Spartanburg Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Pickup enthusiasts looking for their next new heavy-duty truck will want to compare the 2026 Ram 2500 vs. Chevy Silverado 2500 HD models in terms of horsepower, towing, features, and more. The team here at Spartanburg CDJR put together this side-by-side showdown of these new heavy-duty trucks so you can do just that. After you read our trucks comparison, we’re confident you’ll crown the 2026 Ram 2500 the winner of this HD pickup matchup – just as we have.
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| 2026 Ram 2500 HD | 2026 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Options |
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| Transmission | 8-speed auto | 10-speed auto |
| Horsepower |
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| Torque |
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| EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy / Comb) | Not EPA-rated | Not EPA-rated |
| Drivetrain | 4×2 or 4×4 | 4×2 or 4×4 |
| Max. Conventional Towing Capacity | 20,000 lbs1 | 20,000 lbs2 |
| Available Infotainment Display | 14.5 in | 13.4 in |
| Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ | Wireless | Wireless |
The standard engine in the new 2026 Ram 2500 delivers anything but standard power. This 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 sits under the hood, producing 405 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque. It pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission and provides a maximum conventional towing capacity of 17,750 pounds.1
If you’re looking for a little extra towing power, the available high-output 6.7-liter Cummins® turbo-diesel engine makes 430 horsepower and cranks up the maximum torque to a whopping 1,075 pound-feet to give this legendary Ram model a 20,000-pound conventional towing capacity.1 That probably has you wanting to test-drive the new Ram 2500 for sale already.
So, how does the engine comparison for the 2026 Ram 2500 and the 2026 Chevy Silverado 2500 play out when we look at the other automaker’s vehicle? The heavy-duty Chevy truck pairs its standard 6.6-liter V-8 engine with a 10-speed automatic transmission; this setup achieves 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque.
Silverado 2500 models can also be equipped with a 6.6-liter Duramax turbo-diesel V-8 that ups your power output, but its 975 pound-feet of torque rating falls short of the turbo-diesel in the Ram 2500 lineup by a significant margin. Ultimately, you’ll get a 20,000-pound conventional towing capacity from either automaker with the proper equipment, but Ram engineers make sure you have more get-up-and-go potential with their heavy-hauling machine.
One of the first things you may have noticed from the section above is that while comparing the 2026 Ram 2500 vs. Chevy Silverado 2500 heavy-duty trucks, both vehicles offer a V-8 gas engine or a turbo-diesel powertrain for immense towing capability. Let’s inspect their specs a bit further and see how they contribute to the towing prowess in either truck.
The Ram 2500 boasts a rugged 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 gas engine that produces 405 horsepower and an eight-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain is capable of towing up to 17,750 pounds1 with a conventional hitch setup. The Chevy Silverado 2500 HD has a slightly larger 6.6-liter V-8 but produces less horsepower than the Ram 2500 – 405 vs. 401, respectively. The gas engine in the Chevy pickup can only tow up to 16,000 pounds2 with a conventional hook-up.
In a Ram 2500 diesel vs. Chevy Silverado 2500 HD diesel showdown, the optional high-output 6.7-liter Cummins® turbo-diesel engine promises a maximum conventional towing capacity of 20,000 pounds1 – same as the 6.6-liter turbo-diesel V-8 available for the Chevy Silverado 2500.2 So what sets one apart from the other? Output does. Although the Silverado 2500 has a slightly higher horsepower rating with its turbo-diesel engine, the Ram pickup puts down more power where it really counts: torque. The Ram 2500 turbo-diesel powertrain produces 1,075 pound-feet of torque compared to 975 pound-feet for the Silverado 2500. They result in the same conventional towing capacity, but the Ram model gives you more strength to get moving. That said, with a gooseneck fifth-wheel trailer, the Silverado 2500 is able to tow 22,070 pounds,2 while the Ram 2500 tops out at 20,000 pounds either way.1
Compare the towing abilities of the full Ram truck lineup in our guide on the Ram 1500 vs. Ram 2500 vs. Ram 3500 towing capacity ratings.
