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2026 Ram 1500 vs. 2026 Ram 2500 Comparison

See how the 2026 Ram 1500 and 2026 Ram 2500 performed in our rigorous, independent road tests. Our experts evaluate hundreds of vehicles annually at our 327-acre testing facility, putting each model through over 50 data-driven assessments—including braking, emergency handling, fuel economy, and cabin noise. Review our side-by-side comparison of tested specifications, real-world fuel efficiency, and crash-test safety ratings to see which is the best for reliability, performance, and more.

Comparing 2 Models

1500 2026

Full-sized pickup trucks

2026 Ram 1500

$42,025 - $88,800

All Test Results
CR's Take
2500 2026

Full-sized pickup trucks

2026 Ram 2500

$46,855 - $92,050

All Test Results
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About
About
The freshened Ram 1500 full-sized pickup truck continues to come standard with a 3.6-liter V6, but for 2025 the optional Hemi V8 has been replaced by a smooth and refined turbocharged inline-six producing 420 hp. Not only is the turbo-six slightly mo...
 
The heavy-duty Ram 2500 provides impressive hauling and towing capabilities, capable of towing 19,780 pounds when properly equipped. Significantly, the updated Ram 2500 offers important active safety features, such as FCW, AEB, and BSW, on all versio...
Highs
Highs
Green Checkmark Icon Smooth and quick acceleration with the turbo inline-six
Green Checkmark Icon Comfortable ride
Green Checkmark Icon Quiet cabin
Green Checkmark Icon Roomy rear seat
Green Checkmark Icon Automatic 4WD available
 

NA

Lows
Lows
Red 'X' Icon High step-in height hampers access for shorter drivers
Red 'X' Icon Long wet stopping distances
 

NA

Road Test Score
Road Test Score
/ 100
 
NA
Reliability
Reliability
/ 100
 
/ 100
Owner Satisfaction
Owner Satisfaction
/ 100
 
/ 100

Overview

Body Styles
Body Styles

extended cab, crew cab

 

mega cab, regular cab, crew cab

Trim Lines
Trim Lines

Express, Laramie, Limited Longhorn, Limited, RHO, Tradesman, Tungsten, Rebel, Warlock, Big Horn

 

Big Horn, Power Wagon, Limited, Rebel, Laramie, Tradesman, Limited Longhorn

Base Price Range
Base Price Range

$42,025 - $88,800

 

$46,855 - $92,050

Drive Wheels
Drive Wheels

4WD, AWD, RWD

 

4WD, RWD

Seating Capacity
Seating Capacity

2 Front, 3 Rear

 

3 Front, 3 Rear

Engines/Motors
Engines/Motors

3-liter 6 turbo (540 hp); 3.6-liter V6 (305 hp); 5.7-liter V8 (395 hp); 3-liter 6 turbo (420 hp)

 

6.7-liter 6 turbodiesel (430 hp); 6.4-liter V8 (405 hp)

Transmissions Available
Transmissions Available

8-speed Automatic

 

8-speed Automatic

Performance

Comfort & Convenience

Fuel Economy & Range

Vehicle Safety

Specification

Warranty

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Auto Test Center

Precision testing comes standard at our 327-acre auto test center.

TESTING LIKE NOBODY ELSE

50+

tests are conducted on every car we buy.

PERFORMANCE TESTING

6

miles of track for testing acceleration, ride, handling, braking, and advanced driver assist systems.

TIRE TESTING

400

tires tested a year for all-weather grip and rolling resistance.