Ram 1500 Vs. 2500 Vs. 3500: Compare Heavy-Duty Trucks

Differences Between Ram 1500, 2500 & 3500 at a Glance
Comparing the Ram 1500 vs. 2500 vs. 3500 lineups reveals three rugged, family-friendly, and state-of-the-art pickups with distinct qualities that make each one ideal for various needs. At McGee Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Barre, we want to showcase how the Ram 1500 brings some of the most innovative truck features of 2025, how the 2500 balances performance and occupant comfort, and how the 3500 can take on just about any challenge with over 36,000 pounds of towing strength.1 Check out this quick snapshot before diving into the details:
- Due to the 2025 updates, the Ram 1500 boasts the engine with the highest horsepower, the 540-horsepower high-output 3.0-liter Hurricane I-6. The 2500 and 3500 prioritize torque, with their 6.7L Cummins® turbo-diesel I-6 producing up to 1,075 pound-feet of torque.
- The Ram 1500 vs. 2500 vs. 3500 size comparison goes in that order: the Ram 1500 is the smallest and lightest truck, the Ram 3500 is the largest, and the 2500 has similar dimensions to the Ram 3500 but falls between the two pickups' weight classes.
- The Ram 1500 vs. 2500 vs. 3500 towing capacity competition is similar to the size comparison. The Ram 1500 has the lowest maximum towing ability at 11,550 pounds,1 while the 3500 caps out at a whopping 36,610 pounds.1
- In terms of technology and comfort, the Ram 1500 tends to be one step ahead of its heavy-duty stablemates. For instance, the Ram 1500 has available ventilated rear seats, though the 2500 and 3500 still have heated and ventilated front seats and comparable infotainment systems.

2025 Ram 1500 Specs, Design & Technology
The new Ram 1500 features a standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine that generates 305 horsepower. The upper four trims house the brand-new 3.0-liter Hurricane I-6, producing 420 horsepower and 469 pound-feet of torque. Alternatively, for even more reactive performance, the high-output tuning of the Hurricane creates 540 horsepower and 521 pound-feet of torque. Paired with maneuverable exterior specs and up to 11,550 pounds of towing capacity,1 the Ram 1500 is an excellent family vehicle that can handle heavy lifting when required.
With the 2025 Ram 1500, you can choose between Crew Cab and Quad Cab configurations, depending on trim, to accommodate seating for five or six. Most trims offer a choice of a 5-foot-7-inch box or a 6-foot-4-inch box, along with 4x2 or 4x4 drivetrains.
There are 10 Ram 1500 trim levels for 2025, ranging from the baseline Tradesman to the high-end Tungsten. Throughout the lineup, you can benefit from the following available features:
- Dual wireless charging pads
- Trailer Auto Hitch Assist
- Digital Rearview Mirror with Tow Mode
- Hands-Free Active Driving Assist
- Ventilated front and rear seats
- 14.4-inch central touchscreen display

2025 Ram 2500 Specs, Design & Technology
Next in the Ram pickup family is the heavy-duty 2500 model, which delivers a step up in power from the 1500. Two engines – a 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 and a high-output 6.7-liter Cummins® turbo-diesel I-6 – are on offer, generating 405 and 430 horsepower, respectively. With turbo-diesel power, the 2500 can tow up to 20,000 pounds, depending on the trim and configuration. The extra heft, size, and durability of the Ram 2500 make it better suited for demanding jobs than the 1500. However, it still offers sufficient fuel efficiency for long drives or even family road trips – especially if your trip involves towing a large fishing boat or camper.
The new Ram 2500 is available in Regular Cab (three seats), Crew Cab (five seats), and Mega Cab (six seats) configurations, 4x4 and 4x2 drivetrains, and 6-foot-4-inch or 8-foot box lengths. Similar to the 1500, the Ram 2500 trim levels start with the Tradesman, but the seven-model lineup ends with the Limited trim. Some of the standard and available innovative technologies and comforts you can get with the Ram 2500 include the following:
- 14.4-inch central touchscreen
- 10.25-inch passenger touchscreen
- 2.4-kW power inverter and two 115-volt outlets
- 360-Degree Surround View Camera with Trailer Reverse Guidance
- Standard Adaptive Cruise Control
- Uconnect 5 updated architecture

