When the job calls for serious strength, the 2026 Ram 2500 delivers the power and performance of one of the best heavy-duty trucks on the road. Whether you're hauling equipment, towing heavy loads, or just need a dependable daily driver, the 2026 Ram 2500 lineup offers solid options.
Read a comparison of the 2026 Ram 2500 Tradesman and Laramie models to see which Ram HD (heavy-duty) full-size truck matches your workload: the rugged practicality of the Tradesman or the upscale strength of the Laramie. Continue reading as we break down the differences in features, comfort, and capability so you can decide which one to drive to work every day.
Key Takeaways
- The 2026 Ram 2500 lineup features a range of models starting with the base model Tradesman.
- The Ram 2500 Laramie offers a luxurious interior with upscale features and more comfort.
- Check out the powerhouse 2026 Ram 2500 Laramie with the 6.7L I6 Cummins HO turbo diesel engine for a maximum towing capacity of up to 20,000 pounds.
What is the difference between the 2026 Ram 2500 Tradesman and Laramie models?
The 2026 Ram 2500 Tradesman is the base model in the lineup, available in 4x2 and 4x4 configurations, with various cab and box size options. The Ram 2500 Laramie is a higher trim level, also offered in 4x2 and 4x4, but with Crew and Mega Cab choices and 8-foot and 6.4-foot box options.
Another difference between the 2026 Ram 2500 Tradesman and the Laramie is the option to choose either the standard 6.4L V8 HEMI HD engine or the available 6.7L I6 Cummins HO Turbo Diesel engine. Other power and performance differences include that the 2026 Ram 2500 Laramie can come with the available 3.42 axle ratio, dual 730-amp maintenance-free batteries, and dual alternators rated at 480 amps.
The 2026 Ram Laramie features a 31-gallon fuel tank, while the base model Tradesman has a 32-gallon tank. However, the tradeoff is that the Laramie includes more standard features, such as the 400W inverter, in-bed 115V AC outlet, and options like the diesel exhaust brake and heavy-duty engine cooling.
The interiors of the Ram 2500 Tradesman and Laramie differ, with the Laramie offering more comfort and luxury, including dual wireless charging, a heated steering wheel, a locking glove box, sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors, and available leather-trimmed heated and ventilated bucket seats. Additional features for the Laramie not available on the Tradesman include a power sunroof, a larger 12-inch digital color instrument display, power-adjustable pedals, and more standard power outlets.
Which 2026 Ram 2500 model has more towing power: the Tradesman or the Laramie?
If you want the most towing power from your Ram 2500 heavy-duty truck, choose the 2026 Ram 2500 Laramie and select the available 6.7L I6 Cummins HO turbo diesel engine that delivers 430 horsepower and 1,075 lb-ft of torque. This powerful engine can tow up to 20,000 pounds, providing serious towing power and performance.
The 2026 Ram 2500 Tradesman remains a heavy-duty powerhouse, so don’t underestimate the power of the 6.4L V8 HEMI HD engine. The 2026 Ram 2500 Tradesman can tow up to 15,550 pounds, allowing you to pull toy haulers and some fifth-wheel RVs behind your heavy-duty truck.
Which 2026 Ram 2500 model is for me: the Tradesman or the Laramie?
Whether you choose the 2026 Ram 2500 Tradesman or the Laramie, you’re getting a heavy-duty truck recognized as one of the best by industry experts like Car and Driver and J.D. Power. If you want a practical workhorse, the 2026 Ram 2500 Tradesmodel, the lineup’s core model built for the working man who also values comfort, power, and performance in their daily driver, is the perfect full-size truck.
From the power of the 6.4L V8 HEMI HD engine to the selection of 17-inch and 18-inch wheels, including a set of chrome-clad wheels with the Tradesman Level 2 Equipment Group Package, the Ram 2500 Tradesman might be the base model, but it is anything but basic.
If you want more luxury and comfort with heated leather-trimmed bucket seats and more standard features like heated, power-adjustable exterior chrome mirrors, signature LED lighting inside and out, including front and rear door accent lighting, bi-functional LED projector headlamps, the available Winter Front Grille Cover by Mopar, signature badging and accents, along with the optional sports performance hood and dampened tailgate, then go for the premium power of the 2026 Ram 2500 Laramie.
From the option to go with the Cummins HO (High-Output) turbo diesel engine over the HEMI to the ability to tow up to 20,000 pounds while you sit in a comfortable, heated, leather-trimmed bucket seat and enjoy entertainment through your Harman Kardon premium sound system with seventeen speakers. The 2026 Ram 2500 Laramie also features the full-length upgraded floor console, second-row in-floor storage bins, an available supplemental heater, and safety and driver assistance features, including ParkSense Front and Rear Park-Assist System, Surround-View Camera System, and Trailer Reverse Guidance.
The Ram HD is Hot
The 2026 Ram 2500 series of heavy-duty trucks has arrived, and while the weather may be cooling down, these full-size trucks are hotter than ever. Test drive a new 2026 Ram 2500 heavy-duty truck today at Alan Jay Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Clewiston. Whether you need the practicality of the Tradesman or the luxury, comfort, and convenience offered by the Laramie with more options for power and towing, the 2026 Ram 2500 lineup is made for you.