Several options are available if you’re in the market for a new truck this season, like the 2023 RAM 2500 and RAM 3500. While there are similarities between these heavy-duty vehicles, their distinctions make all the difference. Our team at CDJR of Walla Walla put together a comparison of the 2023 RAM 2500 versus the 2023 RAM 3500.

Trim Levels

The 2023 RAM 2500 has seven trim levels varying in prices and styles, which, starting from the base trim level to the highest, are the Tradesman, Big Horn, Laramie, Power Wagon, Rebel, Limited Longhorn, and Limited. The Tradesman has a starting MSRP of $44,675, and the Limited has a starting MSRP of $86,190. The 2023 RAM 3500 has five trim levels to choose from, which, starting from the base to the highest, are Tradesman, Big Horn, Laramie, Limited, and Limited Longhorn. The Tradesman has a starting MSRP of $46,780, and the starting MSRP for the Limited Longhorn is $84,390.

Exterior Features

While your exact options depend on the trim level you choose, both models have three cab sizes and two box sizes. Box sizes are either 6 feet, 4 inches, or 8 feet, but their cubic volume may slightly differ between the models. For example, 2500 models offer 57.5 cubic feet of pickup box cargo volume for 6-foot-4-inch boxes and 74.7 cubic feet for 8-foot boxes. However, 3500 models offer the same amount for 6-foot-4-inch boxes, but slightly more in the 8-foot boxes with 74.9 cubic feet of pickup volume.

Cab sizes vary by trim level, but they don’t affect the pickup volume available in your truck bed. All models and trim levels offer a regular crew cab with seating for up to five or six passengers. For more space in the cab, some are also available with a mega cab. The Tradesman and Big Horn trims are the only trims in both models that are available in a regular cab, limiting your seating up to three passengers.

Inside the cargo beds, there’s a class-exclusive available RAMbox cargo management system to maximize your cargo space. This feature, which is available in both models, makes storage and organization a breeze with its two lockable, drainable storage bins with LED lighting. It even includes a power outlet and remote access with a key fob.

Towing and Hauling

While the exterior features are alike between these two models, the differences are in the towing capabilities. When it comes to the towing capacity for the RAM 2500, the standard Tradesman can pull 15,530 lbs with rear-wheel drive. The Big Horn can pull 14,970 lbs with rear-wheel drive, while the Laramie can haul about 15,060 lbs with rear-wheel drive. The Power Wagon has less capacity in towing compared to the other trim levels, as it can only pull 10,520 lbs with rear-wheel drive.

If you want the Rebel trim, it can pull 14,670 lbs with four-wheel drive, while the Limited can pull 14,490 lbs with four-wheel drive. Finally, the Limited Longhorn can pull the most with its towing capacity of 17,300 lbs with four-wheel drive. The eight-speed automatic 8HP75-LCV transmission is standard on all trim levels in both models, while the Limited Longhorn and Limited have a six-speed automatic 68RFE transmission.

As for the RAM 3500, the Tradesman and Big Horn share the same capacity of 14,970 lbs. However, for this model, Laramie can pull 14,980 lbs, less than the 2500’s trim-level equivalent. For the RAM 3500, the Limited Longhorn can haul 20,020 lbs, and the Limited can carry about 14,280 lbs. The drive train’s in the 3500’s trim levels are the same as the 2500s.

Both the RAM 2500 and RAM 3500 offer available advanced towing technology, such as trailer reverse steering control and class-exclusive auto-level rear air suspension. The RAM 2500, however, has a class-exclusive link coil rear suspension, which helps reduce friction without losing towing capabilities.

Under the Hood and the Capabilities

If you look underneath the hood of the 2023 RAM 2500 and 3500, you’ll find a 6.4-liter HEMI V-8. Each one has 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque. However, in the RAM 2500, you can choose the 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 engine, which has 370 horsepower and 850 lb-ft of torque. This engine is also available for RAM 3500 models, and you can also get the High-Output 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 engine. This engine has 420 horsepower with 1,075 lb-ft of torque.

All trim levels of RAM 2500 and RAM 3500 trucks have a 4×4 drivetrain. However, select trim levels are also available with a 4×2 drivetrain. You can opt for a 4×2 drivetrain with the Tradesman, Laramie, and Big Horn trim levels in both truck models..

Interior Features

You can enjoy the luxurious appearances and amenities inside the 2023 RAM 2500 and RAM 3500. The Limited and Limited Longhorn trim levels both have leather seats with accents of real wood and aluminum throughout the truck. You’ll find that the leather seats are not the only feature that’s impressive about them, but also their functionality. You can move the seats around to find your passenger and cargo needs.

For example, some trims offer a 40/20/40 split bench seat for the front seats to accommodate three people rather than two for bucket seats. Both models offer this standard for Big Horn and Laramie trims and have it as an available option with the Tradesman trim. The 2500 also has it standard for Rebel and Power Wagon trims, giving you more options. These convenient bench seats not only give you space for more passengers, but the seats can fold down, creating more cargo space.

Safety and Other Technology Features

Both trucks feature advanced visibility features, including adaptive forward lighting systems with LED lights. These lights can turn up to 15 degrees, allowing you to see more clearly during dark and dense conditions. There are standard front and side air bags in both vehicles. Additionally, in each truck, there’s a 12-inch driver information digital cluster touch screen, including helpful information like turn-by-turn navigation and trailer tire pressure monitoring.

So there you have it, our team’s comparison for the 2023 RAM 2500 versus the 2023 RAM 3500. What do you think about these two models? Contact us or visit our dealership in Walla Walla, Washington, to learn more about the models. You can also request a test drive.

Posted in CDJR of Walla Walla