Waconia Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram
Heavy-Duty Truck Comparison
The 2026 RAM 2500 and the 2026 Ford F-250 both target the same buyer. That's someone who needs real towing and payload capability, not just a bigger half-ton truck. If you're cross-shopping these two heavy-duty trucks near Waconia, MN, you're probably weighing a few things. Diesel torque against horsepower. Warranty length against sticker price. How each truck actually drives when it isn't hitched to a trailer.
This comparison covers engine options, towing and payload figures, suspension, technology, and everyday comfort for both trucks, using manufacturer-published specifications wherever they're available. You'll see where the two are close, and where one pulls ahead, including a few places where the F-250 has the bigger number on paper. Waconia Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram carries the RAM 2500 across multiple configurations. This guide is built to help you decide whether it's the right fit before you visit the lot.
RAM 2500 INVENTORY$45,995
1,075 lb-ft (RAM 2500)
Up to 22,000 lbs (F-250)
10-yr / 100,000-mi (RAM 2500)
Comparison Overview
A few of the biggest differences, before you get into the details:
Side-by-Side Specs
Specification |
2026 RAM 2500 |
2026 Ford F-250 |
Starting MSRP |
$45,995 |
approx. $45,975 |
Standard Engine |
6.4L HEMI® V8, 405 hp / 429 lb-ft |
6.8L V8, 405 hp / 445 lb-ft |
Available Diesel |
High-Output 6.7L Cummins® I6, 430 hp / 1,075 lb-ft |
6.7L Power Stroke® V8, 475 hp / 1,050 lb-ft |
Max Towing (diesel) |
Up to 20,000 lbs |
approx. up to 22,000 lbs |
Max Payload (gas) |
Up to 3,930 lbs |
approx. up to 3,166 lbs |
Available Touchscreen |
14.5-inch (largest available in class) |
up to 12.0-inch |
Available Onboard Power |
2.4-kW |
Not confirmed for this trim lineup |
Powertrain Warranty |
10-yr / 100,000-mi |
5-yr / 60,000-mi |
*Figures marked "approx." are sourced from dealer and third-party data rather than a current Ford pressroom page, since Ford's own site has moved on to the redesigned 2027 Super Duty. Starting MSRP excludes destination, options, taxes, and fees. Contact Waconia DCJR to confirm current pricing and configuration-specific ratings on either truck.
Powertrain
Both trucks come standard with a gas V8 and offer a diesel step-up. The RAM 2500's standard 6.4L HEMI V8 makes 405 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque. That matches the F-250's standard 6.8L V8 on horsepower. It trails slightly on torque.
Where the lineups diverge is diesel. Ford offers two diesel tunes on the F-250, with the standard Power Stroke rated at 475 hp and 1,050 lb-ft. RAM offers one High-Output Cummins diesel on the 2500, rated at 430 hp and 1,075 lb-ft. Horsepower favors Ford here. Base diesel torque favors RAM, and torque is what actually moves a loaded trailer off the line.
Browse InventoryHauling Capability
Ford's diesel F-250 posts the higher published max towing figure, at approximately 22,000 pounds against the RAM 2500's 20,000 pounds. That gap matters if you're regularly pulling right at the ceiling of a heavy-duty truck's rating.
For most shoppers, payload tells a more complete story. The RAM 2500's gas-engine max payload runs up to 3,930 pounds, ahead of the F-250's roughly 3,166 pounds in comparable gas configurations. If your truck spends more time loaded with gear or a camper slide-in than pulling a max-rated trailer, payload capacity deserves just as much attention.
Neither figure applies to every configuration. Confirm the exact rating for your cab, bed, and drivetrain combination before you buy.
Diesel Power
The available High-Output 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 is RAM's strongest card in this comparison. At 1,075 lb-ft, RAM calls it best-in-class base diesel torque, and it beats the F-250's standard Power Stroke diesel on that exact number. That torque advantage shows up in real driving as stronger low-RPM pulling power. It's the kind you feel pulling away from a stop with a loaded trailer. Ford's diesel still makes more peak horsepower and a higher max towing rating on paper. If Cummins-badged diesel torque is the priority, the RAM 2500 has the edge where it counts most for everyday towing.
Engineering
Suspension is where the RAM 2500 separates itself for anyone who tows or hauls regularly. The available Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension is a class-exclusive feature that automatically adjusts ride height under a loaded trailer or gooseneck hitch. It keeps the truck level instead of sagging at the rear, which helps headlight aim, hitch geometry, and overall control while towing.
