The Ram 1500 vs. 2500 comparison is seemingly straightforward: One is a versatile light-duty truck, while the other is a heavy-duty hauler. But that’s barely scratching the surface. From the Ram 1500 truck’s larger interior cargo capacity to the Ram 2500 model’s narrower stance and the many features they share (and offer exclusively from one another), the difference between Ram 1500 and 2500 trucks involves more than you may think.
See which model is right for you by reading our comparison guide below and by visiting us at Kearny Mesa CDJR for expert-guided tours and test drives of our Ram truck inventory.
As the heavy-duty model, it should be clear that the Ram 2500 has more power than its brother. See an overview of the engine options and specs found in Ram 1500 or 2500 trucks with the chart below:
2024 Ram 1500
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| Starting Price MSRP: | $38,5701 |
| Engine Options: | – 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 with eTorque – 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 with eTorque |
| Horsepower: | – 305 (Pentastar V-6) – 395 (HEMI V-8) |
| Torque: | – 273 lb-ft (Pentastar V-6) – 410 lb-ft (HEMI V-8) |
| Maximum Towing Capacity: | – 7,730 lbs2 (Pentastar V-6) – 12,750 lbs2 (HEMI V-8) |
| Maximum Payload Capacity: | 2,300 lbs |
| Up to EPA-Estimated MPG (City/Highway/Combined): | 20/25/223 |
2024 Ram 2500
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| Starting Price MSRP: | $46,7401 |
| Engine Options: | – 6.4-Liter HEMI V-8 – 6.7-Liter Cummins® Turbo-Diesel Inline-Six |
| Horsepower: | – 410 (HEMI V-8) – 370 (Cummins® Turbo-Diesel) |
| Torque: | – 429 lb-ft (HEMI V-8) – 850 lb-ft (Cummins® Turbo-Diesel) |
| Maximum Towing Capacity: | – 17,730 lbs2 (HEMI V-8) – 19,990 lbs2 (Cummins® Turbo-Diesel) |
| Maximum Payload Capacity: | 4,000 lbs |
| Up to EPA-Estimated MPG (City/Highway/Combined): | N/A – Heavy-Duty Trucks Not Rated by the EPA |
As we consider it a separate model, we excluded the Ram 1500 TRX from this chart. However, it would dominate the Ram 1500 vs. 2500 horsepower and acceleration comparison if we did: The Ram 1500 TRX does not make more torque than the Ram 2500 truck’s Cummins® turbo-diesel, but it obliterates all with 702 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds.
The rest of the specs, though, are a clear victory for the Ram 2500. It shouldn’t be a surprise, as the Ram 2500 is a heavy-duty truck made to carry and tow more than light-duty models like the Ram 1500.
In the Ram 1500, though, you can expect more gasoline efficiency. The Ram 2500 does not include an eTorque Mild Hybrid system and weighs a lot more. The Ram 1500 delivers an EPA-estimated 20/25/22 MPG (City/Highway/Combined),3 while the Ram 2500 is not rated by the EPA because it’s heavy-duty.
Continuing the same story seen across specs, the 2024 Ram 2500 can tow and haul a lot more than the 2024 Ram 1500. This should come as no surprise, as they sit in different classes.
Ram 1500 vs. 2500 towing sees the Ram 2500 offer a 7,240-pound2 higher maximum towing capacity and a 1,700-pound3 higher maximum payload capacity than the Ram 1500.
