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Comparing a Ram 2500 and Ford F-250 is challenging given the list of powertrains and features. But at the end of the day, one of these trucks pulls ahead.
Heavy-Duty Truck Showdown
Modern half-ton pickup trucks are seriously capable workhorses, but sometimes they’re just not enough. That’s where the heavy-duty trucks come in. If you’re pulling a gaggle of horses or a stack of construction equipment, you’re likely in the market for a Ram 2500 or Ford F-250. Maybe you just want a bigger truck, in which case you cannot go wrong, as these upgraded pickups are mammoth. Built on a beefier chassis than their light-duty brethren and packing heartier power plants, these heavy-duty trucks can handle just about any work required of them. And if you like a splash of luxury with your boots, that too can be arranged. With the largest competition being limited to the Big Three automakers, the Ram 2500 and Ford F-250 make for a great head-to-head matchup. Let’s see which of these heavy-duty trucks is the right one for you.
Ram 2500 vs Ford F-250 Specs
A large part of any heavy-duty comparison is the numbers game, as in, who makes more power, tows more stuff, and is generally the brawniest of all. Ram offers 2 engines to pick from, a 6.4L Hemi V8 gasser and a Cummins 6.7L turbodiesel. The Hemi puts out 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque paired with an 8-speed transmission. When configured properly, that’s enough to tow a little more than 15,000 pounds of gear. Not bad, but the 850 lb-ft of torque churning out of the diesel can take on 20,000 pounds. Rear-wheel-drive (RWD) is standard though four-wheel-drive (4WD) is an option on all trims and cabs come in Regular, Crew, or Mega configuration.
On the Ford F-250 side, two gas-powered motors are offered along with a PowerStroke turbodiesel. The base motor is a 6.2L V8 making 385 horses capable of 13,300 pounds of trailering while the optional 7.3L puts down 430 hp and 475 lb-ft of twist. Also available is a 6.7L PowerStroke diesel that takes the trophy for biggest output with its 1,050 lb-ft of torque, enough to tow up to 20,000 pounds. Both the larger gas and PowerStroke diesel get the benefit of a 10-speed automatic while the base engine is paired with a 6-speed. Like the Ram 2500, there is a 6-foot or 8-foot bed and in “Fordspeak”, the cab setups are Regular, Super, or the full four-door Crew.
Driving and Performance
Buyers of heavy-duty trucks are not necessarily expecting nimble handling and these vehicles have historically not been known for their comfortable ride. Ram has elected to change that with their optional rear air-suspension for the Ram 2500. Along with the improved feel over rough roads, this feature makes towing easier with its Bed Lowering Mode that brings the cargo box down for easy hookup. On the trailering front, all Ram 2500 models are outfitted with trailer sway damping, while moving up the trim ladder nets additional systems like an integrated trailer brake controller and surround view camera.
Ford sticks with a traditional leaf-sprung rear axle, which doesn’t do it any favors in on-road performance, but fits the bill for big time hauling abilities. An area the F-250 has a leg up on its Ram competition is the use of a 10-speed automatic on the diesel and 7.3L V8. With this transmission comes five selectable drive modes – Normal, Tow/Haul, Eco, Deep Sand/Snow, and Slippery. Since towing is a major selling point of these vehicles, it’s worth noting the Ford F-250 offers the same trailering-centric systems as the Ram, though it steps ahead with Pro Trailer Backup Assist. Simply rotate the knob in the direction you want your trailer to go as you backup, a far simpler alternative to the traditional approach.
Comfort and Interior
As these trucks are engaged in a constant state of one-upmanship, you can expect to find similar interior amenities as you move through their respective lineups. The Ram 2500 features basic vinyl seating and flooring at the entry point but can be draped in leather with real wood accents and even a hand-branded Longhorn logo. Ram also has the Mega Cab option, which offers an extra 8” of space behind the rear seats, a feat the Ford can’t match. However, the 43” of rear legroom is about the same as on Ford’s Crew Cab. Other available niceties include ventilated cushions, a sunroof, active noise control, and an acoustic windshield.
