2023 RAM 2500 vs. 2023 RAM 3500

Ram trucks are renowned for their durability, towing, and unique style. There’s no question that a Ram truck is the right truck for the job, but you may wonder which model is best for you. The 2023 Dodge Ram 2500 and 2023 Dodge Ram 3500 have features, capabilities, and pricing elements that make them the best option for different needs. Learning more about the two models can help you decide which one you want. Here’s everything you need to know about the differences between the Ram 2500 and the Ram 3500 .

The first major area in which these two trucks differ is their pricing. Because the 3500 generally offers more power and performance, it’s no surprise that it has a higher starting MSRP than the Ram 2500. The Dodge Ram 2500 has a starting MSRP of $44,675, while the Ram 3500 has a starting MSRP of $46,780.

There are seven trims for the 2023 Dodge Ram 2500, including the Rebel, Limited, Laramie, Power Wagon, Limited Longhorn, Tradesman, and Big Horn options. The lowest trim for the 2500 is Ram 2500 is the Tradesman, while the highest trim level is the Limited, which has a starting MSRP of $86,190.

There are only five trims for the Ram 3500, including the Limited, Laramie, Limited Longhorn, Tradesman, and Big Horn. The Tradesman is also the lowest trim for the Ram 3500, with the highest trim being the Limited Longhorn, which has a starting MSRP of $84,390.

When the Ram 2500 is outfitted with the 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 engine, it has a maximum towing capacity of 17,730 lbs and a maximum payload of 4,000 lbs. You can boost the power and towing capability by choosing the 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel I-6 engine, which gives you a maximum towing capacity of 19,980 and a maximum payload of 3,140.

On the Ram 3500, the 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 engine gets you a maximum towing capacity of 18,210 and a maximum payload of up to 7,680 lbs. Choosing the 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel I-6 engine turns up the volume on towing capacity, offering up to 22,660 lbs of max towing capacity and a maximum payload of 6,830 lbs. Finally, the High-Output 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel I-6 engine with the Ram 3500 nets you a maximum towing capacity of 37,090 and a maximum payload of 6,560 lbs.

The Ram 3500 consistently offers better numbers for towing no matter which engine you choose, and truly stands apart from the Ram 2500 when you consider the available high-output engine. The 3500 and high-output engine may not be the right choice for an everyday adventuring or driving machine, but can make a difference if you’re taking the truck out to work sites.

The Ram 2500 has two available engine options, including the 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel I-6 engine and the 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 engine. The diesel engine is designed to give the Ram ultimate power, offering up to 850 lb-ft of torque and 370 horsepower. The diesel engine has electronically controlled gear ratios in the transition and has a low noise and vibration output for a smooth ride.

The 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 engine is a gasoline-powered engine that comes standard on the Ram 2500. It uses variable-cam timing and comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It can produce up to 429 lb-ft of torque and 410 horsepower, which makes it impressive, but less powerful than its diesel counterpart.

There are three engines available for the Ram 3500, including the available High-Output 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel I-6 engine, the 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel I-6 engine, and the 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 gasoline-powered engine. When you outfit the Ram 3500 with the 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 gasoline-powered engine, the truck offers up to 429 lb-ft of torque and 410 horsepower, just like the Ram 2500. Choosing the 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel I-6 engine gets you 850 lb-ft of torque and 370 horsepower, which also matches the Ram 2500.

What separates the Ram 3500 is the available high-output engine. Pairing the Ram 3500 with the High-Output 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel I-6 engine provides the most power of all, putting out up to 1,075 lb-ft of torque and 420 horsepower. If you’re looking for a truck with the most towing, the Ram 3500 with the High-Output 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel I-6 engine is probably your best choice.

The Ram 2500 and 3500 don’t differ much when it comes to exterior features. Both trucks offer convenient features like the Class-Exclusive Available Rambox Cargo Management System, 115-volt bed outlet, LED lights in the bed, a Mopar Sport Performance Hood, telescoping tow mirrors, a Kick-Out Mopar Bed Step, and power running boards. Both trucks come in available colors including Bright White Clear-Coat, Delmonico Red Pearl-Coat, Diamond Black Crystal Pearl-Coat, Patriot Blue Pearl-Coat, Pearl White, Billet Silver Metallic Clear-Coat, and Granite Crystal Metallic Clear-Coat.

Every Ram truck comes with a complete suite of safety features to keep you and your crew secure, and the 2500 and 3500 are no exceptions to the rule. They offer identical safety packages, including Adaptive Forward Lighting, Rear Seat Reminder Alerts, and a steel frame with integrated airbags to protect you and your passengers in the event of a crash.

The available tech for the Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 are pretty closely matched as well, with both trucks offering the new digital cluster, which sits behind the steering wheel and offers information about trailer tire pressure, current navigation, speed, and gauges. Both trucks also come with trailer and towing information pages, including those that offer information about your trailer lights and brakes.

We hope this guide has helped you learn more about the Ram truck lineup and discover which model is best suited for your needs. Here at Campbell CDJR, we know your truck is more than just a vehicle, and we strive to offer you the best selection and service. For more information about our current inventory or to schedule a test drive, contact one of our friendly professionals today.

Image by Brock Wegner is licensed with Unsplash License