That same system also smooths out the ride when the bed is empty. Standard leaf-spring setups on a heavy-duty truck tend to ride stiff unloaded. It's a feature built around real trailer work, not just a comfort upgrade.
Cabin & Utility
Inside the cab, the RAM 2500's available 14.5-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen is the largest offered in its class. It can be paired with an available, class-exclusive 10.25-inch front passenger display. The F-250 offers a touchscreen up to 12.0 inches on its higher trims.
For towing specifically, the RAM 2500 offers available Trailer Reverse Steering Control. It lets you steer the trailer's direction with a dash-mounted knob while backing up. Available 2.4-kW onboard power turns the truck bed into a jobsite power source, useful for tools, chargers, or camping gear without a separate generator. A fifth-wheel and gooseneck prep package is also available for RAM 2500 shoppers planning heavier trailer setups.
Daily Usability
A heavy-duty truck spends most of its life as a daily driver, not hitched to a trailer, so cabin comfort matters. The RAM 2500's cabin carries over much of the RAM 1500's passenger-car-like feel. That includes the large touchscreen, available wireless charging, and a layout built for both work and commuting.
The F-250's cabin leans more utilitarian, which some work-first buyers prefer. If your truck spends five days a week on a commute and only a few weekends towing, weigh that comfort seriously. The RAM 2500's available tech is worth it against the F-250's function-first layout.
Decision Guide
Neither truck is the wrong choice for serious towing. The right pick depends on what you're actually hauling and driving day to day.
For most towing and daily-driving needs around Waconia, the RAM 2500's torque, warranty, and payload edge make it the stronger everyday pick. The F-250's higher tow rating still matters if you're regularly pulling near a heavy-duty truck's ceiling.
Not sure your needs actually call for a heavy-duty truck? It's worth a quick look at what a well-equipped RAM 1500 can already tow and haul before you commit to 2500-level capability and cost.
Your Local Dealership
We're a family-owned dealership. Our team spends real time walking Carver County drivers through which engine, suspension, and tech package fits their towing needs. We match RAM 2500 configurations to real jobs, not just the biggest number on the spec sheet. That includes gooseneck livestock trailers, fifth-wheel campers, and loaded equipment trailers around Chaska, Chanhassen, Victoria, Eden Prairie, Shakopee, and the greater Twin Cities.
Browse our RAM 2500 inventory or check current RAM offers before you visit. You can also value your trade online. Ready to see one in person? Contact our team to schedule a test drive.
FAQ
Heavy-duty truck shoppers tend to land on the same handful of questions once they start comparing the RAM 2500 and F-250 side by side. Here are direct answers to the ones we hear most.
Both are capable heavy-duty trucks with real strengths. The F-250 posts a higher max towing number, while the RAM 2500 leads on base diesel torque, powertrain warranty length, and available technology.
The F-250's available diesel posts a higher published max towing figure, at approximately 22,000 pounds against the RAM 2500's 20,000 pounds. Actual capacity depends on your specific configuration.
The 2026 RAM 2500 can tow up to 20,000 pounds with the available High-Output Cummins diesel, properly equipped. The standard HEMI V8 tows up to 17,750 pounds.
The available High-Output 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 produces 1,075 lb-ft of torque and 430 horsepower. RAM markets that torque figure as best-in-class base diesel torque.
Yes. The RAM 2500 offers an available fifth-wheel and gooseneck prep package. Available Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension also helps keep the truck level under a loaded hitch.
The RAM 2500's cabin leans toward passenger-car-style comfort and technology, including its available 14.5-inch touchscreen. The F-250's cabin leans more work-first and utilitarian.
The 2026 RAM 2500 comes standard with a 6.4L HEMI V8. It also offers an available High-Output 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 for shoppers who prioritize towing torque.
Waconia Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram, located at 905 Strong Drive in Waconia, MN, carries new RAM 2500 inventory. We serve drivers throughout Chaska, Chanhassen, Victoria, Eden Prairie, Shakopee, and the greater Twin Cities west metro.
Ready To Compare In Person?
Read the specs, compare the numbers, and then see how the truck feels from behind the wheel. If you need a heavy-duty pickup with real torque, payload strength, and towing confidence, the RAM 2500 is ready for the next step.
Browse Inventory
