The Ram 1500 vs the Ram 2500

Any Ram truck has an enormous amount of capability and a surprising amount of efficiency, but it is still important to find the right Ram for you. This means finding the right size, the right price, the right level of performance, and the right capabilities to suit your own needs. So, what is the difference between the Ram 1500 and the Ram 2500? As your Cincinnati used truck dealer, we know all about Ram trucks, so let us show you which one will be better for what you need.

The Ram 1500 may be the “smaller” sibling of the pair, but it is still a full-fledged full-size pickup. The 1500 remains a large and powerful truck with more capability than most private owners would ever need, in addition to a number of available luxury options and interior amenities that make it at least as capable at cruising as hauling or towing. The 2500, by contrast, is focused on professional exploits, with such enormous capabilities that even those who rely on the vehicle for their livelihood will never deal with their truck being a bottleneck. The 1500 has the same dependability as the 2500, but the 2500 lays sole claim to overwhelming and, in some cases, semi-like capability.

Fourth vs Fifth Generation

The current and late model generations of the Ram 1500 and 2500 are the most advanced Ram trucks on the used market, and while in many ways they are similar, there are some notable differences and upgrades made from the 2019 models and onwards.

In terms of engines, the options from the latter fourth-generation models largely carry over into the 2019+ fifth generation Ram trucks, with some additions. The fifth generation Ram 1500 continues to be available with the lightweight and torquey Pentastar 3.6-liter V6, just as the fourth generation Ram was. That said, the Pentastar now comes as a mild hybrid unit, with an electric motor boosting available torque significantly.

The 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engine is available for both generations of the 1500, and the relatively inexpensive yet very powerful 5.7-liter Hemi V8 also continues to be available. In the fifth-generation Ram, you can option the 5.7-liter Hemi with an electric booster motor to improve both torque output and overall efficiency, especially around town. For the Ram 2500, the 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel is available for both the fourth and fifth-generation trucks, as is the 6.4-liter Hemi V8.

The suspension is similar between the two generations of trucks, but the available air suspension used in the fourth generation trucks gains additional off-road centric modes in the fifth generation vehicles. The fourth generation Ram underwent multiple facelifts through the generation’s history, but the fifth generation’s exterior takes those incremental changes further. Overall, style is subjective, but the newer truck presents a larger and more substantive presence than the more utilitarian fourth-generation trucks.

Capability and Payload

The greatest differences between the Ram 1500 and Ram 2500 on paper are their payload and towing ratings. The 2500 offers massive payload and towing ability, while the 1500 still provides an excess amount of capability while also offering a new standard of fuel efficiency both on the highway and in the city.

When powered by the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine and properly equipped, a factory stock 2018 Ram 1500 can tow well over 10,000 pounds. This is roughly double the truck’s own curb weight, but the Ram 2500 of the same year is even more capable. The 2018 Ram 2500 can pull up to 17,980 pounds when powered by the 6.7-liter Cummins turbo diesel engine.

Fifth-generation trucks benefit from more advanced materials and engines, with the 1500 model capable of towing up to 12,750 pounds while at the same time improving efficiency. The Ram 2500 is likewise upgraded, with a maximum towing capacity of up to 20,000 pounds.

For payload, the upgrades are similarly noticeable from the fourth to the fifth generation. A 2018 Ram 1500 has a maximum bed payload capacity of 1,900 pounds, while a 2019 model can handle up to 2,300 pounds.

While the newer trucks are definitely more capable, their newer nature means they are also more expensive. When determining the right truck for you, make sure to take into consideration what your application is and the weight of your typical payloads and loaded trailers. Then, depending on what those numbers look like, choose the truck with the capability to match. Just make sure to look at the numbers for the specific model and trim you want to buy because they can vary.

Efficiency

One of the larger upgrades made to the newer fifth generation Ram trucks is greater efficiency. This is due to both improved engines, added hybridization options, and substantially reduced weight. The lower weight of the 2019 and newer Ram trucks is possible thanks to better optimization and the use of more advanced materials.

With the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, the 2018 Ram 1500 managed an already impressive 25 miles per gallon on the highway. The same model and year of Ram could even manage 29 miles per gallon on the highway when equipped with the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engine. Both of those statistics are far beyond what is expected from a full-size pickup truck, but the 2019 Ram 1500 can achieve a full 33 miles per gallon when the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engine is optioned. This means the 480 pound-feet of torque equipped truck could traverse a thousand miles of distance before emptying the tank.

A large advantage the 1500 models have over the 2500 models is efficiency. While the 2500 trucks are meant for nothing less than maximum capability, the Ram 1500s are adaptable and competent jacks of all trades. Depending on your needs, either could work perfectly.

Performance and Special Features

Most private buyers of full-size pickups use them as normal passenger cars, but there are many who use their truck’s capabilities for recreation and heading off the beaten path. For some, a standard full size pickup truck isn’t quite enough power. These are where specialty versions come into play, which offer abilities not commonly seen on most pickups roaming the streets.

The two main specialty vehicles in the Ram lineup are the TRX and Power Wagon performance trucks. The Ram 2500 Power Wagon is a practical all-purpose off-road machine with 6.4-liters of naturally aspirated Hemi power and available bead lock wheels. A winch is also available, along with a litany of other accessories and other personalization features.

The most extreme Ram 1500 truck is the TRX, a widebody bruiser armed with a supercharged 6.2-liter Hellcat V8 engine generating over 700 horsepower. Effectively a desert race truck from the factory, the Ram TRX makes performance trucks from other manufactures look underwhelming.

Find the Power and Capability You Need

When shopping for your Ram truck, the biggest and most expensive is not necessarily always best. Finding the right size, right cost, and the right amount of capability is paramount to get the best truck for you. There are certainly enough trim levels, packages, and generations of Ram for just about anyone to find exactly what they need in a truck at an affordable price, whether that is a basic fourth generation work truck, loaded luxury cruiser, or off-road monster. Put together your required features and capabilities, and browsing our inventory for the right vehicle should be as easy as one, two, three.