.
The front area is roomy, giving comfort to the driver and passengers. There’s also a smart center console that makes staying organized easy.
Towing and Payload Capacity
The Ram 2500 shines when it comes to towing. With the right engine, it can tow up to 19,020 pounds. The gasoline engine version can tow 16,880 pounds.
It’s great for moving heavy loads, no matter what you’re hauling. The RamBox storage in the bed walls gives extra space for your stuff.
Overview of Ford F-250
The Ford F-250 is a leading heavy-duty truck known for its strong features and versatility. It offers power, technology, and comfort, making it perfect for both work and play.
Engine Options and Performance
This truck has a 6.8-liter V8 engine with 405 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque. Its 10-speed automatic transmission provides smooth acceleration and easy handling. The rear-wheel drive setup improves the truck’s overall performance.
Interior Features and Comfort
The F-250’s interior is designed for both work and comfort. It has a spacious cabin for up to six people, making it great for groups.
The truck features a 12.0-inch touchscreen and a 14-speaker Bose sound system for top-notch audio and easy smartphone use.
Towing and Payload Capacity
With a towing capacity of up to 22,000 pounds, the F-250 shines in its class. This makes it ideal for towing trailers, boats, or heavy gear, setting it as a leading choice for heavy-duty needs.
Performance Comparison: Ram 2500 vs F250
The Ford F-250 leads in truck performance, with up to 500 horsepower. It can also reach 1,200 lb-ft of torque. This gets it from 0-60 mph in just 3.15 seconds. The F-250 is a top performer in its class.
The Ram 2500, though not as strong, offers comfort and capability. It has up to 370 horsepower and 850 lb-ft of torque. Its 0-60 time is 10.3 seconds.
The Ram provides a smoother ride thanks to its special rear suspension. The F-250 can tow up to 20,000 lbs with its diesel engine. The Ram 2500 is close behind, with a towing capacity of 19,020 lbs.
Both trucks have strong payload abilities. The F-250 can carry 4,246 lbs. The Ford F-250 has a tough axle with a 5,200 lbs front rating. Its rear rating is 6,340 lbs, making its total GVWR 11,100 lbs.
The Ram’s front axle is stronger at 6,000 lbs. Its rear is 6,040 lbs, with a GVWR of 10,000 lbs. Fuel efficiency is key for both trucks.
The F-250 holds 34 gallons of fuel, while the Ram holds 31 gallons. Both have modern features like exhaust brakes. The Ram’s brake system is stronger than the F-250’s.
| Model | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | 0-60 Time (Seconds) | Max Towing Capacity (lbs) | Payload Capacity (lbs) | GVWR (lbs) | Fuel Tank Capacity (gallons) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford F-250 | 500 | 1,200 | 3.15 | 20,000 | 4,246 | 11,100 | 34 |
| Ram 2500 | 370 | 850 | 10.3 | 19,020 | See Above | 10,000 | 31 |
Fuel Efficiency: Ram 2500 vs F250
Fuel efficiency is key when picking a heavy-duty truck. You need a truck that does its job well and saves on gas.
The Ram 2500 and the Ford F-250 stand out, each offering something special in fuel efficiency and MPG.
MPG Ratings and Real-World Performance
The Ram 2500 focuses on saving fuel, especially with its HEMI® V8 engine. This engine can turn off some cylinders when they’re not needed.
This helps use less fuel. However, how well the Ram 2500 does in saving gas can vary, especially with different amounts of weight.
The Ford F-250 shows strong fuel economy, shining when it’s not carrying heavy loads. On highways, it goes over 20 mpg.
Even when pulling heavy stuff, it keeps its fuel use low, around 12 mpg. This makes it a great choice for towing.
The Ford F-250 has a bigger gas tank than the Ram 2500, meaning fewer stops to fill up. Although the Ram 2500 can carry heavy loads, the F-250 is better at towing. It can pull up to 11,000 pounds.
Looking at these trucks’ fuel economies helps figure out which is better for you in the long run. By thinking about what you need and how each truck performs, you can pick the best one for your lifestyle.
Towing Capacity: F250 vs Ram 2500 Towing Capacity
When you look at heavy-duty trucks, the Ford F-250 and Ram 2500 stand out. Both have great strength for towing.
