Heavy Duty Buyer's Guide Ram 2500 vs F-250

The Ram 2500 and the Ford F-250 are the two best-selling 3/4-ton trucks in America, and for good reason. Both are serious machines built to handle heavy towing, hard work, and high mileage. But they take very different approaches to doing the job, and the right choice depends entirely on what you need from your truck.

We have sold thousands of both. Here is the honest breakdown with no brand bias.

The Direct Answer

The Biggest Difference Nobody Talks About: The Suspension

Most buyers focus on the engine debate, but the suspension difference between these two trucks is just as important and affects your daily driving experience far more than the engine does.

The Ram 2500 uses a coil spring front suspension with a solid front axle. This setup gives the Ram a noticeably smoother, more compliant ride when the truck is empty. It absorbs bumps and road imperfections better than the Ford. If you drive this truck every day as a daily driver, the Ram will be more comfortable.

The Ford F-250 uses a twin I-beam front suspension with coil springs. It is a stiffer, more truck-like setup that prioritizes handling and payload stability over ride comfort. When you are loaded up or towing, the Ford feels planted and confident. When you are driving empty, it is noticeably rougher than the Ram.

The Engine Options

Ram 2500 Engines

The Ram 2500 gives you two choices. The 6.4L Hemi V8 gas engine is a strong, reliable option for buyers who do not need diesel. It produces 410 hp and 429 lb-ft of torque and is one of the most straightforward engines to maintain. The 6.7L Cummins diesel is the reason most people buy a Ram 2500. It is a legendary inline-six that produces up to 1,075 lb-ft of torque and will run for 400,000 miles with proper care.

Ford F-250 Engines

The F-250 also gives you two choices. The 7.3L Godzilla V8 gas engine (available from 2020 onward) is a massive, naturally aspirated pushrod V8 that produces 430 hp and is incredibly reliable. If you want a gas-powered work truck that will last forever, the 7.3L is arguably the best gas truck engine available today. The 6.7L Power Stroke diesel is a highly refined V8 that produces more horsepower than the Cummins and tows with more urgency and speed.

Head to Head Comparison

Which Years to Buy and Which to Avoid

The Cab and Bed Question

Both trucks come in Crew Cab and Extended Cab configurations with short (6.4 ft) or long (8 ft) beds. For 5th wheel towing, a long bed is strongly preferred because it gives you more clearance between the cab and the trailer when turning. If you are buying a short-bed truck for 5th wheel towing, you will need a sliding hitch.

For daily driving and family use, the Crew Cab with a short bed is the most popular configuration and the easiest to find on the used market.

So Which One Should You Buy?

Here is the simple version. If you want a truck that rides well, has a legendary engine, and you are not worried about having the absolute latest technology, buy the Ram 2500 Cummins. It is the workhorse choice.

If you want a truck that feels fast and modern, tows with authority, and you are buying a 2020 or newer model to sidestep the CP4 issue, buy the F-250 Power Stroke. It is the performance choice.

You really cannot go wrong with either one. The best truck is the one that fits your budget, your use case, and the one you feel good sitting in every day.