Ford follows a similar model in their F-250, moving from rubberized vinyl to “Kingsville” leather and Miko Suede headliners as you shell out more dough. A lockable bin under the rear seats is a useful touch while the available massaging front seats take heavy-duty truck comfort to a new level that the Ram 2500 can’t reach. Like the Ram, hand-crank windows are on tap at entry level, but amenities like dual-zone climate controls and ventilated seats can be accessed further up the ladder.
Trims and Features
Both trucks have six trim levels with the Tradesman as the Ram 2500’s base model starting for $35,425. The V8 comes standard with the diesel a $9400 option. Steel wheels and black bumpers speak to the truck’s workday focus as does the vinyl interior and manual HVAC controls. Big Horn trim comes in just under $40,000 and adds exterior chrome, heated side mirrors, cloth seats, and power windows. Jumping up to the $50,940 Laramie model brings 18” alloys, leather seating and the 8.4” Uconnect 4-powered infotainment touchscreen with Apple and Android phone connectivity.
The Ram Power Wagon is a serious off-road machine fitted with its WARN 12,000-pound winch, electronically-locking front and rear differentials, disconnecting front sway bar, and skid plates. The 33” all-terrain rubber and powder-coated bumpers complete the look. A Limited Longhorn Ram 2500 will set you back $62,000, but for that money your truck will have LED headlights, rain-sensitive wipers, leather seats with “Barnwood” interior trim, and power-adjustable pedals. It also sports navigation, Wi-Fi hotspot, and a 5-year subscription to SiriusXM live traffic data. Atop the heap is the Ram Limited with 20” rims, power running boards, and a huge 12” touchscreen interface. Blind spot monitoring with trailer detection is included while options like a 17-speaker Harman-Kardon stereo, adaptive cruise control, and sunroof are available.
The Ford F-250 XL is Ford’s entry-level model. For $35,200, it has the 6.2L V8 engine, black bumpers, and 17” steelies. Add $10,000 to select the PowerStroke diesel motor or the larger 7.3L V8 gas engine for $2000. There’s no touchscreen inside, but there is Wi-Fi capability and SYNC 3 software. Moving up to an XLT yields 18” alloys, a power locking tailgate, cloth seats, and an 8” touchscreen infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto software. At $39,925, it also comes with automatic high beams, blind spot monitoring, and automated emergency braking. Lariat F-250s come in under 50 large and include power-telescoping trailer mirrors with heating and auto-dimming along with dual-zone automatic HVAC controls, a 10-speaker B&O audio system, 8” digital gauge cluster screen, and SYNC 4.
The Ford F-250 King Ranch trim starts at $63,300 and comes only in 4WD. It sports illuminated running boards, an integrated tailgate step, and rain-sensing wipers. Inside, power-adjustable pedals, climatized front seats, and a wireless charging pad add to the fit-for-a-king feeling. Tack on the $4000 Tremor Off-Road kit for 35” off-road tires, a lifted suspension, skid plates, and a Rock Crawl mode. Platinum models lay on the chrome trim, sport LED lighting, power running boards, navigation, and adaptive cruise control. Last but far from least is the F-250 Limited coming in at a whopping $85,335. Granted, it only comes fitted with the diesel engine and 4WD, but that’s an eye-watering sticker price. Special features include satin chrome bits, a moonroof, suede headliner, heated rear seats, and adaptive steering.
Is the Ram 2500 Better Than the Ford F-250?
When shopping a Ram 2500 or Ford F-250, you’ll notice quite a few similarities. This is no coincidence as their makers are always watching their crosstown rival for the newest, latest innovation. At entry-level, these trucks are nearly a dead heat on price, features, and capability. If boasting about the displacement of your gas motor or lb-ft of torque twisting from your diesel is important, the Ford F-250 is an obvious choice. However, both diesels can tote 20,000 pounds of gear, both offer apartment-sized cabins, and both can be had in two different bed lengths.
The Ram 2500 offers the biggest touchscreen at 12”, has air-suspension, and a quieter cabin thanks to acoustic glass and active noise control. Their top-spec Limited is also thousands cheaper – even when equipped with the Cummins motor and 4WD – than Ford’s same-named top trim. The Blue Oval has the upper hand on tech by offering Wi-Fi and a touchscreen on more models, holds more cargo in both beds, and more standard driver-assistance aids. All that considered, the Ram 2500 is a better value even if it doesn’t yet crack the 1,000 lb-ft of torque mark.
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