If you’ve seen a pickup truck or interested in them, you know what a Ram truck is. Originally known as Ram Truck Division, these trucks are one of the best commercial vehicles. Ram trucks have been out there for decades. Over the years, they have established themselves as the most efficient heavy-duty trucks anybody can want.
The Ram trucks offer you a wide variety of models to choose from. One of their most popular models is the Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 pickup truck. Both offer you some outstanding features and can move a lot of heavy stuff with ease. However, you might be curious to know which one would suit you.
To give you more clarity, this article will compare the Ram 2500 vs 3500 along with their features, pros, and cons. Let’s begin!
Ram 2500 Vs 3500: What Are The Differences?
By looks, both the Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 look almost the same. Don’t get confused, though, as there are plenty of differences in the way they perform. Factors such as torque, towing capacity, and driving experiences differentiate one from the other.
Therefore, if you’re planning to buy a new Ram truck or upgrade your existing model, you need to focus on their features. Moreover, don’t forget to take a look at these most wanted comparisons:
In this section, we’ll talk about the features of these two Ram trucks in detail. It will help you to make a well-informed decision about which model will suit you the best.
Towing Capacity
One of the most important factors to focus on while buying a truck is its towing capacity. This feature explains how much weight a truck can pull efficiently. You’ll need decent towing power to haul RVs, cars, or boats with your truck.
The maximum diesel towing capacity of the Ram 2500 is 19,780 pounds. It will be enough to move trailers and boats without much hassle. On the other hand, if you look at the Ram 3500, its diesel towing capacity is 35,100 pounds.
So, if you are someone who needs to move really heavy equipment above 25,000 pounds, the Ram 3500 will be ideal. For moving light to medium weight objects under 20,000 pounds, go for Ram 2500.
Payload
This is another important characteristic that separates one truck from another. Payload is the amount of weight your truck can carry in its truck bed. So, the payload capacity is the total weight of the cargo behind a pick-up truck.
If you look at the Ram 2500, it offers a maximum payload capacity of 4,644 pounds. Whereas the Ram 3500 has a payload capacity of 7,680 pounds. Therefore, the Ram 3500 will be excellent for carrying heavy cargo such as metal machinery, equipment, car parts, and even passengers.
In case you don’t need to carry so much, the Ram 2500 will be a great purchase. Whichever model you buy, just remember to not pile up your truck with weight beyond its payload capacity. This can put unnecessary strain on the vehicle’s structure and damage it.
Torque
Torque is a measurement of the amount of twisting force a truck engine generates. The engine generates this force when it runs. So, the more torque an engine generates, the better is its efficiency while heavy lifting and towing. That’s why you must focus on the torque of any pickup truck before buying it.
For the Ram 2500 model, its engine generates 850 lb-ft of torque, while the Ram 3500 generates 1,000 lb-ft of maximum torque. As you might have understood, the Ram 3500 model is again a clear winner here. With so much torque, you can haul heavier goods comfortably. More torque also means that you can travel regularly using the truck.
Always remember, a truck with better torque will be able to handle heavy usage effortlessly. It’s what makes them heavy-duty!
Looks
Now that you know all about the differences in features, what about the looks? To be honest, both pickup trucks are good-looking and robust. However, if you want a compact yet powerful vehicle, the Ram 2500 is the one for you. On the other hand, the Ram 3500 is a bit chunky and large, despite its amazing features.
Key Features Of Ram 2500 and 3500
Now that you have had a glance at the basic features and elements that differentiate these two models let us take a look at all of the intricate and in-depth differences. There are extremely fine differences between both of them in terms of numbers, capabilities, etc.
Therefore, it is imperative to know all of them before making the final choice. What’s more, is that you can also look through these qualities and decide which of them best fit your budget as well as needs.
Technological Characteristics
When it comes to the technology and comfort of both of these models, it is far better than most of the heavy-duty trucks that are available in the market today. Therefore, both Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 are extremely high-quality models when compared to the others.
