Ram 1500 or Ram 2500? 

Both are known for their power and capability, but each one offers its own definition of performance. The Ram 1500 is suited for everyday jobs, while the heavy-duty Ram 2500 brings extra strength for demanding towing tasks in Panama City, FL. 

So which one should you choose? We’ll take a closer look at both trucks to help you decide which one makes the most sense for your Gulf Coast lifestyle. Then you can stop by our CDJR dealership to compare these two trucks in person!

Ram 1500 vs. Ram 2500: Performance Comparison

One of the first things to consider when deciding between Ram trucks is how much power and towing strength you need.  

The 2026 Ram 1500 lineup gives you three engines to choose from, which are all matched with an eight-speed automatic transmission: 

• High-Output 3.0L Hurricane Engine
• 3.0L Hurricane Engine
• 3.6L Pentastar® V6 Engine with eTorque

The high-output 3.0-liter Hurricane engine boasts 540 horsepower and 521 pound-feet of torque, with a 10,000-pound towing capacity and a 1,490-pound payload capacity, when the truck is properly equipped. 

With the 3.0-liter Hurricane engine, you’ll get 420 horsepower and 469 pound-feet of torque. When the truck is properly equipped, the 3.0-liter Hurricane engine allows for a maximum Ram 1500 towing capacity of up to 11,610 pounds and a maximum payload of 1,930 pounds.

Then there’s the 3.6-liter Pentastar® V6 engine with eTorque, boasting 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, with an ample towing capacity of 8,130 pounds and an excellent payload capacity of 2,360 pounds, when the truck is properly equipped. 

The 2026 Ram 2500 lineup offers two engine options: 

• 6.4L HEMI® V8 Engine
• Available High-Output 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 Engine

Boasting 405 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque, the 6.4-liter HEMI® V8 engine gives your truck the power to tow up to 17,750 pounds when it’s properly equipped. It also boasts a maximum payload capacity of 3,930 pounds.

The available high-output 6.7-liter Cummins® turbo diesel I6 engine takes performance to the next level, producing 430 horsepower and a staggering 1,075 pound-feet of torque, with a 3,600-pound maximum payload capacity and a 20,000-pound maximum towing capacity. Both engines are complemented by an eight-speed automatic transmission.

No matter which truck fits your needs, both lineups come with 4x4 and 4x2 options.

Ram 1500 SRT TRX: Next-Level Performance Truck

We can’t talk about the Ram 1500 without mentioning the Ram 1500 SRT TRX. This high-performance off-road truck is for those who want maximum excitement. The Ram 1500 SRT TRX ramps up thrills with its supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI® V8 engine, producing 777

best-in-class horsepower¹ and 680 best-in-class pound-feet of torque.² 

And did we mention that it’s the fastest and most powerful production gas pickup truck in the world?³ Boasting a 3.5-second 0-60 miles-per-hour time and a 10-second 0-100 miles-per-hour time, the Ram 1500 SRT TRX can reach a quarter mile in a mere 12.2 seconds and a top speed of 118 miles per hour. Did you forget we were talking about a pickup truck?

If the Ram 1500 SRT TRX is calling your name, be sure to reach out to our team to find out how you can upgrade to one in Panama City, FL!

Ram 1500 vs. Ram 2500: Feature Comparison

Ram trucks are not only designed to work hard, but they’re also designed to keep you and your passengers comfortable. Thanks to a range of amenities and convenient features, you’ll be all set for the adventure ahead. 

Both the 2026 Ram 1500 and 2026 Ram 2500 come with a standard 8.4-inch touchscreen, which is upgraded to a 12-inch touchscreen in higher trim levels, and a 14.4-inch touchscreen in the highest trim levels. Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ come standard, so no matter which touchscreen your truck comes with, you’ll have easy and safe access to your phone via the screen. In addition, a Wi-Fi hotspot can keep you connected while you’re out and about. 

For sound systems, the Ram 1500 comes with six standard speakers, but higher trim levels upgrade you to nine-amplified speakers with a subwoofer or a 19-speaker Harman Kardon® premium sound system. But it doesn’t stop there. The top trim level gives you a 23-speaker Klipsch® Reference Premiere Sound system for exceptional sound quality. 

The Ram 2500 comes with a standard four-speaker system, which is then upgraded to six speakers. Available sound systems include a premium seven-speaker system with an amplifier, nine Alpine® speakers with a subwoofer, and a 17-speaker Harman Kardon® premium sound system, all designed to enhance your favorite soundtrack.

Leather seats and details are available in both truck lineups, offering extra refinement that contrasts with the harsh driving conditions you may encounter on your adventures. Available heated seats and an available heated steering wheel provide the comfort you crave in winter weather, while available ventilated seats can help you stay cool in the Florida heat. The Ram 2500 only offers available ventilated front seats, though, while the Ram 1500 offers available ventilated seats for both the front and rear.