It can be easy to start comparing the Ram 1500 vs. 2500 and assume that the Ram 2500 has a much larger body and interior, but that’s not fully true. Examine the chart below to see how these trucks compare:
2024 Ram 1500
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| Available Cab/Box Configurations: | – Crew Cab 5′ 7″ Box – Crew Cab 6′ 4″ Box – Quad Cab 6′ 4″ Box |
| Exterior Length (Crew Cab 6′ 4″ Box): | 241.8 in |
| Exterior Width: | 82.1 in |
| Exterior Height: | 77.4 in |
| Maximum Pickup Box Cargo Volume: | 61.5 cu ft |
| Interior Cargo Volume (Crew Cab/Quad Cab): | 68.5/53.3 cu ft |
| Maximum Passenger Capacity: | Six |
| Passenger Volume (Crew Cab/Quad Cab): | 132/117 cu ft |
2024 Ram 2500
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| Available Cab/Box Configurations: | – Crew Cab 6′ 4″ Box – Mega Cab 6′ 4″ Box – Crew Cab 8′ Box – Regular Cab 8′ Box |
| Exterior Length (Crew Cab 8′ Box): | 260.8 in |
| Exterior Width: | 79.5 in |
| Exterior Height: | 78.2 in |
| Maximum Pickup Box Cargo Volume: | 74.7 cu ft |
| Interior Cargo Volume (Mega Cab/Crew Cab): | 66/60.7 cu ft |
| Maximum Passenger Capacity: | Six |
| Passenger Volume (Mega Cab/Crew Cab): | 130/125 cu ft |
As with the 2023 Ram 1500 vs. 2023 Ram 2500 comparison, the 2024 Ram 1500 is actually a bit wider than the 2024 Ram 2500. The Ram 1500 may also surprise you, as it offers a larger interior cargo capacity.
In equivalent Crew Cab 6′ 4″ Box configurations, the Ram 1500 is 3 inches longer than the Ram 2500, but the Ram 2500 can be much, much longer than the Ram 1500 thanks to its 8′ Box configuration (which is not offered on the Ram 1500).
This bed size, which can be found in our new Ram 2500 inventory, also offers 13.2 cubic feet of extra exterior cargo room compared to the Ram 1500 truck’s largest bed. Overall, you can think of the Ram 1500 as a spacious truck that’s built to be your and your family’s all-purpose driving companion, while the Ram 2500 takes a more work-focused approach.
Ram 1500 vs. 2500 trim levels are a very similar area. The following trims are shared between the 2024 Ram 1500 and 2024 Ram 2500:
The Ram 1500 has the Tradesman HFE trim, which is not available on the Ram 2500. Likewise, the Ram 2500 has the Power Wagon trim, which is not offered on the Ram 1500.
Ram 1500 vs. 2500 price points see the Ram 1500 come in as the more affordable truck, but as seen from the specs, the Ram 2500 has a lot more to offer.
To compare their features, here’s a showdown between what comes standard in each truck’s Big Horn trim:
As you can see, the models are similar, but the Ram 1500 Big Horn has a slight advantage for standard luxuries, while the Ram 2500 offers more capability-related features (like a trailer brake controller and a longer-use full-size spare tire) as standard.
Whether you want to learn about the off-road capability waiting inside a new Ram 1500 for sale or the many safe towing features of a new Ram 2500, our Ram dealership is here to help. We make it easy to lease a new Ram 1500 or Ram 2500, so visit Kearny Mesa CDJR today to compare both models with the help of our truck experts. Take note of the features, design elements, and mechanical equipment you like, and our team can help you find your ideal new Ram truck for sale.
Yes, the 2024 Ram 2500 can tow up to 19,990 pounds2 when properly equipped, which is 7,240 pounds more than the 2024 Ram 1500 truck’s maximum towing capacity of 12,750 pounds.2 The Ram 2500 can carry up to 4,000 pounds of payload, while the Ram 1500 carries a payload of up to 2,300 pounds.
The available 2024 Ram 1500 engines include:
The 2024 Ram 2500 offers:
While the Ram 1500 can be more agile on the trail and also offers the TRX model, the Ram 2500 typically has higher ground clearance in equivalent trims (like 11.1 vs. 8.3 inches in the Big Horn 4×2 trim). While this varies, the Ram 2500 in an equivalent cab/box configuration typically has a better break-over angle, but the Ram 1500 usually has a better departure angle.
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.
3EPA estimated 20 city / 25 highway / 22 combined MPG with 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine and eight-speed automatic transmission, 4×2. Actual mileage may vary.
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