2025 Ram 3500 vs 2026 Ford F-250 Super Duty
Comparison Overview
So, you're staring down the barrel of buying a heavy-duty truck, trying to decide between the 2025 Ram 3500 and the 2026 Ford F-250 Super Duty? It's a tough call since both offer a stout 405 horsepower in their base configurations. Looking closely at the torque, the new F-250 nudges ahead with 445 lb-ft compared to the Ram's 429 lb-ft, which might matter for towing heavy loads. On the flip side, the Ram undercuts the Ford slightly on MSRP, starting at $46,570 versus the Fordβs $45,675, though this is incredibly close. Interestingly, the Ram is marginally shorter at 232.0 inches long versus the Ford's 231.8 inches, but the Ford is slightly wider at 80.0 inches compared to 79.4 inches. Ultimately, the transmission tells a tale: the F-250 utilizes a 10-speed automatic, potentially offering smoother efficiency gains over the Ram's 8-speed unit.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Ford F-250 Super Duty
The 2026 Ford F-250 is marginally shorter and slightly more affordable, offering a tiny edge for daily maneuverability and initial outlay.
2025 Ram 3500
Despite the tight competition, the slightly lower overall width (79.4 inches vs 80.0 inches) of the Ram 3500 might make tight parking slightly easier.
2026 Ford F-250 Super Duty
The 2026 Ford F-250 boasts 445 lb-ft of torque and a more advanced 10-speed transmission, suggesting slightly better performance metrics.
2026 Ford F-250 Super Duty
While the MSRP difference is small, the Ford offers more torque (445 lb-ft vs 429 lb-ft) for a lower starting price of $45,675.
Choose the Ram 3500 if...
- You prioritize lower running costs based on slightly better stated dimensions (shorter length, slightly less width).
- You prefer the slightly lower initial MSRP of $46,570 for the base model.
- You are comfortable with an 8-speed automatic transmission rather than the latest 10-speed unit.
Choose the Ford F-250 Super Duty if...
- You need maximum low-end grunt, as the F-250 delivers 445 lb-ft of torque.
- You value having a 10-speed automatic transmission, which generally suggests optimized gear ratios.
- You are looking for the absolute lowest starting price point at $45,675.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ram 3500 | Ford F-250 Super Duty |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 232.0" | 231.8" |
| Width | 79.4" | 80.0" |
| Height | 77.8" | 78.9" |
| Wheelbase | 140.0" | 141.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Ram | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Collision Safety System | β | β |
| Post-Collision Safety System | β | β |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | β | β |
| Front Head Airbags | β | β |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | β | β |
| Electronic Stability Control | β | β |
| Traction Control System | β | β |
| LATCH System | β | β |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | β | β |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | β | β |
| Brake Preparation System | β | β |
| Brake Assist | β | β |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | β | β |
| Automatic Headlights | β | β |
| Headlight Delay-Off | β | β |
| LED Headlights | β | β |
| Daytime Running Lights | β | β |
| Front Fog Lights | β | β |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 3 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | β | β |
| Front Center 3-Point Seatbelt | β | β |
| Engine Immobilizer | β | β |
| Passenger Airbag Deactivation Switch | β | β |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | β | β |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | β | β |
Engine
| Feature | Ram | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 6.4 L | 6.8 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V8 | V8 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 405 hp @ 5600 rpm | 405 hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Torque | 429 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 445 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Overhead valves (OHV) | Overhead valves (OHV) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
Drive Train
| Feature | Ram | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 10-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Rear Differential Type | Limited Slip | β |
Fuel
| Feature | Ram | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 0/0 mi. | 0/0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 32.0 gal. | 34.0 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Ram | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | β | β |
| Tilt Steering Wheel | β | β |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | β | β |
| Cruise Controls on Steering Wheel | β | β |
| Power Steering | β | β |
| Rear View Camera | β | β |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | β | β |
| Front Cupholders | β | β |
| Front Door Pockets | β | β |
| Single Zone Climate Control | β | β |
| Interior Air Filtration | β | β |
| Passenger Vanity Mirror | β | β |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | β | β |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | β | β |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | β | β |
| Cruise Control | β | β |
| Overhead Console with Storage | β | β |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | β | β |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ram | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.4 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | β | β |
| Speaker System | 4 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | β | β |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | β | β |
| USB Port | β | β |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | β | β |
| USB Port with External Media Control | β | β |
| Satellite Radio | β | β |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | β | β |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | β | β |
Power Feature
| Feature | Ram | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Heated Mirrors | β | β |
| One-Touch Power Windows | β | 2 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | β | β |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ram | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.8 in. | 40.8 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 43.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 65.9 in. | 66.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 62.9 in. | 62.5 in. |
| Seat Material: Vinyl | β | β |
| Front Seat Type: 40-20-40 Split Bench | β | β |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | β | Manual |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Ram | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Steel | Painted Steel |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 8.0 in | β |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | LT275/70R18 | LT245/75R |
| Spare Tire Type | Full Size Non-Matching | Full Size Matching |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Cover Type | β | β |
| Wheel Diameter | β | 17 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Ram | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Stabilizer Bar | β | β |
| Front Suspension Type | β | Independent |
Warranty
| Feature | Ram | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ram 3500 and 2026 Ford F-250 Super Duty.
Which truck is more powerful based on these standard engine specs?
Both the 2025 Ram 3500 and the 2026 Ford F-250 list the same 405 horsepower output. However, the Ford pulls ahead in twist, delivering 445 lb-ft of torque compared to the Ram's 429 lb-ft.
How do the size differences affect parking or garage fitting?
The differences are minimal, but the Ram 3500 is slightly shorter overall at 232.0 inches versus the Ford's 231.8 inches. Conversely, the Ford is wider at 80.0 inches compared to the Ram's 79.4 inches.
Are there any major differences in fuel type or running expenses to consider?
Based on the provided data, both trucks run on regular unleaded fuel, which is an advantage for both in the heavy-duty segment. Therefore, fuel cost differences will likely come down to real-world MPG, not fuel type.
Is the Ford F-250's 10-speed transmission significantly better than the Ram's 8-speed?
Generally, having two extra gears (10-speed vs 8-speed) allows the transmission to keep the engine closer to its optimal power band, which can translate to smoother acceleration and potentially better efficiency under load.
Which truck offers better immediate value for the money?
The 2026 Ford F-250 presents a compelling value argument by starting at a lower MSRP of $45,675 while simultaneously offering higher torque figures than the Ram.
Do the transmission types impact the driving experience?
Yes, both use shiftable automatics, but the Ram's 8-speed will shift more frequently during acceleration compared to the F-250's 10-speed unit.
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