2026 Ram 2500 vs 2026 Ford F-250

• The Warlock and Black Express sport trims enter the 2500 HD's lineup for 2026.
• The Ford F-250's lineup is minor in comparison.
• High-end 2500 HD trims now feature a 14.5-inch vertical touchscreen and a high-def digital rearview mirror.

One of the biggest updates for the 2026 Ram 2500 is the expanded trim lineup. Ram introduces the Black Express and Warlock models to the heavy-duty range after their popularity in the 1500 lineup, giving buyers more ways to style their truck without jumping straight to the most expensive trims.

The Warlock trim is all about the terrain with its 4WD Crew Cab, short bed, Bilstein dampers, rear limited-slip differential, transfer case skidplate, and hill descent control. The exterior leans into a darker theme with blacked-out bumpers, grille trim, and fender flares, along with a distinctive Warlock bedside graphic. The Warlock features 20-inch diamond-cut wheels wrapped in 34-inch Goodyear Duratrac all-terrain tires. Buyers can choose from several colors, like Flame Red, Molten Red, Ceramic Grey, Forged Blue, Silver Zynith, Granite Crystal, Bright White, and Diamond Black. Inside, the focus stays practical with cloth bench seating, carpeted floors, and all-weather floor mats.

The Black Express takes a slightly different approach, leaning more toward the city streets. Available as a Crew Cab with either rear- or four-wheel drive and both short- and long-bed options, it features a sport performance hood with body-colored bumpers and grille surrounds. Ram also adds front and rear parking sensors, black cab-length tube steps, and 20-inch black wheels. Like the Warlock, it shares the same exterior color palette and keeps the interior simple with cloth bench seats and carpeted flooring.

Ford's updates for the F-250 are mild in comparison. Some of its advanced trailering technology, including Pro Trailer Backup Assist and Hitch Assist, moves to the Lariat Premium package. Ford also brings back the SuperCab configuration with a 6.5-foot bed and now allows the high-output diesel engine to mate with the off-road-focused Tremor package.

The Ram 2500's standard engine is a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 producing 405 horsepower and 429 lb-ft. It pairs with an eight-speed automatic and is the exclusive engine for the FWD-only Power Wagon. There's also an available 6.7-liter Cummins turbo-diesel inline-six that cranks out 430 ponies along with a massive 1,075 lb-ft. and your choice of either rear- or four-wheel drive.

Ford's F-250 lineup includes several engine options of its own. The range begins with a 6.8-liter V8 delivering 405 horses while the larger 7.3-liter "Godzilla" V8 increases output to 500 horsepower. For diesel fans, the 6.7-liter Power Stroke is available in multiple forms, including a High-Output version producing up to 1,200 lb-ft of torque. Every engine in the F-250 lineup pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission.