Shopping for the right truck is a little different than picking out a car or SUV for the family. That’s because different trucks can have wildly different capabilities, so it’s important to carefully research engines, body styles, towing and payload, and other key features to make sure the truck you’re buying can actually do what you need it to do.
If you’re torn between a 1/2-ton truck like the Ram 1500 and a 3/4-ton truck like the Ram 2500, here’s an easy guide to get you started.
Ram 1500 vs. 2500 Engines
It goes without saying that the most important aspect of any truck’s power output is its engine, so this is probably the first thing you should consider. Both the 1500 and 2500 can be optioned with either RWD or 4WD, and they have multiple powertrain options to choose from.
2025 Ram 1500:
3.6-liter Pentastar® V6
- 305 horsepower
- 269 pound-feet of torque
- 8,110 pounds max towing
- 2,370 pounds max payload
- Standard in Tradesman, Tradesman HFE, and Big Horn/Lone Star
- 420 horsepower
- 469 pound-feet of torque
- 11,550 pounds max towing
- 1,980 pounds max payload
- Standard in Warlock, Laramie, and Rebel; Available in Tradesman and Big Horn/Lone Star
- 540 horsepower
- 521 pound-feet of torque
- 9,920 pounds max towing
- 1,520 pounds max payload
- Standard in Limited, Limited Longhorn, Tungsten, and RHO
6.4-liter HEMI® V8:
- 405 horsepower
- 429 pound-feet of torque
- 17,750 pounds max towing
- 4,420 pounds max payload
- Standard in all trims
- 430 horsepower
- 1,075 pound-feet of torque
- 20,000 pounds max towing
- 2,740 pounds max payload
- Available in all trims except Power Wagon
While the Ram 1500’s engines are competitive for its class, the 2500’s diesel motor is far and away the most powerful option, and it has the most standard torque among similar heavy-duty truck engines.
Ram 1500 vs. 2500 Towing Capacity
Many people use their trucks primarily for their trailering ability. Whether you’re hauling work equipment, or just pulling the family boat or RV, ensuring that your truck is properly rated for what you plan to tow is absolutely essential.
A truck’s towing capacity depends on multiple factors, including the engine, body style, and Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR). Interestingly though, a more powerful engine doesn’t always mean higher towing capacity.
- The lowest towing capacity in a Ram 1500 model is 6,360 pounds, while at the high end, it tows 11,550 pounds with the Standard Output Hurricane engine, Quad Cab, 6’ 4” Box, and RWD.
- The lowest towing capacity in the Ram 2500 is 10,560 pounds, while the highest is a whopping 20,000 pounds with the Cummins® engine, Crew Cab, 8’ Box, and RWD.
Ram 1500 vs. 2500 Payload Capacity
- The Ram 1500’s lowest payload rating is 1,190 pounds, and the highest is 2,370 pounds with the Pentastar® engine, Quad Cab, 6’ 4” Box, and RWD.
- The Ram 2500 has a low-end payload of 1,600 pounds, and the highest payload is 4,420 pounds.
Ram 1500 vs. 2500 Bed Size
The Ram 1500 has two cargo box lengths:
- Length: 67.4 inches
- Width: 66.4 inches
- Depth: 21.4 inches
6’ 4” Box:
- Length: 76.3 inches
- Width: 66.4 inches
- Depth: 21.4 inches
Meanwhile, the Ram 2500 also has two available box sizes:
6’ 4” Box:
- Length: 76.3 inches
- Width: 66.4 inches
- Depth: 20.1 inches
8’ Box:
- Length: 98.3 inches
- Width: 66.4 inches
- Depth: 20.2 inches
Ram 1500 vs. 2500 Cab Size
Quad Cab
- Head room (front/rear): 40.9 / 39.2 inches
- Shoulder room (front/rear): 66.0 / 65.7 inches
- Leg room (front/rear): 40.9 / 35.6 inches
- Total volume: 117.0 cubic feet
Crew Cab
- Head room (front/rear): 40.9 / 39.8 inches
- Shoulder room (front/rear): 66.0 / 65.7 inches
- Leg room (front/rear): 40.9 / 45.2 inches
- Total volume: 132.0 cubic feet
On the other hand, the Ram 2500 has three options:
Regular Cab
- Head room: 39.8 inches
- Shoulder room: 65.9 inches
- Leg room: 40.9 inches
- Total volume: 62.5 cubic feet
Crew Cab
- Head room (front/rear): 40.9 / 39.8 inches
- Shoulder room (front/rear): 65.9 / 65.6 inches
- Leg room (front/rear): 40.9 / 40.2 inches
- Total volume: 124.6 cubic feet
Mega Cab
- Head room (front/rear): 40.9 / 40.3 inches
- Shoulder room (front/rear): 65.9 / 65.6 inches
- Leg room (front/rear): 40.9 / 43.1 inches
- Cargo volume*: 12.1 cubic feet
- Total volume: 142.0 cubic feet
Here, we see that the Ram 1500 actually has the most seating space for passengers, especially in the cavernous second row of its Crew Cab. The Ram 2500’s Mega Cab technically has more total space, but a significant chunk of that is devoted to storage behind the rear seats.
Overall, the 1500’s cab options are geared more for optimal passenger comfort, whereas the 2500 is slightly more utilitarian, which is why it’s the only single-row option but both trucks are able to seat up to six passengers.
Ram 1500 vs. 2500 Dimensions
Here’s a look at available Ram 1500 exterior dimensions:
- Min length: 228.4 inches
- Max length: 241.3 inches
- Width: 82.1 inches (88.0 inches for RHO)
- Height: 77.5 inches (81.9 inches for RHO)
- Max ground clearance: 8.7 inches (11.8 inches for RHO)
And here are the Ram 2500’s exterior dimensions:
- Min length: 232.0 inches
- Max length: 260.8 inches
- Width: 83.5 inches
- Height: 78.1 (RWD) / 80.1 (4WD)
With all of these different cab and bed configurations, both trucks obviously have quite a bit of variance in their available dimensions. Things like wheelbase and body length have a big impact on road comfort and maneuverability, while the ground clearance, breakover, and departure angles are important to consider if you plan to use your truck for off-roading, so it’s worth carefully considering which will work best for you.
Want to come take a test drive to see which model you’re most comfortable with? Contact our Ram dealership in Kewanee, IL today.
Ram Trucks for Sale in Kewanee, IL
If all this information is making your head spin, don’t worry, because your local Ram truck experts are here to help answer any questions you have so you can find the exact model you need. We also have an expert in-house finance team at your beck and call to ensure you get the best deal on your new truck.
Worried that you might need even more power? Don’t forget to check out our new Ram 3500 inventory. Call us at (309) 761-5113 or contact us online to learn more.