The Ford F250 can tow up to 22,000 pounds when it’s set up right. That shows it’s a leader in its class. But, the Ram 2500 can tow up to 19,980 pounds.
The Ram 2500’s towing ability changes with the engine type. Its 6.4L HEMI V8 engine can tow 17,730 pounds. Using the 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel engine, it can tow up to 19,980 pounds.
The Ford F-250 has a 6.7L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel engine. With this, it can tow up to 20,000 pounds. This engine and setup give the F-250 its high towing power.
But, there are other things to think about for towing, like axle ratios, transmissions, and truck bed sizes. The F250 has cool towing tech like Trailer Sway Control.
It also has an Integrated Trailer Brake Controller. These help keep the trailer stable and safe while towing. The Ram 2500 has similar high-tech help for drivers with big loads.
| Truck Model | Maximum Towing Capacity | Payload Capacity | Key Engine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford F-250 | 22,000 pounds | 4,200 pounds | 6.7L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel |
| Ram 2500 | 19,980 pounds | 4,000 pounds | 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel |
If you need a dependable truck for big towing jobs, this comparison helps show what both models offer. The Ford F-250 has a bit higher towing capacity.
Yet, the Ram 2500 is still a strong choice for many. What you pick depends on what you like in a truck.
Reliability: Ram 2500 vs Ford F250 Reliability
Comparing the Ram 2500 and Ford F-250 shows both are trustworthy. J.D. Power gave the Ford F-250 a reliability rating of 83. It’s a bit higher than the Ram 2500’s score of 81.
Ford often beats competitors in customer happiness and performance over time. Research on reliability offers insights for truck owners. The Ram 2500 gets a reliability score of 9.30 out of 10 from iSeeCars.
The Ford F-250’s score is slightly lower, at 9.07 out of 10. This means the Ram might be slightly more reliable for those who plan to keep their truck for a while.
The Ford F-250 is expected to have fewer recalls over 30 years, at 2.05, than the Ram 2500’s 10.61. Even though both trucks are reliable, the Ram could see more recalls.
The Ford scores 9.0 for overall quality, with the Ram slightly behind at 8.8. Both truck brands are praised for their durability and strong performance. The Ford F-250 has a 6.2L V8 engine with 385 horsepower.
It also offers a diesel engine with 475 horsepower. The Ram 2500 has a 6.4L HEMI® V8 engine that gives 410 horsepower.
When you’re looking at the reliability of these trucks, use the provided metrics. They can help you make a smart choice.
| Metric | Ram 2500 | Ford F-250 |
|---|---|---|
| iSeeCars Reliability Rating | 9.30/10 | 9.07/10 |
| Expected 30-Year Lifetime Recalls | 10.61 | 2.05 |
| Overall Quality Score | 8.8/10 | 9.0/10 |
Technology and Infotainment Features
When we look at heavy-duty trucks, the tech features of the Ram 2500 and Ford F-250 stand out. The Ram 2500 impresses with a 12-inch Uconnect® touchscreen.
This provides a user-friendly experience and easy smartphone connection. It supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can mirror your device easily.
In contrast, the Ford F-250 comes with an 8.0-inch touchscreen using SYNC® 3. Though it supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the Ram’s Uconnect® is easier to use.
The F-250 also has a wireless device charger and Wi-Fi, adding comfort for passengers. The Ram 2500 boasts a premium Harman Kardon audio system for top-notch sound.
Ford offers a solid 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen system. But, the Ram’s larger screen and functionality might win over those who love technology.
Visibility tech is key too. The Ford F-250 has a 360-degree camera for better all-around views. Meanwhile, the Ram 2500 has a cargo-view camera, perfect for checking the cargo bed.
Both trucks have great tech features. The Ram 2500 shines with its big touchscreen and ease of use. The Ford F-250, however, has its own unique offerings that may appeal to different drivers.
Ride Comfort and Handling
The Ram 2500 ride comfort is top-notch, thanks to its rear coil springs and optional air suspension. This setup boosts passenger comfort and ensures smooth steering. It’s great for everyday trips.
