Ram 1500 Vs. Ram 2500 Comparison & Differences

If you're shopping for a work-ready pickup that's as refined as it is rugged, our Ram 1500 vs. 2500 comparison is a great place to start your research. The Ram truck lineup was redesigned for the 2025 model year, and the experts at DARCARS Automotive Group have the details on what you can expect from each truck. The Ram brand's full-size trucks are among the most sought-after pickups on the market for several reasons, and the 2025 iterations add even more to love with new engine options and an all-new, luxury-focused trim level for the Ram 1500.

So, which truck is right for you? The Ram 1500 and Ram 2500 pickups have a lot in common, but you'll see in this guide that there are plenty of areas where they differ, particularly when it comes to capability. Explore their specs, amenities, and more below to find the ideal match for your lifestyle and budget.

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2025 Ram 1500 vs. 2500 Comparison Chart

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Ram 1500 vs. 2500: Pricing

To start things off, here are the base configurations – along with their starting MSRPs – for each of the models in our new Ram 1500 inventory. Keep in mind that many of these trims can be built with different cab, bed, drivetrain, and engine options, which will affect their price:

• 2025 Ram 1500 Tradesman: 4x2, Quad Cab, 6-foot-4-inch bed, starting MSRP of $40,275¹
• 2025 Ram 1500 Tradesman HFE: 4x2, Quad Cab, 6-foot-4-inch bed, starting MSRP of $41,060¹
• 2025 Ram 1500 Big Horn: 4x2, Quad Cab, 6-foot-4-inch bed, starting MSRP of $45,230¹
• 2025 Ram 1500 Warlock: 4x4, Crew Cab, 5-foot-7-inch bed, starting MSRP of $54,505¹
• 2025 Ram 1500 Laramie: 4x2, Crew Cab, 5-foot-7-inch bed, starting MSRP of $60,030¹
• 2025 Ram 1500 Rebel: 4x4, Crew Cab, 5-foot-7-inch bed, starting MSRP of $64,440¹
• 2025 Ram 1500 RHO: 4x4, Crew Cab, 5-foot-7-inch bed, starting MSRP of $69,995¹
• 2025 Ram 1500 Limited: 4x4, Crew Cab, 5-foot-7-inch bed, starting MSRP of $75,450¹
• 2025 Ram 1500 Limited Longhorn: 4x4, Crew Cab, 5-foot-7-inch bed, starting MSRP of $76,445¹
• 2025 Ram 1500 Tungsten: 4x4, Crew Cab, 5-foot-7-inch bed, starting MSRP of $87,320¹

Now, compare the 2025 Ram 1500 vs. 2500 base configurations and costs. As with the 1500, Ram 2500 trim prices will vary by build:

• 2025 Ram 2500 Tradesman: 4x2, Regular Cab, 8-foot bed, starting MSRP of $45,565¹
• 2025 Ram 2500 Big Horn: 4x2, Regular Cab, 8-foot bed, starting MSRP of $49,710¹
• 2025 Ram 2500 Rebel: 4x4, Crew Cab, 6-foot-4-inch bed, starting MSRP of $68,940¹
• 2025 Ram 2500 Power Wagon: 4x4, Crew Cab, 6-foot-4-inch bed, starting MSRP of $72,140¹
• 2025 Ram 2500 Laramie: 4x2, Crew Cab, 6-foot-4-inch bed, starting MSRP of $77,320¹
• 2025 Ram 2500 Limited Longhorn: 4x2, Crew Cab, 6-foot-4-inch bed, starting MSRP of $73,410¹
• 2025 Ram 2500 Limited: 4x2, Crew Cab, 6-foot-4-inch bed, starting MSRP of $73,460¹

Ram 2500 vs. 1500: Performance

Both Ram pickups impress when it comes to performance. However, you'll find that these trucks are made for slightly different purposes.

