2027 Ford F-250 vs. Ram 2500: Heavy-Duty Truck Comparison
For drivers who need more capability than a light-duty pickup can provide, the 2027 Ford F-250 and 2027 Ram 2500 are two of the biggest names in the three-quarter-ton truck segment. Both offer gas and diesel power, serious towing capability, multiple cab configurations, and increasingly sophisticated towing technology. For 2027, however, Ford and Ram take noticeably different approaches to power, payload, suspension, and everyday usability.
2027 F-250 vs. Ram 2500 at a Glance
The basic formula is similar: a big-displacement gas V8 is joined by an available heavy-duty diesel. The numbers are not identical, though. Ford publishes more horsepower and torque from both its gas and diesel engines, while Ram adds a new payload-focused configuration for 2027.
| Category | 2027 Ford F-250 | 2027 Ram 2500 |
|---|---|---|
| Gas engine | 7.3L V8 — 420 hp, 445 lb-ft | 6.4L HEMI V8 — 405 hp, 429 lb-ft |
| Available diesel | 6.7L High-Output Power Stroke V8 — 500 hp, 1,200 lb-ft | 6.7L High-Output Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 — 430 hp, 1,075 lb-ft |
| Transmission | TorqShift 10-speed automatic | TorqueFlite 8-speed automatic |
| Maximum available towing | Up to 23,000 lbs on F-250 when properly equipped | Up to 20,000 lbs with the available Cummins diesel |
| Cab choices | Regular Cab, SuperCab, Crew Cab | Regular Cab, Crew Cab, Mega Cab |
| Payload highlight | Varies substantially by cab, drivetrain, engine, bed and equipment | Up to 4,580 lbs with the available 2027 Payload Upgrade Package on eligible gas models |
Engines, Torque, and Towing Capability
This is where the comparison becomes especially interesting. Ford makes the 7.3L gas V8 standard across the 2027 F-250 lineup. It produces 420 horsepower and 445 lb-ft of torque, compared with 405 horsepower and 429 lb-ft from the Ram’s 6.4L HEMI V8.
The gap grows with the diesels. Ford’s available High-Output 6.7L Power Stroke V8 produces 500 horsepower and 1,200 lb-ft of torque. Ram’s High-Output 6.7L Cummins inline-six is rated at 430 horsepower and 1,075 lb-ft. Both are substantial numbers, but shoppers planning to tow near the upper end of the 250/2500 class should pay close attention to the exact configuration rather than the engine alone.
| Towing Specification | 2027 Ford F-250 | 2027 Ram 2500 |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum diesel towing | Up to 23,000 lbs | Up to 20,000 lbs |
| Gooseneck maximum | Up to 23,000 lbs | Configuration-dependent within Ram’s published 20,000-lb maximum |
| Fifth-wheel maximum | Up to 22,100 lbs | Configuration-dependent |
| Conventional maximum | Up to 22,000 lbs | Configuration-dependent |
Ford’s published F-250 maximum gives it a 3,000-pound advantage over Ram’s current 20,000-pound maximum towing figure. Actual towing capacity can be considerably lower depending on cab style, drivetrain, axle ratio, equipment, trailer type, passengers and payload, so the specific truck’s ratings should always be checked before towing.
Payload, Suspension, and Work-Ready Features
Ram makes a notable change for 2027 with its new Payload Upgrade Package. Available on select Ram 2500 models equipped with the 6.4L HEMI, the package raises GVWR to 11,040 lbs and allows up to 4,580 lbs of payload. Ram says the package incorporates a 3500-series frame, rear leaf springs, and an anti-spin rear differential.
Outside that specialized package, the Ram 2500 continues to distinguish itself with a five-link coil-spring rear suspension and available automatic-leveling rear air suspension. Ford takes a more traditional heavy-duty approach while adding practical details such as integrated box side steps and rear corner bumper steps to make the bed easier to access.
| Work Feature | Ford F-250 | Ram 2500 |
|---|---|---|
| Bed access | Integrated box side steps and rear corner bumper steps | Traditional bed access with available RamBox cargo management on compatible configurations |
| Rear suspension highlight | Heavy-duty suspension varies by configuration | Five-link coil rear suspension; available automatic-leveling rear air suspension |
| Payload-focused option | Payload depends on the specific F-250 configuration | New Payload Upgrade Package on select HEMI-powered models |
Cab and Bed Configurations
Both trucks can be configured for work crews, towing, or more passenger-focused use, but their body-style choices are different. Ford offers a SuperCab between its Regular Cab and Crew Cab, while Ram’s distinctive Mega Cab prioritizes additional passenger-cabin space.
| Configuration | 2027 Ford F-250 | 2027 Ram 2500 |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Cab | Available with 8-foot bed | Available with 8-foot bed |
| Extended cab option | SuperCab with 6.75-foot or 8-foot bed | No direct SuperCab equivalent |
| Crew Cab | 6.75-foot or 8-foot bed | 6-foot 4-inch or 8-foot bed |
| Largest passenger-focused cab | Crew Cab | Mega Cab with 6-foot 4-inch bed |
Technology Built Around Towing
Heavy-duty truck technology is increasingly about making a trailer easier to connect, maneuver, and monitor. Both manufacturers offer much more than a basic backup camera, although exact equipment depends heavily on trim and package.
