Compare RAM 1500 Vs. 2500 Trucks: Performance, Size, Towing Capacity
If you're trying to decide which Ram truck suits your needs and lifestyle, our Ram 1500 vs. 2500 matchup can help. Our guide will give you an overview of the performance specifications, towing capacity, and the dimensions of each model to help you decide which option is a better choice for you.
After reviewing our guide, book an appointment with our team of experts at Bice Motors to see all the durability, strength, and off-road-ready performance for yourself.
| 2023 Ram 1500 Tradesman | 2023 Ram 2500 Tradesman | |
| Engine: | 3.6-liter PentaStar® V-6 24V VVT eTorque engine | 6.4-liter V-8 Heavy Duty HEMI® MDS engine |
| Horsepower: | 305 | 410 |
| Torque: | 273 lb-ft | 429 lb-ft |
| Towing Capacity: | 7,730 lbs1 | 17,730 lbs1 |
| Payload Capacity: | 2,330 lbs | 4,000 lbs |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: | 23-gallon | 32-gallon |
| Seating Capacity: | 6 | 3 |
| Passenger Volume: | 117 cu ft | 62 cu ft |
Ram 1500 vs. 2500: Performance & Specs
Our first stop is performance and specifications when comparing the 2023 Ram 1500 vs. 2500. Let's dive into engine options, starting with the Ram 1500. Consider the 2023 Ram 1500 for sale for access to four engines:
- 3.6-liter PentaStar® V-6 engine delivering 305 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque
- 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine capable of 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque
- 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 engine offering 260 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque
- Supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI® V-8 engine offering 702 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque - only available on the TRX trim level
The Ram 2500 offers heavy-duty capability with two engine options you won't find on the Ram 1500 lineup. The standard engine is the 6.4-liter HEMI® V-8 option, which delivers 410 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque. The available 6.7-liter Cummins® turbo diesel I6 engine offers enhanced responsiveness and torque ratings to improve towing capacity. Choose this option for 370 horsepower and 850 pound-feet of torque.
In the field of performance specifications, we find one model in our Ram 1500 vs. 2500 comparison beats the other: the Ram 2500. However, the Ram 1500 is an impressive piece of automotive art that can be perfect for daily gardening, construction, or renovation tasks.
Ram 1500 vs. 2500: Towing & Payload Capacity
Your towing and payload capacities will vary depending on which Ram 1500 or Ram 2500 trim level and engine option you choose. Consider the Ram 1500 with the 3.6-liter PentaStar® V-6 engine with eTorque to tow 7,730 pounds when properly equipped and enjoy a payload capacity of 2,330 pounds - the maximum payload amount for this Ram model. Upgrading to 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine to tow up to 12,750 pounds when properly equipped. Choose durable diesel power with the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 engine to tow 9,600 pounds when properly equipped.
If you're looking for industrial strength, opt for the Ram 2500. Choose the standard 6.4-liter HEMI® V-8 to tow 17,730 pounds when properly equipped and enjoy a maximum payload of 4,000 pounds. The available 6.7-liter Cummins® turbo diesel I6 engine can tow an incredible 19,980 pounds when properly equipped and handle 3,140 pounds of payload.
The winner of this category in today's Ram 1500 vs. 2500 matchup depends on what you need from your vehicle. If you need heavy-duty payload and towing capacity, check out our new Ram 2500 inventory to browse our durable and reliable models today.
Ram 1500 vs. 2500: Gas Mileage & Fuel Economy
Gas mileage and fuel economy are the next stop in our Ram 1500 vs. 2500 comparison. Because our selection of Ram 1500 and Ram 2500 models comes with different cab and cargo bed sizes and different engine options, fuel economy can vary greatly between models. Generally, grabbing a 2023 Ram 1500 Tradesman, the base model, will land you an EPA-estimated 20/25/22 MPG2 (City/Highway/Combined). Upgrading to a model with a heftier engine will lower fuel economy. The Ram 1500 TRX, for example, offers an EPA-estimated 10/14/11 MPG3 (City/Highway/Combined).
Because the Ram 2500 is a heftier truck, you can expect it to have less fuel efficiency than the Ram 1500. In this category of our Ram 1500 vs. 2500 matchup, the Ram 1500 wins out since it can be more fuel efficient without slacking on power.
Ram 1500 vs. 2500: Size & Dimensions
Which model in our Ram 1500 vs. 2500 is bigger and offers more space? Let's find out by starting with the Ram 1500. Jumping behind the wheel of the Ram 1500 Tradesman, the base model offers you 228.9 inches of length, 82.1 inches of width, and 77.6 inches of height, which make for a large and spacious model. Enjoy 61.5 cubic feet of cargo bed volume, which offers plenty of space for your gear, luggage, and construction materials.
The Ram 2500 is a little longer and taller, although the Ram 1500 takes the crown in width. Enjoy 232 inches of length, 79.4 inches of width, and 78 inches of width on the 2023 Ram 2500. You'll also benefit from more cargo bed volume than the Ram 1500, offering 74.7 cubic feet of cargo volume to better suit your heavy lifting needs. The base trim of the Ram 2500 offers more length at 98.3 inches, while the Ram 1500 only offers 76.3 inches.
Shop Powerful Ram Pickup Trucks in Alexander City, AL, Today
Which model in our Ram 1500 vs. 2500 matchup suits your lifestyle and needs better? When you're ready for a closer examination of the versatility in our Ram truck lineup, visit Bice Motors in Alexander City, AL. Don't forget to ask about Ram 1500 lease deals or financing specials on our 2023 Ram 2500.
If you want to see how other models measure up against the iconic Ram 1500 on our lot, check out our Ram 1500 vs. Ford F-150 comparison and see how our Ram 1500 stands tall against the competition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the performance differences between Ram 1500 and 2500?
The Ram 1500 and the Ram 2500 can serve different power needs since their performance differs. The 2023 Ram 1500 is a perfect companion for drivers who require strong power to transport goods, tow several thousand pounds, and more. The 2023 Ram 2500 is a heavy-duty truck that offers several thousand pounds more towing and payload capability than the Ram 1500. However, the 2500 is less fuel efficient.
How do Ram 1500 and 2500's features vary?
The base trim Ram 1500 can seat more people than the base trim Ram 2500, offers more passenger volume, and offers standard remote keyless entry. The Ram 2500 may surpass the 1500 in power and performance, but the 1500 offers more standard convenience features than its heavy-duty pickup truck cousin, the 2500. However, the Ram 2500 offers two front-row LCD screens, while the 1500 only offers one.
What are the differences in Ram 1500 and 2500 trim levels?
There are a few differences regarding the convenience features and comfort factors inside each trim level and how they're arranged by trim between these two power-packed pickups. The Ram 1500 offers more consumer convenience, while the heavy-duty Ram 2500 focuses on power and performance in their trim lineups. You'll see many familiar names in each trim lineup, with slight variations and titles.
1When properly equipped. See dealer for details.
2EPA estimated 20 city mpg with 3.6-liter V-6 engine and eight-speed automatic. Actual mileage may vary. EPA estimated 25 hwy mpg with 3.6-liter V-6 engine and eight-speed automatic. Actual mileage may vary.
3EPA estimated 10 city mpg with 6.2-liter V-8 engine and eight-speed automatic. Actual mileage may vary. EPA estimated 14 hwy mpg with 6.2-liter V-8 engine and eight-speed automatic. Actual mileage may vary.