If you want ultimate comfort, the Ram 1500 offers the luxury of available massaging front seats. The Ram 2500, however, goes without. Both trucks offer the convenience of an available dual wireless charging pad.

Ram 1500 vs. Ram 2500: Size Comparison

You’re probably wondering how the 2026 Ram 1500 and 2026 Ram 2500 compare in terms of size. 

Both lineups give you a choice of cab and box sizes. For the Ram 1500, that looks like:

• Quad Cab, 6'4" box
• Crew Cab, 6'4" box
• Crew Cab, 5'7" box

For the Ram 2500, that looks like:

• Regular Cab, 8' box
• Crew Cab, 8' box
• Crew Cab, 6'4" box
• Mega Cab, 6'4" box

Depending on the model or configuration, the Ram 1500 seats five or six occupants, while the Ram 2500 seats three, five, or six occupants. Front legroom in both trucks is 40.9 inches, while rear legroom varies, depending on the configuration. 

For the Ram 1500, rear legroom is 35.6 inches in the Quad Cab and 45.2 inches in the Crew Cab. Passenger volume is 117 cubic feet in the Quad Cab and 132 cubic feet in the Crew Cab. When it comes to interior cargo volume, you’ll get up to 53.3 cubic feet in the Quad Cab and 68.5 cubic feet in the Crew Cab.

For the Ram 2500, rear legroom is 40.2 inches in the Crew Cab and 43.1 inches in the Mega Cab. Passenger volume is 62 cubic feet in the Regular Cab (which has no backseat), 125 cubic feet in the Crew Cab, and 130 cubic feet in the Mega Cab. When it comes to interior cargo volume, you’ll get up to 60.7 cubic feet in the Crew Cab and 66 cubic feet in the Mega Cab.

Exterior measurements depend on the truck’s configuration, so here’s a breakdown:

2026 Ram 1500

• Standard Length
  • Quad Cab, 6'4" box: 228.9 inches
  • Crew Cab 5'7" box: 232.9 inches
  • Crew Cab 6'4" box: 241.80 inches
• Standard Width
  • Quad Cab, 6'4" box: 82.1 inches 
  • Crew Cab 5'7" box:  82.1 inches
  • Crew Cab 6'4" box:  82.1 inches
• Standard Height
  • Quad Cab, 6'4" box: 77.6 inches
  • Crew Cab 5'7" box: 77.6 inches
  • Crew Cab 6'4" box: 77.4 inches   

2026 Ram 2500

• Standard Length
  • Regular Cab, 8' box: 232 inches
  • Crew Cab, 8' box: 260.8 inches
  • Crew Cab, 6'4" box: 238.8 inches
  • Mega Cab, 6'4" box: 249.9 inches
• Standard Width
  • Regular Cab, 8' box: 79.4 inches
  • Crew Cab, 8' box: 79.4 inches
  • Crew Cab, 6'4" box: 79.5 inches
  • Mega Cab, 6'4" box: 79.5 inches
• Standard Height
  • Regular Cab, 8' box: 78 inches
  • Crew Cab, 8' box: 78.1 inches
  • Crew Cab, 6'4" box: 78.2 inches
  • Mega Cab, 6'4" box: 80.1 inches

Check our inventory of Ram trucks for sale at your local car dealer in Panama City, FL, to see which truck configurations are in stock today!

Which Ram Truck Is Right for You?

If you’re searching for reliable trucks for sale in Panama City, FL, Bay CDJR has the only selection you need! Whether you’re faced with a long to-do list or need a truck that can tow a sizable trailer or boat, there’s a Ram truck ready to help Gulf Coast drivers get the job done.

Browse our selection of brand-new and ready-to-work pickup trucks to discover the ideal Ram 1500 or Ram 2500 for your needs, then stop by your local auto dealer in Panama City, FL, for a test drive! We have an excellent selection of new trucks in stock now, so why not upgrade today?

Our team is here to answer any questions you may have about our Ram truck lineup and let you know about current specials that can help you save. Plus, our service technicians offer quality parts and service to keep your Ram truck running smoothly for all the on- and off-road adventures you’ll have in the future. Plus, scheduling a Ram service appointment with our car dealership in Panama City is easy. Come see us soon!

¹Based on manufacturer's preliminary horsepower ratings. Class Based on FCA US LLC Large Light Duty Pickups and the latest available competitive information. Excludes BEVs.

²Based on manufacturer's preliminary torque ratings. Class Based on FCA US LL Large Light Duty Pickups and the latest available competitive information. Excludes BEVs.

³Based on top speed and horsepower ratings and the latest available competitive information. Manufacturer's preliminary ratings for Ram 1500 SRT® TRX.