| Feature | 2027 Ford F-250 | 2027 Ram 2500 |
|---|---|---|
| Center display | 8-inch SYNC 4 display on lower trims; 12-inch display on Lariat and higher trims | Available Uconnect 5 touchscreen up to 14.5 inches |
| Digital driver display | 12-inch cluster display on Lariat and higher trims | Available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster |
| Trailer assistance | Available Pro Trailer Hitch Assist, Pro Trailer Backup Assist and Trailer Reverse Guidance | Available Trailer Reverse Steering Control and Trailer-Tow Pages |
| Camera technology | Available 360-Degree Camera; digital rearview mirror available on select 2027 trims | Available surround-view and trailer camera systems plus digital rearview mirror tow mode |
| Front passenger display | Traditional single center-screen layout | Available 10.25-inch front passenger interactive display |
Ram has the larger available center touchscreen, while Ford puts particular emphasis on trailer positioning and hitching assistance. For someone who regularly connects and backs a large trailer, those differences may matter more than screen size alone.
Off-Road Choices: Tremor vs. Rebel and Power Wagon
A heavy-duty pickup does not have to stay on pavement. Ford continues to offer the Tremor Off-Road Package on the F-250, and for 2027 it becomes available across a wider range of configurations, including an eligible XL setup. Ford also offers an XL Off-Road 35-inch Tire Package for buyers looking for a more work-oriented truck with added trail capability.
Ram counters with the Rebel and Power Wagon. A major change for 2027 is the availability of the 6.7L Cummins diesel in the Ram 2500 Power Wagon for the first time. The Power Wagon also brings specialized hardware such as an electronic front sway bar disconnect, electronic-locking front differential, Bilstein shocks, rock rails, and all-terrain tires.
What’s New for 2027?
| 2027 Ford F-250 | 2027 Ram 2500 |
|---|---|
| 7.3L gas V8 is now standard across the F-250 lineup | Power Wagon gains an available Cummins diesel for the first time |
| New Super Duty Carhartt Package available on select models | New Payload Upgrade Package offers up to 4,580 lbs of gas payload on eligible configurations |
| Expanded Tremor availability and new XL Off-Road 35-inch Tire Package | New Serrano Green Metallic and Tank exterior colors with late availability |
| Available digital rearview mirror on Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum | New Ram 2500 Emergency Response Vehicle joins the fleet lineup |
| New Neptune Blue and Iconic Silver Metallic exterior choices | HEMI and Cummins powertrains continue with eight-speed automatic transmissions |
Common Questions About the 2027 Ford F-250 and Ram 2500
Which can tow more, the 2027 Ford F-250 or Ram 2500?
Ford lists the 2027 F-250 at up to 23,000 lbs of maximum available towing capacity when properly equipped. Ram lists the 2027 Ram 2500 at up to 20,000 lbs with the available Cummins diesel. Exact ratings vary by configuration.
Which diesel engine has more torque?
Ford’s available 6.7L High-Output Power Stroke V8 is rated at 1,200 lb-ft of torque, compared with 1,075 lb-ft from Ram’s available High-Output 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6.
Which truck has the larger available touchscreen?
Ram offers an available 14.5-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen. Ford equips F-250 Lariat and higher trims with a 12-inch SYNC 4 center display, while lower trims use an 8-inch screen.
Does the 2027 Ram 2500 Power Wagon offer a diesel?
Yes. For 2027, Ram adds the available High-Output 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 to the Power Wagon for the first time.
What should I compare before choosing an F-250 or Ram 2500?
Start with the trailer and payload you actually expect to carry. From there, compare engine, cab and bed combination, drivetrain, axle ratio, hitch type, payload rating, towing equipment, and the technology you want. Two trucks with the same model badge can have very different capability ratings depending on configuration.
Compare the Ford F-250 at Essential Ford of Stuart
The 2027 Ram 2500 brings meaningful strengths, including its available 14.5-inch touchscreen, Mega Cab, available rear air suspension, and new payload-focused package. The 2027 Ford F-250 counters with the higher published maximum towing figure, more output from its available diesel engine, a 10-speed automatic transmission, and a broad range of configurations for work and recreational towing. Visit Essential Ford of Stuart to explore available Super Duty trucks and find the configuration that fits the way you actually plan to use it.
Specifications, towing and payload ratings, feature availability, cab and bed configurations, packages, colors, and technology are for informational purposes only and may vary by trim, drivetrain, engine, axle ratio, equipment, build date, and manufacturer updates. Maximum towing and payload ratings require specific configurations and equipment. Always confirm the ratings of the individual vehicle and trailer before towing or hauling. See dealer for complete details.
