2020 Ram 1500 vs Ram 2500
We get it. You have a job to do in the Hamilton, Madison, and Smyrna, NY areas, and you want it done right. That’s why you’re probably looking at hefty pickups like the 2021 Ram 1500 and 2021 Ram 2500.
To help you decide which one is going to be better suited to your personal inventory or commercial fleet, our team at Friendly Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Hamilton compared the Ram 1500 and 2500 side by side. Check out our comparison to get an idea of what each of these trucks is made of. Then, contact our dealership to come see them in person.
Ram 1500 vs Ram 2500: Engine Specs and Towing Capability
If you’re looking for a truck with plenty of engine power and an impressive towing capacity, you’re going to be happy whether you choose the Ram 1500 or 2500. The only thing to consider is: how much power do you need?
Those of you with a big job coming up may prefer the additional strength of a heavy-duty model like the 2021 Ram 2500. If your truck is for personal use—maybe pulling a boat to the lake or taking a camper into the wilderness—then a light-duty pickup should serve you just fine.
Look at these trucks’ V8 gas engine specs below:
|
2021 Ram 1500 |
2021 Ram 2500 |
|
| Engine |
5.7L HEMI® V8 |
6.4L HEMI® V8 |
| Horsepower |
395 |
410 |
| Max Towing Capacity |
12,750 pounds |
17,540 pounds |
In addition to their V8 gas engines, both trucks have a diesel engine. The 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 engine in the 2021 Ram 1500 can tow up to 12,560 pounds. The 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 engine in the Ram 2500 can tow up to 20,000 pounds.
Plus, the Ram 1500 has a 3.6L Pentastar® V6 gas engine that can tow up to 7,730 pounds.
Something else to consider with the engine specs is efficiency. The Ram 1500 gas engines come with available eTorque technology. This mild hybrid system pairs an electric motor with the engine to add in even more low-end torque.
This also improves efficiency. The 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 engine in the 1500 achieves an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 20 city and 25 highway MPG. Even when towing a trailer, you’ll be satisfied with how much and how far your fuel can carry you.
Ram 1500 vs 2500 Cargo and Payload Capacity
We’ve looked at pulling power, now let’s turn our attention to these trucks’ cargo beds. Take a look at the payload capacities below:
| Maximum Payload | 2021 Ram 1500 | 2021 Ram 2500 |
| Diesel payload capacity | 2,060 pounds | 3,160 pounds |
| V8 gas payload capacity | 1,930 pounds | 4,010 pounds |
| V6 gas payload capacity | 2,300 pounds | N/A |
As you can see, both feature a substantial payload capacity; however, the heavy-duty nature of the Ram 2500 equips it with the ability to carry slightly more. The Ram 2500 also has a higher overall cargo volume, with 6-foot, 4-inch, and 8-foot bed options. The Ram 1500 bed options are 5-foot, 7-inches, and 6-foot, 4-inches.
Otherwise, they both include innovative cargo management tools, like the available RamBox® Cargo Management System. This places two additional cargo boxes in the walls of the bed, where you can store items like tools or audio equipment.
Within these compartments, you’ll find drains to let out any liquid and lights to make it easier to sort through your gear. Plus, the boxes lock and stay out of the elements to protect your equipment or any materials you’re toting along to a new job or weekend trip.
They also include an available 115-volt power outlet, so that you can power up your drills when you get to the worksite or play some tunes at the tailgate.
The Ram 1500 features a multifunctional tailgate as well. This gives you even more ways to access the bed by including a 60/40-split swing-gate feature. While you can still open the tailgate downwards, it also gives you the option to swing it out like a door, allowing for easier access to what’s stored in the bed.
Ram Towing Systems
Both Ram trucks offer an available Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring System to keep an eye on how your tires may be holding up. You’ll also be able to add the Trailer Light Check to get an up-to-date status on all the lights associated with your trailer.
While you can upgrade to the 360-degree Surround View Camera, the two trucks differ in what they display. The Ram 1500 stops short at directing you and your trailer in backing out with camera assistance. With the Ram 2500, a Trailer Reverse Guidance View comes standard to usher you safely out of a tight spot even with your trailer attached.
If you do need some assistance in the 1500, add the Trailer Reverse Steering Control system. In the center stack of your truck, twist the Trailer Steering knob in the direction you want your trailer to travel, and it seamlessly does so.
For a dedicated look at your trailer, the Ram 1500 provides you with an optional Trailer Camera Wiring system while the 2500 supplies you with an available Trailer Camera Prep system. They sound like different systems, but they both outfit your truck with two auxiliary cameras for extra visibility.
Connect to Your Ram
Your first connection to your Ram truck appears on the center console with an enormous and easy-to-see Uconnect® 12-inch touchscreen. Each pickup gives you customizable screens that will show two diverse systems simultaneously on the split screen. Accept calls through your smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™ and also pick out what you want to listen to on the optional SiriusXM® satellite radio.
Listen to high-quality sound that surrounds you in your favorite tune through the Harman Kardon® Premium Audio System upgrades. The 1500 gives you an awe-inspiring 19 speakers while you get 17 in the 2500.
Is the Ram 1500 or Ram 2500 Right for You?
We hope that our comparison of the 2021 Ram 1500 and 2021 Ram 2500 was able to help you understand which one better suits your needs. If you want to talk it over in detail, come to Friendly CDJR of Hamilton to work one on one with a knowledgeable member of our team.
Drivers near Madison, Hamilton, and Smyrna can contact us to get started today!