Before you can choose between the Ford Super Duty and Ram 2500 or 3500, you need to know which of these heavy-duty trucks can fulfill your unique needs. Our comparison guide is here to help you learn more. By the end, you’ll know which truck has the chops to get you through your heavy-duty workday.
Powertrain Options: Ford Super Duty
The Super Duty F-250, F-350, and F-450 offer the same three engine options:
- 6.2-liter gasoline V8 (385 horsepower, 430 pound-feet of torque)
- 7.3L gasoline V8 (430 hp, 475 lb-ft)
- 6.7L turbocharged diesel V8 (475 hp, 1,050 lb-ft)
The base 6.2-liter V8 is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The bigger gas-powered V8 and turbo diesel engine utilize a 10-speed automatic transmission. For a surprisingly spry off-road performance, you can add four-wheel drive to any of these Super Duty trucks.
The Ram 2500 and 3500 also offer a range of engine options. They compete well with the Super Duty lineup, though they’re not exactly as powerful. With the 2500 and 3500, you can choose between a gas-powered V8 engine and a turbo-diesel V8.
- 6.4L gasoline V8 (410 hp, 429 lb-ft)
- 6.7L turbocharged diesel V8 (370 hp, 850 lb-ft)
There’s also a high-output version of the turbodiesel V8 available for the Ram 3500:
- 6.7L turbocharged diesel V8 (420 hp, 1,075 lb-ft)
Towing Capabilities: Ford Super Duty
Not only does it impress in terms of pure power, the Super Duty also hauls the biggest payloads and tows the biggest trailers. Capabilities vary according to which Super Duty model you select, but they also depend on truck body style, equipment, and powertrain. Here’s a look at how much you can potentially move with each F-Series model:
F-250:
- 20,000 lbs conventional towing
- 22,800 lbs gooseneck/fifth-wheel towing
- 4,260 lbs max payloads
F-350:
- 21,200 lbs conventional towing
- 35,700 lbs gooseneck towing
- 7,850 lbs max payloads
F-450
- 24,200 lbs conventional towing
- 37,000 lbs gooseneck towing
- 6,210 lbs max payloads
Ram’s heavy-duty trucks may not be as powerful as their Super Duty counterparts, but they also do an excellent job of moving big trailers and payloads. Unfortunately, the Ram 4500 isn’t a heavy-duty truck, but a chassis cab that doesn’t really compare with the F-450.
Ram 2500
- 20,000 lbs max towing
- 7,680 lbs max payloads
Ram 3500
- 22,670 lbs max towing
- 4,010 lbs max payloads
Interior Comfort & Passenger Space: Ram 2500/3500
Inside, the Ram is roomy and well organized. Ram trucks are also known for their quality materials, which give the cabin a high-end look and feel. As you climb the Ram’s seven trim levels, you’ll enjoy greater luxury, with features like leather upholstery and heated seats.
While the Ford Super Duty trucks aren’t quite as plush, they come close. Like Ram’s heavy-duty models, F-Series trucks are roomy and comfortable. And, with six trim models available, you can select the amount of luxury that suits your budget.
Tech Gear: Ford Super Duty
For 2022, the Super Duty lineup gains Ford’s new infotainment system, Sync 4. Compared to the previous system, Sync 4 is quicker to follow through with commands. It also includes wireless connectivity for your Apple CarPlay and Android Auto features. And an available 12-inch central touchscreen improves accessibility.
This year, Ram’s heavy-duty trucks also feature a new infotainment system, Uconnect 5. The system is also faster than previous iterations, with improved memory, though we think the Sync 4 system has the edge in terms of speed. Uconnect 5 also includes wireless smartphone integration and an optional 12-inch touchscreen.
Choose Your Heavy-Duty Truck
Between the pair there are a lot of close calls but in the end, it is Ford’s Super Duty lineup that provides greater power and stronger towing capabilities. These F-Series trucks also deliver cutting-edge infotainment gear and roomy, comfortable cabins with lots of luxury options.