Some of these technological features not only improve the sleek design and value of the car but also largely help in terms of safety and comfort. These include the round and holistic camera view that allows you to gain a clear look in all directions.
These jeeps also come with a collision warning for utmost precaution, as well as the Active Breaking performance that ensures not just you but all of the other individuals in the jeep are out of danger. What’s more, is that the Adaptive Forward Lighting system also automatically adjusts lights and lamps according to the visibility level.
However, in terms of accessories and configurations, the Ram 3500 definitely beats the Ram 2500 any day.
Cost
No matter what you are thinking of buying, it is absolutely imperative to compare that product and its’ prices with all of the other costings in the market. Furthermore, you should also look at the brand, the market value, and the number of quality features that a jeep provides.
The million-dollar question: How much would you essentially have to spend on a Ram 2500 versus a Ram 3500? Today, the market price for the most basic trims of the Ram 2500 is $37,000. However, when looking at the other trims, such as Power Wagon and Longhorn, they cost almost $50,000.
In comparison, a basic model of the Ram 3500 can be bought for $38,000. This is not all, though. There are also a lot of limited designs and trims that simply start at the amount of $67,000.
Therefore, it is important to note here that the more the price of the car rises, so do its features and amenities. The Ram 3500 comes with an endless amount of facilities and conveniences that can only be found here.
One thing that users and customers were shocked to notice, though, was the fact that the engine for both of these models does not change along with a change in trim. Therefore, no matter how expensive the model, the power that the engine employs still remains the same.
Fuel Consumption
Speaking of engines, it is also vital here to look at the fuel consumption differences of the Ram 2500 and the Ram 3500. There are a lot of other aspects that people look at before finally narrowing down to the fuel economy.
Do not take this lightly, though. It is definitely extremely central to the model you are buying; thus, ignoring it can lead to issues with the jeep later on. Speed tests and drives have suggested that an average of 12 miles per gallon is the gas mileage for the Ram 2500. In comparison, the number is 16 miles per gallon for the Ram 3500.
In these terms, too, the Ram 3500 overpowers 2500. Thus, this is surely something you should consider when making your decision.
Cab Size
This, too, is a crucial characteristic that seldom goes unnoticed no matter what the vehicle. One thing that both of these jeeps do right provide the Mega Cab option. This has been installed in all of their Ram trucks, right from the first one.
The various options that are available are either a two-door crew cab or the four-door crew cab. This choice, too, highly depends on the model that you are choosing. When opting for the regular cab, the space that you get is only 3.4 cubic feet worth of storage.
However, the four-door model comes with a storage space of 9.1 cubic feet. If you are the kind of person that requires their space and storage no matter how long the journey, then do take a look at the measurements of both of these models. No matter what your final decision, keep in mind that the Mega Cab offers a lot more space.
Additional Amenities
Besides the technological features that are mentioned above, there are also a lot of other amenities that come with both of these vehicles.
Touchscreen Navigation
This one is an extremely popular addition when it comes to jeeps. With the touchscreen navigation option, you can now have all of the buttons and options at your fingertips. No matter where you are driving, you can use this to make sure that the route you are taking is the shortest as well as the quickest.
Digitalized Rearview Mirror
This is still a feature that is absent from a lot of cars and other vehicles today, but one that is of great magnitude. With the digitalization of the rearview mirror, you can now make a better judgment of the things around you and always stay alert in all sorts of situations.
The rearview mirror, too, is something that you can opt for both in the Ram 2500 as well as the Ramm 3500.
Connectivity And Configuration
Who does not like blasting their favorite music while traveling somewhere? These jeeps allow you to do just that. With a few extremely simple and fast steps, you can connect your phone or any other device to this jeep’s system.
Adaptive Cruise Control
The Adaptive Cruise Control option is one that is increasingly becoming popular in all kinds of vehicles. There are times when our instincts fail us, and we do not know which speed to maintain depending upon the requirements.