2025 Ram 3500 Specs, Design & Technology
If you're asking, "Which Ram truck is best for towing?" and you don't want to drive a commercial chassis cab, then the Ram 3500 is your answer. This beast of a truck shares engines with the 2500, meaning you get your choice between the 405-horsepower 6.4-liter V-8 and the 430-horsepower 6.7-liter turbo-diesel.
Despite not having any additional power than the 2500, the 3500 takes towing and payload capabilities to new heights with its extremely durable build and enhanced suspension – it has an astounding maximum towing capacity of 36,610 pounds,1 by far the most of any truck in this comparison. Payload potential is impressive, too, reaching up to 7,590 pounds.2 These ratings give the Ram 3500 the potency to complete nearly any job, making it the best Ram truck for work or rigorous DIY home projects. However, its size does make it more cumbersome to drive, so it's not as preferred for family vacations as a 1500 or 2500.
While the Ram 3500 is as configurable as the 2500, with three cab styles and two bed lengths, it has only five trims, beginning with the entry-level Tradesman and ending with the range-topping Limited Longhorn. The Ram 3500 also shares many qualities with the 2500, including the following available upgrades:
- 14.4-inch Uconnect 5 Touchscreen
- 12-inch instrument cluster
- Ventilated front seats
- 17-speaker Harman Kardon® premium sound system
- Dual wireless charging pad
- Remote tailgate release
- Power sunroof
Ram 1500, 2500 & 3500 Specs Chart
2025 Ram 1500 | 2025 Ram 2500 | 2025 Ram 3500 | |
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Engines |
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Horsepower |
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Torque |
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Drivetrain | 4WD or RWD | 4WD or RWD | 4WD or RWD |
Max. Payload |
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Max. Towing Capacity |
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Basic Limited Warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi3 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi3 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi3 |
Powertrain Limited Warranty | 5 yr / 60,000 mi3 |
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Roadside Assistance | 5 yr / 60,000 mi4 |
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Available Feature Highlights |
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2025 vs. Last Year's Ram Truck Comparison
The 2025 Ram truck lineup features numerous engaging upgrades for truck drivers looking to turn heads at the worksite, riverside, or wherever else your tires take you – even when compared to 2024 Ram trucks.
?The Ram 1500 received a minor refresh, replacing its diesel lineup with a 3.0-liter Hurricane I-6 and its high-output tuneup. The unveiling of the highest-level Tungsten trim coincides with the introduction of a new 14.4-inch central touchscreen, a 10.25-inch passenger display, and a dual wireless phone charging pad. A brand-new hands-free Driving Assist is rated for Level 2+ automated driving capability, bringing you more peace of mind on the road.
The dimension specs changed only very slightly; see our Ram 1500 Crew Cab vs. Quad Cab vs. Regular Cab for more information on what legroom, headroom, and interior cargo space specs you can expect.
The resilient workhorses had similar updates from 2024. The engines for both the Ram 2500 and 3500 were consolidated into the standard 6.4-liter V-8 and 6.7-liter turbo-diesel. These models also offer a 14.4-inch central touchscreen and a class-exclusive 10.25-inch passenger display,5 keeping you and your copilot connected on the go. Safety remains a top priority in 2025 – with standard Adaptive Cruise Control, available Drowsy Driver Detection, and many other systems, all Ram HD trucks and commercial vehicles for sale raise the bar for their segment.
Find Your Ram 1500, 2500, or 3500 Truck in Barre, VT
When you visit McGee CDJR in Barre, VT, you'll be welcomed like family. We take great pride in supporting every customer as they choose the right vehicle for their needs, providing competitive incentives to help drivers save big on their new Ram truck purchases. Plus, we can show you some more Ram research articles to ensure you're making the correct choice.
Do you have questions about where to begin exploring our inventory of all Ram trucks for sale? Contact us, and we'll happily assist you!
Frequently Asked Questions About Ram Trucks
Which Ram truck has the highest payload capacity?
The highest payload capacity for a non-commercial Ram truck belongs to the Ram 3500 with the Regular Cab, 8-foot bed configuration. This workhorse can carry up to 7,590 pounds2 in an expansive cargo area, which is excellent for DIY projects, debris, or even small vehicles. However, the other Ram trucks (1500 and 2500) can also carry thousands, making them ideal for vacations or projects.
Should I buy a Ram 1500, 2500, or 3500 for hauling and towing?
If your goal is to specifically tow and haul heavy trailers, then the Ram 3500 is your best choice. With a maximum possible towing capacity of 36,610 pounds,1 the Ram 3500 is the most potent of the full-size Ram trucks. However, if you only need to tow 20,000 pounds,1 the Ram 2500 offers slightly better fuel efficiency and has a more maneuverable chassis.
How do Ram HD trucks compare to light-duty models?
A Ram HD vs. light-duty comparison shows that heavy-duty trucks (2500 and 3500) trade the maneuverability of light-duty options for incredible towing and payload strength. Where the Ram 1500 can only tow up to 11,550 pounds, the Ram 3500 can handle up to 36,610 pounds.1 The Ram 2500 serves as a middle-ground between the monstrous 3500 and the more travel-friendly 1500.
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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.
3Warranties listed on this web page shall not be solely relied upon. Warranties may be subject to specific terms, restrictions, exclusions, and fees. Additional warranty information may be obtained by visiting the official website of the warranty provider. Contact our dealership for complete details.
4Roadside Assistance services provided by third-party providers for vehicles with an eligible service plan, subject to limitations and restrictions. Roadside Assistance is not a warranty; refer to the vehicle's Owner's Handbook for warranty details. Excludes costs for repairs, parts, labor, property loss, and expenses from accidents, abuse, racing, vandalism, and certain other conditions. Contact our dealership for details.
5Class based on 250/2500 Pickups and the latest available competitive information.