Which truck should be doing your heavy-duty towing and hauling, the 2023 Ram 2500 or the Ford Super Duty? Our comparison guide decides which truck is best for your drive.
Key Takeaways
- The 2023 F-250 has a slightly lower MSRP than the 2023 Ram 2500 — but only slightly!
- For maximum standard horsepower, check out the 2023 Ram 2500. Depending on equipment, both heavy-duty trucks tow max conventional loads of 20,000 pounds.
- Both heavy-duty pickups are available with your choice of three cabin and two bed options.
- Depending on the trim model, the Ram 2500 offers a more luxurious cabin!
Lowest MSRP: 2023 Ford Super Duty
The 2023 F-250 is attached to a slightly lower price tag, starting at $43,970. However, the 2023 Ram 2500 isn’t much more expensive, with an MSRP of $44,205. Whether we’re talking about power or price, these heavy-duty trucks keep things very competitive.
Standard Horsepower: 2023 Ram 2500
The Ram 2500 gives you a little burst of extra horsepower, with a standard gas-powered V8 engine that makes 410 horses.
These heavy-duty trucks also deliver the kind of towing and hauling capabilities you expect to see in this segment.
Depending on body style and equipment, max tow ratings reach 20,000 pounds. Payloads — also dependent on configuration — reach up to 4,010 pounds.
Choose from these available 2023 Ram 2500 engines:
- 6.4L gas-powered V8 (410 horsepower, 429 lb-ft of torque)
- Turbocharged 6.7L six-cylinder diesel engine (370 hp, 850 lb-ft)
Although the F-250’s standard V8 engine doesn’t make quite as much horsepower as the Ram’s standard engine, the F-250 has more potential for power. Properly equipped, this Ford Super Duty truck can tow a conventional trailer weighing up to 20,000 pounds. However, the F-250 has a slight edge when it comes to hauling. Properly equipped, this heavy-duty pickup can haul payloads of up to 4,260 pounds!
Choose from these available 2023 Ford F-250 engines:
- 6.2L gas-powered V8 (385 hp, 430 lb-ft)
- 7.3L gas-powered V8 (430 hp, 475 lb-ft)
- Turbo 6.7L diesel V8 (475 hp, 1,050 lb-ft)
Both trucks come standard with rear-wheel drive. Four-wheel drive is optional for lower trim models. Higher trim models come standard with this traction-boosting performance system.
Configuration Options: It’s a Tie!
These heavy-duty trucks are both very configurable. The 2023 Ram 2500 offers three cabin styles: regular cab, crew cab, and Mega Cab. The latter is an extra-large crew cabin, perfect for long trips. Shoppers can choose between a standard or long bed, with availability depending on trim model and cabin style.
The 2023 F-250 offers the usual cabin styles: regular, extended SuperCab, and SuperCrew. Both the extended and crew cabins offer two rows of seating, but the crew cabin provides extra rear-seat space. And these trucks are also available with either a standard or long bed!
Interior Refinement: 2023 Ram 2500
Inside, Ram trucks always deliver style, giving these models another win. Eight trim models range from basic to luxurious, but the Ram does luxury extraordinarily well. On upper trim levels, you’ll find exquisite materials, such as genuine wood trim and premium leather upholstery. These trucks are also available with safety and tech upgrades, from adaptive cruise control to a wireless smartphone charger.
Like the Ram 2500, the Ford Super Duty is available as a range of trim models, which deliver a basic workhorse on one end and a very posh cruiser on the other. The 2022 Ford F-250 is available with a similar variety of tech features, including a smartphone-friendly infotainment system. However, although the F-250 certainly offers features like leather seating and wood cabin trim, the cabin never feels quite as luxurious as the competition. Its design remains a little too utilitarian to truly give off an upscale vibe.
Your Heavy-Duty Truck
If you need a heavy-duty truck that can handle slightly bigger payloads than the Ram 2500, then the 2023 Ford F-250 just might be the right truck for you. Otherwise, though, we recommend driving home in the 2023 Ram 2500. Ram’s heavy-duty truck not only treats you to major muscle, but it also provides rich interior comfort and a wealth of body styles and equipment!