This is where adaptive cruise control comes in. When you are driving on the road, and there are perhaps too many vehicles around you, this programming lets the system change and altercate the distance that is imperative to maintain with the vehicles in front.
What’s more, is that you can use this advanced driver-assistance system not just in troublesome situations but also in everyday life.
Sound System
While a lot of jeeps promise an immersive and versatile experience in terms of sound quality, only a few are able to deliver the same. This is where the Ram 3500 wins. With a Harman Kardon sound and operating system, every single tune or voice that you hear will be of the highest and best quality.
Final Comparisons
Now that you know almost everything that there is to know about both of these models let us take a look at the few final areas of comparisons before finally moving ahead and making the decision to buy one of these jeeps.
Ram 2500
Pros
- Lot more affordable
- It comes with the same configurations as Ram 3500
- Good in terms of engine efficiency
Cons
- Lesser towing capacity
- Lesser payload capacity
- The difference in Gas Mileage
Ram 3500
Pros
- Great towing capacity
- The best in terms of payload
- Slightly better amenities
- User-friendly and advanced technology efficient
Cons
- Costs more
- Engine sometimes produces noise
What’s The Same?
After reading the pros and cons above, you would know that there are some things between both of these models that the makers have chosen to keep the same. Therefore, consider these things when weighing whether to buy the Ram 3500 or not.
If you have been following this jeep series, you would know that the Ram 2500 came with two different engine options. This feature has also been carried forward to the Ram 3500. Thus, that one, too, comes with a cylinder diesel engine and a V8 engine.
What’s more, is that owners have also suggested that the horsepower and its ratings for both of these engines remain the same.
What Is Different?
As you would notice, while the horsepower remains the same, the difference in torque is massive. Furthermore, when looking at the payload capacities as well as the carrying capacities, there is a clear winner.
Not only that, but the Ram 3500 also wins when it comes to better amenities, technological advances, safety, and security. The features offered in the Ram 3500 are truly incomparable. Besides 2500, the Ram 3500 also fairs exceptionally well when looking at it against other standards and models available in the market.
Another difference that is worth pointing out here is in its dimensions as well. While not major or crucial to the working aspects of the same, the Ram 3500 definitely is slightly wider as well as taller in comparison to the Ram 2500.
FAQs
Which Pickup Truck Will Be Ideal For Regular Heavy Lifting?
If you happen to perform some heavy lifting and hauling frequently, the Ram 3500 will be the best option for you. With a towing capacity of 35,100 pounds and a payload capacity of 7,680 pounds, it will be way better than the Ram 2500 truck.
However, the choice of the truck also depends upon the weight you’ll have to handle.
Do The Trucks Offer Quality Driving Experience?
Yes, they do, despite their structural differences. Both the Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 pickup truck offers fantastic driving experience on rugged terrain and highways. The interiors of these trucks are spacious enough and have enough legroom for you to relax during the trip. The world-class audio system also makes every journey enjoyable.
Therefore, driving around in both trucks is comfortable and memorable.
What To Look For While Buying A Pickup Truck?
The first factor that you must focus on while buying a pickup truck is its purpose. If you just want to drive around and without hauling anything, a light-duty truck will be perfect. However, if you plan to carry a lot of cargo in the truck bed, you have to go for a heavy-duty truck. This will also help you while hauling and towing vehicles or hefty equipment.
Final Verdict
You are now aware of all of the focal points of importance between the Ram 2500 and the Ram 3500. If you are choosing based on technology, amenities, carrying capacity, etc., then you should undoubtedly opt for the Ram 3500. It is better in terms of mileage too.
When looking at power, performance, and the ‘heavy-duty’ work that it is essentially built for, all of these aspects account for the need for the Ram 3500.
However, if your purpose is different and you do not wish to pay a considerably higher price right now, then it is best to settle for the Ram 2500.
It would also be beneficial to keep in mind that ultimately, buying either one of these jeeps is extremely context-specific. Thus, if you know yourself and trust that your usage of the vehicle is not too stringent or heavy, then you can undoubtedly go for the Ram 2500.