As a light-duty full-size truck, the Ram 1500 is a popular choice among many motorists due to its all-around performance, various engine choices, and decked-out trims with luxurious amenities, such as Limited, Limited Longhorn, and the range-topping Tungsten. Let's focus on power for now – the 2025 Ram 1500 boasts the following three potent engine options:

• 3.6-Liter Pentastar V-6: 305 horsepower, 269 pound-feet of torque, up to 8,110 pounds of towing strength,² and a maximum payload capacity of 2,370 pounds³
• 3.0-Liter Hurricane I-6: 420 horsepower, 469 pound-feet of torque, up to 11,550 pounds of towing strength,² and a maximum payload capacity of 1,980 pounds³
• High-Output 3.0-Liter Hurricane I-6: 540 horsepower, 521 pound-feet of torque, up to 9,920 pounds of towing strength,² and a maximum payload capacity of 1,520 pounds³

In contrast, our new Ram 2500 inventory offers the following powertrain options:

• 6.4-Liter HEMI V-8: 405 horsepower, 429 pound-feet of torque, up to 17,750 pounds of towing strength,² and a maximum payload capacity of 4,420 pounds³
• High-Output 6.7-Liter Cummins® Turbo-Diesel I-6: 430 horsepower, 1,075 pound-feet of torque, up to 20,000 pounds of towing strength,² and a maximum payload capacity of 2,740 pounds³

Fewer engine choices aren't a disadvantage when those two options include a legendary HEMI V-8 and a Cummins® turbo-diesel I-6.

How about towing capacity and MPG? The 6.7-liter Cummins® turbo-diesel for the Ram 2500 can tow up to 20,000 pounds when properly equipped, making it the winner in this category.

For jaw-dropping towing strength like this at an even more competitive price, you can also check out used Ram 2500 models offered by our dealerships. However, if a well-rounded light-duty pickup with impressive MPG (for its size) at an exceptional rate sounds like it's more your speed, see if we have any used Ram 1500 editions in stock.

Compare Ram 1500 to Ram 2500 Dimensions

When shopping for a new pickup truck that offers plenty of space for your crew and your cargo, the 2025 Ram 1500 and 2025 Ram 2500 models are both great choices. They can each accommodate up to six occupants in comfort, depending on your chosen configuration. They also offer ample cargo space inside their cab and back in the bed.

How do they compare in key dimensions? Let's take a look:

When comparing the 2025 Ram 1500 Big Horn to the 2025 Ram 2500 Big Horn – both outfitted with 4x2, a Crew Cab, and a 6-foot-4-inch box – we find that the Ram 1500 has a longer wheelbase, making it longer from bumper to bumper. Its slightly longer dimensions mean that the Ram 1500 offers a bit more cargo capacity in the bed than the Ram 2500, but it's close.

With multiple cab styles available for each model, it's really splitting hairs when you compare the dimensions of the 2025 Ram 2500 vs. the 2025 Ram 1500. They offer similar levels of cabin space and cargo capacity, depending on which cab styles you're comparing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Ram 1500 weigh?

A Ram 1500 Tradesman with 4x2, a Crew Cab, and a 5-foot-7-inch box tips the scales at 4,894 pounds. As one of the more affordable and lighter options among the 2025 Ram 1500 lineup, that should give you an idea of how much a Ram 1500 can weigh. A fully loaded 4x4 model with the largest cab and cargo box available can weigh over 5,000 pounds.

Are Ram 1500 and 2500 beds the same size?

Both the Ram 1500 and Ram 2500 can be had with a 6-foot-4-inch box, so in that specification, the truck beds are the same. However, the Ram 1500 offers a 5-foot-7-inch short bed, and the Ram 2500 is available with an 8-foot long bed. Since these pickups offer differing bed lengths, every truck buyer can find their ideal Ram model for hauling cargo.

How much can a Ram 2500 tow?

When equipped with its available 6.7-liter Cummins® turbo-diesel engine, the 2025 Ram 2500 offers a maximum towing capacity of 20,000 pounds.² That's mighty impressive and should provide plenty of capability for even the toughest tasks of many job sites or weekend projects. Get into a new Ram 2500 truck for sale for stellar towing performance.

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¹MSRP excludes destination, taxes, title and registration fees. Starting at price refers to the base model, optional equipment not included. A more expensive model may be shown. Pricing and offers may change at any time without notification. To get full pricing details, see your dealer.

²When properly equipped. See dealer for details.

³When properly equipped. Max payload ratings shown for base configuration. Additional options, equipment, passengers, and cargo weight may affect payload weights. Contact dealer for details.

⁴EPA-estimated 20 city/26 hwy/23 comb MPG with 3.6-liter V-6 and eight-speed automatic transmission. Actual mileage may vary.