The Ford F-250 handling, however, feels more like a classic heavy truck. It’s solid but might be rougher on bumpy roads.
Yet, it tries to make up with features like rear auto-level air suspension for a better ride when carrying heavy loads.
The Ram 2500’s interior really focuses on keeping passengers comfortable. High-end versions have leather seats and fancy wood accents.
The cabin is quiet, uses quality materials, and even has a top-notch Harman Kardon sound system for great music on long drives.
The Ford F-250 is comfy but can’t quite match the Ram 2500’s luxury or polish. It has special seats that massage and fast heaters to keep you warm.
But, the Ram 2500 still wins with its smoother driving feel and better control.
Price Comparison and Value Analysis
When looking at the Ram 2500 and Ford F-250, price matters a lot. The Ram 2500’s price often reflects its top-notch technology and luxury. This makes it attractive to those who value comfort and tech.
The Ford F-250, though, focuses more on performance and towing power. Yet, its lower resale value means initial costs could go up. This is crucial in comparing the value of these two heavy-duty trucks.
| Truck Model | Gasoline Version (3 Years) | Diesel Version (3 Years) | Gasoline Version (5 Years) | Diesel Version (5 Years) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ram 2500 | $67 less | $67 costlier | $67 less | $578 costlier |
| Ford F-250 | $1,395 costlier | $1,395 more | $763 costlier | $763 more |
Over three years, the diesel Ram 2500 saves you $67 compared to its gas version. The Ford F-250’s diesel version is $1,395 more expensive than gas.
After five years, the cost difference remains significant. The Ram 2500 diesel shows a smaller jump in costs.
Knowing these details helps you pick the right truck for you. It’s all about getting the most value over time. These insights guide you to a choice that fits your budget and lifestyle.
Conclusion
We’ve looked at the Ram 2500 and F250, focusing on what each truck does best. The Ram 2500 shines with a strong design and powerful engines, offering top towing of 15,040 pounds.
The Ford F-250 also impresses with a max tow of 15,000 pounds. Knowing these details helps pick the right truck for your needs, whether for heavy lifting or daily drives.
When choosing your truck, think about how much it can carry too. The Ford F-250 can hold a bit more at 4,500 pounds, compared to the Ram’s 4,380 pounds.
Both trucks come with high-tech features and comfort for tough use. The options available let you tailor the truck to fit your needs, making your choice even more personal.
In the end, deciding between the Ram 2500 and Ford F-250 comes down to what you need most.
Consider their towing power, performance, and how comfortable they are inside. This will help you pick the truck that suits your lifestyle and work best.
FAQs
What are the main differences between the Ram 2500 and the Ford F-250?
The Ram 2500 blends performance with comfort, offering a well-designed interior and the latest tech. On the other hand, the Ford F-250 shines in towing power and robust engines. It’s a bit better for tough jobs.
Which truck offers better towing capacity, the Ram 2500 or the F-250?
The Ford F-250 leads with up to 23,000 pounds of towing capacity. The Ram 2500 shows strong towing skills too. But it usually doesn’t match the F-250, depending on the setup.
How do the fuel efficiency ratings compare between the Ram 2500 and F-250?
The Ram 2500 is usually more fuel-efficient. This is thanks to its HEMI® V8 engine’s Multi-Displacement System. Meanwhile, the F-250’s engines often use more fuel in similar conditions.
Which truck is considered more reliable, the Ram 2500 or the F-250?
According to J.D. Power, the Ford F-250 has a small lead in reliability. It scores 83, over the Ram 2500’s 81. This suggests Ford might be slightly better for long-term durability.
What are the engine options available for the Ram 2500?
The Ram 2500 comes with a 6.4-liter V8 engine that makes 405 horsepower. There’s also a 6.7-liter Turbo Diesel option. This engine delivers 430 horsepower.
Can the Ford F-250 handle off-road conditions effectively?
Yes, the Ford F-250 is geared for off-roading. It excels in tough terrains, especially when it’s properly equipped. It’s a solid pick for off-road fans.
Are the interior features of the Ram 2500 significantly better than those of the F-250?
The Ram 2500 boasts a luxury interior with top-notch materials and tech. This includes a big touchscreen. The F-250 focuses more on function, missing some premium touches.