The Ram 2500 is designed to help you do more while enjoying the modern amenities you love. Its available 12-inch driver information display is a digital gauge cluster that offers close to two dozen different menus with pertinent vehicle information, including information on driver-assistance technologies, turn-by-turn navigation directions, and trailer tire pressure monitoring.
To help you back in and haul out, the Ram 2500 also has an available package to add a Digital Rearview Mirror with Tow Mode Camera, so you always know what’s around you and your trailer. When you want to connect with the world, the optional high-definition Uconnect 5 NAV with a 14.4-inch touchscreen provides wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ support for compatible iPhone® or Android devices, respectively.
The Chevy Silverado 2500 has plenty of modern tech inside its cabin, too. However, it simply can’t keep up with the Ram 2500. The largest touchscreen option is a 13.4-inch display. Plus, the 2026 Ram 2500 even offers you a 10.25-inch front-passenger display – something you won’t find anywhere in the Silverado 2500 lineup.
The best way to truly get a feel for the advanced technology in the Ram 2500 interior is to visit our local Ram dealership and climb into a model for yourself. We’d be happy to discuss the Ram 2500 reliability with you while you’re here.
Both truck lineups have long lists of trim levels and configurations to choose from, but the 2026 Ram 2500 features many well-equipped options to suit the needs of every driver. Whether you need a basic work truck or you want luxury amenities, you’ll find it all with the Ram 2500. 2026 trims include the following:
The Chevy Silverado 2500 lineup consists of these 2026 variants:
As you can see from our heavy-duty trucks comparison, 2026 Ram 2500 models have more trim choices when compared to the Silverado 2500.
While we would love to share official MPG specs from the EPA, heavy-duty trucks are not typically rated for mileage. However, the Ram 2500 engines are built for both power and efficiency, and the pickup’s available 50-gallon fuel tank means that the Ram 2500 can go far on a single tank of gas.
After you take home a new Ram 2500 heavy-duty pickup, you can schedule maintenance, such as your truck’s first oil change and brake inspection, with our expert team when the time comes. Be sure to take advantage of our service specials when you schedule service at Spartanburg CDJR. Our team is here to help you save on Ram truck service.
The Ram 2500 can tow up to 17,750 pounds1 when equipped with the 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 engine. The truck’s towing prowess increases to 20,000 pounds1 when equipped with the Cummins® turbo-diesel I-6. The Chevy Silverado 2500 can also conventionally tow up to 20,000 pounds2 with its available turbo-diesel engine, or more than 22,000 pounds with a gooseneck trailer.2
Both the 6.7-liter Cummins® turbo-diesel engine in the 2026 Ram 2500 and the 6.6-liter turbo-diesel V-8 in the 2026 Chevy Silverado 2500 let you pull up to 20,000 pounds1, 2 with conventional towing methods. That being said, the Cummins® engine is better for one simple reason: It generates more torque to get your truck moving off the line.
The Ram 2500 and Chevy Silverado 2500 are each popular heavy-duty trucks. Both vehicles offer a choice of gasoline and turbo-diesel engines for confident towing capability and long-distance hauling. However, the Ram 2500 provides more sophisticated interior technologies that turn your work beast into a mobile command center. It’s also primed for off-roading with its specialty build specs and performance features.
The 2026 Ram 2500 has a maximum payload capacity of 3,940 pounds when equipped with the 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 engine. The heavy-duty Ram 2500 is engineered to help you conquer tasks with the help of 405 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque. The gasoline-powered Ram 2500 can tow up to 17,750 pounds1 when paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
At the time of writing, the 2026 Ram 2500 is not rated for fuel efficiency by the EPA. Please contact our dealership for the latest information on the 2026 Ram 2500 MPG specs. A sales team member can give you the latest fuel economy estimates based on the current build specs available in our inventory of new 2026 Ram 2500 heavy-duty trucks for sale.
1When properly equipped. See dealer for details.
2Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.
