RAM 1500 vs RAM 2500
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Utes compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
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Price Breakdown
The RAM 1500 starts from $119,950 before on-road costs, while the RAM 2500 opens at $172,950. That makes the RAM 1500 the more affordable entry point by $53,000.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $131,945 and $190,245 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the RAM 1500 by roughly $3,560 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The RAM 1500 features a 8.4-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the RAM 2500 gets a 12-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The RAM 1500 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and power tailgate that you will not find on the RAM 2500. The RAM 2500 counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the RAM 1500 gets cloth upholstery while the RAM 2500 offers leather.
Drivetrain
The RAM 1500 uses a Petrol V8 producing 291kW and 556Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a 4WD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.5 seconds.
The RAM 2500 responds with a Diesel Turbo making 276kW and 1152Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.
The RAM 1500 has the clear power advantage at 291kW vs 276kW. In the real-world sprint, the RAM 1500 is 1.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The RAM 1500 measures 5,916mm long on a 3,672mm wheelbase, 150mm shorter than the RAM 2500 at 6,066mm (3,785mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the RAM 2500 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 900L in the RAM 1500 and 900L in the RAM 2500. The RAM 2500 seats 6 vs 5.
For towing, the RAM 2500 leads with a 8,000kg braked capacity vs 4,500kg. That 3,500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
14.4m to 14.4m
Based on 14.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 14.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $3,734/year for the RAM 1500 and $4,446/year for the RAM 2500. That is a $712 annual difference in favour of the RAM 1500.
Estimated annual total: $3,734 (RAM 1500) vs $4,446 (RAM 2500). The RAM 1500 saves you roughly $712 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 3 years / 100,000km (RAM 1500) vs 3 years / 100,000km (RAM 2500). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the RAM 1500 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer RAM's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the RAM 2500 if: You need stronger towing, or prefer RAM's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The RAM 1500 takes 4 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The RAM 1500 will save you roughly $712 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, RAM 1500 and RAM 2500?
The RAM 1500 is the cheapest at $119,950 before on-road costs. That undercuts the RAM 2500 by $53,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The RAM 1500 uses the least fuel at 13.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of RAM 1500 and RAM 2500 carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.
Which can tow the most?
The RAM 2500 has the highest braked towing capacity at 8,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The RAM 1500 makes the most power at 291kW. The RAM 1500 is quickest to 100km/h in 7.5s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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